String Trackers

[Moe]

I wasn't for sure which forum to put this under but I figured I'd probably reach the most bowhunters in this one. As a few of you may know, I tried hunting turkeys with a bow last year with no success. I will be trying again this year and have been reading. Some people recommend using string trackers. I was wondering... has anyone ever tried a string tracker and how much success have you had? How much does it affect an arrow out to 20 or 25 yards? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Rasdale]

Moe,
I use a string tracker while hunting deer. Most of my shots are 10 to 15 yrds. It doesn't seem to affect arrow flight at that distance. I use the string, because of the 14 deer I have harvested with a bow, I have never had a pass-thru. If it wasn't for the string, I may not have found a few of those deer. I just purchased a new bow, I hope to be able to shot through a deer, but I'll still use the tracker string.

[Oct.1]

Moe,
I used one once for deer season. Out to 20 yards they only cause a little arrow drop. Beyond that I wouldn't trust it.
The problem I had was snags. Just practicing, I found that if the string was not wound properly it would snag inside and jerk the arrow back. Also if the string hits an object in flight it will have the same effect.
You can practice a lot with one and have no trouble. But when you drop in a new spool, you have to wonder if its rapped properly?

[outdooralex]

I have shot two deer with one. I am 50%. The first time worked perfect at about 20 yards, the second time was not so good. When I drew my bow back the string came close to my riser on my bow, and when I released, I closed my hand against my riser catching my string. Believe it or not it caused the string tracker to break and the arrow ended up about 10ft in front of the deer. Not to mention it gave me one heck of a cut on my finger that took forever to stop bleeding. Word of advise, dont shoot open handed ;). I still like to use it when the weather dont look to promising.

[Joe Archer]

Moe, from talking to alot of different people over the years I think that the string tracker is just as likely to mess you up as it is to help you recover your deer. Basically, "what can go wrong will go wrong". Most hunters that I know who have used them in the past, do not use them any longer. The bottom line is that there are no shorcuts to practice, profeciency, and shot selection.

Take high perecentage shots, and put your arrow through both lungs and you will recover your deer. Just my opinion. <----<<<

[Steve]

I've tried them. Wouldn't recommend them except possibly if you are hunting in the rain. I've found that 9 times out of 10 your arrow comes out somewhere along the way any way leaving you with an end of string but no deer. Couple that with the effect it has on your shot, however small, and well......

[Bow_Hunter]

I use them all the time. I have never had a problem with it unless it was my fault. One time I forgot to take to stopper out. Sure, they are not perfect and sure they do not always lead you right to your deer. However, other then the one time there was an error on my part, I have used them for 10 years and have shot at least 16 deer with it and love it.

I use a Browning Accelerator III (14 years old) set at 70 lbs. and it has a solid wood riser so it puts a bend in the arrow when it is shot. I have had many pass throughs and just as many sticks. I know the area were I hunt, I know where I do and do not have shots. I know where to place my shots.

So, with all that said. I have read a lot of negative on this thread about them (trackers). I love em and will keep using them. Shot 3 deer this year with my bow. One, the traker lead me right to the deer - it was a pass through and I had a loop through the deer. Second one was a fluke (check earlier post in deer hunting for that story) and the third one, the string broke about 60 yards out but lead me through some tough stuff and made finding the deer a lot easier.

I have shot up to 3 deer on the same spool and I never practice anymore with the string because I have that must trust in them. I never ever try and put sting back in or try to re-use string. I always carry an extra spool in my back pack.

So, I guess it is just up to you. Oh yeah, one more thing. If there is a big buck that is 20+ yards away, I will cut the traker so the flight of the arrow will not be affected. The tracker will start to pull your arrow down at about 19-20 yards. Well, at least it does on mine.

[Moe]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll buy one and take some practice shots with it to see how I like it. What kind of tracker do you all have? I'm looking at the Game Tracker one.

[Rasdale]

I use the Game Tracker one, model 2500. I like the orange colored thread, but it is hard to find, so I end up using the white most of the time.

[Bow_Hunter]

Game Tracker - I have always used white. Good Luck.

[slowpoke]

I have tried them years ago when they first came out. One thing I can tell you if you do use them; when new, shoot them once or twice.
Times I would use them are in the rain, Bear hunting and take shots less then 20yds.
and don't forget to take stopper out, my friend forgot to take his out and had a record book buck at 12yds. and I don't have to tell you what happen, he does not use a string tracker any more.