The new R29X, complete with our new fully-integrated Silent Cocking System, hits a new pinnacle of speed at an incredible 450 FPS. The length remains 29 inches, and when fully drawn, the R29X is 6 inches axle-axle and weighs a light 6.75 pounds. Including an ergonomic grip, this crossbow is easy to maneuver in tight spaces and gives hunters and shooters great control without sacrificing comfort. Available in Predator Dusk Camo, exclusive to Ravin Crossbows.

• 450 FPS
• Weight: 6.75 lbs.
• Length: 29”
• Width Axle to Axle 6” Cocked
• Width Axle to Axle 10.5” Un-cocked
• Power-Stroke: 12.5”
• Kinetic Energy: 180
• Draw Weight: 12 lbs.
• HeliCoil Technology
• Silent Cocking System
• Fully-Assembled/Pre-Tuned
• 6 – Ravin .003 Arrows & Field Tips (400 Grain Total)
• 1 – Removable Draw Handle
• 1 – Quiver/Mounting Bracket
• 100 Yard Illuminated Scope
• Built-In Cocking Mechanism
• Anti-Dry Fire/Auto Safety
• Built-in Sling Mounts

Learn more at ravincrossbows.com

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From CenterPoint’s Website – CenterPoint Archery has evolved in design and performance with the introduction of the innovative CenterPoint Archery CP400 with Silent Cranking Device. Utilizing licensed HeliCoil technology together with a custom-designed riser, CNC-machined cam system and adjustable stock, CenterPoint Archery has raised the bar in crossbow design and performance.

CenterPoint Archery CP400 with Silent Cranking Device extremely narrow axle-to-axle width is an incredible 6-inches when fully-drawn, produces speeds of up to 400 fps and generates a knock-out punch of up to 142 fpe. This evolutionary design delivers amazing power and downrange accuracy.

The CenterPoint Archery CP400 with Silent Cranking Device’s anti-dry fire and auto safety, a unique dual purpose folding stirrup/bipod and a 3x32mm illuminated scope. CenterPoint Archery offers a 5-year limited warranty. This hybrid crossbow will surpass your expectations in the field.

FEATURES:

Featuring anti-dry fire and auto safety, a unique dual purpose folding stirrup/bipod and a 3x32mm illuminated scope. CenterPoint Archery offers a 5-year limited warranty. This hybrid crossbow will surpass your expectations in the field.

FEATURES:

• CNC-machnined aluminum cam system with licensed HeliCoil Technology for perfectly balanced cams
• Custom designed riser with aluminum rail, innovative folding stirrup, adjustable stock and crank cocker for ease of draw
• Incredible 6-inch axle-to-axle width when fully-drawn
• Delivers speeds up to 400 fps with 142 fpe for downrange accuracy
• Anti-dry fire and auto safety
• Includes a 5-year limited warranty, two 20-inch carbon arrows, quick-detach quiver and 3x32mm illuminated scope

Learn more at CenterPoint’s CP400 Website

CENTERPOINT ARCHERY SUPPORT

CenterPoint Archery strives to ensure that every customer is satisfied with their purchase of our product. Our US-based Customer Service team is ready to answer any question you may have about your archery product. CenterPoint Archery bows carry a 5-year limited warranty and we stand behind our product with a customer service team that strives to exceed customers expectations in both quality, value and customer care.

See more at insidearchery.com

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lean more at silentknightvanes.com

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Shur Kill Targets Bowhunting Target System. Shur Kill Targets offers many targets for those real life shots you come across in the woods!

Learn more at shurkilltargets.com

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As hunting equipment continues to push the limits of mechanical engineering and physics, so too do the other components critical to a successful hunt. You can see change and progress across the board, from bows and arrows to releases, targets, sights, calls and more. Clothing and footwear have been no different. With a more scientific and educated approach to hunting, these products have developed in stride to keep up with the 2018 hunter.

Take a look at what’s new in outdoor clothing and footwear this year.

