Go for Goats

Go for Goats

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Go for Goats

by Darren Choate

Having accumulated 16 points, I was confident I would draw a tag, but until the official results come out, you never know for sure. After 14 years of applying, I finally drew an archery antelope tag in Arizona a few years ago. With most of spring and summer to prepare, I went to work with the goal of putting together a bow/arrow combination to propel an arrow at 300 FPS. The caveat, I shoot 60 pounds–because of a bad shoulder–at 27.5-inch draw length. After researching new bows, I chose the Mathews Halon 6, which had an IBO rating of “up to 345fps.”

To begin the process, I used our Arrow Speed Estimator to find out my effective speed. I knew I could come up with an effective speed of over 300 FPS with the 60-pound Halon, but I wasn’t sure where I would need to be regarding arrow weight. My effective IBO speed–for 60-pounds, 300-grains–calculated at approximately 312 FPS. To find the most efficient arrow weight, one that would have enough energy to take an antelope at distance–hopefully less than 75-yards–I entered my data into our Arrow Efficiency Calculator. I shot an IBO arrow at just over 315 FPS, which estimated that I could shoot a 315-grain arrow at approximately 310 FPS, which had plenty of energy to get the job done on antelope-sized game.

Finally, I used our Arrow Weight Estimator, to search for the perfect arrow, and chose the Easton Hexx. At 60-pounds and approximately 27-inches, the perfect spine was 400, which weighs 7.2 GPI. My completed arrow, with 75-grain Wac’Em, weighed-in at 315-grains.  To complete the project, I fired a group of arrows through the chronograph, with an average of 309 FPS. Again, I entered this data back into the Arrow Efficiency Calculator to check my approximations and was pleased with the following results.

My Bow Choice

• Mathews Halon 6 | Easton Hexx/400 | Wac’Em 75-Grain Fixed
  • Speed: 309 FPS
  • KE: 66.72
  • Momentum: .4318

Rangefinding Tips

At best, bowhunting antelope in open country is difficult. Finding and keeping cover in sparsely vegetated prairies can be frustrating. Acquiring a range can be just as frustrating. The reason: staying low, out of site and operating a rangefinder means you’ll likely get readings on near and far brush…17 yards…171 yards…etc. With the HyperScan feature of the KILO 1250, this specific frustration can be overcome. HyperScan provides 4 range updates per second in scan mode while RangeLock reports the last range result when ranging distant targets. Results are displayed to the nearest 1/10 yard.

To glass for goats, I used 15X binos mounted on a tripod. While stalking, I did not carry binos. Instead, I simply carried a Sig Sauer KILO 1250 6x20mm rangefinder on a “bandolero” strap — it’s actually my professional camera strap. For bowhunting, the 6X magnification and SpectraCoat glass of the KILO1250 is ideal to use as a monocular to field judge and monitor game.

The KILO 1250 will reach out to 1,600 yards, which can aid in the stalking process. Knowing, not only the distance of your target but nearby ambush points too, allows the KILO1250 to function as an estimation tool. Knowing if you have to go 200 or 400 yards makes a difference, especially when trying to intercept a fast-moving buck antelope.

TIPS

1. Save weight and clutter, use a rangefinder to measure distance and as a monocular.
2. Utilize your rangefinder as a distance estimating tool to gage ambush and intercept points.
3. Use HyperScan to stay as concealed as possible, while acquiring the “correct” range.

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SIG SAUER KILO 1250