On the equipment side, Elite introduces the 2013 Hunter bow. The Hunter Cam is the centerpiece in Elite’s drive for shootability, while the modules guarantee optimal performance at every draw length. Other highlights include Barnsdale limbs, Limbsaver damping accessories, Winner’s Choice strings/cables, Kolorfusion camo finishes, Cerakote performance coating and one of the best grips in the industry.

The Shootability Challenge
Elite doesn’t want you to “take the blue pill” or “drink the Kool-Aid” when it comes to the speed-at-any-cost mentality. Rather, it would have you take its Elite Shootability Challenge, which focuses on the overall experience of the shot from start to finish—not just one performance measurement like speed. Considerable design time has been focused on the creation of its new two-track Hunter Cam, with a goal of optimizing shootability even further.

In this configuration, one of the tracks is for the string while the other is for both cables. Using only two tracks allows a narrower side-to-side footprint, which reduces weight and brings the load from the cables closer to the center of the system. This increases efficiency and reduces the opportunity for cam lean and the negative effects that come with it.

Draw-length changes are modular; however, a bow press and T15 Torx wrench (star shaped) are required to change them. Modules are available for draw lengths from 25-31 inches, in half-inch increments. A slightly adjustable draw stop on each cam provides a solid back wall while allowing a measure of customization.

Shhhh!
With a laser-like focus on the bowhunter, Elite outfits its Hunter with technologies and accessories designed to tame the shot. It all starts with a set of 13-inch solid Barnsdale limbs. These three-layer, laminated limbs are manufactured using Gordon Composites‘ materials before a CNC-machining process fashions them into their final form.

The parallel position of the limbs at full draw distributes the force from release in equal and opposite directions thereby cancelling out any leftover energy. A bow that incorporates this technology has significantly reduced shock, vibration and noise as compared to a similar bow with upright limb sets. Limbs are available in peak weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds, each with 8-9 pounds of adjustment off peak.

Elite employs a host of Limbsaver products to further reduce shock, vibration and noise. The lineup includes a set of two UltraMax limb dampeners, four Cable Leaches, two Everlast String Leeches, a String Decelerator, and Cable Guard dampener. Limbsaver’s accessories and NAVCOM material have had a significant impact on the archery industry for more than 10 years.

Tying up Loose Ends
Elite’s two-piece grip incorporates wood side panels blended with the contoured section of the riser. The angle, shape and size create a stress-free cradle for the shooter’s hand, and the materials and finish allow for repeatable positioning, which is critical for accuracy and consistency. Elite grips are an industry benchmark.

The Hunter’s riser is reflex in form and an open format in terms of cutouts, which helps keep mass weight as low as possible. Finish options for riser and limbs include Realtree AP, Realtree Max-1, Realtree AP Snow, and Ninja Black. A combination of black and camo is also available.

The Elite Promise
The Elite promise is a combination of a fully transferable limited lifetime warranty and the company’s unique HuntGuarantee. The warranty is valid regardless of where the bow was purchased—new or used. As a part of the Hunt Guarantee, Elite will ship you a ready-to-shoot bow on loan to get you through that once in a lifetime hunt in the event that something happens to your primary rig.

Impressions
The Hunter embodies Elite’s shootability mindset by offering a super smooth draw cycle, relaxed valley at full draw and a tame shot. While there is a measure of shock and vibration when the arrow is released, it is minimal. If you add a quality stabilizer to your setup, you can expect even less of both. The Hunter’s grip is exceptional in both comfort and functionality.

Lou Grace and family have had a huge impact on the archery industry for more than a decade, and they continue to push the envelope and offer products spawned by out-of-the-box thinking.

The company’s 2013 Impact is a relatively long axle-to-axle bow that harnesses the power of their patented Parallel Cam technology. In addition to the centerpiece cam system, this rig brings its A game with parallel limbs, I-Glide cable-containment system, a soft overmold grip and several shock- and vibration-reduction features.

Dynamic Duo
The cornerstone of the Prime bow line is their patented Parallel Cam Technology, which was made even more stable for 2013 with a wider based PCX version. Designed to combat accuracy-robbing cam lean, the Parallel Cam breaks away from the typical single body system and has two lobes separated by a space in the center. Each lobe has its own string groove, creating dual parallel string tracks when combined.

A short string section wraps around each lobe and connects with the main string through a 29-grain yoke splitter. The cables are then perfectly centered on a special track in the middle of the space between the lobes. Stability is created by the wide-base distribution of force applied by the cables and string.

Functionality and tuning are optimized by the cam structure and operation. The cables are tied to both cams rather than one side being tied to a limb—this forces the cams to work together, eliminating timing issues common to other configurations. Draw lengths are available from 26-30 inches, in half-inch increments. A separate cam is needed for each draw-length option. Another feature is an adjustable draw stop, which offers a wide range of letoff percentages and a custom feel.

Stealthy Shot
We all want a quiet rig when stalking our favorite game animal. The Impact has several features designed to tame the shot. First and foremost is the past parallel position of the Extra Wide Limbs at full draw. Most bowhunters are well aware of the dramatic shock, noise and vibration benefits of this limb configuration, as it is almost a given on top-end rigs. The composite limbs were made wider for increased torsional rigidity, which in combination with the PCX Parallel cams create a platform for straight and level knock travel.

Moving parts are inherently susceptible to noise, so it stands to reason that Prime’s I-Glide Flex cable-containment system is quieter than one with mechanical parts. Cables slide through glazed ceramic eyelets rather than on a moving slide or rollers. The Impact’s I-Glide was upgraded with a spring steel rod, which flexes toward the center of the bow during the draw cycle to reduce torque and then moves back into position and out of the way of the arrow when the string is released. A set of Bowjax Limb dampeners and a riser-mounted string stop round out the noise-killing package.

The Rest of the Story
The Ultra Fit Grip is a dual system in that the one-piece, soft-to-the-touch overmold grip may be removed to reveal a narrower grip machined directly into the riser’s handle. A metal stabilizer mounting insert and broadhead guard are also included with the Impact. Prime takes care of the details—every bow is tuned, cycled 100 times, fine-tuned, shot again and measured for centershot prior to being boxed for shipment. Prime bows are covered by the company’s Shield Service Program, which includes a lifetime replacement of strings/cables, warranty rush service, 100-cycle assurance and a free, six-month tune-up.

Impressions
In a market dominated by short axle-to-axle bows, the Impact reminded me of the stability offered by a well-designed, longer bow. While it is a little heavier than today’s typical hunting rig, the weight and length worked to steady me on the bull’s-eye. I can see some folks setting personal bests on the 3-D range with this bow. For the bowhunter, a quiet shot is important, and the Impact has little report at the shot. Along with the low noise, there was only a quick “bump” and nearly nonexistent vibration recorded. I liked the new overmold grip—very comfortable!

Faster, Smoother, Lighter Bows
As I walked the aisles of this year’s Archery Trade Show and examined 2013’s crop of new bows, nothing truly revolutionary jumped out at me. This year’s designs simply aren’t earth shattering when compared to last year’s bows. But that’s why a bit more perspective is in order to truly understand what is happening, because if you compare this year’s bows—even the budget models—to top rigs from a decade ago, there is no doubt they are significantly better. I recently upgraded models and in the process compared my new bow to an older model from six years ago. After shooting them side-by-side, I literally tossed the old bow on the grass—it was that bad by comparison.

Bow designs take small steps forward each year—a slow walking pace of evolution. Over time, the accumulation of sweet-shooting features produces a bow that feels so good in the hand that those from a half decade ago seem almost repulsive by comparison. That is what we are talking about with these trends. They sneak up on you. What seemed like small steps for a few years suddenly feels like a giant leap forward.

Today’s bows are very, very good. If a company wants to compete in this market, it has to produce a fast bow that is smooth to draw and feels good in the hand during the shot. On top of that, the bow has to be very precisely made and accurate. The trend toward lighter bow weights also continues in full force.

It is possible for a bow to be both smooth and adequately fast. It may not be smooth and lightning fast, but most bowhunters don’t need lightning speed. With improvements in bow efficiency—in the form of better cam designs, parallel limb geometry, enhanced limb materials and other features such as flexible cable guards—today’s smooth-drawing bows shoot faster than the hard-drawing bows of just a few years ago. So, it’s no surprise that bow models offering an attractive combination of smoothness and speed is where you’ll find most of the action in the marketplace.

As a result, speed is no longer the most important marketing point. Another 10 feet per second in IBO speed doesn’t make a big difference when virtually all competing models are also very fast. Modern bowhunters want sweet-shooting bows that are fast, smooth and feel good during the shot.

Key Features of Sweet Bows
Over the past few years, bows with brace heights less than 7 inches have become quite common. There is a school of thought that such bows are not less forgiving than bows with higher brace heights because today’s fast cams are getting the arrows off the string quicker, and that means your follow-through doesn’t have to be quite as good. Regardless of whether you buy into that argument, there is no doubt many bows with brace heights between 6 and 6 ½ inches are being wielded very accurately by archers across the nation. You can find sweet bows with IBO speeds over 330 fps, but anything over 320 is really fast—more than fast enough in my opinion.

Today’s sweet bows are also fairly short and light. Most tend to measure 32 inches or less between the axles, though there are still some longer-draw bows with correspondingly longer axle-to-axle lengths. A typical bow now weighs less than 4 pounds, some considerably less.

Possibly the number one feature of a sweet new bow is how it feels during the shot. Sweet shooting means a dead feel; the lack of recoil and vibration. To achieve this performance, nearly all of today’s bows feature parallel limbs (or heavily pre-stressed limbs) so the cams and the bulk of the limb weight jump straight up and straight down at the shot, cancelling the recoil.

