Ask Bowhunter.

As in many other suburban areas across the country, bowhunters here in Somerset County, New Jersey, are caught up in the ongoing debate over how to control a burgeoning deer herd. I've spoken with two local politicians who have expressed an interest in presenting any info I can find on the use of bowhunting to control whitetail deer populations. I was wondering if you might be able to point me toward some case studies where bowhunting has been used successfully as a means of controlling whitetails. I'm also looking for any bowhunting mortality studies. Thanks for your help. I cannot stress enough what a golden opportunity this is for bowhunters in our area.

J.G., via e-mail

A Two publications should answer a lot of your questions and be a great reference to the politicians:

1. Wildlife Society Bulletin, Vol. 25, #2, pages 213-600; Title: "Deer Overabundance."

2. Urban Deer A Manageable Resource?, The North Central Section, The Wildlife Society (1995).

You can obtain both of these pubilcations by contacting The Wildlife Society at [phone]. I might also suggest contracting with a consulting wildlife biologist. Not that I'm trying to drum up business for myself, but I do live just west of Baltimore.

C.J. Winand, Contributor

(Editor's note: See also "21st Century Bowhunting," by Bob Humphrey, on page 84 of this issue.)

Q I picked up some carbon shafts last year, and while I found them to be very accurate with field points, when I switched to my usual fixed-blade broadheads I just couldn't get them to fly right. Any suggestions?

M.S., Cleveland, OH

A Like you, I've had trouble getting my carbon arrows to fly true when I've mounted my favorite broadheads to the business ends. Last turkey season I ended up using mechanical heads on my carbon arrows to get proper arrow flight. When I shoot my favorite fixed-blade broadheads, I use my Easton 2315 aluminum shafts (with sufficient helical fletching to insure accurate flight). Although I don't use open-on-impact heads on big game, I've found them quite effective on gobblers and smaller game. Therefore, I wouldn't hesitate to urge you to follow suit. Just make sure to get in plenty of prehunt practice to make certain your broadhead-tipped arrows (whatever your choice of head) are hitting exactly where you're aiming.

M.R. James, Founder/Editor Emeritus 

Q On Bowhunter Magazine's The American Archer TV show (the Outdoor Channel, June 19, 2001) Dwight Schuh and Larry D. Jones were bowhunting in Africa. Both were wearing hats similar to the old Himalayan of years past. Where did they get their hats?

Gary M., via e-mail

A we got our hats from Day One Camouflage, 3300 S. Knox Ct. Englewood, CO 80110; 1-800-347-2979. Owner Gary Christoffersen makes some fine clothing products.

Dwight Schuh, Editor

Q I'm shopping for a new treestand, and right now I'm looking at stands from API, 0l' Man, and Summit. What do you know about stands from these manufacturers?

C.K., via Internet e-mail

A It sounds to me like you've already done your homework, as you've narrowed your search to treestands from three exceptional manufacturers. API, 01' Man, and Summit all offer great treestands.

I've personally had the most experience with API stands. The API Shooting Star, in my experience, is an extremely comfortable climbing stand. I particularly like its padded back and head rest. You might also want to look at API's Grand Slam Magnum Supreme.

The good news is that you can't go wrong with a stand from any of the above manufacturers.

Bill Krenz, Equpment Editor

Q I just recently got into bowhunting, and I'm looking for a new bowsight. I have trouble with standard pin sights, and I was wondering if you could give me some other sighting options Also, could you recommend a good video on how to call whitetail deer?

M.T., Morann, PA

A You haven't really said why you're having trouble with pins. If lack of visibility is the problem, I suggest you try fiber-optic pins. They show up clear and bright in dim light. My next suggestion is to try a pendulum sight. Most of these sights have only one aperture to focus on. Pendulums are best used from an elevated position such as a treestand, and they are also most reliable when always shot from about the same height. Although I do not use a pendulum sight, many of my friends have excellent success with these sights. Several companies make pendulum sights. Look for their ads in this magazine.

Other sighting options worth mentioning are crosshair bowsights, laserdot styles, magnifying scopes, and lighted sight pins. I have personally field-tested all of these, including the pendulum sight. The choices are endless and hopefully this might give you an insight to the one just right for you.

In reference to your request for a deer calling video, I recommend those made by Knight & Hale Game Galls. These guys are in the heart of whitetail country and they produce entertaining and educational videos. Call them at 1-800-500-9357 for a catalog of their calls and videos. Their address is Drawer 670, Cadiz, KY 42211.