Bowhunter brings you expert advice from legendary Bowhunters! Each issue is filled with updates from major bowhunting organizations, coverage of bowhunting locations across North America, complete coverage of the sport and much more.
YEARS AGO in South Dakota, I made a long stalk on a big pronghorn buck that was feeding in a lush basin rimmed by a high bluff. Before starting the stalk, I really had to study the terrain carefully in my 10X binoculars, making mental notes about the animal’s feeding location and surrounding landmarks. Then, I had to hike nearly a mile to the back side of the bluff in hopes of slipping into bow range undetected. Well, when I got behind the bluff and started sneaking toward the rim, things looked much different than they had from where I started — I’m sure many fellow bowhunters can relate. There were multiple cuts that led down into the basin, and although I had a pretty good idea where the antelope…
SPYPOINT FLEX-RANGE Every year, there are a few new product introductions that stand above the rest. For 2026, Spypoint’s FLEX-RANGE — the first wireless trail camera to incorporate satellite data coverage — is among them. Just as the introduction of cellular trail cameras changed the bowhunting game forever, the FLEX-RANGE promises to usher in a whole new era of remote scouting, making it possible to keep tabs on just about everywhere from just about anywhere. Available starting later this year, Spypoint is promising total North American data coverage with the FLEX-RANGE, thanks to the satellite connection that works in tandem with familiar cellular connectivity also built into the unit. Think about that for a moment; from the deepest Western backcountry to the most remote Alaskan bush to the craggiest peaks…
BOWTECH Alliance & Alliance 33 With an all-new riser design, the next generation of DeadLock cam-tuning technology and a host of other innovative features, the Alliance and Alliance 33 from Bowtech Archery are designed for bowhunters who demand the best from their rigs. “The Alliance represents everything Bowtech stands for,” said Bowtech Brand Manager Todd Snader. “We set out to build a platform where performance, balance and confidence come together in a way that feels natural the moment you draw it. Hunters expect more today, and the Alliance delivers more in every aspect, with no compromises.” Both the Alliance (pictured) and Alliance 33 feature new, caged risers that maximize strength, balance and shooting stability while also minimizing excess weight. The Alliance weighs 4.09 pounds, measures 30.5 inches between the axles,…
TENPOINT TRX Ultra During my Newfoundland moose hunt last fall, my guide decided to investigate a small bog he’d never visited. When we walked into the area, I immediately became uneasy, since it was filled with thick alder shrubs. Given the dense vegetation, any shot over 20 yards would need to be done with pinpoint accuracy to avoid hitting bushes and branches. I was confident I could do the job if a moose showed up, thanks to the TenPoint TX 28 I was toting. I’d practiced for weeks with the crossbow and was comfortable shooting out to 60 yards — perhaps even 70 — using a shooting rest. After only 20 minutes of calling, a bull appeared. We waited patiently as it walked toward us, with only one small shooting…
EASTON FMJ Max I’m an Easton FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) junkie. The FMJ — an industry icon that melds an Acu-Carbon core shaft with a 7075 aluminum outer sleeve — was my go-to years ago, when I finally gave up my quiver of XX78 all-aluminum arrows. After killing more than two dozen big-game animals with the original, 5MM FMJ, I made the switch to the 4MM FMJ. These thinner projectiles reduced wind drift, penetrated like crazy and pulled from foam with ease. For 2026, Easton gives bowhunters the 5MM FMJ Max, featuring the same hybrid carbon/aluminum construction as the original but in a lighter weight configuration that allows shooters to gain some extra speed when desired, along with the ability to add additional weight as desired to boost FOC and…
QAD Ultrarest Integrate MX2 Quality Archery Designs, the inventor of IMS (Integrate Mounting System) technology, gives its iconic, top-of-the-line drop-away Ultrarest Integrate MX2 a touch of backcountry style via new-for-2026 Kodiak Brown and Georgia Clay damper kits, designed to match perfectly with new bow colors being offered by Mathews and Hoyt, respectively. QAD replaced its long-time felt launcher arm wraps with new, skeletonized launcher arms that accept rubber dampeners. The new dampeners last longer than felt and further squelch noise and vibration. Aside from the new earth-tone color-dampening options, the MX2 remains the same: a top-tier, cable-driven arrow rest that eliminates the need for the Berger hole thanks to streamlined IMS that creates a rock-solid, auto-leveling connection with the bow riser. Other great features on the MX2 include: toolless, micro-adjust…
