2018 Cold Bow Challenge

[robby denning]

We kicked this off last year with great success. I received a lot of feedback on how that challenge helped archers realize what is a realistic Maximum Effective Range (MER) on the mountain when it's crunch time.

Few people will argue with the fact that it's only your first arrow that counts; any shot after that is often for good measure at best.

This challenge is designed to test yourself on what you're really capable of when you've only got one arrow with no warm up or follow up shots, hence the name, Cold Bow Challenge

With this in mind, we're kicking off the 2018 Cold Bow Challenge with a few modifications from last year. This will kick off Saturday, May 5th and run through Sunday June 3rd.

Here are the rules:

1) Start a post in this thread (one post per shooter) on your first shooting day (you don't have to start May 5th, but you do have to be done by June 3rd to qualify for prizes).

2) Call the range that you think is your maximum effective range (MER).

3) With no warm up shots, shoot one arrow a day and only one arrow at your called range--you do NOT have to shoot 5 days consecutively, but there is NO PRACTICE between shooting days.

4) Post a photo of that arrow's placement on a target that represents the kill zone size of your intended species.

5) It's a five-day/five-arrow challenge, so post a photo each day in your original post. Just use the "edit post" button, then all five arrows appear in one post.

6) Be sure and mention the conditions, wind direction, and it's fine to call your shot: "pulled left" for example.

7) Give us a quick summary on your equipment. This is a gear site and we all want to know what our buddies are shooting.

Finally, this is not a competition, but because we're generous and we have some great sponsors, I'll be DRAWING for some killer prizes for our members (Rokslide staff will shoot, but can't win the prizes).

We have both a Traditional Division and a Compound Division.

I'll draw from those who completed the challenge according to these rules by June 3rd (after June 3rd, you can enter the challenge, but there won't be any prizes awarded.)

Here are the prizes we'll be drawing for:

Compound Division:

S&S Archery is providing one S&S Built Black Gold Verdict 5-pin sight valued at $280 (click here to see this bad boy)

BlackOvis is providing a G34 Stealth Camera valued at $119 (click here to see that camera)

Iron Will Broadheads put up a 3-pack of any of their offerings (click here to see that lineup)

Off Grid Food Co. is offering up a Freeze Dried Meal Kit. (Click here to view Off Grid's products)


Traditional Division:

A complete PhoneSkope system for any iPhone or Android (click here to view all the options)

BlackOvis is providing a G34 Stealth Camera valued at $119 (click here to see that camera)

Matrix Archery $100 Gift Certificate towards purchase of any Matrix target (click here to see the Matrix)

Off Grid Food Co. is offering up a Freeze Dried Meal Kit. (Click here to view Off Grid's products)

Members can trade prizes around after the drawing if they want.

See you May 5th!

(If you have questions or comments on this competition, post them here, so this thread stays clean and easy to follow. Click here to see last year's challenge for an idea of how this works. There have been a few mods to the 2018 challenge.)


Winners are posted in #129/130 on page 7 full-site mode

bowbeck
maininthemaze
mfllood3800
ORHunter
Tag_Soup
Autonamic
Kupper
Kylem
Moneyball
Jimbob
tymododge98
doncarpenter
colersu22
mkuper
GLB (trad)
El Gavilan (trad)
jds44 (trad)
mtsabo
JWW (trad)
PHo (trad)
bobinmi (trad)
marshland_max
JDZ
sndmn11 (trad)
BRTreedogs
Billy Goat
stonewall (trad)
itsTrytruion
NDguy
Fatcamp
swamphunter (trad)
MacAttack
cburgin72
Violent Hippie
Boreal
Yelvi
Slosurfer (trad)
DougP
elkyinzer
Levibarcus
Raygun15E
Scottyboy
blackdawg
gethuntin
ndbwhunter
wisco_archer
Jared Lampton (trad)
SLDMTN
Boudreaux (trad)
mrs stonewall
publichunter1
huntr6
Fatcamp
Spencer@OffGridFoodCo
joshdidthis
Shallow Thoughts
aggie
Slim Jim
stonewall (qualified in both compound and trad)

 

[robby denning]

I’m shooting my 2014 Athens Convixtion,
Black Gold Ascent, Tight Spot 5, Gold Tip Kinetic Pierce Platinum, and Iron Will Broadhead (100 grain)

I’ve chosen my maximum effective yardage at 60 yards. I’ll alternate between shooting and standing, wearing my Stone Glacier EVO 3300

Day 1, wind was right to left 7mph, sight picture looked at the shot

[video=youtube_share;lRWWBBmNf9s]

Day 2, standing, wind right to left at 10mph, pin was slightly high at release.

