Nine Bar Ranch Blog

Bow Hunting in North Texas: Selecting the Right Compound Bow

Bow Hunting in North Texas: Selecting the Right Compound Bow

It is often said that there are no bad bows these days, and that’s mostly true. Bow technology has evolved drastically even in just the past five years. There are many fantastic options out there, and narrowing down your choices can sometimes be challenging. When bow hunting in North Texas is on your list of things to get into this summer, choosing your next compound bow should be on your To-Do List ASAP. Which bow you end up with will come down primarily to your hunting goals and preferred shooting style. Here are some crucial factors to consider when selecting your next bow purchase.

1. Shop New Bows

Bow technology has evolved rapidly over the last decade. The mid-priced bows released this year are undoubtedly better than the top-of-the-line bows from five or six years ago. Look to purchase a new bow, even if it isn’t the most expensive on the market.

2. Ignore the Hype; Try Bows Yourself

Of course, individual bow companies will try hard to sell you their product with big promises on use and ability. Don’t make your purchase based on these big marketing claims. The most reliable critic is yourself. Go to stores where you can shoot and test different bows. Shoot your friend’s bows in similar styles to see if you like them. Only you can determine what bow feels best in your hands and meets your preferences.

3. Avoid Brand Loyalty

It can be easy in the hunting community to develop immense loyalty for specific brands and products. Maybe you grew up using a particular brand or have never used another. But die-hard brand loyalty could cause you to miss out on the bow that is the best fit for you. Shopping smart means ignoring the label on the bow and paying more attention to the bow itself.

4. Compare Speed vs. Shootability—but Don’t Forget Efficiency

Speed vs. shootability is what people talk about when comparing bows. Speed is how fast a bow can fling an arrow. Shootability is less discernable but generally refers to the smoothness with which the bow is drawn and fired. Typically, more speed tends to mean less shootability. But you should also keep efficiency in mind when testing bows. How efficiently a bow transfers energy, the more power and speed you get out of a bow with less effort.

The variable factor here is the shooter. If you can quickly and effectively shoot a hard-to-draw bow that packs a big punch, you will have the advantage of using more powerful bows. But you don’t want to sacrifice shootability or efficiency for power. Find a bow that is easy to handle and shoot to maximize your efficiency.

5. Shop in Your Budget

Yes, flagship bows have a lot to offer and are often the best of the best available on the market today. But there are plenty of great bow options at every price point. Mid-line and budget bows still have a lot of value, and hunters using these bows are at no more of a handicap than hunters using top-quality equipment.

The right bow for you will depend on your skills, experience level, physicality, application, hunting environment, personal preference, and much more! Keep an open mind and try as many bows as possible before purchasing.

Nine Bar Ranch North Texas Deer Hunts: Detailed Info

Nine Bar Ranch North Texas Deer Hunts: Detailed Info

The grounds at Nine Bar Ranch offer our guests the chance to experience the best North Texas deer hunts of their lives. With over 12,000 acres of natural Texas beauty surrounding our authentic ranch, we combine traditional Texas hospitality with skilled game management to offer a genuinely authentic deer hunting experience. We host two seasons, one for our Red deer, Fallow deer, and Sika deer starting in mid-September and another for Whitetail deer beginning October 1st and lasting until February 28th. Below we provide all the incredible details about our deer hunts.

Our deer hunts are two-day hunts that include your meals, lodging, guide service, and after-harvest care for the game, including field dressing, skinning, and quartering. You will not have to pay any trophy fees—the package price for each animal is what you pay.

Whitetail Deer Hunts: $3,500.00 for Bucks, $1,200.00 for two Does

Whitetail are our specialty! Our ranch consistently produces an abundance of trophy bucks in the 130-150 B&C class, with some bucks coming in at 160 or even 170. The rut typically falls around Thanksgiving, during the third or fourth week of November. All of our Whitetails are free-range, offering an actual fair-chase hunt. At the same time, we carefully manage our game to ensure a high opportunity for success for each guest. The question is not IF you will find a trophy Whitetail, but HOW you will be able to contain your excitement long enough to wait for the trophy you are looking for.

Fallow Deer Hunts: $4,500.00

Originating in Europe, these deer have three coloration varieties: white, spotted, and chocolate. The spots in their fur can become less distinct in the colder winter months. Their unmistakable palmate antlers can reach up to 16 inches and make them a memorable hunt.

Red Stag Hunts: $6,500.00

Come experience the big Red Deer roar in person! Known as the Monarch of the Mountain, Red Stags originate from the dense forests of Europe. They are the fourth largest deer species weighing an impressive 750 to 1,000 pounds. Most of our mature bucks have racks with 12 or more points, making them one of the finest trophy animals we offer. These elusive and majestic animals make for a thrilling hunt.

Sika Deer Hunt: $4,000.00

With origins in East Asia, Sika deer range in color from rust-colored to lighter patterns with a white underside. During winter months, males and females will develop a distinctive neck ruff. Male Sika have antlers that stretch up and branch out, growing 11-29 inches in size.

Axis Deer Hunt: $4,000.00

Axis deer originate in Asia. With an antler size of 31-36 inches and weighing about 180-250 pounds, the distinctive red-brown fur of the Axis deer makes them a sought-after trophy. Axis deer shed their antlers around the anniversary of their birth, so it is common to see hard-horned and velvet bucks during the same season. These elusive animals can be a great challenge for even experienced hunters.

Join us this deer season for a memorable hunting experience!