Blog Entries for Joe

Joe - More bucks...

joeedge@bowcast.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 03:00:00 +0100

Well, I plan to keep up with this a lot more than I have been, aside from this past week...keep it updated, so if you aren't out scouting, or aren't seeing bucks, you can live vicariously :)

Checked the ground tonight again...whatta ya know...two new good lookin' bucks!�

More soon....
Cima

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[...]

Joe - Rocket Science

joeedge@bowcast.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 03:00:00 +0100

Gettin' the FMJ rockets prepped for launch!

Later
Cima

Rocket Science from Joe Cima on Vimeo.

Joe - Summer Velvetness

joeedge@bowcast.com — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:00:00 +0100

Well, it's that time already...scouting starts to heat up (since if never does stop) and bucks are really starting to grow!

Checked out a small property I have for deer; very similar to urban whitetails. It is a small, thin strip of ground that the muleys usually use as a travel route between bed and feed (alfalfa). Sure enough, I found 6 bucks...3 of which were familiar faces: Splits, Tripod and Lefty.

It'll be here before we know it!

[...]

Joe - Bonsai Backpack Bone

joeedge@bowcast.com — Sun, 09 May 2010 03:00:00 +0100

Well, tis the season for elk sheds. My buddy and I threw together a plan Thursday night to leave at O-dark thirty Friday morning and hit the hills for two days in search of elk bone.

We met up at 6 and hit it for two days in the high country!�

We saw lots of elk, mulies, whitetails, a bear, quite a few pronghorn, and a pile of grouse.

Awesome time of the year to get out; everything is green, the velvet is starting to blowup, and the hills are vacant of trailer filled camps of fall! Can't think of a better way to exercise!

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Joe - Mike Hunsucker from Heartland Bowhunter on Spring Turkey Hunting

joeedge@bowcast.com — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:00:00 +0100

�

Michael Hunsucker from Heartland Bowhunter on Getting Your Spring Turkey

With our spring turkey seasons on the forefront, some already underway, I turned to a buddy of mine who has been very successful at repeatedly harvesting spring turkeys with his bow, Mike Hunsucker from Heartland Bowhunter.
So, I decided I'd have him on my blog to fill the Bowcast Nation in on how to put a bird on the ground here in a few weeks!

Joe: First, thanks a bunch for doing this man!

Mike: No problem buddy. It's the least I could do for my elk guide to-be! haha

Joe: �So first Mike, why don't you give us an idea how long you have been chasing birds with stick and string and how many have you taken?

Mike: I actually got started deer hunting well before I even chased turkeys. My dad had always deer hunted and got me started with that at a young age, but was never much of a turkey hunter. That being said, I actually killed my first turkey ever while bow hunting deer hunting in the fall when I was 16. That hunt really sparked my interests in turkeys and since I had heard they were much more fun to chase in the spring, I just had to try it! The next spring I went out and got my first spring gobbler, but shot him with a shotgun. Since you can kill 2 in Missouri, I decided that I would try and shoot my second bird with my bow. I hunted hard the last two weeks of the Missouri season and had some close calls, but just couldn't make it happen. The following spring I decided to stick with archery equipment 100% and finally killed my first spring gobbler with a bow...what a rush! From then on I was hooked and started taking turkey hunting really serious. I haven't kept track of exactly how many birds I have killed with a bow but I would say I have probably killed around a dozen, but remember...I'm a youngin'! ;)

Joe: �Let's start with scouting...how would a guy go about scouting for birds if they had a piece of public land to look over?

Mike: I may not be the best guy to ask this question because I have some really awesome turkey spots and have been fortunate enough to always have access to some private ground to turkey hunt. However, public ground in Missouri is a whole different story than public ground out west. Basically, what I like to do is get on a vantage point where you can watch the bottoms or fields where the birds tend to frequent. I would say the key is finding where they roost and it seems like they almost always, at least here in Missouri, roost above creeks or rivers. It seems like this time of year the birds are pretty patternable. They like to roost in the same trees and feed in the same areas almost every day. Of course that will all change as the toms start to split up and the hens start to nest!

Joe: Ok, so you find a group of birds a couple weeks before season, how do you go about scouting them until the opener, or do you?

Mike: I like to intrude as little as possible. Once I find the area where I think they are roosting, I like to check back several nights before the opener just to make sure they are there. Using an owl call usually works great in my area for getting them to �shock gobble'

Joe: �Do you like to roost birds? How close do you like to get when you do?

Mike:�YES! Roosting birds is probably the single most important part of the hunt in my opinion. Like I said before, I don't like to intrude much at all. Usually when they fly up to roost there is still plenty of daylight for them to see, so I try to stay out of sight of the birds. If you have a loud owl call it will work just fine from several hundred yards away.

Joe:� When you go in the morning, and you have birds gobbling to the roost...how far are you going to setup from the roost tree (ideally)?

