Arizona Outdoorsman

Arizona Outdoorsman / AZOD

ALL EYES

Todd J Hulm

Archery Section Leader

Have you ever spooked an animal while still hunting? Or, have you ever spooked an animal while walking to your stand? Have you ever been surprised by an animal that seemed to appear out of nowhere and was already within bow range?

Most archery hunters answer yes to all of those questions. If you spend enough time in the field, you will indeed spook an animal while still hunting and while walking to your stand, and you will have animals appear within bow range that you haven’t even noticed.

Those things are just going to happen. However, proper use of good optics can significantly improve your odds while hunting and can serve to prevent a "yes" answer to those questions.

Many archers believe optics are not necessary while bow hunting. They contend that the animals taken by archers will be at close range and no magnification is needed. As accurate as this statement may be, it leaves a large portion of the hunt un-accounted for.

Optics can serve as the archery hunter’s best friend. While still hunting or in a stand optics can be used to spot game at greater distances. This will prove to give the hunter the advantage while still hunting as they will be able to stalk the animal they would have otherwise spooked. Also, the stand hunter will recognize the shot opportunity approaching and will be able to prepare for the shot without being surprised by game.

In both instances it could be the difference in harvesting an animal.

Another area where the hunter can gain the advantage by using optics is when moving into the stand. Before the morning hunt, if you are moving in darkness, the use of optics may not be prudent. However, I can’t count the number of times I have needed and benefited from using optics while moving to an afternoon stand. Being able to spot game before spooking them is critical if you want to continue seeing game in the areas where you hunt.

Further, optics allow the hunter in any situation to see more game. Observation of game not only provides experience in game movement and behavior but can also serve to establish a new hunting area or improved stand placement. In addition, seeing more game simply makes the hunt enjoyable.

So, this year make the effort to use your optics more. It will be a great habit to develop and you may find your hunting is more successful when you are ... All Eyes!!!

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