It’s nerve racking walking up to the target knowing I only have one shot to get it right

Day 3, wind from behind me @13mph, affecting my steadiness. No pack, kneeling. Pin was low at release. Wounded buck. Should have passed.

Day 4, calm winds for first time, pack on, standing. sight picture looked great at release. Back in the game!

Day 5, wind light, kneeling, no pack, pin hair low of bull at release

That’s it for me. Reminded just how much wind affects the shooter. You can compensate for wind drift, but hard to compensate body being moved by wind. I should have passed Day 3. But that’s what this challenge is all about. Best of luck everyone. Kinda sad it’s over for me.

 

[Greg Beck]

Day 1. I'm shooting my Mission Hype DTX. Black Gold Widow Maker sight, QAD Ultra rest, Victory Vforce 245 Sport arrows. I've chose 40 yds as my max effective range. I was standing today. No wind to speak of this morning.

Day 2. Standing. No wind. Shot felt great.

Day 3. I screwed up ! Rushed the shot, was in a hurry! Yanked the trigger ! Standing and no wind.

Day 4. Standing, no wind.

Day5. Standing and no wind. I let the pressure of wanting a perfect shot on the fifth day get to me . 3" low.

Well my five days are up! Sad and glad! I missed shooting but I need to do this more! The challenge is being willing to post the pictures of the "not so great" shots . Thanks to you Robby and Rokslide for doing this!!!!
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[maninthemaze]

Hey all, glad to participate. This is my first year with this archery setup and my first year elk hunting. And thanks to the sponsors and administrators for putting this on. I chose 50 yards and a 9" circle for my MEF.

Equipment: 2015 Hoyt Carbon Spyder Turbo ZT. Black Eagle Rampage 250/.001 arrows with 125 Solid broadheads that weigh a total of 522 grains at 274 fps. QAD drop away rest. Tight spot 5 quiver. Spott Hogg fast Eddie 3 pin, double pointer. Total weight for ready to hunt setup is 6lbs 11.5oz's.

Day 1

Day 2 on my shooting. Working a post hole digger yesterday seems to help my groups.

Day 3. Same weather as before 70 degrees, not enough wind to compensate for it. I did wear my Reckoning and FHF bino harness. Belt pistol holster was empty. Lol. I already get some funny looks while I'm dragging my broadhead target on to the public golf courses archery range. Their range on goes to 30 yards so end up shooting from the parking lot.

I was definitely worried about snagging my string on my pack/harness. Definitely need to start practicing with this stuff on.

Day 4. Wind was blowing at 5mph right to left. I didn't compensate for it. I'm not a good enough shot to worry about how much the wind moves the arrow. The wind effects my bow more than anything. I definitely need this challenge to be over, so I can go back to practicing. I desperately need the practice.

Day 5. Weather was 75 with little to no wind. The shot felt good.

Lesson learned. I need to drop the poundage on my bow for a little while. I have a goal of 1" per 10 yards. Once I can maintain that, then I'll crank the poundage back up. Also, I think I have a flinch while trying to time the shot when the pin gets over the target. I might set my phone up to record myself shooting. Maybe I can spot some flaws in my technique. I definitely need to practice.

Thanks Rokslide for putting this on. It has definitely been a learning experience. And I'm still amazed by the shooting abilities of everyone on here.

 

[mfllood3800]

distance - 90
Bow
PSE Full Throttle
66 lbs
28.5"
Qad rest, tite spot,BG 5 pin slider
60x strings
Nock 2 It release



Black eagle rampage 495 gr
300's, Hit inserts, 125 gr practice tip,
Ill put specs up in a Pic

No wind , 72 degrees 1:15 pm
6000'- Utah

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I saw some posting up pics while wearing their packs...
So I decided to post up while wearing my church clothes
Lol
Suppose to get windy later and I have a full day, so I ran out real quick before church to meet the requirements of the challenge

Standing, shaved, cleaned up, slight 45 degree wind, L to R,

Day 4, no wind

Last day, day 5
Now I can get my new arrows set up and pushed out of the other bow

Robby, just send my prizes ups if you could
Lol
Thx for doing this

I keep doing this thru out the year
Not 5 days in a row
But several days just an arrow a day
Keeps me focused on quality shots

 

[robby denning]

mfllood! Great start!