Mike: This is where bow hunting becomes a lot more difficult then gun hunting. If you are gun hunting you can slip right up close to the roost tree, set out your decoys and lean up against a tree...you don't have to worry about drawing a bow. Even if you are using a pop-up blind, those make noise so you can't get quite as close unless you have it already set up. For the show we strictly use natural-build ground blinds which makes it even more difficult because we have to determine where we want these well before season and we can't easily move them. Ideally, I like to be somewhere where, once the turkeys fly down, they can see my decoys. Obviously this isn't always possible, but I believe that turkeys can be easiest to kill right off the roost so it's worth getting close!

Joe: �Once you get all situated...what type of calling are you going to do? Or are you not going to call at all until the bird's hits the ground?
�

Mike: Calling is a touchy subject for me. I don't think there is any perfect way to call that will work every time. Birds are just like any other animal...sometimes they like something, other times they don't. You just have to catch them in the right mood sometimes. I usually will call a little while they are in the tree and a little more when they hit the ground. For me, I let my decoys do the work; I will touch more on this later.

Joe: �Lets go into the setup part, how far away are you setting your decoys from your position?

Mike: Since we are filming out of natural ground blinds and we have a camera, I don't like to push my luck. Turkeys have AMAZING eye sight and if they catch the slightest movement, they're gone. We typically set the decoys out at about 20 yards. Still close enough to be deadly, but far enough to deter the turkey from seeing us. When hunting in a pop-up blind I wouldn't hesitate to put the decoys at 10 yards or even closer. If you are wearing black in a black-backed blind it is very difficult for the birds to see you.

Joe: �What type of decoys do you run and what type are you using (jake, hen, strutter)?

Mike: This is probably the single-handedly, biggest reason to our success killing birds with a bow out of natural blinds. Of course, this isn't a science, but it has proven VERY effective time and time again here in Missouri on our farms. We have rigged up a full strut decoy with real wing and a real fan that is attached to a hinge with a string, so we can raise and lower the fan. This motion quickly captures the attention of the birds and sometimes keeps them from "hanging up." �Not only does it capture their attention and pull them in, but it also can aggravate a gobbler and push him over the edge. This is the most exciting part of a turkey hunt for me. When that tom puffs up and pushes up against that decoy until he can't take it anymore, then rears back and sinks those big spurs into it...it's just awesome. Most importantly this give the hunter a perfect opportunity to come to full draw. When a gobbler is so concentrated on fighting the decoy, he is paying little attention to his surroundings. Come to full draw, wait for him to settle down, and let�er fly!

Joe:� How often do you guys use blinds for spring gobblers?

Mike: Filming for the show we like to stick with natural ground blinds. It just makes for a much better hunt and experience as well as adds another element of difficulty. Obviously if It is raining, we have to protect the camera so we will use a pop-up blind from time to time.

Joe: �As far as bow and arrow rig; what, if anything, do you change about your setup for turkeys?

Mike: To be honest, I typically don't change anything about my setup. I am shooting the exact same bow, arrow, and broadhead for turkeys that I do for deer. It can be worthwhile to shoot a lighter bow because you won't tend to get pass-through shots as easily. Unlike deer, you don't want the arrow to pass through a turkey. Sure, if you put the arrow in the right spot, it won't matter, but when the arrow stays in the turkey it typically immobilizes the bird making for a quick and easy recovery. There is all kinds of changes you can make to your setup that can help put the odds in your favor, but none of it is completely necessary. I shoot a G5 Tekan which is a 2 blade 1.5" expandable broadhead. I would recommend shooting the biggest nastiest expandable broadhead you can find at these birds because one thing is for sure...they are tough!

�

Joe: �If you could list the 3 biggest mistakes that guys make, from your experience, what are the big no no's?

Mike: Wow, that's a tough one. I have learned all of these the hard way and there are so many mistakes that are so easy to make while turkey hunting.

1. Getting TOO Close - You want to get close to the roost, but don't get too close. If you bust the birds out of the roost, chances are they are going to relocate and even if they don't relocate they will most likely be on edge for most of the day.2. Underestimating the Turkey's Eyes - These birds have unbelievable vision. Watch your every move and take your time when sneaking up on birds. They can see for miles!3. Not Scouting - Killing a turkey without doing your homework can certainly be done, but I like to do anything I can to put the odds in my favor. Knowing where the birds roost and areas they tend to frequent throughout the day can prove to be very effective in killing a big old long beard!

Joe: �Awesome, well I'm sure guys and gals will use your awesome info, and hopefully have success this spring due to it! Thanks for coming in, and filling us in on gobblers!

Mike: No problem man. I am no expert, but I am always willing to give my opinion on the matter. Good luck to everyone that will be making it out this spring. Kansas turkey season actually opens today. We are headed to Kansas next weekend to hunt with the newest members of HB, the White brothers...it should be a blast!

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Joe - New Elite Rollin' Hot!

joeedge@bowcast.com — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0100

About two weeks ago, my 2010 Elite Z28 hit the porch. Since then, we have been spending quite a bit of time together, getting to know each other! :) �

�This bow is quite a bit different then what I have run the past couple years...I shot a Bowtech 82nd in 2008 at 36" axle to axle and a Elite GT500 in 2009 which is 35" axle to axle. The Z28 is 32.5" axle to axle, and has a much steeper string angle than I have been used, however so far, it has been super accurate for me.

