January 16, 2024

The Hunting 101 Podcast Episode #173: Giant Velvet 6 Buck and Growing Archers & Hunters

by Bear Archery

Dylan is joined by Todd DeCapua, professional archer and bow hunter, along with longtime outdoorsman and wildlife conservationist. The two cover a lot of ground, starting with an opening day big 6 velvet buck, along with how Todd strives to continue growing and inspiring others along the way. You do not want to miss this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzh_UXFycwQ

Hunt:

  • Humility to share experiences, enable others to learn, and continue to grow and improve.
  • Ensuring the non-hunting community knows, the respect we as Wildlife Conservationist have for the game we pursue, and how we the hunting community supports wildlife via 
  • Hunt story of ‘Big 6 Full Velvet’ harvest Todd made with his Bear Archery Refine EKO, as a once in a lifetime experience on opening day of regular archery, and the video to share. https://youtu.be/MrCuzPYX7rw 

Grow:

  • Importance of ‘shot process’, practicing and learning, so when you are in the stand and in a situation to focus and have muscle memory.
  • Take your mind off the target [deer] standing in front of you, and all the down range elements you cannot control, but set yourself up for the best and most ethical and lethal shot every time.
  • How to read the deer, understand the body language, when you should raise your bow…draw your bow…start your shot sequence and more.
  • A bit more about the Delaware Master Hunter program and the what, why, and how. https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/hunter-education/master-hunters/ 

Inspire:

  • Volunteering as a Hunter Education instructor provides the ability to create new curriculum and education offerings, along with engaging with the community and supporting the 3R’s (3 Rs are Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation). 
  • Bear Hunting in Delaware? Nope…but Delabear. https://www.google.com/search?q=delabear There are Deer, Turkey, Coyote, Waterfowl.
  • Traveling to hunt in other states. Mostly Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania; a few opportunities in Hawaii, Colorado, and Florida. Each location is a different experience. Hunting wild hogs with a knife and a Hawaiian native as my guide. Florida gator hunt with the Cabelas / Bass Pro Bear Archery Experience and a great experience with a group of 6 like-minded folks.
  • Getting your 3 children involved in archery: stepson, and daughters. Daughters starting with stick bows at 3 years old, then compounds at 10 years old, now both daughters compete on the Mount Pleasant High School Archery Team. Franchesca is Pro Staff Shooting Team Member at Bear Archery. Cecelia has recognized the responsibility of harvesting an animal, and shared she is not wanting to do that, but now exploring college / university scholarships.
  • Coaching archery in high school. Day 1 had 26 students show up. 6-weeks to get them into competition form. Go through the NASP education and practices, developing students, and recognizing the natural talent.

Todd’s ‘Field Note’ is… "use a Constrictor Knot for your kisser button." https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/constrictor-knot Enables you to simplify, lighten, and optimize your setup. If you need to make a repair in the field, I always carry extra d-loop material in my bag, and it will be simple to tie-in and get back to full confidence with my bow.


Get in touch with Todd now.