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Congratulations to the winners. Looking foward to next season! Great contest and Jeff, thanks again.

My vote is in.

The study results seem off to me Doc. "Here the rifle, shotgun and muzzleloader projectiles travel 1,408', 840', and 686' respectfully plus ricochet distances of 3,427', 4,365', and 3,812' respectfully. Now the total distances traveled by the projectiles are 4,835' for the rifle, 5,205' for the shotgun and 4,498' for the muzzleloader." I didn't read the lengthy report, but the summary results indicate the ricochet is much greater with the slug. Ok, was 4,365' the max of one slug or average of all shots? Even if it was the average I'm hesitant to base much off one study.

I had forgot about the recall being for the General. Thanks. The news I heard was that it was super smooth with no vibration. This would all feel right in the shop while shooting, but if penetration is lacking then it's not a bow I would want.

I bought one in December (no thumb hole). I absoluteltly love it. I put a Leupold Ultimate Slam scope on it and have the best grouping I've had with any firearm. For deer I use 100 grains of American Pioneer Powder with 250 grain shockwave sabots.

Looks like the answer is NO.

I'm considering purchasing a new handgun. The use would primarily be for something lighter than a rifle to carry into the woods while setting up baits while black bear hunting. It would also serve as a back-up while hunting. Last year I borrowed a 357 mag. stainless Taurus revolver. I believe the model number was 627SS4. It had a longer barrel and my accuracy was good, but the thing was very heavy which made me think I needed something lighter. I'm not going to be practice shooting much, just want something reliable and accurate, weather resistant (rain), and not to heavy. I'm also thinking a 45 cal. would be better for bear? Given those requirements what would you buy?

Kat, you beat me to it.

Hey guys that's my deer. I did the mount myself. I was really proud of it. Well, I was anyway.

I've only been out looking for sheds once. No dead deer. I wouldn't expect to see any here in Southern Illinois. Our winters are not that bad. I have never ran across a dead fawn in the late winter early spring in my part of the country. Very sad.

That's great Kirk! I know going to those classics are fun without the trophies, but they sure do add a little something extra huh! The Bloomington show is great because there are a lot of categories. Not sure if you had "change" with your 155? If so you would have took third at the St. Louis Classic. If not you would have tied. Check the URL: http://www.deer-expo.com/SL_trophy_awards_listing.htm Were the trophies all the same size for 1st, 2nd, 3rd? whitlbucksteve indicated that all points counted towards category placement. If a buck had a mian-frame 8 with a 2 inch sticker point it would go into the 9 point cat. Was this true for this year?

Anyone shooting the Bowtech General? I've been hearing some really good things about this particular bow. Things that would place it over Hoyt, Mathews, and all the others. Would really like to hear the good and bad.

Welcome to the best forums around.

Some great shots there. I saw a flock of about a dozen hens during the deer bow season here in Il. Every one had a beard dragging the ground.

Wasn't he the star of Sanford and Son? Didn't know taxidermists did work on celebs. Seriously, she seems to have the touch. Nice looking animals there.

That's pretty funny Red. Wonder if he fell to the ground after getting hit? If he would have been wearing a safety harness he wouldn't have.

I've owned 2 bows so far. Both made by Bear. 1st bow in 1987 was a Whitetail II. Still have it. 2nd bow in 2003 was a TRX. Still use it.

Hooking those big cats at the same time must have been an adrenalin rush! Congrats on the cats.

Even more difficult is gaining access to land where they live. Good luck today!

Turned out ok for me (basically did what Gary recommended). Disclaimer: shotgun kill, not bow.

Hey redkneck you're one of the family and we're going to do what we can to keep you safe. I just regularly started using one a couple years ago. Working in a trauma unit of a hospital I've cared for hunters who fell out of stands and screwed themselves up pretty bad. I know about old habbits. Get a comfortable easy to wear harness and you'll find you'll wear it just like your boots.

Don't worry about Luke, he's all talk.

Seems like a good place to get sensory overload. Thanks for the pics Kirk.

Good luck Kirk. Hope you bring home a trophy! I was reviewing last years winners and it looks like you have a good chance. What did your deer score again. Find out a couple things for me at the show Kirk (or maybe you already know). 1. When entering a deer into a category you have to count the number of points and place it in that category. Let's say a trophy was a main frame 8 pointer but had a 2 inch abnormal point off one of the G-2's. Would it go in the 8-pointer category of 9-pointer? 2. At the deer classic in Collinsville first place received a ribbon and trophy. Second and third place only a ribbon. Is it the same in Bloomington or does each placing receive a trophy? I was thinking about going, but my kids are sick this weekend. Have a great time!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2009 Governor Quinn Calls on IDNR to Reopen State Parks Action fully reopens seven state sites closed last year; restores 12 full time jobs to agency SPRINGFIELD - In another important step towards returning Illinois back to the people, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the reopening of seven state parks closed last year by the Blagojevich administration. The move is another sign pointing toward the state’s renewed focus on natural resources and recreational opportunities for its citizens especially in tough economic times. Governor Quinn made the announcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) headquarters in Springfield alongside IDNR Director Marc Miller, and IDNR staff and supporters. Hear the announcement here. “This is a great day for the people of Illinois. State parks protect some of our most precious habitat and provide opportunities for families to find outdoor recreation close to home. These are the people’s parks and the people have the right to enjoy them in good and bad economic times,” said Governor Quinn. “The value of these open spaces is immeasurable to children, families and local communities that depend on these parks for crucial economic stability.” Today’s announcement officially starts the process of reopening Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park in Oregon, Illini State Park in Marseilles, Hidden Springs State Forest in Strasburg, Moraine View State Park in Leroy, Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton, and Wolf Creek State Park in Windsor. IDNR will immediately begin the process of re-staffing the sites as quickly as possible. “Today is another meaningful step to putting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources back on the right track. For far too long, this agency, our staff and the people we serve have been abused and broken,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “I want to thank Governor Quinn for acting quickly to return these great places back to the people and for recognizing the importance that outdoor recreation has in Illinois." Reopening these seven state sites gives back dozens of recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, and hiking to more than two million visitors each year. IDNR sites – state parks, fish and wildlife areas, conservation areas, habitat areas, and other open spaces have a significant economic impact, especially in the state's more rural areas, bringing in non-local visitors who contribute to local economies by supporting local businesses. An estimated 44 million people visit Illinois state parks and other state sites annually. Those visitors spend an estimated $500 million in local economies each year. That spending results in an estimated $790 million in overall economic impact supporting nearly 8,500 jobs through out the state. Illinois residents report their favorite outdoor recreation activities include walking/hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking, bicycling, fishing and swimming- all opportunities available at Illinois state parks.