A lack of vibration is the result of efficient designs that have to dissipate very little energy in the bow itself after the arrow is gone. Ideally, the arrow—not the bow and its shooter—soaks up the energy of the bent limbs. That is one way you can actually feel advances in bow design.

Today’s sweet bows also have ways to dampen the vibration of the string, making the bow quieter after the arrow slips loose. Some work better than others to actually quiet the bow, but all of today’s most popular bows feature a myriad of dampening components on the strings, limbs, risers, etc.

Just about every bow company in business makes at least one fast, sweet-shooting bow. In fact, these days it is easier to differentiate yourself by producing a noticeably poor bow than a noticeably good one, because so many of them verge on greatness.

The Arrow Revolution
When it comes to the latest arrow technologies, what’s old is new again. Back in November of 2001, I wrote a Center Shots column devoted to the subject of small-diameter arrows. That was well before the current trend of micro-diameter shafts. Back then, the only players offering small-diameter shafts were the few companies still producing pultruded carbon shafts. Pultruding is a manufacturing process in which long fibers of carbon are pulled through resin and then baked as they move around a mandrel and through a die. I watched it done at the AFC plant in Chatfield, Minn., back in the early 90s. It was fascinating.

The result of the pultrusion process was a very small-diameter arrow with thick walls. You had to use external components because the linear carbon fibers didn’t wrap around the shaft. This made for strong, rigid arrows, but not arrows that could resist internal pressure.

Pultruded arrows lost favor when Beman introduced the first internal-component carbon arrows in the mid-90s. After that, arrow manufacturers largely shunned the pultrusion process, despite some advantages of these stout arrows. However, in the mid 2000s they resurrected the concept of a small-diameter arrow when new manufacturing processes permitted greater resistance to internal pressures. That is when Easton introduced its first HIT (Hidden Insert Technology) arrows. Now I am getting ahead of myself, so let’s back up just a bit.

I shot enough deer with those early pultruded arrows, and had done enough scientific testing with them, to be very impressed. And my points from that 2001 column are still valid today.

A thick-walled, small-diameter carbon arrow with reasonable weight is the most efficient bowhunting design for two important reasons. First, they penetrate better. It is simple to see why: being smaller, they create less drag with the tissue or media they are penetrating. So, they go deeper with the same amount of forward momentum. This is something you can easily see for yourself at home. Just take a standard-diameter carbon arrow and a small-diameter carbon arrow of the same weight and length and shoot them into the target of your choice. The smaller diameter shaft will drive significantly deeper; a real advantage when it comes to shots at game in the field.

Second, small-diameter arrows have the potential, when outfitted with shorter vanes and low-profile broadheads, to be more accurate in windy conditions. Again, it is simple physics. Because the shaft is smaller in diameter, it has less surface area for the wind to contact. That means the arrow will have less side force while in flight and will drift less. The smaller the diameter, the closer it will hit to the aim point on windy days. That is another nice benefit on windy days in the field.

With no real downside, small-diameter shafts make a lot of sense. That is why the trend toward these shafts is so important for bowhunters and why each year, more arrow manufacturers are jumping on the small-arrow bandwagon.

Small-diameter arrows are now manufactured using the same methods used to make the internal-component arrows—using a wrapping method rather than pultruding. So, they have more hoop strength and can accept internal components without splitting open. That is where Easton first saw the opportunity and wisely found a way to corner a portion of that market by applying for a patent on the HIT system. The entire insert presses down inside the small  shafts, allowing traditional screw-in broadheads to work well with these small-diameter arrows.

Other manufacturers have joined this movement in recent years but have been forced by Easton’s patent to opt for other point attachment systems. That is why you find two types of micro-diameter arrows on the market—those with purely internal components and those with systems that extend beyond the end of the shaft, typically called outserts. Depending on your viewpoint, you can make a case for either style. Rather than try to sway anyone, I will point out the pros and cons of both designs and let you decide for yourself.

Internal component micro-diameter shafts are sleek and simple. That is their lure. Since the insert doesn’t extend beyond the shaft, the overall arrow can be a bit shorter.

Micro-diameter shafts featuring outserts do, potentially, offer additional protection for the front of the arrow. With the outsert, there is no chance of cutting the carbon shaft when a mechanical broadhead snaps open, for example. The outsert also has the potential to protect the front of the arrow if it hits something really hard. Outserts also increase forward weight of the shaft. Increasing F.O.C. results in an extremely stable, hard-hitting arrow. Finally, outserts accommodate standard broadheads, avoiding the need to purchase new hunting points to accommodate your new small-diameter arrows.

Arrow Options
Here is a quick rundown on the companies I am aware of that make small-diameter carbon shafts:

Easton: As mentioned previously, Easton is a leader in small-diameter arrow technology and currently offers more options than any other manufacturer. For 2013, Easton offers 14 models of small-diameter hunting arrows broken into three categories based on nock size. Easton’s H Series shafts are roughly 8 percent narrower that standard-diameter carbon shafts, X Series shafts are 15 percent narrower and G Series shafts are 23 percent narrower.

The H Series is led by the all-new Hexx shafts, which feature extremely tight tolerances of +/-.001-inch for straightness and +/-1 grain per dozen for weight. Another newcomer in the H Series is the Aftermath, a value-oriented offering (+/-.005-inch straightness) allowing bowhunters to gain the advantages of small-diameter arrows at an affordable price.

The X Series includes Easton’s popular Axis shafts (+/-.003-inch and +/-2 grains) featuring HIT inserts and N-Fused carbon nanotube technology for enhanced strength. It also includes Axis Full Metal Jacket shafts, featuring an alloy shaft sleeve for even more durability and bowhunting penetration.

The narrowest G Series includes the Injexion and A/C Injexion shafts, featuring +/-.002-inch straightness and .5-grain weight tolerances. Injexion shafts feature the same ultra micro-diameter measurements used in Olympic competition for maximum accuracy and downrange energy. They also use Easton’s proprietary, stainless steel Deep Six inserts that are 65 percent stronger than aluminum and offer 25 percent more thread engagement than standard inserts. The heavier steel also provides an F.O.C. boost.

Victory: Victory’s VAP (Victory Armour Piercing) shafts are another leading option in the ultra micro-diameter arrow category. Featuring an inside diameter of .166-inch and outside diameters from .218-.245-inch, depending on spine, VAP shafts use the company’s Penetrator outserts that are available in three weights (33- and 43-grain aluminum and 92-grain stainless steel). VAP arrows are available with straightness of +/-.001-, .003- or .006-inch. All have a weight tolerance of +/-.5-grain per dozen and feature Victory’s exclusive ICE coating for even greater penetration and easier target removal.

PSE: PSE’s Carbon Force EXT Hunter shafts have an ultra-small diameter with a high degree of hand selection to assure the shafts match closely in spine, weight and straightness. Each arrow is marked with the shaft’s spine (stiffest side) so you can apply your fletchings consistently from one arrow to the next. That way, every arrow will flex the same as it leaves your bow. EXT Hunter shafts boast a straightness tolerance of +/-.001-inch, weight tolerance of .5-grain per dozen and PSE’s Whisper Coating for easier target removal.

Beman: Beman has two small-diameter offerings for 2013. The all-new Nightfall features Beman’s exclusive, layered-carbon technology and Deep Six compatible HIT inserts, along with +/-.003-inch straightness. The MFX Bone Collector uses HIT inserts that accept conventional broadheads. Both MXF and Nightfall shafts are moderately heavy for a nice hunting weight and they carry a lot of kinetic energy for excellent penetration.

Muddy: Muddy introduced its new Bloodsport arrow line last year. The HT1 shaft features a very small inside diameter of .165-inch and an outside diameter that ranges from .209-.255-inch, depending on spine.

In addition to standard outserts, the HT1 can be used with an optional precision outsert that allows the use of an Allen-wrench setscrew to lock the outsert in the shaft. With this system, you can easily loosen and index the outsert to align the broadhead with the fletchings. You can also tweak the outsert to arrive at a perfectly centered position for better consistency with broadheads.

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AeroBolt II

New for 2013, Firenock brings you the AeroBolt II in lengths from 20-26 inches. Each is engineered for maximum flight stability plus speed, with stiffer primary shaft deflection of .200 with an inner diameter of .350-inch.

The 26-inch version is assembled without any metal parts, including integral hybrid inserts, to weigh 300 grains. They include +/-.001-inch straightness and marked spine indexing, plus dual spine front to back for faster recovery during launch.

The AeroBolt II Dragon Slayer is a heavier version delivering maximum momentum and penetration, with .092-inch thick walls. It includes two inner shafts running its entire length and AeroInsert-DS installed at the factory. Finished weight is about 750 grains, including three stability-enhancing Aerovane IIIs.

MSRP: $23-$38 each

Beman ICS Crossbow Hunter

The new ICS Crossbow Hunter from Beman is designed especially for high-performance crossbows. It features high-strength but lightweight carbon that produces maximum speed from today’s advanced crossbow designs, aiding in driving broadheads right through big game.

They combine super-strong, multi-laminate carbon with proven component systems for Beman’s most advanced crossbow bolt yet. Beman aerospace alloy inserts are included, or purchase F.O.C.-enhancing brass inserts separately. They’re made in the USA to precise tolerances to assure top-notch accuracy.

MSRP: $44.99 per 6/fletched

Easton Aftermath

Easton’s all-new Aftermath arrows are designed to give bowhunters the benefits of high-strength, small-diameter carbon at an affordable price. The Aftermath’s reduced-diameter, multi-layer carbon reduces wind drift and increases penetration, while precision H nocks ensure a consistent interface with the bowstring.

