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Archery deer season will begin on Sept. 26 in all three big game units this year. The best bowhunters have their bows and equipment ready and have been practicing for weeks or even months. But, many bowhunters have yet to tune their bows for the season.

The first things to check are the string and cables. Look for signs of wear or stretching. Measure the nocking point; if it has moved then the string or cables have stretched and are possibly weaker.

Before changing the string, measure the positions of the nocking point and peep sight so they will be correct on the new string. Three years is about the limit on most strings, one year for bows shot year-round.

Next, look for splinters or cracks on the bow’s limbs, and loose screws where the sights, stabilizer, quiver, and arrow rest attach to the bow. A compound bow should be stored off-season with the draw weight relaxed on the limbs.

With the cable system relaxed, check the cams and wheels and lubricate the axels. Wax the cables and string to protect them from wear and moisture. After reassembly check the continuity of the bow before shooting it.

If you are not comfortable doing this maintenance, get to an archery shop and have a pro do it.

A pre-season hunting dog seminar will be held on Sept. 26 at the Gun Dog Development Facility near Spring City, sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. The seminar, presented by Hunter Payne, has limited space and pre-registration is encouraged.

Topics will be: Understanding How Dogs Learn, Introduction to Birds and Guns, The Steadying Process, Handling in the Field, and the Importance of Obedience.
The seminar fee is $50 for RGS members and $75 for non-members, which includes lunch and an annual RGS membership. As with all RGS fundraisers, proceeds will be used to restore and protect regional grouse and woodcock habitat. Contact Jeff Richards at 423-240-9166 or email jrichard@colpipe.com.

For the young archers and bowhunters out there, Whitetails Unlimited has an achievement award for good shooting and it is free. The “Three For Three” Archery Program is for shooters ages 18 and under and membership in WTU is not required.

Participants will receive a free kit with official targets, program guidelines and the Ten Commandments of Archery Safety. They can practice as much as they want. When ready the archer must put three arrows into the six-inch bull of an official target at a minimum distance of 12 yards.

Upon qualifying the archer will send the target to WTU with witness verification to be awarded a “WTU Kids On Target” gold medal and a personalized color certificate, suitable for framing.

This archery award is an extension of the organization’s successful Kids On Target firearms program, which is still ongoing. For more details about both programs, visit the WTU Website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

The Royal Blue Chapter of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will have its annual fundraising banquet on Sept. 19 at Campbell County High School in Jacksboro. Activities include live and silent auctions for many outdoor sports items, games of chance, prize drawings, and a nice catered dinner.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person (dinner and RMEF annual membership) and $75 per couple. Proceeds go to preserve habitat for many species of wildlife. Contact Jerry Stout at 423-562-4828 for tickets and information.

“We might ban hunting altogether, at least if it’s sole purpose is human recreation.” This is a quote from Cass Sunstein, President Obama’s pick to head the powerful Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). As a part of the federal budget office, OIRA has extensive authority to block rules, including those that protect hunting and conservation.
Sunstein is a strong anti-hunter and animal rights advocate, believing that animals should be allowed to sue people in court. There is much more to this man; research him. The U.S. Senate will vote soon on Sunstein’s confirmation as head of OIRA. Make sure that Sen. Lamar Alexander and Sen. Bob Corker make an informed decision.

A hunter education class for Blount County will begin at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 (M-Tu-Th-F) at the Knob Road Missionary Baptist Church. Space is limited so pre-register by calling 865-363-4926. Students should be at least nine years old, should bring a pencil and know their Social Security number.

Another class will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 (M-Tu-Th-F) at Townsend’s Church of the Cove.

Tom Wiest welcomes news, questions and comments from readers. Contact him at wiest.tom@gmail.com.