Deer Hats

E.B., Lansing, MI: "On the August 3, 2006, program, the guys on Bowhunter Magazine TV were wearing deer hats. I have searched and can't find anything like it. Where did these guys get their hats? The hats obviously attracted rutting Sitka deer, but such a hat also would be the perfect touch with the camo tux I'm wearing to a friend's wedding."

Thanks much for watching Bowhunter Magazine TV. My friend Bob Ameen made those hats. I doubt that you'll find any commercial versions. Go to a fabric store for material, a crafts shop for eyes, and build the hat on a regular baseball-style cap. You should be the hit of the wedding. Good luck.

Arrow Weight Per Pound Of Draw Weight

S.L., Windsor, SC: "With all the talk about arrow weights and ATA and IBO speeds, is there a specific weight per pound of draw weight that should be used for whitetails and other big game? My current arrows, fully rigged, weigh 391 grains, and my draw weight is 65 pounds."

Years ago, the rule of thumb called for nine grains of arrow weight for every pound of draw weight. Under that standard, your 65-pound bow would require arrows weighing 585 grains.

Remember, that standard was formulated in the days of longbows, recurves, early-day compounds, and wood arrows. Things have changed considerably with the advent of modern bow designs, materials, and construction, and today's bows can safely shoot much lighter arrows. A few years ago the Archery Trade Association (ATA) developed a chart listing recommended minimum arrow weights. The chart factors in draw weight, arrow length, and cam design. For a bow with 65-pound draw weight, 29-inch draw length, and speed cams, the ATA chart lists a recommended minimum arrow weight of 377 grains. That computes to 5.8 grains per pound of draw weight. Based on that standard, you're well within safe limits.

Stinky Feet

G.C., Central Point, OR: "I need some advice. My problem? Stinky feet. I have tried everything -- powders, creams, scent killers, unscented soaps. I wash and dry my feet daily, sometimes twice a day. I change socks and boots each day. I take so many boots on hunting trips, I feel like the Imelda Marcos of the bowhunting world. Nothing works. Got any suggestions?"

You probably aren't alone. At the 2005 ATA Archery Trade Show, BioWild LLC introduced a product called Foot Odor Block that might help. Contact: BioWild LLC, 1-866-883-8684, www.odorblock.com. Also, some hunters report good results from spraying their feet with underarm deodorant. You might experiment with different brands. Good luck!

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