Antelope Creek Wildlife & Ponds
"Specializing in Managing and Developing Fish and Wildlife Populations
and their Habitats and Providing Land Management Services so you can
get the most Enjoyment and Profitability out of your Property"

ESTABLISHED 2012
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Is EHD Back?

9/22/2016

 
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Over the past few weeks I have been getting calls from land owners in the area about dead deer. As I got asked these questions and began talking and listening to others it has become evident to me that we are experiencing some loss due to EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease). Although I haven’t found any myself on either the grounds that I hunt or those that I manage for others, it seems that it is definitely occurring. Many of our trail camera photos show signs of unhealthy deer as well.

The more people I talk to the more prevalent it seems to be. As farmers are out checking crops for harvest and hunters scouting, the smell has been the key to finding these deer. There have also been reports of sickly looking deer wandering near farmsteads unafraid of humans. This is a clear sign that one is likely sick.

In our part of the country we were rather dry during July and August creating the perfect conditions for the biting midges that spread EHD. Although we have had some wet weather in the recent weeks, I think the damage is done. All we can hope for is a good freeze to kill the midges. So far it doesn’t seem to be quite as bad as it was in 2012. In fact it may be a good thing to get it coming through again.

If it occurs more often, it gives the population a chance to build immunity for the disease, in my opinion. Those who survived the last go round as fawns are only 4 years old now and if they survived then they should be able to get through it now especially if they contracted the disease the first time and made it.

I suspect we will see the full story of how bad this year’s outbreak is, as crop harvest ramps up in the coming weeks. So far the reports, I don’t think, are near as bad as they were 4 years ago. Hopefully your hunting grounds haven’t been affected too badly. There is no way to treat this but as I stated above maybe the herds can begin to build immunity towards the disease. Otherwise we can make sure our herds are in the best shape they can be by harvesting the appropriate number of deer for each individual property, providing the best habitat possible with the best food and water sources we can so that deer remain as healthy as they can.

Remember to manage today for a better tomorrow!

Brett Kleinschmit

Arrow Selection

9/6/2016

 
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The past 4 years as a hunting guide, I noticed that many people overlook one of the most important aspects to bow hunting… the arrow. Most people showed up to camp and talked about their bow and how fast it shot, how light it was, the site they chose and why, broadheads etc., but I rarely heard any of them talk about the arrow they shot. There are actually instances where I have seen multiple brands and sizes of arrows being used in a set up. That is like bringing .270 ammo for your 30-06.  

One needs to consider how the arrow as a whole unit, broadhead, spine, nock, fletchings and inserts are going to perform. All of them should be set up the same way and the same weights. You want consistency in your arrows so that each one will fly nearly identical to the next. With all the variables involved in making a consistent flying set of arrows, the shaft is likely the most important. One can get fixed blade and expandable broad heads to fly consistent with field points through proper tuning. Only so much can be done in the bow set up and tuning for consistent accuracy a lot comes from the arrow.

First off you need to determine to correct spine for your draw length and weight you shoot. Having the correct spine weight for your arrows goes a long ways in being accurate but I think purchasing arrows that have consistently built by the manufacture with good materials takes your arrows to the next step and aids in even better accuracy. This is where Carbon Express becomes my arrow of choice.

Carbon Express continues to be one of the leaders in the arrow industry with firm tolerances for arrow straightness, spine strength and consistent even weight throughout the length of the shaft. This becomes very important when desiring the most accurate arrows. They changed the game with the Maxima Red arrows.

Once an arrow is released the sudden transfer of energy causes that arrow to oscillate or bend back and forth. Adding a broadhead to the end of the shaft will magnify the effects of oscillation. In the Maxima Red arrow by Carbon Express, they came up with a way to confine spine flexing to the middle of the shaft rather than the ends like most areas. They refer to this area as the red zone. This allows the arrow to recover from oscillaton and stabilize quicker resulting in improved accuracy especially with a broadhead. This will also make tuning your bow easier with fixed blades.

I have shot Carbon Express arrows for over 10 years now and have always loved them. Over the summer I have been shooting these arrows and I have to say I am very impressed. Especially with the broadhead flight is where I noticed the biggest difference, particularly at longer distances. Practicing at longer ranges of 60, 70 and 80 yards with fixed blade heads these arrows are flying incredible and are very accurate. I have also noticed that I am getting a much greater amount of penetration with these arrows than other arrows I have used in the past. Some of that has to do with the arrow weight and bow set up but I think some of it may be due to how quickly the arrow is stabilizing. I cannot wait to get the chance to get after deer, elk and antelope this season with the current set up.

So if you are looking to improve your hunting accuracy I highly recommend you take a look at these arrows. Remember to practice, practice, practice to prepare for that moment you have waited for all season. Don’t just shoot your field points and screw your broadheads on the day you head to the tree. Practice with them and get your equipment finely tuned so you too can have the most confidence in your equipment.

Being confident is key to great success!

Brett Kleinschmit
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    Brett Kleinschmit

     Owner of Antelope Creek Wildlife and Ponds.

    Land Specialist for Whitetail Properties Real Estate

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