Outdoor Footwear

A good pair of boots can make all the difference whether you’re in a treestand, hiking up hill, or stalking your prey over miles of plains. Hunters need something that will stand up to the terrain and the elements while keeping their feet comfortable for long, hard hours of work. Here are a few that we think hit the mark.

Irish Setter Ravine

They say it best themselves, “wherever you’re going, Ravine boots help you get there.” The Ravine boot is built for constant comfort, no matter where you take them. They’re light, so you can go faster and maneuver easier. The Ravine is made of waterproof leather and suede and comes in a 7- or 9-inch height. Despite the high rise, their CuShin Comfort tongue relieves pressure some feel on their shin from the top of the boot tongue. It’s made to flex as you walk, so you’re whole foot, ankle and leg are comfortable for hours. The inside lining is made to wick moisture, keeping your feet dry and warm on cold days while also eliminating odor through their ScentBan technology. A dual-density midsole provides top-notch comfort while fighting fatigue by giving the wearer the same rebounding energy boost they’d get from an athletic shoe. For more information, visit irishsetterboots.com.

Rocky Grizzly

The new Grizzly collection from Rocky provides ultimate comfort and durability in a hunting boot. The Grizzly boots are made to be tough so your foot doesn’t have to be. They feature a new tri-density outsole for shock absorption and a dual EVA mid-layer for added comfort. Full grain leather and 900-denier nylon uppers provided optimum durability while the rubberized heel provides abrasion resistance. The Grizzly boots are available with 200 or 1,000 grams of 3M Thinsulate insulation. The boot is protected by Rocky VP waterproof protection and comes with a one-year guarantee. For more information, visit rockyboots.com.

Muck Boots Woody Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Boot

Sometimes you have to walk through the muck. Everyone needs a gool ol’ pair of boots to get them through thick and thin. Muck Boots has the answer for your everyday needs, and they’ve upped their game with the Woody Arctic Ice Extreme Conditions Boot. This waterproof boot is equipped with a new multidirectional lug design for the outsole called the Vibram Arctic Grip. It’s equipped with pods that grip and deliver advanced traction on wet ice. They’re built with 8 mm of CR Foam and fleece lining to keep you warm and dry during the most extreme temperatures. For more information, visit muckbootsusa.com.

Apparel

Hunting apparel needs to be as versatile as hunters themselves. For 2018, better options are available for every scenario and environment. Innovators improved their approach to scent control, weather, concealment, range of motion and everything in between. 

ScentLok Full Season Taktix Jacket and Pants

ScentLok brings us the Full Season Taktix. The action-ready Taktix system is packed with rich features. Like all ScentLok gear, the Taktix wouldn’t be complete without the company’s unmatched Carbon Alloy technology for odor adsorption. Meanwhile, NeverWet technology dramatically repels water, mud, blood and other liquids. DuoTone technical overlay panels offer enhanced concealment. For treestand hunters, safety-harness openings allow the Carbon Alloy technology to also control harness odors.

The Taktix pants also feature Carbon Alloy and NeverWet technology. Additionally, they come with a micro-fleece lining for added warmth. The pants have eight pockets to keep essentials close, and the 18-inch leg zippers make them easy to slip over boots. For more information, visit scentlok.com.

Badlands Rev Jacket and Hunting Pants

Creating durable and functional backpacks has prepped Badlands to make some killer apparel. The Rev is a lightweight, versatile jacket that can be worn in all weather situations. Bio-mapped side panels stretch and contract for maneuverability and temperature regulation. The Teflon Shield+ repels water for a completely wind- and water-proof outer layer.

Built with ultimate comfort in mind, The Rev Hunting Pants are ultra-soft and designed for warm to hot weather. Throw on a base layer, and the Rev becomes a great water-resistant outer layer for walks in the snow. They come with boot zippers, removable suspenders, Silvadur Antimicrobial technology for scent control, and the same Teflon coating as the Rev jacket. For more information, visit badlandspacks.com.