I have been getting everything dialed in, and have about 500 arrows through it, so once my new strings show up, I'll have a loaded backup string that is broken in.�

I have it setup at 30" pulling 76lbs. I have a Spot Hogg Hogg It Hunter 7 pin with wrap, and a Spot Hogg Whammy on there; for the quiver I am running a two piece Fuse Satori quiver, and a Fuse Carbon Connection Hunter 6" stabilizer.

This bow is a joy to shoot, as is by far the best bow I have ever shot...The�shoot-ability�and�quietness�make this a fantastic hunting bow, and I can't wait to hunt with it this spring for turkeys!

Rock Hard Nation!

Cima

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Joe - Bow Review x 14

joeedge@bowcast.com — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0100

�Well as I promised a few weeks ago, I have finished my bow review, which included 14 bows that I chose to include. I have been shooting a ton of bows the past couple months, and thought I'd pass on my opinion on some of the aspects of a bow I feel are important, give some specs and give some notes about each bow.

�Overall my top 5 bows were:

1. Elite Z28

2. Hoyt Carbon Matrix

2. Elite GT500

4. Hoyt Maxxis 35

5. Rytera Alien X�

5. Hoyt Maxxis 31

These bows exemplified a supreme all around bow in my opinion. Between their smooth draws, solid wall's and overall great shot performance, these bows could accompany me on any hunt.

Hoyt Alphaburner- This bow is one that I would have picked in the past as one of my top choices because it gets great speed, and maintain the specs I like in my bows. However after shooting something like an Alien X or GT500, the draw just doesn't compare. Most archers who pick a Hoyt with the spiral cams knows what they are getting into, its just a little tougher on the force draw curve than I feel is necessary to achieve 340 fps.

�Hoyt Maxxis 31 & 35- Both of these Hoyt's are excellent in all aspects, I like the 35 just a tad better due to the longer axle to axle length...it seems to accentuate all the positives.

Hoyt Carbon Matrix- This bow is�stellar...most either hate the riser or love it...it looks even better in person, and I loved it. The shot of the bow is where it's at...it is insanely quiet and vibration free! The long, light riser also have a very stable feel which helps it hold very well at full draw.

Mathews Monster- Overall, the Monster is a good bow, for being a extreme design, and speed bow. The design has a very cool�appearance, especially at full draw. The AVS cam system is brilliant and very efficient, however after shooting a Alphaburner, and�liking�other bows in front of that, the Monster fell way back in the mix for me. In�comparison�to the other bows I shot, the cams need�refinement�in the draw, and shot department. The valley drops off quickly, and is small...and the wall seems squishy. At the shot, I noticed quite a bit of vibration as well. The XForce GX has the same design and feels much better at the shot.

Mathews Reezen- This was a very nice single cam bow to shoot. Everything was enjoyable about it, however nothing stood out. The only hit it would get from me was the grip, it was a little bulky for my liking.�

Bowtech Destroyer 340 & 350- Like the Reezen, the 2010 Bowtech's didn't really stand out for me. They are�comparable�to the Alien X, Elite Z28 however, I didn't think the draw was as nice, and the wall's seemed squishy on each of them. The were both also a tad louder the the bows I mentioned above. However, they shoot very nicely, and they pop out some serious speed, while maintaining a very nice feel which shooting them.�

Bear Attack- First off, the design�appearance�of�this�bow is sweet,�parallel�limbs with a huge single cam...very cool. �Like the Reezen, I couldn't find a reason for it to fall behind, or stand out...it is a very nice choice for a bowhunter...with the ability to do 340fps with a single cam! The only thing I didn't like was the grip area...the angles above the thumb area don't feel right, and the grip angle was off for my liking. Other than that, a great bow by Bear!

PSE XForce GX- This bow really�surprised�me...when you pick it up, it feels so light, and having experience with speed bows, I figured that speed would shake the light frame like crazy. However, this bow was much better than I would have expected. This bow shows the refinement of the cam, that in my opinion, the Monster doesn't. The draw is very nice, as well as the valley. I think if they would add some sort of riser dampeners, this would be a fantastic bow...the riser vibration is my only tiff. The grip is the best out of any bow!

Diamond Nitrous- This bow stands out because it is nearly half the price, however as you can see by the scores, it hung right up there with the big boys. Being a super smooth, and quiet single cam, the only downfall for me was that the wall was quite soft...however, overall this is a fantastic bow, even without considering the price tag!�

Elite GT500- As can be seen by the score the Elite bows ranked tops for fit and finish; there is not a single place on this bow that doesn't have a perfect finish or smooth & rounded machined edges. The cams on these bows are incredible, I pulled 82lbs on the GT500 and can tell you it felt just as the Alphaburner did at 71lbs. It is quick too!! It hauls and is smoother than I could believe.

