When I decided to learn archery and how to bowhunt, I never realized I would be joining such a supportive and enthusiastic community. Yet that is one of the many side benefits to this fun sport — the camaraderie within the bowhunting family and the welcome new bowhunters receive — no matter their age or […]
Tag: Kristen Schmitt
Intro to Archery: The Rangefinder of Possibilities
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I didn’t own a rangefinder until about three weeks ago. Some of that stems from the fact that I’m not a gadgety person. In fact, one of the main things I relish about living out in the boonies is the lack of cell phone coverage. This means that I’m […]
Intro to Archery: Trail cameras and deer season
I love checking my trail cameras. You never know what you’ll see. Checking the files on an SD card feels a little bit like opening a present every time — even if it means I’m only looking at squirrels, raccoons or my dog. It’s a ritual that my whole family loves, especially my daughter. I’ve […]
Intro to Archery: Dressing Warmly for Bow Season
I hate being cold. Absolutely hate it. And while my summer tan still lingers, this morning there was a thin layer of frost on the grass and across our windshields, marking the official arrival of fall. I learned last year how chilly it can get after sitting in a tree stand for hours, watching squirrels […]
Intro to Archery: Deer Signs
I walk my dog every morning down the rough dirt road that remains unplowed all winter. Edged in wild blackberry bushes, the road slopes into a rough two-track with rocks the size of small boulders that will rip tires if you aren’t careful. It’s my favorite place to walk. Sometimes it’s nice to unplug for […]
Intro to Archery: Processing Venison Yourself
I bought another chest freezer yesterday in anticipation of the upcoming bow season. We’ve had an incredible garden harvest this year – our first big garden haul ever – and I’ve processed summer squash, zucchini, peas, kale, corn and tomatoes – and still have more to do. Yet both the freezer in the house and […]
Intro to Archery: Where the Urban Deer Roam
My inlaws live in the middle of suburbia surrounded by a large metro park. Their backyard is proof that urban deer exist, and exist in higher numbers than some may think. Don’t believe me? Then check out this out: No need to rub your eyes or pinch yourself. That really is four bucks milling around the […]
Intro to Archery: Practicing for Fall Deer Season
It is hard to believe that in only a matter of weeks summer vacation will be officially over and my daughter will be back in school. While the days have mostly been sunny and warm, the mornings are crisp and hint at a change in temperature just over the horizon. I’ve been focusing on preserving […]
Intro to Archery: Archers vs. Bowhunters? Meat Eaters vs. Vegetarians?
Is there really a divide between archers and bowhunters? Or does the real debate lie between meat eaters and vegetarians? I admit that these may be odd questions to ask, but ones that I’ve been thinking about over the past few weeks following a piece I wrote for the Archery Trade Association about why I […]
Intro to Archery: Food Plots and Trail Cameras
Summer has finally arrived here and we’ve embraced the sudden surge of warm weather, spending most of the day outside – swimming in our pond, working in the garden, practicing with our bows, and prepping our property for the upcoming deer season through cultivating food plots and setting up trail cameras. Earlier in the summer, […]