For most bowhunters, whitetails occupy our thoughts and dreams. For many others, it’s elk and mule deer. The problem is such seasons occupy relatively little space on our calendar. For hardcore bowhunters, a couple months of hunting a year really doesn’t provide the continued fix needed to keep us sane. I’m not referring to small game and bowfishing and 3-D, which are obvious avenues to keep the bowhunting flame burning bright, but by God, big-deal stuff — bowhunts that keep us awake at night scheming and planning. For those I offer these 10 off-season hunts for bowhunters:
AMS Bowfishing co-owner Cindy Braun is an expert on everything bowfishing, putting her skills and gear to the ultimate test on this awesome Golden State sand shark.
Off-season bowfishing is all about fun under the sun -- saltwater bowfishing even more so. Stingrays make obvious targets as they're big, fast, stout and normally unprotected (unlike most saltwater species), though on some coasts game fish are legal (always consult regulations), including the ultimate ocean animal -- sharks (Louisiana and California). This is as easy as wading back bayous or as involved as launching boats. Action can prove fast and furious, and targets more robust than back forty carp!
Hotspots: Louisiana stands head and shoulders above other saltwater bowfishing destinations, because many game fish are legally taken (redfish and sharks for instance; check regulations for details). The Texas Gulf Coast is also a bowfishing wonderland, because there's so much of it and public access abounds. Stingrays and sheepshead offer action-packed shooting.
Essential Gear: Look to Muzzy Products (www.muzzy.com) and AMS Bowfishing for all your bowfishing needs big and small.
Best Seasons: The months of June, July and August are prime for saltwater action.
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