Meanwhile, an ultra-smooth finish ensures a quiet draw across the arrow rest and easier extraction from foam targets. The Aftermath is available in 500 (7.3 gpi), 400 (8.8 gpi), 340 (9.5 gpi) and 300 (10.2 gpi) deflections.

MSRP: $44.99 per 6/with Blazer vanes

Easton HEXX

Easton’s new HEXX hunting arrows are all about flat-out, barn-burning speed. These lightweight yet rugged arrows feature the highest-caliber tolerances of any carbon arrow produced by Easton to date, combining flat trajectories, reduced diameter penetration and off-the-chart factory precision.

Each includes a factory-installed Easton H Nock and comes with Microlite H inserts promoting faster down-range arrow speeds. Plus, each shaft is guaranteed to hold straightness tolerances within +/-.001-inch.

They are being offered in 480 spine weighing 6.3 gpi, 400 weighing 7.2 gpi and 330 weighing 7.9 gpi.

MSRP: $93.99 per 6 with Blazer vanes

Lumen-Arrows from Lumenok

Lumenok, one of the originals in lighted-nock technology, offers 100 percent carbon arrows designed to work efficiently with the company’s innovative nocks.

Lumen-Arrows are hand squared at the rear to ensure reliable Lumenok operation. Meanwhile, Bohning Blazer vanes are spine aligned for consistent flight. If you ever need to refletch your Lumen-Arrow, a printed red line marks this spine line, the stiffest point in the arrow around its diameter. Lumen-Arrows are offered with red, green or pink Lumenoks in .300, .350 and .400 deflections.

MSRP: $136 per 6, with Blazer vanes

Maxima Red

All-new Maxima Red hunting arrows from Carbon Express are designed with stiffer ends to contain and control dynamic spine, shifting it to the middle of the shaft, or the “Red Zone” as Carbon Express would have it.

The result is a hunting arrow that provides superior broadhead accuracy and tighter groups. Maxima Red arrows are sorted for consistent weight (+/-1 grain) and spine (+/-.0025-inch). Every Red shaft is also laser checked for straightness (+/-.0025-inch).

New LaunchPad precision nocks are also installed to deliver controlled arrow release and better shaft alignment to further improve accuracy. Red technology is so effective only two spine options are required to handle bows from 40-92 pounds.

MSRP: $84.99 per 6 fletched

Mutiny Slasher

Building on the success of last year’s popular Mutiny arrow, Carbon Express introduces the new Mutiny Slasher. The Slasher is made of lighter carbon to deliver more speed, flatter trajectories and tighter pin gaps.

The shaft’s high-polish finish also means they are quiet when drawn across the rest and easy to remove from targets. Each set of Mutiny Slashers is sorted for weight consistency within +/-2 grains. They’re also laser checked for straightness, offering +/-.003-inch maximum deviation. They come standard with new LaunchPad precision nocks, a design providing precision fit and top-notch accuracy.

MSRP: $55 per 6/fletched

Outfitter Camo Carbon Arrow

Outfitter Camo carbon arrows from Cabela’s pack everything serious bowhunters want into a single package. They start with a precision, multidirectional carbon-fiber core surrounded by high-strength composite fibers and micro-smooth finish for quiet draws and easier target extraction.

The reduced-diameter design increases penetration and decreases wind drift, thicker walls making them nail tough during hard impacts. High-visibility, factory-installed crest helps track arrow placement. They’re offered in 55/70 (.400 deflection, 8.6 gpi) and 65/80 (.340 deflection, 9.5 gpi) and include Easton H Nocks and precision HP Inserts.

MSRP: $60 per 6, fletched

PSE Carbon Force EXT

New PSE Carbon Force EXT Hunter carbon arrows feature a small diameter and extra thick shaft walls for exceptional strength and penetration.

Every PSE EXT Hunter arrow is guaranteed to +/-.001-inch straightness and a +/-.5-grain weight variance per dozen shafts. In addition, every PSE EXT Hunter arrow is spine matched for consistent shooting. PSE EXT Hunter arrows are also coated with PSE’s whisper coating to glide quietly over the arrow rest and allow easier removal from targets.

PSE also uses an exclusive Fast Recovery System (FRS) technology in building each arrow. All shafts feature a spine alignment mark for consistent vane/broadhead orientation from arrow to arrow.

MSRP: $199 per 12

VAP Carbon Arrows

Victory Archery’s VAP (Victory Armour Piercing) carbon arrows set a new standard for bowhunting performance. Independent testing shows VAP’s ultra-low diameter, thick-walled design translates into deeper penetration, increased accuracy, less flight noise and reduced wind drift.

They include 100 percent high-modulus carbon fiber construction, standard-thread Penetrator Broadhead Adaptors (aircraft aluminum 5⁄16-inch weighing 43 grains or 9⁄32-inch at 33 grains, or stainless steel weighing 92 grains) making them ruggedly dependable and F.O.C. loaded. All Victory V1 (+/-.001-inch straightness) and V3 (+/-.003-inch straightness) arrows include slick Victory ICE coating, making them quieter across the rest and easier to pull from targets.

MSRP: $140-$165 per dozen

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10 New Arrows for 2013

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When I was in graduate school during the late 80s and early 90s, I never heard a lecture about predator control being a technique to improve fawn survival. During that time, coyotes were either nonexistent in most eastern states, or a novelty. I remember a fellow grad student who was using trail cameras (primitive
devices compared to current models) to study turkeys using food plots in the mountains of North Carolina. He got a picture of a coyote and it was BIG news! I believe he only got one picture of a coyote during two years of monitoring food plots with trail cameras.

There was no coyote season in North Carolina when I was in grad school. However, coyotes are now so common throughout North Carolina that the state just changed its regulations to allow night hunting.

Similar increases in predator abundance have occurred across the nation in recent years. Several states that totally protected bears, wolves, mountain lions, bobcats, and yes, coyotes, 10-20 years ago now have hunting seasons for those species. For example, Arkansas has a very popular black bear season, and Missouri is currently determining its population of bears to prepare to have a season.

Interestingly, predator populations have expanded even as acres of available habitat decreased significantly. It doesn’t take a scientist to figure out that more predators on less land likely results in more interactions between predators and prey. As a result, researchers have become quite interested in studying the impacts of predators on whitetail populations.

Benefits of Predator Control
I was involved with one such project where Cory VanGilder, a University of Georgia grad student, monitored fawn survival on approximately 2,000 acres in northeast Alabama. In short, a trapper removed 22 coyotes and 10 bobcats from the property between February and July of 2007. Scent stations, scat surveys and other methods were used to monitor predator abundance, and it was determined the number of coyotes and bobcats decreased significantly during the fawning season following trapping (fawns are born later in that area than throughout most of the whitetails’ range).

Hunters reported a 217 percent increase in fawn observations compared to the season before predators were reduced on that property. A trail-camera survey (the most reliable technique to estimate the number of deer in most habitat types) showed a 193 percent increase in fawns surviving to February compared to the February before predator reduction. Other research projects in other states have showed similar increases in fawn survival for whitetails, antelope and even waterfowl.

The Stress Factor
What’s not as well studied is the stress caused on surviving deer by overabundant predator populations. Fortunately, some researchers did intensively study the health and behavior of elk when wolves were first released into Yellowstone and compared their health and vigilance (level of awareness) to elk in a portion of the park that was still free of wolves.

Briefly, the elk in Yellowstone were very healthy just before wolves were released. The massive Yellowstone fires had opened up the forest canopy and resulted in huge amounts of quality browse being produced. Simply stated, there was more quality forage in Yellowstone than had been present in decades.

Despite that, cow elk (and bison) where the wolves were released quickly began to lose weight and show other signs of stress. This was because the elk changed from spending about 10 percent of their time being vigilant to spending 45 percent of their time being vigilant. Apparently, they were scared to put their heads down and eat!

Don’t let anyone mislead you. Predators kill fawns (and some adult deer), and can certainly cause surviving deer to have a much-reduced level of health. In addition, abundant predator populations can cause deer to be so alert they are extremely tough to observe.

Prey species such as deer and elk literally generate the vast majority of funding to provide habitat and research for predator, prey and non-game species. Allowing predators to significantly reduce prey species populations is very poor management. That’s one reason I trap and hunt predators on my whitetail properties. I want to maintain a balance of predator and prey species so both remain healthy. In some areas, balancing predator/prey populations is just as important as providing quality forage or other management activities that are widely accepted.

Now, consider the impact of predators in combination with the substantial EHD outbreak that impacted many regions from Montana to Florida during the late summer of 2012. I’ll discuss that next month as we prepare for the 2013 deer season.

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The Threat is Real

Don't let anyone mislead you—predators kill fawns and adult deer too, and this certainly has a direct effect on deer survival numbers. Not only that, but the stress levels of deer that survive in areas where predator numbers are greater result in herds with decreased health. Deer (and elk) in those environments tend to weigh less because they are more worried about staying alive than eating.

Cougars Out West

In an exclusive story featuring trail cam photos of a cougar killing a fawn, Mike Quinn captured the stark reality of life in the wild and the inevitable truth—more predators means less deer roaming the woods. As hunters and conservationists aim to manage deer populations, it's important to keep an eye on the predator populations as well.

The Stress Factor

What's not as well studied by deer management specialists is the stress caused on surviving deer by overabundant predator populations. Fortunately, some researchers studied the health and behavior of elk when wolves were first released into Yellowstone and compared their health to elk in a portion of the park that was still free of wolves. Simply stated, the stressed elk weighed less and weren't as healthy as those where wolves had not been reintroduced.

Wisconsin Wolf Boom

Ron Hill took pictures of the 1 1/2 year old Walker Treeing hound that wolves killed October 6 while on a bear hunt. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requires proof that your animal was attacked by wolves; these pictures leave no doubt.

