Bowhunting in Britain is technically ilegal sine the late 1970's, sadly. As a result, those of us who still do it, can't talk about it for fear that Big Brother is looking in at us while we type.
I assume that you used to do it, what prey did you go for with a bow?
When I was a kid my father and I used to shoot deer with longbows with bladed tips, in Dorset. In America this sport is still practised with very high levels of accuracy, using astonishingly powerful bows, arrow tips that have pop out blades, etc!
Normally, a heart shot will drop a deer within a few yards of impact. Blood loss is very rapid, so a well placed arrow will weaken the animal very fast indeed. A follow up arrow if needed is only seconds behind the first.
I think that with 12 guage it's a driven shoot with beaters, but with longbows, it's a matter of stalking. This make sit rather exciting / dangerous, since they also have wild boar and big cats there!
I think it's going to be amazing fun. It will be hot and parched. We are going to near Salt Lake City, so may suffer from altitude sickness for a while, but will be quite an experience, after the tameness of hunting in Britain!
Hello Madman. If I may, I'd like to give you a little insight on what to expect of your autumn turkey hunt in Utah. You are right about it's going to be great fun. Definately bring your camera. The land is wild in places and you never know what you may see next. As for the turkey hunting, most likely you and your partner will take up a stand on the ground somewhere where turkeys hang out. Someone will use calls, either mouth or mechanical. This will be for gun or bow.I don't believe there's much beating and driving going on these days. Safety issue. You will want a full set of camoflage clothing including gloves and face cover. Turkey eyesight is amazingly sharp and they see colors better than we do. There may even be turkey decoys set up. Very effective. It's an amazing sight to see a coyote come attack a fake turkey. They are very lifelike. The weather at that time should be fairly dry and fairly HOT. Utah does have some very high areas but turkey prefer the lowlands. You can hope to see Elk, Cougar. Mule deer, Whitetail and possibly Blacktailed deer. Yes maybe even a Bear or two. I'll warn you now about the Mormons, hee hee. They are very particular about who they talk to. If someone asks you in town what is your religion, Well I don't know what you should say but anything other than Mormon is going to be a wrong answer. They're just that way. Don't let it bother you or detract from your visit. It's a wonderful oppurtunity for you. We have a lot of wild turkey in our area. Sometimes you see large flocks in the smaller towns. I hope my post enhances your excitement a little and makes you anticipate your trip all the more. And my real name is Rob for anyone who cares to use it. Have a great day.
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