Bowhunting's "Bear" Basics

by
posted on March 25, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mehall_ah2015_fs.jpg (7)

I can’t believe it’s snowing again in Virginia! Like the photo from yesterday’s blog, these Phil Phillips shoots the Genesissunny, warm-weather pics were taken at the TWRA’s John Sevier Education Center range during Saturday’s POMA conference in Knoxville, Tenn. They highlight the sheer fun of archery as outdoor media members joined bow manufacturer reps to test their products. They also show how anyone can pick up the sport and become proficient with practice as my husband, outdoor TV host Phil Phillips of “Phil Phillips Unleashed” on the Sportsman Channel, shoots with buddies from Brownells. [FYI, for those who missed my blog on Mar. 7, Brownells just launched Brownells Archery, a line of nearly 10,000 archery-related products, so some of the guys were on hand promoting equipment in multiple product categories.]

As we took turns sending arrows and bolts downrange, it was almost as much fun to watch 45-yard shot with the Genesisas it was to shoot. Despite the high-tech bows onsite, the only one in these photos is the Mathews Genesis, the model showcased in the popular National Archery in the Schools Program—and the one that has singlehandedly gotten thousands of young people excited about archery. What makes this bow so great is that both draw weight and draw length are adjustable. Not only will kids not outgrow them, but adults can shoot right alongside kids—or each other!

Phil is used to practicing at long distances so when he noted the 3-D black bear target at 45 yards that had been set up for the crossbow shooters, I knew he couldn’t stand it. After a few shots with the Genesis bow at the 10-yard bag target, he flung an arrow at the bear. The Brownells guys were surprised he hit it so then they had to try it. When they weren’t having much luck, I heard Phil say, “Let me share a secret with you: I’m using the field point of the arrow as a sight, and for me it just so happens to be dead on at 45 yards. Give that a try.” As the group took turns shooting, TWRA Officer Joe Everett walked up, smiled and said, “Wow, I’ve never seen anyone try and shoot that far with a Genesis!”

Roy Hill, Brownells public relations specialist, is just getting into archery, yet once he took Brownells’ Roy Hill, Ryan Repp, Kevin Berggren and Larry WeeksPhil’s advice and used the arrow tip as a reference point he hit just over the top of the bear. Phil worked with him on his form and his next shot was a hit. Roy was hooked. Every time the range safety officer yelled, “The range is cold,” he’d hurry to the bear target to grab his arrows and was still shooting at it when we left. Clearly, while the Mathews Genesis engages kids and enhances their motivation, this bow goes far in engaging and motivating the rest of us!

Phil got an email from Roy yesterday. “Thanks for the string-on-the-nose tip,” Roy wrote. “I was able to use that to help a lot of writers get hits quickly with the Genesis bows.”

As every shooter knows, getting a few hits is all it takes to get hooked. Then once we’re inspired, it’s “game on” as we seek to inspire others.

Latest

Draper Shooting Citori 825 Sporting
Draper Shooting Citori 825 Sporting

#SundayGunday: Browning Citori 825 Sporting

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Citori 825 Sporting shotgun, from Browning. A classic over/under, this is a scattergun designed to shine on the sporting clays course.

In Memoriam: Frank R. Brownell III, June 24, 1939 – June 18, 2025

American Hunter sadly marks the passage of a legendary businessman, marketer and friend of hunters, gun owners and the Second Amendment: Frank R. Brownell III, who with his father, Bob, and son, Pete, placed Brownells Inc. and its products foremost in the minds of gun owners everywhere, passed away on June 18, 2025, after a lengthy illness, just six days away from his 86th birthday.

An Ode to the Ruger 10/22

Philip Massaro writes a glowing encomium of his father's favorite little rimfire—the Ruger 10/22.

Grant Deadlines Approaching in Arizona and Michigan

Groups in Arizona and Michigan still have time to apply for grants from their respective wildlife departments.

July Invitational Brings Conservation and Sporting Traditions Together

The Will Primos Invitational, a premier conservation and sporting event, takes place July 18 to 19 at the historic Omni Homestead Resort & Spa in Hot Springs, Va.

First Look: Prime Archery Form 30

Prime Archery by G5 Outdoors has introduced the Form 30, which adds a 30-inch axle-to-axle model to the Prime Form line of bows. The Form has coupled two of Prime’s most significant technologies to create a new pinnacle for the company.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.