In the area Hill was hunting, wolf populations have been largely unchecked, which has resulted in diminished whitetail populations as well. A landowner in the area said it's typical to see more pictures of wolves than deer in trail cam photos, while more and more deer carcasses keep showing up. In response to problem areas like this, Wisconsin opened up a wolf hunting season in 2012.

It's All About Balance

Maintaining a healthy management plan means keeping track of predator and deer numbers. The idea is to create a balance between predator and prey species so both remain healthy. In some areas, balancing predator/prey populations is just as important as providing quality forage or other management activities that are widely accepted.

Open War

States like South Carolina have such a problem with predators and hogs they've openly declared war on them, even allowing night hunting practices. This trail camera photo, taken from a video, shows a mature buck being taken down by two coyotes—clear evidence that burgeoning predator numbers play a huge role in deer survival.

Predator Expansion

In addition to killing numerous fawns and adult deer, studies indicate that predators also reduce the health of surviving animals by increasing the amount of stress placed on them. This is more important than ever to keep in mind for deer management practices, since predator populations in much of the U.S. are on the rise.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Studies indicate that high predator populations result in dramatic decreases in fawn survival. One study in Alabama showed that aggressive predator reduction nearly tripled fawn survival compared to just one year prior.

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Predators and Deer Populations

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Question:

What to Plant in Small Food Plots
I get this question more than any other, I think. People want to know what to plant in their magical acre food plot. In your case, you will need to first make sure you have some open ground to work with that is fenced off from the horses. There is nothing I am aware of that you can plant that deer love that horses will leave alone. They will destroy it. So first, make sure you have a decent fence in place.

My advice for most novice food plotters is to start with something that is pretty easy to establish and maintain. Have some success and then you can get more creative in time. So with that in mind, I would focus on clover in year one. Though it is more expensive, I would honestly focus on a custom blend from an established food plot seed company, like Biologic. In theory, the blends are selected to be grazing tolerant, cold tolerant and diverse enough that at least one of the varieties will will do well in almost any conditions (sandy, dry, wet, loamy, etc.).

You have to prepare the soil correctly and that starts with a soil test. Many food plot seed companies offer a soil testing service, so contact them first to see if they sell a pre-paid kit. Follow the advice of the soil test relative to lime and fertilizer (most local ag cooperatives will have help you here) and then kill the existing grass and weeds with RoundUp, wait two weeks and then till up the soil.  You will need to take this step seriously and actually till the soil (using a tiller or disk) to get clover established well unless you have access to a no-till drill. If you till it, you can hand broadcast the seed, drag something over it (like a tree branch) to lightly incorporate the seed into the soil (very shallow) and then wait for rain.

You will need to do some research on the web to learn how to maintain clover, but you can normally get by with a mowing in roughly late June to control weed competition and then annual mowings for the next two years. Clover will play out in roughly three year so by the third or fourth year you are ready for something new. At that time I would suggest getting more creative with a brassica blend such as Biologic’s Maximum, or something along those lines. But by then you will start to be more comfortable with the entire process and ready for new challenges. It is a lot of fun to do and will greatly improve the attraction of any hunting area—large or small. Good luck.

Bob Humphrey

One of the best parts of being editor at Petersen’s Bowhunting is working with a really great group of world-class people. Our roster of field editors is a veritable who’s who of the bowhunting community, and I’ve learned a ton from these guys during my (almost) five years at the magazine.

So, I was shocked and saddened recently to learn of a freak accident suffered recently by Crossbows Field Editor Bob Humphrey. The injury to Bob’s right eye was severe. He’s already had a pair of surgeries, with more procedures likely in the near future. In addition to the tremendous physical toll this has taken on Bob, it is also creating a growing financial burden, since his ability to work is significantly limited at the very time medical bills are mounting.

As a right-handed shooter, Bob has a big challenge ahead of him when it comes to getting back into the field. That said, Bob has a great attitude about his situation. His dry sense of humor is undiminished, and considering his notoriously no-nonsense demeanor, I fully expect him to be back out there doing his thing sooner than later. I’m sure Bob is going to learn many lessons in the months ahead as he learns to shoot again — he’ll probably become a lefty like me — and even though it’s early in the process, I’ve already encouraged Bob to share those lessons with our readers.

In the meantime, Bob’s many friends in the hunting community are rallying around him. One of the ways we’re doing that is by organizing an online benefit auction, which you can find by clicking HERE. The auction not only helps the Humphrey family with its medical expenses, it gives you an opportunity to get some great archery and bowhunting gear at great prices. Please check it out and make a bid if you find an item that strikes your fancy. Monetary donations to benefit Bob’s family can also be made via PayPal by clicking HERE.

Thanks for your support, and please keep Bob and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

In those three days of hunting, gobblers had forsaken my ground blind setups more than once. The bird topping the hit list was a particular 4-year-old veteran. The third day of hunting found this longbeard roaring like a lion toward my decoys. But once he broke the 100-yard barrier, his cognition saved his life as he avoided my effective bow range like the plague. Certainly, he knew what ground blinds are all about, and an out-of-the-ordinary approach was in order to arrow this plump, old butterball. It had to use the age old tactic of run and gun turkey hunting.

Going Mobile
Once I got to the 40-acre dirt field I had been hunting, the veteran strutter was there waiting for me. As my car coasted slowly past the field, I formulated a solid game plan that would hopefully have me marching off the field with a freshly arrowed bird slung over my shoulder. I quickly parked my car and hit the ground running with my bow and a single hen decoy.

A dense block of timber that wrapped around the perimeter of this central Wisconsin field would enable me to float until the gobbler made his way off the field. At that point, I would be able to make my move and hopefully entice him with my fake hen and some seductive calling.

Gobbles boomed across the Wisconsin turf like thunder as I waited somewhat impatiently. Suddenly, the big gobbler turned into Roadrunner and was off the field in no time. I stood there scratching my head, thinking my morning was over. However, he began gobbling extremely hard again after making it into the woods.

I booked it along the field edge and got as close as I dared before shoving my Dave Smith hen decoy into the dirt just eight yards off the tree line. Before calling, I made sure I was set up with a wall of pine branches to block my draw if and when the strutter approached my decoy.

My calling sequences were choked out by his thunderous gobbles. The decibels quickly elevated as I realized this hunt was all over but the shooting. I hooked my release to the string loop as I stared through my facemask for the iridescent colors of the approaching gobbler.

There he was; 20 yards and closing! Like clockwork, he was blocked by the wall of pine branches as my string coasted to full draw. As he displayed his stuff next to my fake lady, I leveled him like a pancake smothered with maple syrup. He flopped three times and then collapsed for good. I let out a sigh of air and pumped my fist while saying, “Thank you Lord!”

Unconventional Methods
I have taken a pile of gobblers with a bow from a ground blind over the past decade. However, I have also watched longingly out the window of my blind as fast and furious action unfolded in another location far from my setup. It is those times that inspired me to do most of my spring turkey hunting on the run in recent years. Since I have been hunting without a blind, I have hunted fewer hours to kill more birds.

Have birds been shying away from your ground blind and giving you the slip? Are you tired of logging hours in a blind without even getting the chance to draw your bow on a big ol’ longbeard? Here’s an attack plan that will put more birds in your lap this spring for a top-pin shot.

When you sit in a ground blind, you are very limited. While today’s pop-up style blinds expand in as little as 10 seconds, doing so inevitably makes a commotion. Quietly setting up a blind will eat up 20-30 seconds of precious time, and no matter how quiet your try to be, you will almost never slip in ultra close to a tom and get set without spooking him. Besides that, hauling your blind, a bag or two of decoys, a bow and some calls is anything but quiet.

Hunting toms on the run allows you to ditch the cumbersome ground blind and set up in just seconds. And if that setup doesn’t work, you can jump up and move to the next spot without the time-consuming teardown and setup involved with ground-blind hunting.

When it comes to bowhunting turkeys on the run, a shotgun hunter’s approach is often most effective. However, you have to be much more discriminating since you need to pull the bird in close and still get to full draw undetected. Now that you know the benefits of hunting toms on the run, let’s look at a few other considerations:

Pack Light: To be mobile, you need to pack as light as possible. I usually use a jake and a hen decoy, and sometimes I use only a hen. Besides that, I shove a slate call with a striker into my pocket, along with a pack of three mouth calls. My bow and release are the only other items I take.

Beat Their Eyes: Turkeys have eyesight second only to pronghorn antelope when it comes to North American game. To hunt without a blind, you need to be camouflaged from head to toe. You need a facemask that covers as much of your skin as possible yet allows you to shoot without any conflict with the string or anchor point consistency.

Set Up for Success: Where many on-the-run bowhunters fail is the setup regimen. If you have killed any turkeys with a shotgun, you know you can sit in the wide open as long as you are backed up to something that breaks up your outline and use decoys to take the spotlight off you. That’s fine if you’re toting a 12-gauge, but killing toms with your bow requires much more movement.

When you are quickly contemplating where to set the decoys and where to stash yourself before calling to a tom, keep in mind that the tom should have to walk behind one or more objects that will entirely block his view of you so you can draw without giving yourself away.

For a field-edge setup, in lieu of sitting right on the edge, I will usually tuck myself five or more yards into the brush off the field. This decreases my visibility of the field but increases my odds of getting to full draw undetected. The trade-off is well worth it. In this case, I place my decoys where I can easily shoot at least five yards on either side of them. Once a tom steps into that shooting lane, it’s too late for him.

In open hardwoods, a gobbler can approach from any direction. You’d think they would approach from the direction they are gobbling from, but that is rarely the case. Turkeys are notorious for circling and coming in from a direction you never anticipated. This means you need to pick a setup where the bird will go behind obstacles no matter where he comes from if you want to get drawn. I typically place the decoys a little further away than usual to ensure the decoys are his focal point.

