Merry Christmas Archery Way

It's finally here...Christmas! All your hard work of planning Christmas events, parties, gifts...is finally going to come to an end over the next few days. For some this is stressful and for others this is fun. For me it's a little of both, but more on the fun side.

Every year I am reminded of why we are all here with the true meaning of Christmas. I take joy in know this and it really takes the stress out of many situations. So take a little time and really listen to the Christmas story from the Bible, and understand what it means to for you. I don't think you will be disappointed.

One message I think relates to Christmas especially with all the gifts that will exchange hands during this holiday season is something I blogged about a while back. Christmas JOY

When the new wears off – For me…

I know I have had the same feeling many others get when they are able to purchase something new for themselves. You feel satisfied and your mood is lifted. After a while the “new” feeling wears off and I am just not as excited for that particular new item. I am still thankful, but the new wears off.

Ryan explains in this week’s ministry minute how this relates to the joy of salvation. I have comfort when thinking of salvation, but want to be sure this comfort and joy does not wear off. I am very grateful this salvation exists and want to renew this joy often.

John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® 

BBO Season 1 Teaser

We've got a lot of footage for this season's show. Here is a little teaser for you what you will see.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page to see when and where Season 1 will be airing. The staff is located all over the US, so keep watching to see if we have a hunt close to you. This is a hunting show you can share with your friends and family.

One last thing I will leave you with is a passage that I believe really helps me. I think it is tied to a basic life principal to live by. Judging others without knowing the complete situation can get you into some stress. Look to forgive others first before going to the darker judgement side and check you stress level. Have a great week!

“Let us therefore no longer pass judgement on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another” – Romans 14:13

It's Time to Edit

This is where the work begins. You have collected all this hunting footage and you want to bring it all together and tell your story. Picking the right editing software is important...almost more important that spending $1000s on the latest and greatest camera in my mind. Your editing software really allows your creative side to come out even if the footage is not the best.

Most of us are not producing for Hollywood Cinema productions, but you still want your video to look good. Then spend a little more time in picking out your editing software. If you are just starting out like I am, Adobe Elements software works well. The price tag is not too bad either. There are a ton of tutorials out there. It's been fun learning just how it's done! As I learn more I'm sure there are bigger and better software programs out there...for now I am good.

Ultimately go with what you are comfortable with and don't be afraid to learn! It's getting close to the off season which leads into the editing and reliving all your fall hunting experiences.

This video was from a few years back filmed on an old mini tape recorded Sony camera. I am going to see if this video can be cleaned up with editing software....stay tuned!

Ultra Pro X Adventure Cam Elite Review

Self filming your hunts often includes a point of view action camera to record a second angle or just the events leading up to your shot. It's a great way to capture video to help tell your story.
If your looking for a POV action camera on a budget and still have the features of a camera that is $200-$300 more!
Here are a couple options that sold us here at Bible Belt Outdoors.
4K Video
Wireless Remote
Fits other action camera accessories
2" LCD Screen for previewing video

You can check out more of the features of this camera and the other cameras Ultra Pro X offers on their website. http://www.ultraprox.com/home

The video matches up to many point of view action cameras out there.

This also starts a series of gear reviews for us a Bible Belt Outdoors. If you have any reviews you would like us to do, feel free to reach out to us on our website.
BibleBeltOutdoors.com
Or reach out on Facebook or email at info@biblebeltoutdoors.com

And finally check out our TV series this spring (2017) on the Hunt Channel

Self Filmed Deer Hunt

Starting to pull together the another episode for spring 2017 when Bible Belt Outdoors will be airing their first TV series on the Hunt Channel. Be sure to tune in. The November Rut was good to me this year. I was able to get a nice buck in range and kill him. I was also blessed to get the events of November 9th on film.

I will be pulling my entire season together and sharing. In the next few blogs I plan to explain editing films as a beginner and a few things I am learning. Self filming has been a learning curve and editing allows you to relive the seasons events over again! Thanks to Bible Belt Outdoors for allowing me to share the experience. Check out all our partners supporting us along the way. 

The Great Broadhead debate #toxic

Every year I go through the great broadhead debate. Which broadhead should I shoot? Fixed or Mechanical...big cutting diameter... small cutting diameter...
I was skeptical at first when I saw these first come out. The small cutting diameter was my main concern. After seeing this video, I definitely see the advantages of being able to shoot through two shoulders of a deer. The vitals are often covered when a deer is approaching depending on the shot angle.

They also offer a bigger cutting diameter for Turkeys! See the Tom Bomb
These may be worth a try next season!

Outdoor Photography

Outdoor Photography seems to go hand in hand sometimes when you start learning how DSLR cameras work and just capturing the look and feel you are after. Sharing the details makes the story a little better for me.

Learn your camera as much as you can prior to going in the woods. Here are a couple photos I was playing around with to learn exposure and focal length.

Hunting Camera Arms

Self filming forces you to be creative in capturing your hunts. Bowhunting brings on another challenge, so your filming set-up is even more critical.

I found that everything needs to be at your fingertips. Bow had to be in your bow hand side. Camera ready on the other hand.

Having your camera at the right height and choosing the camera arm that works for you make take a couple trys. Not all camera arms are created equal. The saying "you get what you pay for" is very true when it comes to camera arms. I found you can get away with the less expensive models if your tree is exactly straight! Anything else you need adjustment in the base of the arm. Muddy has been the standard in the industry, and now there is some great competition. It usually takes a couple to find the one you really like!

If you are a DIY person like me, here is something I have been playing around with this year. Couple mods and I think it will be ready!

Self Filmed Turkey Hunt

Self filming is not easy...just want to through that out there. Maybe that's why I am drawn to it. Or it may just be the fact that I joined the pro staff at Bible Belt Outdoors as part of the video crew. Spring Turkey was the first hunting season I had to start my self filming journey. Looking back, turkey hunting was a great way to get my feet wet in self filming hunts.

Turkey Hunting Filming Gear:
HD Camera
Tripod
DSLR camera for pre and post interviews

Big Take Away - Self Filming Turkey Hunting: 
Keep your gear small and lightweight. You can get pretty bogged down with all the gear you can use for chasing spring turkeys. Bow, Blind, chair, Decoys, backpack, range finder, binoculars,...then add on your camera gear. A quick run and gun set-up needs a little practice. It took a few sits to figure this all out!

Ultimately I was able to get it done. Self filmed turkey hunt with a my 2016 Athens Ace Bow. You can see the hunt on our up and coming TV show on HuntChannel.TV this spring (April). Looks us up - Bible Belt Outdoors

Let's get this started! DIY Self Filming

Welcome and thanks for visiting my blog!

I am not new to blogging and looking for a fresh start here. Check back often to find my latest DIY archery / hunting inventions and projects.

My latest focus has been self filming my hunts to capture the whole story through the lens of a camera! After a year of filming both spring turkey and bowhunting whitetail deer, I have learned a lot. This is definitely a challenge and makes the memories last.

I will be sharing my hunts, my gear, and tactics - Thanks Again!