Bow Hunting in Texas
Texas is a Paradise for Bowhunters Offering a Variety of Game
Texas is a paradise for bowhunters, offering a variety of terrain and game across the state. Available game in Texas includes white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, exotics including free range axis, aoudad sheep, sika deer and blackbuck antelope, feral hogs, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, and plenty more. To plan your next hunting expedition, here are a few tips for bow hunting in Texas.
Bring Your Hunting License & Know the Law
All hunters – including ones from out-of-state – that were born on or after September 2nd, 1971, are required to have successfully completed a Hunter Education Training Course. Your certification card must be carried with you while hunting. Here is a breakdown of the license requirements by age:
9 Years and Under – Must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
9 – 16 Years – Must successfully complete a hunter education course or be accompanied by an adult at all times.
17 Years and Older – Must Successfully complete a Hunter Education Course born on or after September 2nd, 1971.
Your Hunter Education Course certification and hunting licenses is required to be on your person while hunting. Ideally, you should keep it stored in a waterproof bag to avoid damage. Familiarize yourself with the different tags on the license and know which to use, how to properly fill out and attach a tag, and how to complete the hunter log on your hunting license in Texas.
Select the Right Bow
There is no “one size fits all” in archery. Take into account the draw height, draw length, and how the bow fits to your grip and body type. Our archery experts at Buck & Doe’s Mercantile can assist you with selecting the right bow for the type of game you are planning to hunt. Lighter bows, for example, work better for small game, while larger game requires a heavier bow. The bow that is the right choice for you will draw efficiently, operate smoothly, and be an extension of your body.
We have an excellent selection of compound bows, recurve bows, and crossbows from the world’s best manufacturers. We can custom build you a set of arrows, replace bow strings, and paper tune your bow. The best part about shopping at Buck and Doe’s Mercantile is that you can try before you buy. For kids, we carry several models designed for ages six and up and starter youth recurve bows, which can draw all the way down to 8 pounds. Our inventory also includes several models for women as well. No matter what your archery needs, we are here to help make your experience awesome.
Stay Safe!
An ethical bowhunter will be familiar with their equipment and spend sufficient time on the range to know the distance they can consistently hit their target. If you are new to bowhunting, consider bringing along an experienced hunter for your first couple of trips. Not only is this great networking, but an experienced hunter can also show you popular techniques and tips for further improvement.
If you are hunting with kids, keep them close! Always wear your safety harness when in a tree stand, and do not dry-fire your bow. Only draw and aim at what you want to kill. Stay safe, enjoy the Texas outdoors, and have fun!
We are ready to get you started with your bowhunting experience in San Antonio, TX. Plan your visit with Buck and Doe’s Mercantile today!
A Beginner’s Guide to Competitive Shooting Sports
For new shooters, it’s a great idea to get involved in different shooting sports to continue building your skillset. But for beginners, there are quite a few rules to learn – and they change from firearm to firearm. Here is a beginner’s guide to competitive shooting sports to get you started.
Shotgun Competitive Shooting
Generally, there are three categories for competitive shotgun shooting sport events. While all three of these sporting events involve throwing clay targets, there are differentiations with each event.
For skeet shooting, clay targets are fired from the opposite directions and cross. This should allow the shooter to develop their profile shooting skills.
Trap shooting involves clay targets being thrown in the same direction that the shooter is facing – but the trajectory varies. The different trajectories make it more challenging for the shooter and forces them to make quick decisions in aiming and selecting their target.
Finally, the sporting clay shooting event is considered to be a bit more chaotic. The clay targets are pitched from various heights, speeds, and even angles. The goal for these fast-moving targets is to simulate what a hunter would encounter in the wild when going after small game (typically birds).
Pistol Competitive Shooting
Pistol shooting events are a little different, but the level of challenge remains the same.
Bullseye shooting, for example, is an excellent way to work on your long distance aiming. Long distance usually means upwards of 50 yards, and the actual firing of your pistol will be a mix of slow to rapid firing. Some competitions up the level of difficulty by requiring a timer and the use of single-handed firing rather than the double-handed grip.
IDPA and IPSC shooting are competitions that simulate real world self defense scenarios, typically involving moving, shooting, and reloading while engaging multiple targets throughout the course of fire.