�Elite Z28- As I said above, there isn't a square inch on this bow where quality skips a beat. This bow is smooth on the draw, faster than IBO and forgot what vibration is! It is simply fantastic, a joy to shoot. I ranked it just above the GT500, due to the fact that the draw is a hint and a half smoother.�

Rytera Alien X- This bow ranked as the big surprise for me. When I last worked in a pro shop, Martin was always doing the same thing, sticking with consistency...it worked for them, but their designs were never the most impressive to look at. With the Alien X, their image has totally changed for me! This bow is fantastic looking, the riser design is awesome, and they manage to keep it super light too. The shot is stellar, and the cam design is fantastic! Props to Martin for revamping�their�bows with a huge boost to the Rytera line with the Alien X!

Here is the chart I put together, the last 5 are rated on a 1-10 scale

Bows Tested

Axle to Axle

Brace

IBO

Fit and Finish

Draw

Wall

Shot Feel

Grip

Overall��

�

Hoyt AlphaBurner

�

�34.75"

6"�

340�

�9

7.5

�9

�8

9.5

�

Hoyt Maxxis 31 & 35

�31"�

35"

�7"�

7"�

�

�323

318

�9�

�
9�

�9.5

9.5

9.5

9.5

�9

9.5

�9.5

9.5

�47.5

48

�

Hoyt Carbon Matrix

�

35"�

7.25"

�318

�10

9.5

�9.5

�10

9.5

48.5�

�

Mathews Monster

�

�33.5"

�6"

353

6.5

�8

7.5

8.5

39.5�

�

Mathews�
Reezen 6.5

�

�32"

6.5"

340

�9

9�

�9

8.5

�44.5

�

Bowtech Destroyer 350 & 340

�

�32.5"

32.5"

6"

7"

�350

340

9

9

�8.5

9

8��

8

�9

9

8.5

8.5

43

43.5

�

Bear Attack

��

31"

340

9�

�8

44�

�

PSE XForce GX

��

32.5"�

�6"

352

9�

�9

8.5

10�

45.5�

�

Diamond Nitrous

��

�35"

�318

9.5

8.5�

9.5

9�

46.5�

�

Elite GT500

��

35"

340

10�

9.5�

�10

10�

48.5�

�

Elite Z28

��

32.5"�

7.75"

320

�10

10�

�10��

�10

�9

49�

�

�
Rytera Alien X

��

32"

340

�9.5

9.5�

�

9.5�

�9

�47.5

�

[...]

Joe - We are bowhunters...

joeedge@bowcast.com — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0100

This is a exp doc I did for class about how much deeper bowhunting is, it goes far beyond just shooting a bow, or just punching a tag; a bowhunter is a rare breed.�It's a little abstract, but I hope the dots are easy to connect!��Let it load all the way before playing....
Let me know what you think!

We are bowhunters... from Joe Cima on Vimeo.

Joe - Outdoor Videography and Film-making with Kody Kellom

joeedge@bowcast.com — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:00:00 +0100

Kody Kellom of Born and Raised Outdoors on Filming your Hunts

It seems that more and more guys and gals are either starting to film their own hunts, or starting to get serious about it. As I know I have interest in this subject as well as many others, I asked my buddy Kody Kellom, Co-founder of Born and Raised Outdoors, http://bornandraisedoutdoors.com/, to do a Q&A about some common filming inquiries, as well as some behind-the-scenes type questions about what it�s like to be part of an outdoor video team.

�

Joe: Kody, first off, thanks for doing this man!

Kody: It is my pleasure, thanks for bringing me on!

Joe: So to start this off let�s get a little background on yourself, and how the desire to have your own outdoor film company came about?

Kody: Well, I have had a bow in my hand since the age of 4 and bowhunting big game since the ripe young age of 12. My Dad has had a huge influence on my life and why I call myself a die-hard bowhunter. I have been involved in the industry for 12 years now as I worked in an archery shop during high school and college, helping expand my knowledge and love for the sport.

I have been fortunate to be successful in the field over the years, but since I picked up a camera 4 years ago, the game has changed. Our goal at Born And Raised Outdoors is to capture the adventure, the raw emotion, and highs and lows of the hunt. These alone have pushed us to the next level of hunting and filming.

Joe: How did the B.R.O. crew come together?

Kody: When I met Andrea, who now is my wife, she introduced to her twin sister�s husband, Trent Fisher. We started to hunt together every bow season, having some great experiences and success. I had also been a long-time hunting partner with Ty Stubblefield, which I introduced to Trent and his older brother Treavor Fisher. We all clicked together and when we hit the woods together, it was game on. With an idea spurred from Trent and Treavor, we jumped in head over heels days before the 2007 bow season and ordered a camera.

Since that first season filming, we have added an additional hardcore bowhunter, Steve Howard. The rest is history!

Joe: What was your guys� first camera? And since then what type equipment are you running now?

Kody: Our first camera was a Canon GL2, which we drug through the dust, rain, and snow with no troubles. It was tough as nails, great starter camera. Our progression in filming has led us to shooting in all HD. We have since sold the GL2 and now roll with a Canon XHA1 and a couple of HV 40�s. The small compact size of the HV40, compliment the XHA1 with quality footage.

