How Bowhunting mixes tradition and technology to help maintain healthy hunting for students
Banner photo of the Rod and Gun Club, courtesy of the Rod and Gun Club
Few traditions define Fall in Minnesota like hunting and fishing. While many characterize hunting as a rifle or shotgun-centric activity, another form of hunting continues to thrive in the midwest: bowhunting.
A 2011 study from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service showed that 33 percent, or a third, of people who hunted in that year used a bow partially or entirely. Just four years later a survey from the Archery Trade Association showed that archery participation, though not exclusively for hunting, had “increased over 20 percent from 2012 to 2015”.
Archery is on the rise and bowhunting is proving popular with hunters, but what fuels this more traditional form of hunting and sport in a time when guns are accessible and engineered to the highest possible performance level?
One place that facilitates conversations about bowhunting at UMD is the Rod and Gun Club. Ian Radcliffe, president of the UMD Rod and Gun Club, is an avid bowhunter, as is fellow member Sam Doboszenski. Radcliffe started to bow hunt in high school, while Doboszenski has taken part since the age of seven.
Radcliffe explained that one way deer hunting with a bow stands out against rifle hunting is the long list of challenges that come with it.
“You have to call the deer in a lot closer,” Radcliffe continued. “It’s a lot harder when you’re bow hunting usually you’re going early in the season so the deer aren’t moving as much and you don’t see as many deer. It’s more challenging.”
Doboszenski added that while all hunting has obstacles, bow hunting is far more personal and up close.
“Something we always say is we like counting the eye lashes,” Doboszenski explained. “It’s cool being that close to something. With a rifle you still do have close encounters with a gun, but with a bow you have to bring them in so much closer.”
An additional challenge bowhunters face is misunderstandings from many who assume the worst. Doboszenski explained that bow hunting is often the most humane way for an animal in the wild.
“A lot of people think that’s not as humane, but actuality I’ve dropped deer a lot sooner with a bow than I have with a gun,” Doboszenski explained. “A good shot with anything is going to be humane and that’s what you’re always looking for.”
Doboszenski added that for most bowhunters, humane hunting is a priority.
“Anytime the taking of an animal’s life is involved there needs to be practice. Everybody’s made a bad shot,” Doboszenski continued. “You work harder that next year so you don’t make that shot again. When I’ve killed a deer I walk up, I honestly thank them, I put a hand on them and thank them for this sacrifice that’s going to feed me, my family, and take care of a lot of people.”
Radcliffe added that while there are hunters that don’t follow these practices, it’s best to not let them define the hunting community.
“There’s always those guys that didn't get enough practice in and don’t really know their set up and don’t know what poundage their shooting and they just let arrows fly,” Radcliffe explained. “Those kinds of guys are the kind that ruin it for everyone”
Logo of the Arrowhead Bowhunters Alliance (ABA), courtesy of ABA
According to an annual review published by the Arrowhead Bowhunters Alliance (ABA), an organization which manages education, profinecancy tests and applications for bowhunting in the Duluth area, “[ABA] placed 285 hunters into the 2018 Duluth City Bowhunt. Those 285 hunters harvested a total of 240 white-tailed deer (182 antlerless & 58 antlered males).”
The ABA are one of many organizations in Minnesota, and particularly the Twin Ports area, that focus on maintaining healthy and ethical hunting. Other organizations at play include the Duluth-based United Northern Sportsmen and the Department of National Resources (DNR).
Bow hunting requires a bow and arrows, of course, but also various other gear and attachments. For some this price can rise high, an important decision for students on a budget.
“You could spend upwards of two or three grand on a single bow set up, but not everyone needs that,” Radcliffe continued. “My bow was handed down to me from my dad and then all the accessories were about $500. Plus the gear, you can go pricey with something like Sitka or Nomad. There’s a lot pricey brands out there that are really nice and quiet and breathable, but you don’t have to get those.”
Chart on money generated from purchasing for different types of hunting, courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service
Doboszenski added that while his and many other set ups come with considerable price tags, this isn’t a requirement for hunters.
“If you want to be affordable, you can do it,” Doboszenski explained. “My bow is pretty expensive. Do I need that expensive bow to kill a deer? No. Any bow will do it with the right practice.”
The deer bowhunting season in Minnesota goes from September 14th to December 31st. Meanwhile firearms season, according to the DNR, ranges from the ninth to 24th of November. An additional firearms period goes from the 23rd of November to the first of December. Muzzleloaders, meanwhile, are open from November 30th to December 15th.
As far as getting started goes, Radcliffe says the best way is to go to your local bow shop and ask questions.
“I brought my stock bow to a bow shop and got it all rigged up… They helped me out, got me fit with the right size arrow, they cut it for you. Bow shops are a really good tool and resource. It’s the first place I would go.”
Consult the Minnesotan department of the DNR for further information on hunting, bow or otherwise, and how to go about it legally.