Buck & Doe’s also holds various pistol leagues throughout the year, which is a great way to begin competitive shooting. Our leagues offer the shooter, regardless of experience, the opportunity to network with our instructors and other shooters in a relaxed, fun environment, while honing their shooting skills.
Rifle Competitive Shooting
If you favor rifles over other firearms, there are plenty of competitive shooting events to pick from.
Silhouette shooting is a multiple distance affair. Centerfire Silhouette competition is shot off-hand, shooting steel silhouettes shaped like various animals, at multiple distances up to 500 yards. Rimfire silhouette shooting is based on the same concept, except the steel targets are set at different distances ranging between 50-100 yards.
For bench rest shooting, you will be shooting five round groups, at 100 yards. The rifle will sit on the front and rear rest, on a rigid shooting table. At the announcement of the judges, shooters then take aim at the paper targets. Shot group sizes are measured in hundredths of an inch.
To stay competitive, look at rifles that are highly modified or customized for this type of competition, and should be capable of precision accuracy.
To start preparing for these events, visit Buck & Doe’s state-of-the-art indoor shooting range.
Best age to start your child in archery lessons
Your child may be showing interests in archery at an early age. But what age is too early, and is there ever a “too old” age group? Although there is no definitive age to have your child begin archery lessons, here are some helpful insights in determining whether your child child is ready to begin learning this awesome sport.
The Younger, the Better!
It can be a little nerve-wracking watching your little one struggling to handle a bow and arrow. But don’t stress! If your child has shown interest in learning archery, it’s actually recommended that you start them on lessons that teach them the proper hold and grip of a bow. Ideally, your child would be around 8 years old or older, but it’s up to your discretion if you think your child is ready to begin. In fact, there are archery kits available for children as young as three years old!
Hobby vs. Sport
A child in the 3–8-year-old age range is more likely to be interested in archery as a fun hobby, but as they get older, the hobby can become more focused and disciplined. However, experts will be willing to work with your child regardless of their initial motivation. As long as your child shows an interest and is able to pay attention to their instructor, they will benefit from taking archery lessons.
Let’s Talk About Cost
Archery is an investment, but remember it is an incredibly useful one. Hunting, scholarships, and competitions are just a small portion of opportunities the world of archery can offer. You will want to have a consistent archery range for your child to visit, and lessons that continue growing your child’s skillset. But most importantly, the bow and arrows are the first big investment you will need to make. The archery professionals at Buck & Doe’s are well versed in helping your child get started.
Which Bow is Best for Your Child?
Each child is different, but the ways to identify which bow is best for your child remains the same:
- Determine their dominant eye. You can do this with a simple test of putting an image on a wall. Have them cover their right eye and point to the middle of the image. If their finger stays pointed to the middle of the image, it means their left eye is the dominant eye. If their hand drifts to the right, that means their right eye is the dominant eye. This will let you know if you need to purchase a right-handed or left-handed bow.
- Next, measure your child’s arm span. Have them spread their arms out on either side of them, with their palms facing you. Measure from one middle finger to the other and divide that number by 2.5 to determine the ideal draw length for your child.
- Lastly, finding the right size and height for the bow will be determined by your child’s own height and weight. Typically, youth bows range from 30-40 inches in length, but that can vary. If your child weighs 50-80 pounds, a 10–15-pound bow should be comfortable for them. You don’t want a bow that is uncomfortably heavy or tall – The archery experts at Buck & Doe’s will work with you and your child to find the perfect size bow that fits both your child and your budget.
It’s Never Too Late to Get Started!
There is never a “too old” age group for learning archery. You can start building your skillset at any time, with the right lessons and instructor. Beginning archery is open to all!
At Buck & Doe’s Mercantile, our archery experts can help you determine the right fit for your child. With an impressive inventory, state-of-the-art archery range, and archery lessons for all levels, we are ready to get you started!
Picking the Right Youth Hunting Rifle
For kids that have expressed an interest in hunting, it can be challenging to know where to start. They will require their own gear – including all safety equipment, and a rifle that suits their needs. Choosing the safety gear is an easy enough process but selecting the right hunting rifle for your child takes more time and consideration.