Coming Soon! Rocky Prohunter Reversible Parka and Bibs

The makers of Grizzly boots recently revealed the Prohunter Reversible Parka and Bib. This cold-weather pair is ideal for flexible hunters who spend time on treestands and in blinds. They are both fully waterproof and feature Venator Camo on one side and Venator Black on the other. The Venator side is great for sitting in the stand, and the reverse will shadow you perfectly in the blind. Both also feature Rocky ScentIQ Atomic technology, which destroys human scent at the microbial level. The parka comes packed with features, including heat-retaining insulation, a removable hood and hand warmer pockets. The bib is also insulated with elastic anti-twist straps, outseam vents and thin profile buckles. The Prohunter Reversible Parka and Bib are expected to be ready for fall 2018. For more information, visit rockyboots.com.

Accessories

Accessories can be just as important as a well-tuned bow or the perfect clothing. Take a look at a couple things that caught our eye for 2018.

Allen Company Shocker Turkey Gloves

Shocker Turkey Gloves from the Allen Company could be the last piece of a successful turkey-hunt puzzle. The gloves have a back-of-the-hand pocket to store mouth calls and a convenient spur ruler on the palm. You won’t lose your hold with silicon grip on the palms, and you can stay connected with touchscreen finger tips. The extended cuffs keep bugs out, and the lightweight, breathable fabric—available in Mossy Oak Obsession—keeps hands from getting too hot. For more information, visit byallen.com.

Hunter’s Edge Scent Shoe

Hunter’s Edge helps hunters make the most of each step with the Scent Shoe. It’s an odorless thermal plastic material that stretches perfectly over all types of boots and shoes. The tread design grips in all types of terrain. The wearer’s body weight transfers applied scent from the pad to the ground with each step, dispersing 10 times more scent than a drag rag. For more information, visit hunters-edge.com.

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2018 Products are launching and we have gathered up some of the hottest archery gear for 2018 all in one place just for you.

ArcticShield Heat Echo Light Jacket & Pant

The water-resistant, windproof, breathable ArcticShield Heat Echo Light Jacket and Pant are constructed of a bonded fabric using a nylon shell with fleece interior. This fleece interior contains bamboo charcoal fibers which offer natural scent minimization and heat reflective qualities. The jacket and pant also feature the patent-pending ArcticShield Retain Active technology, which utilizes nano-sized metalic technology formulated into the apparel laminate to retain body heat by providing thermal insulation. The product is breathable, wicks moisture away from the body, and is extremely thin, providing agility to move freely. ArcticShield Retain Active delivers more than 20 percent improved warmth providing versatility to hunt in many different conditions, climates or regions. Learn more at arcticshieldoutdoor.com

Big Whitetail Dreams Bow and Crossbow Hangers

Hang your gear quickly and easily with the 500-pound ratchet strap, eliminating the need for screw-in hooks. Each hanger is constructed from heat-treated steel with a coated contact point. Legal on all state and federal land, all Hangers come with Big Whitetail Dreams’ lifetime guarantee.

Learn more at bigwhitetaildreams.com

Enforcer Portable Ozone Generator

The Enforcer’s quiet fan produces the correct amount of ozone, which seeks out and virtually destroys odor molecules and bacteria that get in its path. It’s ideal for use in enclosed areas such as totes, hockey and athletic gear, tents, closets, bedrooms and much more. The Enforcer also helps to re-activate carbon alloy, extending the field life of your carbon hunting clothing. The personal ozone generator weighs less than a pound and is rechargeable with up to 8 hours of battery life. Choose between 1-hour and 3-hour operating mode depending on the severity of odors. The Enforcer also serves as a power bank for charging smartphones and tablets. 

Learn more at enforcerzone.com

Bear Archery Kuma

The Kuma offers the best of both worlds bringing together speed and comfort. This hybrid cam bow launches arrows at 345 feet per second, and offers a smooth draw and a high-level of forgiveness. Featuring the Bear Cage machining technique, the rigid 1″ thick forged riser has been strategically “hollowed out” to lighten the load – yet still prevents side to side flex increasing accuracy. The Kuma features sleeker, smaller, and lighter SonicStops dual string suppressors that eliminate noise and vibration.

