G5 Expert II Rest

Lately, I have noticed a few KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) articles showing up in bowhunting magazines. I think this is good advice. While they didn't quite convince me to go to a whisker bisquit, I did decide to replace my Spot Hogg Whammy rest with a new G5 Expert II.

There really wasn't anything wrong with the Whammy rest. It seemed to function correctly. I did have to return the first one that I purchased because it broke within the first couple of weeks. I think I was most concerned with the complication factor of that rest. While easy to setup, it counted on the upward cable to time the spring action of the rest getting yanked out of the way. Too many moving parts was my concern. Possibly, I just never forgave this products designers for the first model that broke on me.

The G5 Expert rest and Expert II are simple spring action fall-away rests much like the proven Trophy Taker rest. Build on the Expert II is superior to the Trophy Takers at least there is nicer machining. The G5 setup easily and belive it or not didn't need a bit of tuning after I set up centershot and adjusted the height of the rest (luck, but I'll take it). Three perfect shots through paper showed no further tuning necessary. The rest is completely quiet on the draw and looks to be nearly fullproof. I will make sure water doesn't get in the moving parts and freeze. I also marked the cable so I would know the cord had remained in adjustment. Broadheads are flying perfectly. Time to go hunting.

While the blog is now up and running, I ended up blasting the Trophy Room while setting it up. Oh well, I think I have decided to install an upgraded photo gallery. Hopefully, I can get it up and running in a few days.

Bear Truth2

I'm not sure why I had to have a new bow this year. I will be lucky if I get to bowhunt for even a few days. Be that as it may, I am now the quite-pleased owner of a new Bear Truth 2 bow. Last year I hunted with the Bear Truth bow so upgrading to the Truth 2 was pretty much a natural progression for me. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Truth 2 is very much improved. The draw cycle is smoother. It is much quieter. There is less hand shock. The Winner's Choice bowstring has been stable since day 1. The Truth was good. The Truth 2 is much better.

Negatives on the Truth2: Holes for mounting sites are a little low for me (lower than the bows I compared it to). I had to change my sight as I didn't have enough adjustment. I purchased a G5 Optix ME which I believe will be the best sight I have ever owned. It had plenty of adjustment. The Truth 2 has triangular cutouts for mounting two piece quivers (excellent), but I can't find any quivers that have the matching triangular insert (including Trophy Ridge which has it on one end, but needs it on two ends).

Hunts 2008

This year, I'm planning on some great days in the field. The September 1st dove opener will officially open the annual hunts, but my first big trip will be a Schwartzlow Family Antelope hunt in Wyoming. As most of you know, I have been to Wyoming many times. I've taken countless antelope, but I usually go with my Father and friends. This year will be for Lorene, Lia, and Dad. Lorene hasn't been drawn for a while in Arizona and last year's deer hunt was very short for Lorene. I'm looking forward to helping Lorene take an antelope. The big excitement will undoubtedly be taking Lia along. I may have to practice my long range shots, but Lia and I will get an antelope this year. At 3, Lia is starting to understand that we hunt for food and that we will eat the antelope. She has yet to be disgusted or saddened by the death of an animal (a fox and squirrel hunting veteran at 2). We'll see how it goes. Lorene and I will be challenged to keep it fun, but I trust we are up to the challenge. Wyoming has so much to offer.

As soon as I get home from Wyoming, I'm going to try to get down to the Chirrachuas to hunt for Fox Squirrels. I have been talking about heading out in search of these most unique squirrels for many years, but I have yet to take the trip. Hopefully, Gary and I can find the time this year.

I had such a great experience bowhunting last year that I have got to make time to head back to Wisconsin. I was absolutely amazed that the deer acted like the deer in the magazine articles and on the television shows. These deer were on private land, nothing like the public land deer that I have hunted most of my life.

It is a family tradition now so I must hunt the 9 day Wisconsin gun season. We found a new cabin further North last year with some good hunting in a new area. I look forward to heading back and shooting the monster buck that narrowly escaped with his life last year (my safety froze in place = very lucky deer). It won't happen twice.

Predator season means Grey Fox for me. I'll start heading out in December this year to find the best populations. Mark Roth is considering coming down in February to hunt fox. Mark has yet to see the unbelievable success that we have had now for the past couple years. Hopefully, this year will be just as good.