Eight Things to Consider When Buying A Youth Firearm:
Sizing
First, note that your child’s involvement in the selection process is essential. The weight of the rifle should not be too heavy, and the size should not be too large for your child. Because youths grow quickly, ask one of our professionals what standard size they recommend. Try out different sizes and weights until your child feels comfortable with holding it for any length of time – standing and sitting.
Remember that one size does not fit all, and that your youth’s physical stature plays into their recoil tolerance. Lighter rifles have more recoil, so finding the right amount of weight to reduce recoil will assist your youth in having a successful hunting experience.
Triggers
The pull weight of a trigger is another crucial factor. For starters, try a trigger that has about half of the pull weight of the rifle. A heavy trigger can lead to frustration from your child, as they are more difficult to operate. Ideally, you should search for a hunting rifle with a trigger that has light-to-moderate pull weight.
Comb Height & Cheekpieces
Height of comb can cause certain issues, particularly with popular larger scopes that require higher mounting. Though not visually appealing, a strap-on cheekpiece can work for your youth instead of an adjustable comb. However, this should be discussed with your child to see what they are most comfortable with.
Bolt Action
Basic bolt actions are often the more likely choice for your youth, and the most cost-effective. But aside from being a cost-effective option, this does not mean that it is a “safer” action than other action types, but it does offer the widest choice in cartridges.
Bolt actions make it easy to visually check whether a rifle is loaded or unloaded. The bolt is easily removable, instantly causing the firearm to be inoperative. Note that bolt actions are not the only option for your youth. There are single-shots – break-open designs that are visually appealing.
Brands & Cost
Investing in your youth’s hunting interest is an excellent commitment. If you are unsure of which brands produce better rifle options for youths, inquire one of our professionals to steer you and your youth in the right direction. With an impressive inventory, Buck and Doe’s Mercantile can assist you in finding the right hunting rifle for your youth within your set budget requirements.
Personalize the Rifle
The hunting rifle should match the personality of your child. While this is not technically an important factor, personalizing the rifle with a pattern or color that your youth desires makes the rifle truly their own.
Firearm Education
Buck and Doe’s Mercantile believes shooting lessons are important for your safety because most firearms accidents are caused by not following basic gun safety rules. It is extremely important that anyone who handles firearms is properly trained on how to treat, handle, respect, and care for firearms properly. We offer gun classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced shooters. Check out our shooting classes and find the gun class that will help advance your child’s skills and enjoyment of the sport.
Indoor Shooting Ranges
Our goal is to provide a safe, unintimidating environment where our customers feel comfortable. We enjoy sharing our passion for the shooting sports with first-time shooters. In order to become proficient and comfortable with your weapon of choice, it is highly recommended that you visit an indoor shooting range regularly. Our instructors are equipped to help you along the way, and a Certified and trained Range Safety Officer is always on site to ensure your safety at all times.
Plan Your Visit With Us Today
Buck and Doe’s Mercantile is the store for you when selecting the right youth hunting rifle. Our highly experienced, professional staff will deliver accurate and reliable information and friendly customer service. Having a hard time finding exactly what you’re looking for in the store? No problem, Buck and Doe’s Mercantile online store carries thousands of products, all offered at a great price.
Visit our website and call us today at 830-980-3637 to get more information on picking the right youth hunting rifle.
A Beginner’s Guide To Archery
Archery is an Excellent and Safe Sport for Everyone
It enhances your balance, strength, focus, and coordination while also showing you how to have good posture. Whether you are wanting to learn archery to be a part of a relaxing sport or to enter in competitions, educating yourself on the terminology and equipment should come first.
Archery Classes
First, you should sign up for an archery class. Buck and Doe’s offers archery classes for beginners, and has an indoor archery range that allows everyone, from beginners to those looking to sharpen their skills, a place to practice in a well-lit, climate-controlled environment. Classes are an hour long, and you do not need to have purchased a bow beforehand; we have plenty of rentals to pick from. Taking classes is highly recommended before doing ‘on your own’ training.
Finding the Right Bow for You
Recurve bows are typically the most popular choice for beginners learning the fundamentals. The weight of your selected bow should not be too heavy or too light, and our experts will work with you on sizing it to your comfortability. Draw weight and length can be determined at your time of visit, and we will introduce you to our inventory when all sizing requirements have been determined. We typically stock 20 – 30 recurve bows and 50 – 70 compound bows for target, 3D and hunting, so you have a nice selection to choose from. We also carry a large selection of accessories.