Learn more at beararchery.com

Spot-Hogg Fast Eddie XL Bow Sight

The FAST EDDIE XL features a newly designed 6-inch dovetail bar and bow mount.  The 6-inch dovetail bar maximizes accuracy by offering a longer sight radius. Easy to remove and reinstall while still maintaining perfect sight marks, the FAST EDDIE XL is a great option for the archer who prefers to remove their sight while traveling. Standard features include: second and third axis leveling, micro-adjustable windage and a large, easy-to-adjust yardage dial. Sight tapes are included with an easy-to-use calibration scale.  It is machined from 6061 aircraft aluminum and is proudly made in the USA. Learn more at spot-hogg.com

Great Day QuickDraw Double Crossbow Rack

Great Day’s Double Crossbow Rack transports two full-sized crossbows on a unique cradle mounted to the upper rails of a UTV bed. The Rack is constructed with aircraft aluminum and includes cushioned, Velcro-secured cradles in which the crossbows are held in place and positioned inward to prevent contact with branches and vines.  The unit includes mounting plates and hardware for secure attachment to UTV beds. Weighing in at 8 pounds, it installs in minutes on all popular brands and models of UTVs. Made in the USA. Learn more at greatdayinc.com

Hoyt REDWRX Carbon RX-1

The 2018 REDWRX Carbon RX-1 series is built to perform in and survive the most extreme conditions. Silent Shelf kills noise at the arrow rest while StealthShot minimizes string oscillation after the shot. Parallel Split-Limb Technology provides an effective overall width of 2¼ inches, creating more lateral and torsional stability than that of a traditional 1½-inch” solid limb design. All-new ¾-inch Quad- Flex limbs significantly increase torsional stability and consistency, and a lowered grip position offers more optimized tuning and arrow delivery. TEC lite risers survive Hoyt’s 1,500 dry-fire test and feature vibration-stifling bridged grip design. The Zero-Torque (ZT) Hyper Cam creates a balanced side-to-side load with the new patent-pending Split-Cable System, eliminating the need for a flexible cable guard. The ZT Hyper Cam is as fast as it is smooth and is Hoyt’s highest let-off cam to date. Learn more at hoyt.com

Mission Crossbows Sub-1

Designed to be the most accurate, quiet, easy to use crossbow on the market, the SUB-1 consistently delivers groups less than 1-inch at 100 yards and features an innovative trigger system that has the ability to safely de-cock with the push of a button. With its compact frame and uncompromising commitment to high quality materials, the SUB-1 promises an unmatched shooting experience. Learn more at missioncrossbows.com

Parker Centerfire XXT Crossbow

Parker’s new patented Xtreme Xbow Technology (XXT) combines inverted cams, split limb array, cavity-back riser and HP Synergy Cams. It shoots at a deadly 350 fps, and comes equipped with Parker’s exclusive factory-installed Anti-Vibration and Shock (AVS) System to reduce noise and vibration for ultimate concealment in the woods. The Centerfire XXT features an ambidextrous auto-engaging safety for right-or-left-handed shooters and an anti-dry fire lock – a Parker exclusive. It’s made in the USA. and backed by Parker’s Lifetime Warranty. Learn more at parkerbows.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8H56ldOys8

Spartan Camera GoCam 4G/LTE Model

Spartan proved themselves as real innovators in wireless scouting cameras with their GoCam, and improved on that break-through technology for 2017 with the new Spartan GoCam 4G/LTE model. The Spartan GoCam 4G/LTE, connected by Verizon, offers longer battery life, ultra-fast image transmission and new video-transmission capabilities. Besides the ultra-fast network, the Spartan GoCam 4G/LTE will continue to use the Spartan app and web portal, which allows for full remote camera management and image/video viewing. Learn more at spartancamera.com