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[mfllood3800]

Thank you
I've been shooting 50 a day for months
Git the new release and its paid off
Plus, I waited till afternoon and my muscles were all warmed up, weather was perfect, and these arrows are grouping perfectly
I got lucky too
Lol

mfllood! Great start!


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[Jordan Budd]

Here’s mine! I consider 70 yards my effective range.

Hoyt Nitrum Turbo cams
Black Eagle Deep Impact
Spot Hogg Tommy Hogg
QAD ultra rest
Carter Too Simple thumb release
100g heads

Day 1:
About 65 degrees, slight left to right wind and I was standing up with no pack on. Aiming at the top dot.

Day 2:
60 degrees, left to right wind about 10mph. Standing up, no pack, top dot.

Day 3:

58 degrees, no wind. Shot from knees.

Day 4:

Been a few days since I’ve had the chance to shoot. 45 degrees, no wind and standing.

Day 5:
Kneeling. 60 degrees, quite a bit of wind right in my face.

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[ORHunter]

I followed last year and I'm getting on board this go around.

I only have about 50 arrows through my new set up. Basically enough to get the peep where I wanted and the sight tape figured.

Hoyt RX1
27.5"
70lbs
Option 4 sight
QAD Ultra Rest
Quivalizer
Easton Axis 340's
125 field tip
Wise Guy release

50 yards aiming at orange-

Day 1 5/5

Day 2 5/6 aka humblefest

Conditions were good although my buddy was talking my ear off.

Day 3 5/7
I needed some redemption so I grabbed my bow at lunch and made the drive to the range. Much more focus today with a little better results

Day 4 5/8 weather is about as nice as it ever gets in Western Oregon almost identical to yesterday's shot-

Day 5 and finally touched the 2" dot. Overall pretty happy with the results for a new setup besides the one pulled shot on day 2.

 

[Eastman528]

First year of the Cold Bow Challenge for me!
Last shot my bow in December during a late archery Mule deer hunt here in Idaho.
At that time I was confident at 60yd.

Im calling my effective range at 40yd. 10" rough radius for deer.

Diamond Infinite edge @ 60ibs.
Copper John 5 pin sight
QAD Rest
Goldtip hunter arrows
NAP Hell Razor broadheads
Alpine Quiver
Scott release

Day 1 of 5

View attachment 71569
View attachment 71568

 

[Tag_Soup]

Cold Bow Day 1

Equipment:

Bow - Hoyt Vector 32 - 72 lbs @ 28.5"
Rest - Ripcord Code Red
Sight - Axcel Armotech pro 5 pin fixed 2 x .19, 3 x .10(details below)
Stabilizer - Fuse Carbon 10"
Quiver - Hoyt Pro Line Removable 6 arrow
Release - Spot Hogg WiseGuy
Arrow - Easton Axis 5mm 340 @28" - Hit Inserts & 125 grains up front. 3 blaser vanes & 5" wraps - 440 grains

Also worn:
Kifaru Reckoning and new Lite 26" frame- 20 lb load (more below)
Muley Freak Bino Harness w/ 10x42's

Details:

I just finished up setting up my sight for a "Trick Pin". For a + or - 3" "miss window". This puts my "trick pin" at 52.5 yards according to my software. Unfortunately I only have 50 yards to work with for the next couple months, so thats what I will be using as my max effective range. I will be holding dead on, which should give me a 1.25" high impact. I tested this a few times yesterday and found it to be pretty accurate. My target has a 2.5" center dot, which makes top center of the middle dot "perfect". I also consider the center insert of this rhino block to be my "kill zone" for a mule deer. If this trick pin works well, I may sight the remaining pins in as ranging pins or put them as extended ranges, depending on confidence.

I typically would have around 35 - 40 lb pack weight to simulate a full load, but I had knee surgery two weeks ago and the doctor gave me a 20 lb limit until further notice.