Safety Equipment
Work with an experienced instructor to determine the type of release you want to use. There are multiple mechanical bow releases plus finger tabs. Mechanical bow releases include Velcro hook and loop wrist straps, thumb release and finger release triggers. There are quite a few options available for finger tabs to consider, from three-finger tabs or whole handed gloves. Finding the release that is right for you is essential. Some beginners want a forearm protector (arm guard) to protect yourself while shooting. Avoid wearing loose clothing and jewelry, as it can interfere with your shooting and cause a safety hazard.
Identify Your Dominant Eye and Grip
Even if you are right-handed, that does not mean it will be your dominant hand when shooting. Try gripping your bow with both hands and see which grip feels right. To find your dominate eye, you can try this simple test at home: Face any target – if could be a nail on the wall or a doorknob – and extend your hands away from your body. Create a triangle with your fingers, with your thumbs touching and index fingers overlapping each other. Begin drawing your hands toward you without pulling your sight away from the target. Whichever eye your hand lands on will serve as your dominant eye – the eye that is closest to the arrow.
Common Archery Terminology
Bows
The Handle: Referenced also as the “riser’. The Handle is the part of the bow that you hold when shooting. It will have an arrow rest, where you place arrows before drawing them.
The Limbs: This is attached to the handle (riser). Limbs form the entire bow, with the top limb being attached to the bottom by the bowstring.
The Bow String: Connects the top and bottom limbs. When pulled, it will create tension that moves the arrow forward.
The Nock Point: Part of the bowstring. This is where you will place the end of your arrow.
The Bow Sight: This refers to being able to aim at your target. Bows are typically equipped with sights that are attached to the handle (riser).
Arrows
The Arrowhead: Tip of the arrow.
Fletching: Vanes on an arrow, either made of feathers or plastic. One vane should be a different color than the other two. This is known as the ‘index vane’.
The Shaft: Length of an arrow, between arrowhead and fletching.
The Nock: Backend of arrow that sits on your bowstring.
Target Practice
Outside of archery classes, you are welcome to come in for regular visits to our archery range for continual target practice. You do not have to be a member to use our archery ranges, and we always accept walk-ins. Our targets range from a wall of block targets and moveable block targets to meet your required distance to a large variety of 3-D targets, and even crossbow targets.
Plan Your Visit
When you feel confident enough to compete, Buck & Doe’s also hosts tournaments. In addition to competing, you can also join an indoor archery league or club. We offer options for all levels of archers. Stop by today and follow us on Instagram to stay posted on all archery events!
Visit our website and call us today at 830-980-3637 to get more information on learning proficiency with a bow. It’s a great sport you can enjoy for a lifetime.
First-time at a Gun Range: What to Expect. What to Bring.
Welcome First-time Shooters!
Buck & Doe’s Mercantile welcomes first-time shooters to our state-of-the-art indoor shooting range for exclusive classes taught by our certified firearm instructors. Our San Antonio gun range is open to everyone, regardless of shooting experience. Take a look at the variety of classes we offer and select a date that works best for you. After you sign up, here is what you can expect to do during your class and what you need to bring.
Buck & Doe’s Shooting Range
Our indoor shooting range has the highest acoustically rated sound abatement wall systems in the world, to reduce reverberation noise up to 98%. We are also a “green” gun range. To maintain the safety of you and our employees throughout the class, we have a fully self-contained bullet trap system and commercial filtration design, so you can enjoy the most comfortable shooting experience available. Each firing lane is well-lit and ventilated, and our interactive electronic system allows for you to take control of setting distances, turns, and explore and choose from our many options of programs.
Group or Private Lessons
If you prefer to learn how to shoot with a group of family or friends, our group lessons are open for admissions. Group classes are a maximum of five people per instruction, but larger groups can be accommodated by adding another instructor. If you would rather have a private lesson, you can sign up to have a personalized one-hour session with one of our instructors. You will be able to rent a gun of your choice, rent eye and ear protection, and purchase a target. Our private lessons are an excellent option for those who are wanting to obtain qualification for their License to Carry (LTC) and are already in possession of their own firearm. During lessons, we go in depth about how you can improve your shooting, firearm maintenance, and even offer classes for kids aged six and older.