We have learned through trial and errors that audio is a huge element in producing quality films. The camera microphone just doesn�t cut it. We have since upgraded our audio system to Sennheiser wireless and shotgun microphones.�

Another key to quality footage is a fluid head tripod and monopod. Steady shots will make the footage that much better. We run Manfrotto tripods and monopods. They are light weight and stout as hell.

Joe: �Obviously, just like a bowhunters first kill, the first kill you are able to capture on camera is something special�describe that hunt:

Kody: We packed the camera that first season with some close calls but no success. Some missed shots and thick brush; we just couldn�t close the deal. Finally with the end of elk season fast approaching, it all came together. I was the shooter, Trent was running the camera, and Treavor was on the calls. After locating the herd a mile away and darkness quickly approaching, we went for the run and gun technique. Pushing it as hard as we could, it all came together. The 7 x 5 bull stepped in the open; I ranged it, drew and shot. This was all captured over the shoulder! It turned out amazing!

We were pumped. All of the sweat, blood, and tears actually came through on tape. We couldn�t have been proud of that accomplishment, a nice Roosevelt bull killed on camera. It set the stage for the rest of the week, killing 3 more bulls on camera the last three days of season.

�

Joe: For guys looking to buy a camera, with budget in mind�what type of camera setup would you suggest investing in?

Kody: Like I mentioned before, Canon�s HV 40 is a great camera. With a budget of $1000, you can get a killer set-up. Do yourself a favor and buy a Sennheiser MKE 400 small compact shotgun mic. It will compliment the set-up perfectly.

If you don�t have a tripod, get one. Shaky footage can make a big buck or bull irrelevant if it is shaky. There are also many do-it-yourself camera rigs that can improve your shots and give you the big budget film effect with little out of pocket expense.

Joe: Obviously, laying down the footage is one thing, but once you sit down to edit, a bunch of work sits in front of you�do you guys do your own editing?

Kody: We do almost all of our own editing�the learning curve has been huge and by no means do I have it mastered. The biggest thing for us is having the creative control to make the film our own. We do sub out some of the graphics, as this supersedes my creative talents and available time to learn.

I absolutely love editing video and making the viewer feel the sore muscles, blisters, as we push ourselves to accomplish success. It is that sole reason that we do our own editing.

With having a full-time job outside of BRO, it causes me to have some late nights pouring over the clips and making the next scene just right.

Joe: How many hours of footage did you guys run to come up with your first video, Tagged Out, a 55 minute production?

Kody: Well, we ended up with 36 hours of hunting footage for our first video. After the season we sat down and rolled the camera recalling every detail of the hunt to help the viewer feel a part of our journey. At the end, we felt that we had a solid video that keeps the viewers� attention from start to finish.� All in all I think we ended up with about 45 hours of tape to sort through, which seemed like a daunting task until this year. I am currently sorting through 112 hours of hunting footage for our next project. I can�t wait to get it complete!

Joe: Gear wise, what suggestions would you make as far as small differences in products that pay big dividends?

Kody: Audio quality is huge. Without sound, the viewer is lost in a mix of clips and music. Spend the extra money and get good quality mics. The other thing to consider is a clean lens. A good friend once suggested carrying a small pack of Kleenex, since that day we all pack one easily accessible in the heat of the moment, so we don�t have a dirty lens.

Another item that we all carry is at least 3 spare tapes and extended life batteries. In cold weather, the battery life diminishes faster than normal. Without a battery and tape, then you don�t have a functional camera.

Another must is a pen. Every time that tape comes out of the camera, label it in detail; Date, location, subject and any other vital information. This will pay off when you start chopping footage.

Joe: All in all, what is the most satisfying part of the whole videography, and production process??

Kody: When a hunt finally comes together perfectly, and it is all captured on film, makes it all worth it. Success is one thing but being able to share that experience with the viewer is the most rewarding thing. When the finished product is able to make the viewer feel the tense moments before the shot, and disappointment of blown opportunities, it puts a smile on our face.

Joe: �What is the little pearl of wisdom you would give bowhunters who are wanting to video their hunts?

Kody: Press record! Press record! Press record! We have had some amazing opportunities to film some great encounters and even kills, but the cameraman gets wrapped up in the hunt rather than filming. It is a tough one to balance, but if it is your turn to run the camera, leave the bow, binos, and calls back at camp. Focus solely on the adventure and how you can capture it on film. Go prepared, if you know some shots that you will encounter during the hunt write them down and compile a shot list.

We do not recreate anything after the shot, as we get tired of seeing a bow drawn with the wrong number of arrows or different setting. Viewers are keen hunters who observe their surroundings; you can�t fake them out with some cheesy acting or reenactments.

Joe: We have talked, and you told me that you will be releasing another DVD this summer, can you fill the BowCasters in on this�when, name, a little piece of secret info?

Kody: We are very excited about our next project to say the least. It has been two years in the making as we chased Roosevelt Elk in every possible terrain the Oregon Coast can throw at us. The film is called, �The Reason� which encompasses every reason bowhunter s do we do what we do for success! We face adversity of fire danger, closing the public access to vehicles. It is an adventure into the backcountry on our mountain bikes.� We adapt and prevail in the end. We hope to release it this June�

Joe: �What hunts does the B.R.O. crew have going this fall?

