BowHunting Opens

This last Saturday was the 18th of September, and for many people it was the kickoff to their weekend, but for others it was the kickoff of something much greater. Bowhunting opened and all of the hunting fanatics got out the camo and went out to shoot "the big one" as bowhunter Dalton Woodworth had put it. There is always one of your family members or friends who have those wild and crazy hunting stories that you love to hear and even sometimes laugh at and call them a liar. It's part of the tradition of bowhunting to go out, hunt, come back and tell each other how the hunt went.

Many people would agree that bowhunting is much more exciting to them than gun hunting mainly because of the game plan. When thinking up a strategy for your hunt, you must think about what type of equipment to use and bring, where to sit, and which way the wind is blowing. Woodworth says that, "a couple of the main reasons that people go bowhunting is because it is much more of a sport to shoot deer by using a bow instead of a rifle. With a bow, you must have a lot of patience and let the deer actually come to you. All in all I think any hunter would agree shot with a bow or gun venison tastes the best."

Reid Mack and Jonathan Loeffelholz both agree that this year the number of bowhunters has increased. "The reason for this could either be persuasion that bow hunting is more sporting, the nicer weather we have had, or since one person you know does it then you will want to try it," says Loeffelholz . Mack, a local hunter, says that he thinks the number of deer harvested this year will easily be more than last year. If he is right you better get out there and get your "monster." In the old movie gallery building, a new archery shop has opened up here in town called Sparta Archery. It is a store that is branched off of La Crosse Archery. Mack also agrees that since there is a store to supply the demand of bows to bowhunt, then more people will hunt. Jon Loeffelholz was asked what other animals he has seen out when hunting that he thinks are becoming more common to see every time you are out in the woods. "I've seen many turkeys and coyotes. Also I've seen a couple wolf tracks here and there so I make sure to keep my eyes on the lookout for them."

Bowhunting to many people is a great tradition to pass on from one generation to another. To others, it is just another season to hunt deer. Either thought is fine, it just depends on how passionate you are about it. Bow hunting can be very relaxing and good for anyone because you are out in nature. Just be careful up in that stand. Good luck to all hunters and get out there.