This brings us to another favorite setup of mine—the logging road ambush. I took a double-bearded gobbler hot off the roost from a logging road ambush two springs ago. When a tom is gobbling and strutting down a logging road, that road usually serves as his approach route.

First, he can see better and feels safer on it. Second, hens can see him as he struts his stuff. In this case, you can set up the decoys on the logging road so he will have to walk past you to get to them. If he hangs up shy of the decoys, you should still get a crack at him so long as you can get drawn. However, if everything goes as planned, he will have his fan facing you once he passes by on his way to your decoys. Draw back and wipe him out!

Cut the Distance: When dealing with unresponsive birds, it may take some tricky moves and a good knowledge of local terrain to approach a tom from another angle. Killing a bird right off the roost is ideal, but rarely applicable. Luckily, bow and go turkey hunting offers you the mobility to stay on gobbling toms until time runs out or you put a bird on the ground.

Learn and Use Diaphragm Calls: Mouth calls are the most effective option for a bowhunter on the run. Once a tom is in view, you will need your hands for your bow and release, rendering box or friction calls useless. Today’s latest mouth calls are simple to operate, and if used with the proper air exhalation, sound just like the real thing.

Make It Count: Turkeys are tough targets. They never seem to hold still for more than a split second, and the kill zone is no larger than a grapefruit. Besides their small size, picking out a spot to aim amidst a big black blob can be very difficult, especially when you are eye to eye without a blind hiding your movements. Buy yourself a lifelike turkey target and start role-playing realistic scenarios. Shoot from every possible angle and at various distances while dressed in full camo. Be prepared for anything!

The Ultimate Turkey Challenge
Hunting gobblers without a ground blind is not easy. However, I believe that when done right, a bowhunter can expect to get more shot opportunities by ditching the blind and hunting on the run. You are ready for the challenge. Grab your bow and go snuff out a big tom this spring!

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Hunt Less For More Success

I have taken a pile of gobblers with a bow from a ground blind over the past decade. However, I have also watched longingly out the window of my blind as fast and furious action unfolded in another location far from my setup. It is those times that inspired me to do most of my spring turkey hunting on the run in recent years. Since I have been hunting without a blind, I have hunted fewer hours to kill more birds.

Call 'Em In

Mouth calls are the most effective option for a bowhunter on the run. Once a tom is in view, you will need your hands for your bow and release, rendering box or friction calls useless. Today’s latest mouth calls are simple to operate, and if used with the proper air exhalation, sound just like the real thing.

Tuck Yourself In

For a field-edge setup, in lieu of sitting right on the edge, I will usually tuck myself five or more yards into the brush off the field. This decreases my visibility of the field but increases my odds of getting to full draw undetected. The trade-off is well worth it. In this case, I place my decoys where I can easily shoot at least five yards on either side of them. Once a tom steps into that shooting lane, it’s too late for him.

Beat Their Eyes

Turkeys have eyesight second only to pronghorn antelope when it comes to North American game. To hunt without a blind, you need to be camouflaged from head to toe. You need a facemask that covers as much of your skin as possible yet allows you to shoot without any conflict with the string or anchor point consistency.

Setup For Minimal Movement

Where many on-the-run bowhunters fail is the setup regimen. If you have killed any turkeys with a shotgun, you know you can sit in the wide open as long as you are backed up to something that breaks up your outline and use decoys to take the spotlight off you. That’s fine if you’re toting a 12-gauge, but killing toms with your bow requires much more movement.

The Victory Parade

Hunting gobblers without a ground blind is not easy. However, I believe that when done right, a bowhunter can expect to get more shot opportunities by ditching the blind and hunting on the run. You are ready for the challenge. Grab your bow and go snuff out a big tom this spring.

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Turkey Hunting Without a Blind

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PSE’s 2013 X-Force Dream Season DNA is loaded with features, including the all-new Flex Cable Slide, Core Hybrid Cam, 4th Generation X-Technology limbs, Centerlock 2 limb pockets, forged reflex riser, B.E.S.T. Raptor grip, new BackStop string silencer, America’s Best string/cables and Detachable Limb Bands.

Speed²
PSE has a reputation for producing super-fast bows, and the DNA falls right in line. Its new, Core Hybrid Cams are responsible for advertised speeds ranging from 344-352 fps on a 6-inch brace height. The string and cable grooves are engineered to reduce friction and wear while enhancing consistency.

An Inner Cam system offers draw lengths from 26-30 inches, in half-inch increments. A pin protruding from the Inner Cam is positively positioned into one of the available holes on the main body of the cam. Simply place the pin in the hole that corresponds to your desired draw length and lock down the screws. Main cams and inner cams are clearly marked with easy-to-read engraving. Draw stops on each cam are to be located in the holes that correspond to the inner-cam position.

Forged Strength
PSE’s forged aluminum riser serves as the base of operations for the DNA and is fully CNC-machined into its final form, which is designed to promote a stiff platform through straight lines both front and back. The Planar Flex design is made to keep much of the riser’s flex in a front to back motion rather than allowing twist and flex from side to side. All this translates into improved performance through increased consistency
and accuracy.

When you pick up a DNA, one of the first things you may notice — other than the fact it is surprisingly lightweight at only 3.7 pounds — is the cable guard system. For 2013, PSE introduced the new Flex Cable Slide. This device is essentially a miniature X-Technology limb manufactured with a friction-reduction material attached to the side opposite the cables to allow the cable slide to operate freely.

The idea is that the limb will flex as the bow is drawn to reduce lateral load by up to 30 percent, which decreases torque at full draw. When the bow is shot, the limb quickly returns to its natural position, taking the cables with it—out of the way of your fletching. Adjustments can be made to customize fletching clearance by simply turning a screw in or out, just like a limb bolt.

The DNA riser incorporates PSE’s new Center-Pull Technology that basically places the arrow in the exact center of the bow. PSE’s goal for this design is improved tunability and increased performance.

Rounding out the package on the DNA riser is the B.E.S.T. Raptor Grip, a stainless steel stabilizer-mounting insert, multiple sight mounting positions, engraved tuning marks on the shelf and a new-and-improved, tunable BackStop string stop.

4th Generation X-Technology
The Dream Season DNA is home to PSE’s 4th Generation X-Technology Limbs. A heavy pre-load and curl brings the split limbs to a parallel position even when the bow is at rest. At full draw, they demonstrate a radical past-parallel curl. Limbs measure 13.375 inches and are made from fiberglass through a proprietary process. Peak draw weights are available in 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 pounds, with 80-pound limbs
offered through PSE’s custom shop.

An all new Centerlock 2 limb pocket was designed to be stronger, lighter and more stable than the first generation. This is a pivoting pocket that has a center locking feature and allows for 10 turns of adjustment.

Range Notes
The Dream Season DNA is incredibly fast. The front side of the draw cycle and narrow valley are not for the timid, as both are extremely aggressive. This is done to squeeze every last drop of speed from the power stroke. I like the narrow B.E.S.T. Grip’s feel and find it to be functional in consistently positioning my hand.  The kick and vibration noted at the shot are easily tamed, and the bow is exceptionally quiet. This is a killing machine, plain and simple.

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APA Viper Nano

The new Viper Nano from APA Innovations measures just 30 inches between the axles but boasts a blistering 330 fps IBO speed rating and a forgiving, 7 ¼-inch brace height. The Viper Nano is APA’s smoothest, most efficient, single-cam bow ever, thanks to the new Venom V2 Cam, which offers eight inches of draw-length adjustment in half-inch increments.

The cam also features a positive draw stop for a rock-solid back wall. The Viper Nano comes standard with Scorpion Strings. The riser has a built-in, balanced carrying handle, and APA’s Fang Riser features an incorporated limb hook that allows you to easily store your bow while on stand. Also standard on APA bows is the multi-function tool center that features a nock wrench, broadhead wrench, carbide sharpener and cam lock built into the riser. The cam lock allows you to lock the cams and replace the string or cable in the field without a bow press. Shown in optional Snakeskin Stealth finish.

MSRP: $899

BowTech Destroyer 350

BowTech has brought the Destroyer 350—its groundbreaking flagship bow from 2010—back as a limited edition series for 2013. The Destroyer 350 was one of the best-selling bows in BowTech history, thanks to a trio of industry-changing technologies; Hard Core Limbs that combine durability with maximum speeds, the FLX-Guard cable-containment system that dramatically reduces riser torque and the Over Drive Binary Cam system for symmetry, synchronization and stability at the shot.

Available in limited quantities, the Destroyer 350 LE weighs 4.1 pounds, has 80 percent let off, measures 32 3⁄8 inches between the axles, has a 6-inch brace height and an IBO speed rating of 350 fps. It has a draw-weight range of 60-70 pounds and can accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches. It is available only in Black Ops finish with custom, limited-edition limb graphics.

MSRP: $849

Elite Hunter

With an all-new riser and cam system, smoother draw and wider range of draw lengths, the 2013 Hunter from Elite Archery offers plenty of exciting upgrades from the original. Elite President Peter Crawford said the Hunter’s new cams offer the company’s smoothest-drawing bow to date, while a more parallel limb configuration creates a truly “dead in hand” feel at the shot.

Maneuverability is excellent thanks to the Hunter’s 31 ½-inch axle-to-axle length, and archers will enjoy plenty of forgiveness via the rig’s generous, 7 ¾-inch brace height. Despite all those features designed to enhance shootability, the Hunter still powers arrows at more than respectable IBO speeds of 323-326 fps. Another highlight is Elite’s exclusive “dwell zone,” a wide spot in the valley that makes taking aim at trophy game extremely comfortable.

