Via an online survey, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission’s Policy Committee is requesting your opinion on possible changes for the use of crossbows to hunt in Michigan.  

• • • Take the Michigan NRC Crossbow Survey here • • •

You have 4 options to choose from, along with a section for your two cents. 

Have you ever heard the expression . . . Is it the indian or the arrow?  Or to be more politically correct, was it the shooter or the equipment?

Last night was the first round of my archery league.  Inconsistant is the only word I can use to describe my performance.  However, it did find something a little interesting . . . .

A little tip for ya!

I number my arrows 1-5, and shoot the same arrow at the same target every round.  I do this so I can track how each arrow is flying.  An example:

#1 arrow - R1=10, R2=9, R3=9, R4=8, R5=9, R6=9. . . A little inconsistant, but I believe it’s my shooting rather than an equipment issue.

#2 arrow – R1=9, R2=0, R3=9, R4=10, R5=10, R6=9. . .Again, it’s my fault.

#4 arrow – R1=8, R2=10, R3=10, R4=10, R5=7, R6=7. . .Very inconsistant.  What happened?  After inspecting my #4 arrow, I noticed that one of the vanes was coming off.  It looks like I was having some equipment problems.  I will re-fletch this arrow and see if I can get the consistancy back.

By no means am I an expert bowhunter/archer. . .Come look at my empty freezer.  But as I touched upon in a previous blog, practice does make perfect.  However, it’s not always the Indian’s fault.

Remember to Shoot Straight!

Just because it’s 5 degrees outside and there’s 2 feet of snow on the ground, doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for the upcoming hunting seasons.

I do a couple things to make sure my skills stay sharp . . . .

·        I shoot 3-4 times a week in my basement, concentrating only shooting technique.  You don’t need a lot of space; I only have about an eight yard shot.  Also, you don’t need to shoot a ton of arrows, I only shoot 5 . . . Remember QUALITY, not quantity.  Focus on your form.

·        Find a league to shoot in.  Not only will it provide you the necessary practice, it also gives you the opportunity to hang out with your fellow bowhunters.

So get that bow back out of its case and start practicing!  Remember, practice does make perfect . . . .

The appplication period is from January 1st – February 1st, with the drawing results being posted online March 2nd.

Applications can be purchased online at www.michigan.gov/dnr and then follow the links.

I received an email from Ed Spinazolla today in regards to his recent proposal to The Michigan NRC.  I was asking him how the presentation went.  Below are a few of his responses . . .

“It takes time for a new and controversial subject to take hold on our decision makers. I believe that it will happen but when?”

  “It will not happen with my voice alone. It will with yours and a hundred or more voices added.”

He said he’ll be back in Lansing  for February’s NRC meeting. 

Show your support for this proposal by contacting Ed at his website, www.deerattraction.com.

I will continue posting updates as I get them . . . . Please make sure you keep coming back!

Many hunters in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula continue to voice their displeasure over the baiting ban.  I have no opinion one way or the other.  However, I have a feeling it will eventually become a permanent ban.

There is a potential solution . . . . Food Plots.  But what about the hunters on the public lands?

On January 8th, a gentleman by the name of Ed Spinazzola went in front of Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission to propose allowing hunters to create a food plot on public land in Michigan.  Mr. Spinazzola is considered an expert on wildlife food plots.  

As for the outcome of his proposal to the NRC?  I will be watching for updates and reporting it on future blogs.

To learn more about food plots, go to www.deerattraction.com.  This website offers numerous how-to tips from plot layout to preparing soil and seeding.