Spot-Hogg Double Pointer

All Fast Eddie and Fast Eddie XL bow sights equipped with the Double Pin housing will also come with the new Double Pointer in 2017. The Double Pointer allows the archer to know the distance to both fibers regardless of where the dial is set.  The Double Pin, Double Pointer combo gives the archer two aiming references within the same single pin body, allowing for two known distances while still maintaining the clear field of view single pin users typically prefer.  This gives the hunter a secondary reference in case the animal should happen to move, increasing shot opportunities in the field. Learn more at spot-hogg.com

Treezyn Camo

Treezyn decided bigger, bolder, more contrasting elements and textures are crucial to disguising the human silhouette, so they set out to create a concealment pattern outside of the industry paradigm. Over 30 years of study in fractal research and natural elements led to their silhouette-vexing camo. Treezyn’s three dimensional aspect combined with a digital layout inside the pattern allows hunters to remain hidden as they walk away or sit high above in a stand. Available patterns are: Early Seezyn (shown), Late Seezyn and Vixzyn. Learn more at treezyn.com. Learn more at treezyn.com

Walnut Hollow Country Euro Skull Mounting Kit

The Euro Skull Mounting Kit is an easy DIY wall bracket for mounting deer skulls. Simply locate a wall stud, screw the steel bracket to the wall, add the magnetized wood screw cover, mount the cleaned skull and enjoy your trophy display. This powder-coated steel bracket makes use of the natural hole in the base of the skull. Rubber pads hold the skull securely without damage. The Kit features a wood cover and bracket; approximate bracket size is 5.25-by-5-by-2.5 inches.  Learn more at walnuthollowcountry.com

Xpedition Archery Perfexion XL

The Perfexion XL brings to bear the full scope of Xpedition’s aerospace pedigree to influence archery design and precision manufacturing. The PXT dual limb stop hybrid cam has an unprecedented 6 inches of draw length adjustment on one base cam, features ½ inch modular draw adjustment and Xpedition signature adjustability. The Perfexion XL is fast enough for 3D in spite of its 8-inch-plus brace height, yet still prioritizes the smooth draw that target archers require for long days at the range. Its rigid riser recovers with the consistency previously reserved for shoot through designs. Learn more at xpeditionarchery.com

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By Scott Haugen

With the skiff anchored I wasted no time moving across the moss-covered forest floor. My goal was to quickly cover the 300-yard stretch of trees on this long, narrow little island and come out on the western shore, where moments prior I’d glassed a nice black bear feeding along the shoreline.

The wind was perfect, and given this was Prince of Wales Island, the going was quiet. Nearing the timber’s edge of the tiny island—a mile from the main island—I searched the flats where I’d last seen the bear, but he wasn’t in sight. There were low spots along the gravel beach, however, and knowing food thrives in such places during spring, I slowly moved toward them, hoping to locate the bear tucked away in one of the declivities.

I slowly worked through the forest, following a labyrinth of bear trails filled with grass, seaweed and small Dungeness crabs. With more than a 20-foot tide swing taking place, I wanted to find this bear and close the deal, fast, for navigation amid such tides can prove treacherous.

I was carrying an Excalibur crossbow, shooting a 100-grain titanium broadhead. My home state of Oregon doesn’t allow crossbow hunting, and given my addiction to bear hunting, I was more than eager to pursue bruins with a crossbow for the first time. The scoped Excalibur was shooting impressive groups and I felt confident out to 70 yards. Fortunately, my shot opportunity would come at less than half that distance.

Moving toward a depression, I stuck to the timber’s edge for cover. With the tide midway through an outgoing phase, I had 20 yards of beach to work with, much of it covered in green grass. The recent high tide had also washed up loads of kelp, crabs and other seafood.

The first low spot I approached proved empty. Moving toward the next depression, my heart pounded when the back of a bear materialized. I could tell by the way the top of its shoulders moved the bear was feeding intensely. When bears are in feed mode, they can be loud and focused, making for the perfect spot-and-stalk situation.