The 4.3-pound Hunter comes with Winner’s Choice Custom Bowstrings and is available in draw lengths from 25-31 inches and with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds.

MSRP: $899

Hoyt Carbon Element G3

Hoyt’s renowned carbon riser technology is back and better than ever for 2013. The new Carbon Element G3 features the same short and sweet 31 1⁄2-inch axle-to-axle length that has made this bow a favorite among bowhunters along with the all-new, patent-pending AirShox limb dampeners for deadly silence at the shot. The Carbon Element G3 is powered by Hoyt’s fast and smooth RKT Cam and ½ system and boasts an IBO speed rating of 332 fps.

The carbon riser helps hold the rig’s mass weight to just 3.6 pounds yet offers the strength to stand up to severe abuse in the field. The Carbon Element G3 has a 6 ¾-inch brace height, can accommodate draw lengths from 24 1⁄2-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Other highlights include Hoyt’s XTS Pro ARC limbs, Fuse Custom Strings, In-Line Roller Guard, Pro-Fit Custom Grip, Silent Shelf Technology and more. Finish options include Realtree Xtra, Realtree MAX-1, black and more.

MSRP: $1,499

Hoyt Spider 30

Hoyt’s engineering team of die-hard bowhunters combined years of field experience with technological wizardry to create the all-new Spyder 30. To provide extreme stealth at the shot, Hoyt created patent-pending AirShox Technology. The AirShox dampeners are mounted to the limb pockets, allowing the limbs to pull away at full draw and then be cushioned by the AirShox as they spring back into place upon release.

To boost maneuverability, Hoyt trimmed the Spyder 30’s axle-to-axle measurement to just 30 inches, making it the most compact Hoyt rig ever. And to generate the power needed to make a lethal strike, Hoyt included its RKT Cam and ½ that produces an IBO speed rating of 330 fps. The Spyder 30 also features Hoyt’s TEC Lite Riser, XTS Pro ARC limbs, Fuse Custom Strings, In-Line Roller Guard, Pro-Fit Custom Grip, Silent Shelf Technology and more. The Spyder 30 weighs 3.8 pounds, has a 6 ¾-inch brace height, can accommodate draw lengths from 24 1⁄2-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Finish options include Realtree Xtra, Realtree MAX-1, Black Out and many others.

MSRP: $999

Martin Alien

Weighing a feathery 3.5 pounds and boasting an IBO speed rating of up to 335 fps, Martin Archery’s 2013 split-limb Alien is the company’s sleekest, most advanced bow ever, making it easy to tune and shoot thanks to a forgiving, 7-inch brace height.

Other highlights include a CNC machined solid aluminum riser, Nitro 3 Hybrid Cams, X4 Twin Limbs, three VEM Vibration Vortex Modules, Carbon Stealth STS string stop, Martin Cable Containment System, Saddleback Thermal Grip and Silent Hunter Arrow Shelf. The 32-inch axle-to-axle Alien offers draw lengths from 25 ½-30 ½ inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds, with 15 pounds of downward adjustment.

MSRP: $799.99

Mathews Creed

Hardcore bowhunters can put their faith in the all-new, split-limb Mathews Creed, featuring the company’s legendary Solocam technology. Powered by the new SimPlex Cam, Mathews says the Creed is the smoothest-drawing single-cam bow ever created, yet it still produces IBO speeds up to 328 fps.

It’s also balanced, lightweight at just 3.85 pounds, quiet and accurate. Other highlights include the Geo Grid Lock Riser, Reverse Assist Roller Guard, Rich Walnut SlimFit Inline Grip, Dead End String Stop Lite and Mathews Harmonic Stabilizer Lite.

The Creed measures 30 inches between the axles and has a 7-inch brace height with 80 percent letoff. It can accommodate draw lengths from 26-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 50-70 pounds. Finish options include Lost Camo, Black and Tactical.

MSRP: $999

Prime Impact

G5 Outdoors has turned plenty of heads with the exclusive Parallel Cam Technology on its Prime bows, and the 2013 Impact is sure to leave its mark on bowhunters. Like all Prime bows, the hallmark of the 35-inch Impact is its parallel cams, which distribute the load of the draw force equally on each side of the cable, virtually eliminating cam lean.

As a result, Prime bows enjoy reduced horizontal nock travel for better accuracy and reduced limb fatigue for enhanced durability. The Impact’s new PCX cam produces an IBO speed rating of 340 fps with a 6 ¼-inch brace height, and it’s forged, 7000 series aluminum riser is among the stiffest in the business. Other highlights include C-1 Laminated Limbs, Gore Fiber string and cables, removable anti-torque grip and the TI-Glide flexible titanium cable guard system that reduces cam lean by 25 percent. The Impact weighs 4.5 pounds, offers draw lengths from 26-30 inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds.

MSRP: $949

PSE Prophecy

PSE says its new Prophecy is the fastest single-cam rig ever created. The Prophecy’s high-performance single-cam system provides a smooth draw while still producing an IBO speed rating of 340 fps. Other highlights include PSE’s Planar Flex riser, past parallel split limbs, B.E.S.T Raptor Grip and Backstop 2 string dampener. The Prophecy has a 6-inch brace height, measures 32 inches between the axles, weighs 4.1 pounds and has 75 percent letoff. It can accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds.

MSRP: $699

Ross XD

At 30 1⁄2 inches between the axles and just 3.16 pounds, the Ross XD (Xtreme Devastation) proves you can pack a lot of performance into a small package. In addition to being one of the lightest hunting bows on the market, the XD features an IBO speed rating of 320 fps with a silky smooth draw and solid back wall, ensuring you will be able to execute a perfect shot during the moment of truth.

The Ross XD has a 7 ½-inch brace height, 80 percent letoff and can accommodate draw lengths from 26-31 inches. It’s available with peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds. Finish options include Realtree AP camo or Stealth Black.

MSRP: $524.99

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10 New Bows for 2013

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The company’s new Motive 6 bow is all about the hunt. The Motive 6 is loaded with many features, including the powerful H13 Synchronized Hybrid cams, Max Pre-Load Quad limbs, Dual Offset String Suppressors, 4×4 Roller Guard and Bear Logo Overmold grip.

Power²
Bear Archery packs the Motive 6 with loads of power. Generating advertised IBO speeds reaching 350 fps, the H13 Synchronized Hybrid cam system is made to hit hard. A hybrid cam system is one that uses two elliptical shaped cams, a control cable, split harness power cable and an evenly placed string. With an equal length of string above and below the bow’s center, the effects of mechanical string seating and stretch are reduced.

The control cable forces the two cams to move and work together so they rotate in lock-step. Hybrid cam systems are widely believed to require less work to maintain optimum performance. The H13 produces a system letoff of 75 percent on a 6-inch brace height and offers draw lengths from 25 1⁄2-30 inches in half-inch increments using a set of modules. Bear uses its pre-stretched Contraband HP string and cables, both made of BCY 452X.

The Hub
Bear’s Motive 6 is a great-looking rig thanks in large part to the edgy machining found on the riser. Rather than squared off or evenly rounded sides, you get sweeping cutouts, unique transitions and defined ridges.
The forged and CNC-machined riser is reflex in geometry for increased power stroke and speed.

The grip on the Motive is a two-for-one deal. First is a one-piece Bear Logo Overmold grip, which is super comfortable and narrow. Remove four screws and you uncover a two-piece grip that features two plastic side plates set into pockets on the machined handle. This option is thinner, and the surface is slick for easy hand positioning.

Mounted to the riser outside the sight window is Bear’s 4×4 Roller Guard, which consists of an aluminum bracket and four rollers containing eight sealed bearings. The cables are harnessed between the sets of rollers, which at full draw are in line with the natural position of the cables. This reduces tension and torque for a more forgiving shot.

Dual Adjustable Offset String Suppressors utilize soft rubber-like fixtures attached to the end of the mounting arm, which is offset to soften the cushioning effect. Their position, opposite any added accessories, improves overall bow balance.

Pre-Loaded Quad
Bear machines industry-standard Gordon Composite material to create its Max Pre-Load Quad limbs. Four individual limb pieces measuring 11 inches in length make up the set, which reach a past-parallel position at full draw. Engineers use a complex computer modeling program to identify the extent of the pre-load that maximizes performance while eliminating areas of stress.

The past-parallel position of the limb tips creates a platform for reduced shock, vibration and noise. Keeping the limbs in line at this critical interface are Bear’s Zero Tolerance Two-Piece pockets. Combined, the two pieces work to precisely locate the limbs in reference to the riser.

Impressions
The Motive 6 shoots and performs like a cold, hard, killing machine. The draw cycle is surprisingly smooth for a bow rated at 350 fps IBO. There is a notable kick and some lasting, low-level vibration at the shot. However, the kick is significantly minimized and the vibration completely eliminated with a quality stabilizer.

Shot noise is notably low, and the speeds produced are sure to tighten your pin gaps.The riser machining is unique and looks great. Although the bow could be a bit lighter, it’s far from heavy. I like the grip selection option; I chose the two-piece side plates. There’s no doubt the Motive 6 will smoke quite a few critters in 2013.

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APA Viper Nano

The new Viper Nano from APA Innovations measures just 30 inches between the axles but boasts a blistering 330 fps IBO speed rating and a forgiving, 7 ¼-inch brace height. The Viper Nano is APA’s smoothest, most efficient, single-cam bow ever, thanks to the new Venom V2 Cam, which offers eight inches of draw-length adjustment in half-inch increments.

The cam also features a positive draw stop for a rock-solid back wall. The Viper Nano comes standard with Scorpion Strings. The riser has a built-in, balanced carrying handle, and APA’s Fang Riser features an incorporated limb hook that allows you to easily store your bow while on stand. Also standard on APA bows is the multi-function tool center that features a nock wrench, broadhead wrench, carbide sharpener and cam lock built into the riser. The cam lock allows you to lock the cams and replace the string or cable in the field without a bow press. Shown in optional Snakeskin Stealth finish.