Kody: We just received draw results from Wyoming and we struck out. Plan B is a Nevada Backcountry Mule deer hunt. We have a high probability of drawing and it will be a blast. 10,000 ft, 10 days and a crew of five pushing it as hard as we can.

We will also be doing our thing chasing Roosevelt Elk and Blacktail deer here in Southern Oregon. It is always fun and very rewarding! With that said, I can�t wait for opening day!

Joe: Cool, thanks a bunch Kody for coming in and sharing some great info on filming hunts! I�m sure a lot of guys will dig this stuff and find it very beneficial in being able to video their hunts, whether it be for personal viewing, or a small production company! Best of luck to yourself and the BRO crew in the future!

�

Kody: Thanks a bunch for this opportunity to bring the BRO crew�s lifestyle to Bowcast!

The Reason : A Film by Born And Raised Outdoors from Kody Kellom on Vimeo.

�

�CIMA-OUT!�

[...]

Joe - Bow Reviews and Video

joeedge@bowcast.com — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:00:00 +0100

Hey Everyone,

Well I shot my way through the 2010 bow stalls, and picked a couple champs.

Over the next week, Ill be getting out some videos of the bows I shot this past week, which include: Mathews Monster, Mathews Reezen, Diamond Marquis, PSE XForce GX, Bowtech Air Raid....and my GT500.

�...as well as a written review that will include the previous bows metioned, as well as: Hoyt Carbon Matrix, Hoyt Maxxis 35, Bowtech Destroyer 350, Hoyt Alphaburner, Bear Attack, and the Elite Judge.

Heres a couple to start it off...

Mathews Monster and Reezen Videos, as well as the Bowtech Air Raid....make sure to let them load all the way before playing...

2010 Mathews Monster
http://vimeo.com/9391800�

2009 Mathews Reezen
http://vimeo.com/9392256

2009 Bowtech Air Raid
http://vimeo.com/9393517

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Joe - Honky Tonk Bowhunting

joeedge@bowcast.com — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:00:00 +0100

Well, the recent attempts for geese have been of zero success....the weather has really changed the habits and moved the geese from the permissions I had, but we still got out there and tried...launched some arrows and came up with nothing. Got some good pics though, so I thought Id share.

�

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Joe - From Bowhunting, to Bowhunting

joeedge@bowcast.com — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:00:00 +0100

Well as most know, my big game bowhunting is done with, so now its on to try and put the hurt on some geese with the archery tackle. We had some weather, not so great for bird hunting, over the break, but it was still nice to get out and see a couple great mornings.

More to come over Christmas break, going to be doing alot of videoing that Ill be uploading on BowCast YouTube and linking, so watch out for that!

Hope Thanksgiving treated everyone well!

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Joe - Thanks Giving...

joeedge@bowcast.com — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:00:00 +0100

Whats up Nation?!
As it says, I shall....

.....give thanks for my friends, my family and my fellow bowhunters.

.....give thanks for the opportunity to hunt out of state this year.

.....give thanks for having supportive parents.

.....give thanks for being part of the BowCast crew; Aneal, Anthony, Shawn, Jason, MBro, Carrie, Hougeroni, Dan and Dan & DK.

.....give thanks for having health for me, my family and those around me.�

.....give thanks for having an encounter with a true giant in Utah.

.....give thanks for having meat in the freezer.

.....give thanks for being able to photograph and write as much as I do.

.....give thanks for those supporting Bowcast and our vision!

I guess there are so many things I could say, but I guess that is why we have a day set aside just for that. However, there isnt a day that goes by where I dont recognize how thankful I am for what I have.

Have a great, safe Thanksgiving!

JDC

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Joe - FUSED

joeedge@bowcast.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:00:00 +0100

This was the third year I have adorn my bow with a FUSE quiver. I chose the Fuse Satori, as I prefer a two piece quiver; I used to use a one piece but made the mistake of taking it off, I ended up moving up on a elk and not didnt have my quiver there when I needed another arrow.

The Satori very light. When I have had it off, and put it pack on the weight is hardly noticable.

�Also, I have had trouble with two pieces that need tightening every three days on a hunt...never have I had this problem with my Fuse. It secures itself solid, and stay there.

Another awesome thing is that it keeps the arrows tight to the bow, and the rubber section at the bottom keeps the arrows tight, never had I had one come loose or rattle.

_______________________________________________________

This was my first year of shooting a Fuse stabilizer, a Fuse Carbon CX Hunter. I have always gone to the extremes with stabilizers, either a 12" or something small, like a 2"....Going long because I wanted extra stability, and going short as to just have a compact, dampening product.

This year I went with the 6.5" Carbon Connection Hunter. It was perfect, long enough to stabilize, but it is also covered in vibration dampening rubber. Im glad I went with something in the middle, and will definitely stay with this stablizer as long as I can currently forsee.

�Overall the Fuse products have been a great, and permanent addition to my setup! Two thumbs up to Fuse.