Wasting no time, I moved directly at the bear, a steady breeze caressing the side of my face. Stooping as low as I could, I closed the gap quickly. The biggest challenge was remaining quiet, as each step fell on the round rocks making up this section of beach. Fortunately, the bear was feeding in a low spot that allowed me to keep inching closer. From 70 to 50 yards, I had yet to see the bear’s head or lower half of its body. At 30 yards I was getting close. Finally, at 22 yards, I had my first glimpse of the entire bear.

Its long coat shimmered with each stab it made to pluck bites of grass. The bear was facing away, but now that I was exposed, I dared not move any closer. Bolt in place, scope on the bear, I waited for it to turn.

As the bear slowly turned to my left, facing the forest, I squeezed the trigger. It had no idea I was there. The sound of the crossbow didn’t surprise nearly as much as the broadhead hitting the mark, or the fact the bear made three lunges and collapsed, barely 10 yards from where it was hit.

Given the position of the bear’s body at the time of the shot, the bolt entered tight behind the near shoulder and passed through the center of the shoulder blade on the opposite side—impressive energy and performance, to say the least.

Loading the bear into the boat and making it back to the main island, I was elated to have finally taken a bear with a crossbow. The allure of hunting Alaska is something I never tire of, and my newfound passion of pursuing bears with a crossbow is something I hope to relive one day soon.

Note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s bestselling book, Hunting The Alaskan High Arctic, send a check for $38.00 (FREE S&H), to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489, or order online at  www.scotthaugen.com.

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By Stephanie Mallory

The time has never been better to take a trophy buck in a Southern state.

Times are changing for the Southern deer hunter. As a general rule, hunters don’t take to change well, but these changes are putting a big smile across many Southern hunters’ faces. In short, Southern hunters are bagging bigger bucks than ever before.

Everyone knows that Northern deer typically grow larger than those in the South for several reasons. Northern deer need a large body mass to withstand colder temperatures. They also have access to more and better food sources, such as corn and soybeans. And while you’ll still find more big deer up North than you will in the South, big Southern deer with antlers rivaling those commonly found in the North have been making news during the past few years.

Why are Southern hunters taking larger deer?

For one, quality deer management has garnered greater focus in recent years. From the 1950s until only very recently, does were considered sacred cows in the South.  Although the belief that shooting does results in less bucks still lingers in some areas of the South, overall, the attitude has changed. Herd management through reducing doe populations has resulted in more older-age-class bucks being harvested in recent years.

Southern hunters have also begun investing more time on food plots, mineral licks and other means of increasing deer nutrition. This results in larger deer. In addition, they’re letting younger bucks walk. More and more Southern states are managing deer herds for older-age-class bucks. For example, hunters in Alabama used to be able to legally harvest bucks with only two inches of antler showing. Today, many Alabama WMA’s have rules requiring that bucks have at least three points on one side to be legally taken.

The agricultural landscape of the South is changing as well. Many years ago, corn, soybeans and other row crops were abundant throughout the South, but the crop of choice eventually changed to pine in an effort to keep up with the nation’s paper demand. But, as society has become more paperless, row crops such as soybeans and corn have begun making a comeback in the South, which resulted in more food and bigger deer.

Although some Southern deer may be growing antlers to rival those in some Northern states, the hunting conditions are still quite different in the South.

The biggest difference is certainly the weather. It can get hot down South—real hot. In fact, an early season deer hunt in the Deep South can be brutal as far as temperatures are concerned. Bow season in some parts of the South begins early. For example, bow seasons in South Carolina start in August, a time when temperatures can still hover in the upper 90s. This not only results in sweaty, miserable hunters, but human scent becomes more problematic. Deer are also less likely to move in hot weather, which can result in frustrated hunters.

Thick foliage is also a big issue in the South. Underbrush remains thick throughout much of the year, which not only makes it more difficult to spot deer, but easier to spook them as well.