MSRP: $899

BowTech Destroyer 350

BowTech has brought the Destroyer 350—its groundbreaking flagship bow from 2010—back as a limited edition series for 2013. The Destroyer 350 was one of the best-selling bows in BowTech history, thanks to a trio of industry-changing technologies; Hard Core Limbs that combine durability with maximum speeds, the FLX-Guard cable-containment system that dramatically reduces riser torque and the Over Drive Binary Cam system for symmetry, synchronization and stability at the shot.

Available in limited quantities, the Destroyer 350 LE weighs 4.1 pounds, has 80 percent let off, measures 32 3⁄8 inches between the axles, has a 6-inch brace height and an IBO speed rating of 350 fps. It has a draw-weight range of 60-70 pounds and can accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches. It is available only in Black Ops finish with custom, limited-edition limb graphics.

MSRP: $849

Elite Hunter

With an all-new riser and cam system, smoother draw and wider range of draw lengths, the 2013 Hunter from Elite Archery offers plenty of exciting upgrades from the original. Elite President Peter Crawford said the Hunter’s new cams offer the company’s smoothest-drawing bow to date, while a more parallel limb configuration creates a truly “dead in hand” feel at the shot.

Maneuverability is excellent thanks to the Hunter’s 31 ½-inch axle-to-axle length, and archers will enjoy plenty of forgiveness via the rig’s generous, 7 ¾-inch brace height. Despite all those features designed to enhance shootability, the Hunter still powers arrows at more than respectable IBO speeds of 323-326 fps. Another highlight is Elite’s exclusive “dwell zone,” a wide spot in the valley that makes taking aim at trophy game extremely comfortable.

The 4.3-pound Hunter comes with Winner’s Choice Custom Bowstrings and is available in draw lengths from 25-31 inches and with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds.

MSRP: $899

Hoyt Carbon Element G3

Hoyt’s renowned carbon riser technology is back and better than ever for 2013. The new Carbon Element G3 features the same short and sweet 31 1⁄2-inch axle-to-axle length that has made this bow a favorite among bowhunters along with the all-new, patent-pending AirShox limb dampeners for deadly silence at the shot. The Carbon Element G3 is powered by Hoyt’s fast and smooth RKT Cam and ½ system and boasts an IBO speed rating of 332 fps.

The carbon riser helps hold the rig’s mass weight to just 3.6 pounds yet offers the strength to stand up to severe abuse in the field. The Carbon Element G3 has a 6 ¾-inch brace height, can accommodate draw lengths from 24 1⁄2-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Other highlights include Hoyt’s XTS Pro ARC limbs, Fuse Custom Strings, In-Line Roller Guard, Pro-Fit Custom Grip, Silent Shelf Technology and more. Finish options include Realtree Xtra, Realtree MAX-1, black and more.

MSRP: $1,499

Hoyt Spider 30

Hoyt’s engineering team of die-hard bowhunters combined years of field experience with technological wizardry to create the all-new Spyder 30. To provide extreme stealth at the shot, Hoyt created patent-pending AirShox Technology. The AirShox dampeners are mounted to the limb pockets, allowing the limbs to pull away at full draw and then be cushioned by the AirShox as they spring back into place upon release.

To boost maneuverability, Hoyt trimmed the Spyder 30’s axle-to-axle measurement to just 30 inches, making it the most compact Hoyt rig ever. And to generate the power needed to make a lethal strike, Hoyt included its RKT Cam and ½ that produces an IBO speed rating of 330 fps. The Spyder 30 also features Hoyt’s TEC Lite Riser, XTS Pro ARC limbs, Fuse Custom Strings, In-Line Roller Guard, Pro-Fit Custom Grip, Silent Shelf Technology and more. The Spyder 30 weighs 3.8 pounds, has a 6 ¾-inch brace height, can accommodate draw lengths from 24 1⁄2-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Finish options include Realtree Xtra, Realtree MAX-1, Black Out and many others.

MSRP: $999

Martin Alien

Weighing a feathery 3.5 pounds and boasting an IBO speed rating of up to 335 fps, Martin Archery’s 2013 split-limb Alien is the company’s sleekest, most advanced bow ever, making it easy to tune and shoot thanks to a forgiving, 7-inch brace height.

Other highlights include a CNC machined solid aluminum riser, Nitro 3 Hybrid Cams, X4 Twin Limbs, three VEM Vibration Vortex Modules, Carbon Stealth STS string stop, Martin Cable Containment System, Saddleback Thermal Grip and Silent Hunter Arrow Shelf. The 32-inch axle-to-axle Alien offers draw lengths from 25 ½-30 ½ inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds, with 15 pounds of downward adjustment.

MSRP: $799.99

Mathews Creed

Hardcore bowhunters can put their faith in the all-new, split-limb Mathews Creed, featuring the company’s legendary Solocam technology. Powered by the new SimPlex Cam, Mathews says the Creed is the smoothest-drawing single-cam bow ever created, yet it still produces IBO speeds up to 328 fps.

It’s also balanced, lightweight at just 3.85 pounds, quiet and accurate. Other highlights include the Geo Grid Lock Riser, Reverse Assist Roller Guard, Rich Walnut SlimFit Inline Grip, Dead End String Stop Lite and Mathews Harmonic Stabilizer Lite.

The Creed measures 30 inches between the axles and has a 7-inch brace height with 80 percent letoff. It can accommodate draw lengths from 26-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 50-70 pounds. Finish options include Lost Camo, Black and Tactical.

MSRP: $999

Prime Impact

G5 Outdoors has turned plenty of heads with the exclusive Parallel Cam Technology on its Prime bows, and the 2013 Impact is sure to leave its mark on bowhunters. Like all Prime bows, the hallmark of the 35-inch Impact is its parallel cams, which distribute the load of the draw force equally on each side of the cable, virtually eliminating cam lean.

As a result, Prime bows enjoy reduced horizontal nock travel for better accuracy and reduced limb fatigue for enhanced durability. The Impact’s new PCX cam produces an IBO speed rating of 340 fps with a 6 ¼-inch brace height, and it’s forged, 7000 series aluminum riser is among the stiffest in the business. Other highlights include C-1 Laminated Limbs, Gore Fiber string and cables, removable anti-torque grip and the TI-Glide flexible titanium cable guard system that reduces cam lean by 25 percent. The Impact weighs 4.5 pounds, offers draw lengths from 26-30 inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds.

MSRP: $949

PSE Prophecy

PSE says its new Prophecy is the fastest single-cam rig ever created. The Prophecy’s high-performance single-cam system provides a smooth draw while still producing an IBO speed rating of 340 fps. Other highlights include PSE’s Planar Flex riser, past parallel split limbs, B.E.S.T Raptor Grip and Backstop 2 string dampener. The Prophecy has a 6-inch brace height, measures 32 inches between the axles, weighs 4.1 pounds and has 75 percent letoff. It can accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds.

MSRP: $699

Ross XD

At 30 1⁄2 inches between the axles and just 3.16 pounds, the Ross XD (Xtreme Devastation) proves you can pack a lot of performance into a small package. In addition to being one of the lightest hunting bows on the market, the XD features an IBO speed rating of 320 fps with a silky smooth draw and solid back wall, ensuring you will be able to execute a perfect shot during the moment of truth.

The Ross XD has a 7 ½-inch brace height, 80 percent letoff and can accommodate draw lengths from 26-31 inches. It’s available with peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds. Finish options include Realtree AP camo or Stealth Black.

MSRP: $524.99

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10 New Bows for 2013

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The Chill’s DYAD AVS cam system combines speed and comfort while the past-parallel Quad V-Lock limbs, along with numerous vibration damping features, tame and quiet the shot. Mathews’ GeoGrid riser, Reverse Assist Roller Guard and Focus grip complete the lightweight package.

Power Generation
Mathews features its new DYAD AVS (Advanced Vectoring System) cam system on the Monster Chill. Dual perimeter weights, also called metal inertia disks, are strategically placed on the perimeter of the cams so they surge in the opposite direction of the fired limbs, significantly counteracting momentum and reducing recoil and noise while enhancing speed.

In this new system, the split cable ends loop around a set of special, two-part wheels on either side of the cam. The outer wheel remains stationary in terms of rotation while the inner wheel, which is not centered on the axle, rotates and rises as the archer starts the draw cycle, increasing stored energy. It then drops back closer to the limb at full draw, increasing letoff.

This essentially moves the force vector from one side of the axle to the other during the draw cycle. Mathews uses this technology to enhance the draw-force curve (balanced blend of comfort and performance) and store more energy (power). This system also terminates the ends of each cable to the opposite cam, forcing the system to work in sync and thereby automatically correcting any imbalances. This translates into dependability for the archer.

The DYAD AVS cam system rides on sealed bearings and stainless steel axles, producing 80 percent letoff. It accommodates draw lengths from 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments, through a series of modules.

Energy Management
Once you have the system in place to produce the power, you then need to manage it. A dynamic efficiency well in exces of 80 percent means most of the bow’s energy is transferred to your arrow. However, there is still some leftover foce that  needs to be managed. Mathews begins the fight against shock, vibration and noise by outfitting the Chill with a set of past-parallel split limbs, which move in opposite directions at the shot to cancel unwanted energy.

The riser is home to a Harmonic Damper on the upper section and a Harmonic Stabilizer Lite on the lower section. Their benefits are well documented with testimony and demonstrations easily found online. Mathews’ String Stop Lite “catches” the string at the shot and reduces oscillation, which in turn reduces noise. Monkey Tails on the string drastically reduce vibration and noise while decreasing arrow speed by just 1-2 feet per second. Positioned right next to the Monkey Tails, String Grubs actually cause an increase in speed.