Keep it in the pocket-

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Joe - My METAL Experiments...

joeedge@bowcast.com — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:00:00 +0100

My METAL Experiments...

This was my second full season of using Easton Full Metal Jackets. I used them in 2007 and shot a pronghorn at 67 yards, the arrow went 60 yards after it went through the goat...I would call that decent arrow performance. I was shooting 300 spine FMJ's at 280fps and shooting around 90lbs of kinetic energy.

Those only reason I didn't continue shooting them in 2008 was because I wanted to see if I could gain speed and kinetic energy.

In 2009 I jumped back on the FMJ bandwagon, and I'm glad I did. I got some 300 spine, black FMJ's, cut them to 29"; I put wraps on them, and fletched them with a new vane for me, 3 Duravane Predators. That put me at a finished weight of 510 grains with a 100 grain tip.

With my GT500 shooting 82lbs, with a 30" draw length I am pounding them through the chrono at 309 fps! 108 foot lbs of kinetic energy!

I shot them all year, from spring during turkey hunting, through the summer 3D tournaments and took them the daunting BATB! They perform great, they are an awesome hunting arrow, and since I shoot my hunting setup for 3D, they work great because they pull very easily and are tough enough to handle the constant pounding of the 3D targets.

I killed a small buck in eastern Oregon at 52 yards and had a great pass through and a perfect, blood-covered arrow waiting for me 15 yards past where I shot him.

I also mixed a couple misses in and although I was disappointed to see a dry arrow, they were fully intact and ready to shoot again.

I recently started a little experiment and am shooting 400 spine FMJ's that weight around 420 grains and am shooting them at 325 fps! They flight better than my 300's and I lost kinetic energy, down to 98 foot lbs, but my arrows are shooting flatter, and flying better.

One you go FMJ you don't go back....keep it in the pocket!

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Joe - New Heights in Utah

joeedge@bowcast.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:00:00 +0100

This year, after planning for a whole year in advance, my buddy and I headed down to Utah.�� August 17th,� we're Utah bound: Two buddies, 7 days, 1400 miles, 10,000ft elevation, two camera & one tag.

�In 6 days we saw 65 bucks, with most being solid 3 or 4 points. The first morning I had a 140 class four point at 50 yards, but passed, and was almost able to get an arrow in a 160" that evening at 50 yards.�

We hunted a group a 3 bucks, a 4x4 28" wide 170", a 4x4 25" wide 160" and a 3x4 25" wide 150", for 4 days, but they used their knowledge of the mountain to work us day in and day out. I passed on multiple small bucks, waiting for something 150" or bigger.

After 4 full days we cruised back down, and Andrew was able to video Taylor shooting a cow at 20 yards from a treestand.

We took the next morning off then hunted the final two days in a different area. I believe the first day we saw 16 bucks, and I put a stalk on one, coming up empty.

The last day, Andrew and I bailed off into the canyon, and were able to almost get a shot at�a 160" class 3x4. We kept moving, and I was able to get a long, quick shot at a 170" 27" wide 4 point...I shot just underneath him.

The pack out and drive home were sure long, with the taste of failure fresh in our mouths.

However, we had the trip of a lifetime. Pushed to our limits, mentally and physically, we redefined ourselves as bowhunters. Just as a student furthering their education, we were in our classrooms furthering ourselves, trying to succeed and reach the next level. Maybe we went in with too much confidence, maybe my goals were too big, maybe we overestimated our hunting potential, or maybe it just wasn't part of the plan...success. It wasn't that we didn't glass enough, hike enough, or do everything that we could...we gave 110% and in this case it didn't equate to success.

However time spent like this, defines our thoughts and beliefs. As distant as the connection seems, in those high mountain hideaways, we are able to learn what it is to be productive, patient and the best we can be. Time away allows us to understand these hills, to slow time and become one with nature in a primal ballet between man and beast. Success is something we can lose sight of once we reach our destination, quite possible because getting there and allowing ourselves to reach an undisturbed state of mind and fully concentrate on the hunt, is a success itself.

Did we punch our tag, no. Do I have a new mount on the wall to show for all the time, money and effort we put forth, no. However, I can tell you, this was the best hunt of my life; chasing high country mule deer in the biggest country I have seen, with our bow and camera...it seems like such a huge task, but we are ready. Ready to harvest a trophy mule deer in the high country, on camera; ready to conquer the mountains.

Next year, we will be there again, with two tags, three cameras, and more motivation than ever before. Success redefined: a buck down or failure, nothing in between will do. I know this motivation will boil deep within, kindling the desire to shake hands with the rare face of success. We will, take ourselves, our hunting ability and our success to new heights.

God Speed bowhunting brothers, until autumn returns...

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Joe - The Continuum of Motivation

joeedge@bowcast.com — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:00:00 +0100

As big and bad as I hoped...no.�One hundred and�sixty inches of velvet and�300" of white-tipped chocolate horns...no. No tags left in my wallet come October...no. A season to remember...forever.

For me, season has come and gone; the sun setting on the time of the year I cherish most. All year, be it picking up sheds, shooting in the summer, scouting for bucks, working on my elk calling...everything I do is geared towards punching that tag in the fall.