Bugs, such as mosquitoes, chiggers and ticks also present a greater problem during the early deer season. Products such as Thermacells and tick-repelling clothing are essential during early season. And you can’t forget venomous snakes, which especially like to hang out in swampy, wet places during warm-weather conditions.

Although conditions can be tough for the Southern hunter, if he sticks it out and braves the heat, bugs and snakes, his chances for taking a big buck are greater now than they’ve ever been.

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MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation capped 2016, a year filled with several organizational conservation milestones, by surpassing seven million acres in lifetime land protection and habitat enhancement projects.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment that strikes at the very heart of our conservation mission. It is a reflection of decades of hard work bolstered by the support of dedicated volunteers, members, partner organizations, sponsors and many, many other good folks,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

RMEF seeks to permanently protect crucial elk range, migration corridors, calving grounds and other areas vital to elk and other wildlife. It does so by using acquisitions, access agreements and easements, conservation easements, land and estate donations, and other similar land conservation tools and projects.

Additionally, RMEF recognizes that healthy habitat is essential for wild, free-ranging elk herds so through the Managed Lands Initiative it helps fund and conduct prescribed burns, forest thinning, noxious weed treatments, water development projects and other such efforts to improve essential forage, cover, water and space components for wildlife. RMEF also supports and funds research and wildlife management work to help maintain healthy, thriving herds.

“Protecting and enhancing habitat are among the most important things we can do for wildlife. We will continue to do all we can in leading that effort in elk country. RMEF will also seek to carry out more public access projects, assist elk reintroduction work, advocate for issues important to conservation as well as sportsmen and women, and do all we can to ensure our hunting heritage,” added Allen.

In November 2016, RMEF, through the Access Elk Country Initiative, topped one million acres in new or improved public access. And in August, RMEF surpassed 10,000 lifetime conservation projects.
RMEF 2016 Milestones Summary

• Surpassed 7 million acres of conserved or enhanced habitat
• Topped 1 million acres of new or improved public access
• Surpassed 10,000 lifetime conservation projects
• Recorded eighth consecutive year of record membership, totaling 222,325 as of December 31, 2016

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 220,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 7.1 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation” at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK. Take action: join and/or donate.

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Despite all the horror stories, awareness campaigns and innovative safety gear, treestand-related accidents remain the most common cause of injury or death while hunting, according to a study conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The study gathered data from two statewide hunter-surveys conducted in 2013, hunting-license purchases, and north-central Wisconsin hospital records from between 2009 and 2013. Its findings show that falls from trees remain a very real threat. The study outlined a few key conclusions:

• Although fewer hunters use a bow than a gun, bowhunters have a 4.5 greater chance of injury because of the longer season.
• The average probability for serious injury was 1 out of 71 for a 25 year period of hunting participation.
• Avid lifetime deer hunters, characterized as those who hunt during the gun- and bow-season, have a 1 in 20 chance of being injured from a fall.

The study recommends beefed-up safety education for new hunters, but also pointed out that it is more important to get established hunters to consistently use proper safety gear while hunting from a treestand. Consistency is the key word here. A 2003 survey by the WDNC found that of the 84 percent of deer hunters that hunted from treestands, 62 percent owned a safety harness, but only 31 percent “Always” used one, and 14 percent “Usually” used one. While these numbers have certainly changed since, the problem clearly remains. Despite the possible consequences of broken bones, paralysis and death, many hunters remain stubborn.

The two most common reasons for not using safety gear were “being extra careful while climbing,” and “never having fallen in the past.” These reasons clearly don’t hold water. After all, what would you say to someone who removed their car’s airbags because they had never been in a crash? Further, despite “careful climbing,” around 50 percent of falls or near-falls occurred during ascent and descent from stands.

This topic has been viewed as beating a dead horse, but this study and others are proof that the problem must continue to be addressed. Use a safety harness 100 percent of the time and encourage others to do the same, or these studies will continue to show the same grim findings.

Click here to read the complete study.

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