Smart Grid
Mathews doesn’t use a grid pattern riser design just for looks—it has a purpose; several really. This new version of the Grid Lock riser follows the geometry of the handle, which is why it is named GeoGrid. Mathews was able to reduce the weight even further while maintaining an ultra-rigid platform. Also, it adds a measure of concealment in the field when viewed from the side and combined with Lost Camo. Separate quiver attachment fixtures are available as they are not built into this riser.

The Focus Grip is clearly functional, as Levi Morgan won two world championships with it. A small design reduces contact with the shooter’s hand, thereby lowering the possibility of hand torque. The rubber material also adds comfort and warmth. Last but not least, the Reverse Assist Roller Guard wraps the cables around the rollers on the side closest to the archer, which decreases friction and torque on the cables as compared to traditional systems. In turn, that increases efficiency and makes the draw smoother.

Impressions
I believe the lightweight Chill is one of 2013’s top bows. Packed with high-end technologies, it is fast, quiet, easy to draw and has little report (shock, vibration and noise) when shot. The Focus grip is proven and functional. One of the best tests for any bow is whether it is fun to shoot, and I had fun shooting the Chill.

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APA Viper Nano

The new Viper Nano from APA Innovations measures just 30 inches between the axles but boasts a blistering 330 fps IBO speed rating and a forgiving, 7 ¼-inch brace height. The Viper Nano is APA’s smoothest, most efficient, single-cam bow ever, thanks to the new Venom V2 Cam, which offers eight inches of draw-length adjustment in half-inch increments.

The cam also features a positive draw stop for a rock-solid back wall. The Viper Nano comes standard with Scorpion Strings. The riser has a built-in, balanced carrying handle, and APA’s Fang Riser features an incorporated limb hook that allows you to easily store your bow while on stand. Also standard on APA bows is the multi-function tool center that features a nock wrench, broadhead wrench, carbide sharpener and cam lock built into the riser. The cam lock allows you to lock the cams and replace the string or cable in the field without a bow press. Shown in optional Snakeskin Stealth finish.

MSRP: $899

BowTech Destroyer 350

BowTech has brought the Destroyer 350—its groundbreaking flagship bow from 2010—back as a limited edition series for 2013. The Destroyer 350 was one of the best-selling bows in BowTech history, thanks to a trio of industry-changing technologies; Hard Core Limbs that combine durability with maximum speeds, the FLX-Guard cable-containment system that dramatically reduces riser torque and the Over Drive Binary Cam system for symmetry, synchronization and stability at the shot.

Available in limited quantities, the Destroyer 350 LE weighs 4.1 pounds, has 80 percent let off, measures 32 3⁄8 inches between the axles, has a 6-inch brace height and an IBO speed rating of 350 fps. It has a draw-weight range of 60-70 pounds and can accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches. It is available only in Black Ops finish with custom, limited-edition limb graphics.

MSRP: $849

Elite Hunter

With an all-new riser and cam system, smoother draw and wider range of draw lengths, the 2013 Hunter from Elite Archery offers plenty of exciting upgrades from the original. Elite President Peter Crawford said the Hunter’s new cams offer the company’s smoothest-drawing bow to date, while a more parallel limb configuration creates a truly “dead in hand” feel at the shot.

Maneuverability is excellent thanks to the Hunter’s 31 ½-inch axle-to-axle length, and archers will enjoy plenty of forgiveness via the rig’s generous, 7 ¾-inch brace height. Despite all those features designed to enhance shootability, the Hunter still powers arrows at more than respectable IBO speeds of 323-326 fps. Another highlight is Elite’s exclusive “dwell zone,” a wide spot in the valley that makes taking aim at trophy game extremely comfortable.

The 4.3-pound Hunter comes with Winner’s Choice Custom Bowstrings and is available in draw lengths from 25-31 inches and with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds.

MSRP: $899

Hoyt Carbon Element G3

Hoyt’s renowned carbon riser technology is back and better than ever for 2013. The new Carbon Element G3 features the same short and sweet 31 1⁄2-inch axle-to-axle length that has made this bow a favorite among bowhunters along with the all-new, patent-pending AirShox limb dampeners for deadly silence at the shot. The Carbon Element G3 is powered by Hoyt’s fast and smooth RKT Cam and ½ system and boasts an IBO speed rating of 332 fps.

The carbon riser helps hold the rig’s mass weight to just 3.6 pounds yet offers the strength to stand up to severe abuse in the field. The Carbon Element G3 has a 6 ¾-inch brace height, can accommodate draw lengths from 24 1⁄2-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Other highlights include Hoyt’s XTS Pro ARC limbs, Fuse Custom Strings, In-Line Roller Guard, Pro-Fit Custom Grip, Silent Shelf Technology and more. Finish options include Realtree Xtra, Realtree MAX-1, black and more.

MSRP: $1,499

Hoyt Spider 30

Hoyt’s engineering team of die-hard bowhunters combined years of field experience with technological wizardry to create the all-new Spyder 30. To provide extreme stealth at the shot, Hoyt created patent-pending AirShox Technology. The AirShox dampeners are mounted to the limb pockets, allowing the limbs to pull away at full draw and then be cushioned by the AirShox as they spring back into place upon release.

To boost maneuverability, Hoyt trimmed the Spyder 30’s axle-to-axle measurement to just 30 inches, making it the most compact Hoyt rig ever. And to generate the power needed to make a lethal strike, Hoyt included its RKT Cam and ½ that produces an IBO speed rating of 330 fps. The Spyder 30 also features Hoyt’s TEC Lite Riser, XTS Pro ARC limbs, Fuse Custom Strings, In-Line Roller Guard, Pro-Fit Custom Grip, Silent Shelf Technology and more. The Spyder 30 weighs 3.8 pounds, has a 6 ¾-inch brace height, can accommodate draw lengths from 24 1⁄2-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Finish options include Realtree Xtra, Realtree MAX-1, Black Out and many others.

MSRP: $999

Martin Alien

Weighing a feathery 3.5 pounds and boasting an IBO speed rating of up to 335 fps, Martin Archery’s 2013 split-limb Alien is the company’s sleekest, most advanced bow ever, making it easy to tune and shoot thanks to a forgiving, 7-inch brace height.

Other highlights include a CNC machined solid aluminum riser, Nitro 3 Hybrid Cams, X4 Twin Limbs, three VEM Vibration Vortex Modules, Carbon Stealth STS string stop, Martin Cable Containment System, Saddleback Thermal Grip and Silent Hunter Arrow Shelf. The 32-inch axle-to-axle Alien offers draw lengths from 25 ½-30 ½ inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds, with 15 pounds of downward adjustment.

MSRP: $799.99

Mathews Creed

Hardcore bowhunters can put their faith in the all-new, split-limb Mathews Creed, featuring the company’s legendary Solocam technology. Powered by the new SimPlex Cam, Mathews says the Creed is the smoothest-drawing single-cam bow ever created, yet it still produces IBO speeds up to 328 fps.

It’s also balanced, lightweight at just 3.85 pounds, quiet and accurate. Other highlights include the Geo Grid Lock Riser, Reverse Assist Roller Guard, Rich Walnut SlimFit Inline Grip, Dead End String Stop Lite and Mathews Harmonic Stabilizer Lite.

The Creed measures 30 inches between the axles and has a 7-inch brace height with 80 percent letoff. It can accommodate draw lengths from 26-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 50-70 pounds. Finish options include Lost Camo, Black and Tactical.

MSRP: $999

Prime Impact

G5 Outdoors has turned plenty of heads with the exclusive Parallel Cam Technology on its Prime bows, and the 2013 Impact is sure to leave its mark on bowhunters. Like all Prime bows, the hallmark of the 35-inch Impact is its parallel cams, which distribute the load of the draw force equally on each side of the cable, virtually eliminating cam lean.

As a result, Prime bows enjoy reduced horizontal nock travel for better accuracy and reduced limb fatigue for enhanced durability. The Impact’s new PCX cam produces an IBO speed rating of 340 fps with a 6 ¼-inch brace height, and it’s forged, 7000 series aluminum riser is among the stiffest in the business. Other highlights include C-1 Laminated Limbs, Gore Fiber string and cables, removable anti-torque grip and the TI-Glide flexible titanium cable guard system that reduces cam lean by 25 percent. The Impact weighs 4.5 pounds, offers draw lengths from 26-30 inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds.

MSRP: $949

PSE Prophecy

PSE says its new Prophecy is the fastest single-cam rig ever created. The Prophecy’s high-performance single-cam system provides a smooth draw while still producing an IBO speed rating of 340 fps. Other highlights include PSE’s Planar Flex riser, past parallel split limbs, B.E.S.T Raptor Grip and Backstop 2 string dampener. The Prophecy has a 6-inch brace height, measures 32 inches between the axles, weighs 4.1 pounds and has 75 percent letoff. It can accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds.

MSRP: $699

Ross XD

At 30 1⁄2 inches between the axles and just 3.16 pounds, the Ross XD (Xtreme Devastation) proves you can pack a lot of performance into a small package. In addition to being one of the lightest hunting bows on the market, the XD features an IBO speed rating of 320 fps with a silky smooth draw and solid back wall, ensuring you will be able to execute a perfect shot during the moment of truth.

The Ross XD has a 7 ½-inch brace height, 80 percent letoff and can accommodate draw lengths from 26-31 inches. It’s available with peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds. Finish options include Realtree AP camo or Stealth Black.

MSRP: $524.99

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10 New Bows for 2013

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