Day 1:

8:15 p.m. on 5/5/18 (5 minutes before sunset)
Wind: approximately 7 mph 3/4 value left to right

Shot Correction: made approximately 2" correction left for wind - this seemed to be slightly less than what was required.
Shot Result: Shot felt good, impact was approximately 0.5" high and 1.5" right (NOTE: Made an edit here based on an clerical error (2.5" to 1.5") I actually got around to measuring it- Center dot is 2.5" across and 4 surrounding dots are 2" for reference.)

Looking forward to day 2! Thanks Robby for doing this again!

Day 2:

8:32 p.m. on 5/6/18 (10 minutes after sunset)
Wind: gusting to 15 mph from directly behind shooter

Shot Correction: None
Shot result: Shot felt great, but I let my aim point climb a bit above center at release. Impact was 2.5” directly high

Feeling a little humbled today, thought I would be stacking them in a little closer to my desired impact spot...

Day 3:

Added a photo of me with equipment above. I couldn’t stand it today and had to run home early on my lunch to get the shot over with...

11:15 a.m.

Wind: inconsequential

Shot correction: I really wanted to make this shot kneeling, but my surgically repaired knee still won’t hold weight 17 days post surgery. I drew back, but was too shaky without putting any weight on my front knee, so I had to let down. I stood up and waited about 90 seconds to regain my composure, then made made the shot standing.

Shot result: shot felt nice and I watched the arrow find it’s mark. Hit spot on my 1.25” high of center desired impact.

Feeling a little more confident going into day 4!

Day 4:

5:55 p.m.

Wind: inconsequential

Shot Correction: Did three sets of ladders to get my heart rate up before the shot.

Shot Result: My pin was floating a bit over the target with my increased breathing. Shot impacted about 1.25” high and 1” left of desired impact. Overall I am happy with the result today.

Only one more day to keep it together!!

Day 5:

7:15 a.m.

Wind: 5-8 mph full value right to left

Shot Correction: None for wind, walked 2 miles with 20lbs in pack before shot.

Shot result: should have learned my lesson on the wind day 1... 1.75” left, 1.5” low of desired impact.

This was a great experience! Thanks Robby for setting it up again and thanks to the sponsors! I’m happy to be done with it and be able to go practice again! 5 dead bucks in 5 days...on flat ground

 

[Autonamic]

45 yds
Bowtech reign 6
Gold tip hunter xts
Qad hdx
Option 8
Carter honey 2

Day one: standing , no wind

Day two: standing, no wind

Day three: terrible rushed shot. Tough to post this one.

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Day four: another bad shot! Crumbling!

Day five: cracked under pressure! terrible shooting but great help to realize I need more practice. Thanks for putting this little challenge on.

 

[Brock A]

I am shooting a Bowtech Experience
60 yards is my Effective Range that I chose
100 Grain Wac'em 4 blade broadheads
Matrix target (THE best target ever made, no questions asked!)

****Couple take aways from this challenge****

. This is a great challenge. I think it should done a few times a year, rifle or bow!
. I really think its smart to use Broadheads, might as well simulate the real deal. Last year I made an effort to shoot broadheads more than field points and it paid off drastically.
. Having a quality target like the Matrix really helps with being able to shoot BH's more

Day 1 - No wind, warm.



Day 2 - Same conditions as Day 1. Not too happy with this shot.



Day 3 - Last light. I could barely see my pins. No wind. Safe to say my bow is a little high at 60.



Day 4 - Evening. Calm. Pleased with this one.



Day 5 - Evening. Calm

 

[Ryan K Sanpei]

Here's my gear for the challenge.
Stalker Stickbow 56" Coyote with static limbs 52@27
Victory Carbon Trad arrows 520gr 4 3" feathers
Slick Trick broadheads 125gr standard 4 blade

For me, my hunting season has already started and during these months I usually just practice at home and keep my shots 20 and under. I would say that at this time my max effective range with a hunting set up is right around 20 yards. But after this season, I really wanted to focus on my shooting and find out what I'm capable of. Since this is a personal challenge, I will set my distance to 30 yards in the field with my hunting set up and hunting scenarios. This will give me a realistic expectation of how much work I may need when it's time to try and improve my shooting. Based on last years challenge, I know that with deliberate practice I can get to 25 yards but 30 might really be a stretch for me.