What should you bring for your first day?
At Buck & Doe’s Mercantile, we make sure that you are well taken care of with equipment. For your classes, we have an impressive inventory of firearm rentals, ammunition, hearing protection, targets, and eye protection that you can choose from. Please bring a valid form of ID when you come in for your class. You are welcome to bring your own gun and ammunition, though please note our policy is that we accept only commercially produced brass, or nickel cased ammunition. Shotguns are prohibited, but we allow handguns up to 50 caliber and rifles up to 308 caliber. Please enter the store with any firearm in a gun bag or case. Not only is it a state requirement, but it’s also a common courtesy. The amount of ammunition you will need for the class will be discussed the day of, to ensure you are well prepared. After we get you equipped and ready to go, our instructors will walk you through your class step-by-step. You can expect to shoot on your first day of class. For your safety, we always have a Range Safety Officer available to you. Every part of our class is built with gun safety in mind.
Do you need a membership to sign up for classes?
No, you do not need to be a member to enjoy our firearm training classes. While we have excellent benefits for our members, our mission is to help everyone become educated on the proper use of their firearms. From first-time shooters to experienced shooters, we have classes that benefit everyone. Our firing lanes are available on a walk-in basis, and our trained, uniformed staff are always here to answer any questions you may have.
Classes to take afterwards!
When you have successfully completed your first-time shooting classes, consider signing up for other gun classes that will benefit you along the way, like our License to Carry Class, or our Defensive Shooting Class. We have no shortage of options for you.
Visit our website and sign up for one of our classes today!
The Well-Armed Woman. Concealed Carry for Women
The Well-Armed Woman Chapter
Buck & Doe’s Mercantile is proud to be the host to the Well-Armed Woman (TWAW), San Antonio Area Shooting chapter! Our goal is to expand the world of firearms to women all over the country in a safe, non-threatening way. We prioritize education, equipping, and empowering women shooters. All are welcome, and your first visit with us is free. To become a member and have access to all of our classes, our annual fee is only fifty dollars.
Learn More About TWAW and Who We Serve
TWAW is a non-profit organization with locations nationwide. Meetings are monthly, and experience does not matter. For women just getting started on purchasing firearms, learning how to shoot, the basics of firearm maintenance, and are wanting to learn more, TWAW is an excellent chapter to continue improving your skills and expand your firearm education. Advanced shooters are welcome and are encouraged to share their expertise with other chapter members. Members must be eighteen and older to join.
Finding the Right Concealed Carry Pistol
Semi-automated pistols are a common and safe choice for women, but finding the right caliber varies from person to person. Some prefer a higher caliber, while others are more comfortable with lower calibers. According to an NRA Family Article, Julie Golob, an Army Veteran, suggests that a .22 caliber pistol is ideal for new shooters, but she emphasizes that trying it out at a professional shooting range should be the first step. NRA certified instructor Barbara Baird also adds that when choosing a pistol that is right for you, make sure to practice with it at all times of the day – dark and light. Our firearm experts at Buck & Doe’s are ready to assist you in finding the right pistol and answer any questions you may have. Please note that it is not only a state requirement, but common courtesy to enter our store with your firearm safely in a gun bag or case.
How to Conceal Carry as a Woman
At our boutique, consider exploring new and unique places to place your conceal carry. We have a variety of options to choose from, including stylish purses. Convenience and quick access should always be kept in mind, as well as firearm safety for yourself and others.
Ladies Night at Buck & Doe’s Mercantile
Shoot, shop, and sip. For women looking for an exciting event with other women shooters, Buck & Doe’s also regularly hosts a Ladies Night. This low stress environment is designed to be fun, safe, and informative for women of varying experience. There is no need to bring your own firearm, as we provide rental firearms and safety equipment at an additional fee. You are welcome to bring your own firearm if you prefer. A Range Safety Officer will be available at all times to ensure safety is maintained throughout the night. The night finishes with food, drinks, and a visit to the Buck & Doe’s Style boutique.
Visit our website and contact us today to get more information on all of our exciting options for women!