It seems that season comes �in�a quick, rush of warm air, I'm left turning around, just catching a glimpse of whatever that was disappear over the horizon.�Never can I get enough of that feeling: up early underneath a blanket of stars, hiking to the top of a ridge to greet the sun, another day in God's country. Throwing a bugle into a lodgepole basin, sitting down to finally indulge in a steaming Mountain House and feeling beat down at the end of the day only to get up and do it again...It's an obsession, it's a passion, it's a lifestyle.

�Stories and video to come....

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Joe - Directing our evolution....

joeedge@bowcast.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:00:00 +0100

It's crazy, how bowhunting has evolved. What came first; the flint tipped shaft, or arched wood, held taught by a thin piece of braided sinew?

Whatever it might have been, ever since then, "bowhunters" have been evolving...trying to continually further our gear and ourselves.

The goal of being our best self forever being at the center of all our practices; both of bettering our skills, and creating equipment to keep the ball rolling forward...perfection always the goal.

�From hand-carved shafts to alloy covered, carbon cored arrows. Uneven, stiff pulling wood longbows to 80% leftoff, highly efficient compounds capable of shooting an arrow 350+ feet per second. This is something I always think about; how far bowhunters�have come...myself included.

I started out with a Lil Apache recurve when I was 4, then moved to a Lil Brave Compound, with mini wheels and a cable for a string. I killed my first animal with that...a small bird when I was 6. That was probably a 12-15lb draw and I shot it with fingers.�Today, Im shooting an 82lb Elite Archery GT500...shooting a 500gr arrow faster than I know what do to with. Enough KE energy to match what they recommend for dangerous game in Africa.

In the backyard, Id always chase around squirrels, rabbits and little birds; always wearing the Wranglers, cowboy hat and black Roper boots. Come Monday, Im leaving for my first out of state bowhunt, to chase mule deer at 9,000 feet; covered in Advantage MAX-1.

This time of year, I do a lot of thinking, reflecting and anticipating. Years past, and�hunts to come consume my thoughts. Why did it happen as such last year? Did I do everything I could to prepare? What can I do to close the deal this year?...all things I ask myself, non-rhetorically. It's all geared towards getting better at what I love, bowhunting.

I think part of this evolution, to get things to better yourself, as you become more seasoned. To spread your roots a little, leave your yearly haunts�take on awaiting challenges in other states, different mountains, and distance basins.

Hopefully this fall, and in the future we can all become better at this passion we love. Go bigger, go further, and taste success during uninviting adversity.

Best of luck this fall, as Ill keep the BC Nation up to date, and please do the same. Be safe, hunt smart, and shake hands with success.

Keep it in the pocket-

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Joe - To BATB and back

joeedge@bowcast.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:00:00 +0100

Posted in the forums because of the amont of pictures...

Enjoy�

http://www.bowcast.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,2/func,view/catid,7/id,16092/#16092

Joe - Checkin the list, and checking out

joeedge@bowcast.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +0100

Aight, so I am just about finished packing for first trip to Utah, Snowbird, and Salt Lake City. To me this is part of my season; the quiz before the test.�
I went through my last round of shooting today, and got the gear all dialed in (or so I hope).

Heres my final list of things to do, bring or be aware of;

- Make sure everthing on your bow is tightened down. Although there will be a warmup area at the shoot, take the time before you leave to get everything tight, and make sure its all secure.

- Im sure with this many archers together, there will be a couple allen wrenches, but bring the tools you'll need. Wax, allen wrenches, couple extra nocks, extra point or two...just the little stuff that you might need.

- A tip to ensure your arrow tips stay in...rub the back 3-5 threads on some string wax, when you screw them in, it'll tighten those tips into the arrows so they wont rattle loose.

- Im bringing my 96oz Camelbak to go in my pack...water is going to be big in this heat. Im going to pack some Clif Bars as well.

- I dont know about allergies, but mine suck, hopefully up high they'll be good, but Im bringing extra pills just in case. (Not for sale :)

- Make sure you have everything to shoot; a release, rangefinder, binos, arrows (extra according to Senor Launch), and that horse youre choosing to saddle for the sickest 3D of your life (bow). I know, routine and basic, but forgetting something could be costly, literally. Im bringing a dz arrows...only will need one of course :)

- Bring a camera, this is going to be epic, and especially if you have a family, you'll want to have these memories. Bring chargers/batteries.

- A cooler might be nice back at the rig to bring up cool drinks, and have a nice cold drink waiting for you after a long day.

- If youre traveling...make sure the spare and jack are packed...that could make for an unecessary headache!

- Im going to bring a light jacket for up on the hill, just incase it sprinkles rain.

�Just some of the standard stuff, but I know if I didnt get it out there, Ill forget it! Heck, I probably forgot some stuff I wanted not to forget.

Drive safe, and make sure to introduce yourself to all the BowCast Team!

Keep it in the 10 ring of the sick Rinehart targets you'll be shooting at, atop one of the coolest shoot locations ever! Im off tomorrow at 6am!

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