I wanted to start this weekend, but my shoulder has been acting up. I'm hoping that it gets better soon.

 

[kupper]

Im in even though its going to be a pain only being able to shoot just one arrow a day for the next ten days. Im going to throw a curve in mine in that ill be testing two bows. Ill shoot the first one for the first 5 arrows and then switch and start over just for fun. Ill still pick whatever one feels the best and shoots the most consistent. Itll be a good test to see if the prime actually holds better. I can tell you right now that either i shake about 45% more than most people who shoot it or it just hold normal..

Equipment:

Bows - Prime centergy hybrid 72# at 28" xpedition denali 70# at 28"
Rests - trophy taker smack down pro micro adjust and just the standard trophy taker smackdown pro
Sights - Spot hogg fast eddie xl double pin on the centergy and a MBG assent 5 pin slider on the denali
Stabilizers - 10" dead center archery on the centergy and 10" bee stinger on the denali
Quivers - tight spot 5 arrow quiver (only have 1 so ill swap it to the other bow when round one is finished
Release - carter quicky+
Arrow - Easton Axis pro 5mm 340 @27" - brass Inserts & 100 gr G5 deadmeat ballistic matched point. 4 promaxx vanes & 5" wraps

I've set my range at 70 yards this year due to my not having shot much so far. Ill extend out to 80 with a little more practice so long as 70 doesn't humble me to terribly bad.

Day 1: 68 degrees not enough wind to make note of 8:00PM. Standing wearing just work clothes, shot felt pretty decent.
View attachment 71622
day 2: 64 degrees wind blowing 8mph left to right. again shot while standing in my work clothes. Shot broke relatively clean but I held longer than normal as the worry set in that I may miss.
View attachment 71669
Day 3: 68 degrees, wind 18mph quarting at me from left to right. shot standing in my work clothes. Best shot so far, waited for the wind to lull and then executed a great shot. Wind got ahold of my arrow a bit but because ive consistantly shot left i put in 2 right clicks. barely caught the plate (most likely back of lungs/liver had it been a real animal)
View attachment 71799
day 4: 60 degrees, wind 9mph right in my face. Shot felt a touch right at release. I wasnt near as worried about missing for whatever reason and went through my normal shot sequence. so far all 4 are within about an inch and a half elevation wise, just need to work on the left and rights.
View attachment 71902
day 5: not sure if it was because I was cold or nervous but I got the shakes pretty good at full draw. 43 degrees, Wind was 13mph at my back and was just starting to sprinkle. Felt like the shot broke low and I know i hammered the trigger but somehow still found the plate.View attachment 71910

 

[kylem]

I will be doing my shooting at 60 yards
Equipment
Hoyt Lazertec 70 lbs 27.5” draw
QAD rest
Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL 5 pin
Easton axis 340 at 26.75” 75 grain insert and 100 grain point
Scott Little Bitty Goose release

Day 1 with no wind

Day 2 slight breeze at my back

Day 3 pretty much no wind at all

Day 4 slight breeze from left to right

Day 5 dead calm

I did this challenge last year as well but am much happier with my results this year. After missing an elk last year because I didn’t keep my crap together in the heat of the moment, I’ve really concentrated on making each and every arrow count while practicing and it’s beginning to pay off. Now I just hope I’ll get a chance this fall to redeem myself from last years miss.

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[Tag_Soup]

Nice Shooting Jordan!

 

[robby denning]

Nice Shooting Jordan!

Best three-day group on here I can see. Pressure’s on Jordan!


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[Tag_Soup]

Best three-day group on here I can see. Pressure’s on Jordan!


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Right? She seems about as cool as a cucumber under pressure though...

I'm about to run home from work just to shoot my day 3 arrow and get it over with...the anticipation is killing me! By day 5 I will probably be facing similar pressure to the real thing if I can keep it together.

 

[robby denning]

Right? She seems about as cool as a cucumber under pressure though...

I'm about to run home from work just to shoot my day 3 arrow and get it over with...the anticipation is killing me! By day 5 I will probably be facing similar pressure to the real thing if I can keep it together.

you're right, it always amazes me how a little internet competition get's my nerves up! Today I'm fretting all day about missing the vitals and so bad want to go out and practice so I get it right tomorrow, but like on the hunt, you usually just get one chance.