VOL 78 / 5
Home > News > Bowhunting season is upon us
Bowhunting season is upon us
BY WILLIAM LANDMARK
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
Associated Press
Autumn is here and its fire is slowly burning through the luscious green summer landscape. That can only mean one thing: Bowhunting season is upon us. Many Minnesotans have been waiting all year for fall and for some the next three months of archery season will be heaven.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Web site, Minnesotans purchased 58,625 archery licenses in 2006, which accounts for about 16 percent of the deer licenses purchased in Minnesota. The allure of bagging a mature deer is what entices hunters to the woods year after year, and with almost two weeks of bow season already under their belts, UMD archers know what they can expect of the 2007 season.
A modern compound bow is only capable of making good ethical shots at distances up to 40 yards, or 120 feet. Most hunters prefer to take shots at deer less than 30 yards away. As a comparison a hockey rink is only 85 feet wide, or about 28.3 yards.
“[The distance is] the additional challenge,” said junior Travis Powers, about the lure of bowhunting. “You have to get closer and be more careful about what you are doing in the bow stand.”
Many archers reiterate this fact and can attest that bow hunting requires more patience and good judgment.
“In theory archery harvest should be higher,” said DNR Habitat Specialist Larry Peterson. “But the difficulty of being able to get a deer close enough to shoot can be a problem.”
Many UMD archers simply enjoy the solitude and enjoyment of being in the outdoors.
“Not only is bow hunting fun and a real challenge, but it is good for you,” said legendary archer Fred Bear. “The exercise in the fresh air, the chance to get away from everyday pressures and problems, a return to the basic relationship between man and his environment.”
His thoughts were echoed by UMD junior Jake Sjolie.
“It gives me time to get away and clear my mind,” said Sjolie.
Sophomore Cory Przybilla agreed, adding, “I don’t have to worry about anything when I am out there.”
As with any sport there are certain goals and expectations that these archers hope to meet. When asked about the 2007 archery season it was easy to realize that these guys know it will be a good one.
“It’s going to be a really good season,” Sjolie said. “I am already starting to see a lot of deer.”
With an estimated 1.1 million deer in Minnesota, according to the DNR Web site, all signs are pointing to another banner season.
“I just like to try new areas and better understand deer movements,” Powers said.
