Rolf Devinci

 Having purchased an actual straw archery target to replace my worn out DIY target bags I decided to take the plunge and acquire an archery specific backstop netting. Made from a tightly knitted synthetic fabric it was marketed as a netting to stop field point arrows. Currently I was using some kind of felted material as part of a permanent backstop which was showing its age after many years exposed to the elements. I liked the idea of a portable netting that could be carried to a location and set up between two trees or poles. It could add some diversity to my shooting and roving of the woods. A extra large beach bag would complete the ensemble of netting and target and let me discreetly transport both to a shooting location. The question was whether it would perform as advertised so off to the woods I went to do a product review. Using some paracord and the preholed grommets it was simple to hang the tarp as instructed with the bottom unsecured so it could billow and absorb the i...

 Heading into Spring I was looking for better options for archery targets. Up to now I was using animal feed bags filled with leaves and other materials but they were not (really) portable and were starting to disintegrate due to use and exposure to weather.   Found these traditional targets on Amazon made from dried grasses. Environmentally friendly they are easier to carry over a synthetic archery block target and were less expensive. I opted to purchase one triple layered target for testing purposes.   First thing I noticed is how convenient it was to carry the target. I placed it in a black shoulder bag to be discreet when heading into the local woods. Relatively light weight but how would it hold up to arrows from my bows which are all in the 45 - 55 pound range?   I was using my Alibow #45@28 short Turkish bow along with field point wooden arrows from Flagella Dei.The arrows made a resounding and somewhat pleasant "thunk" when hitting the target. Surprisingly t...

After several years of interest I finally decided to purchase a Scythian style of horse bow from Flagella Dei Archery based in Hungary.    Opted for a yew laminated bow #42@28 so it was a custom build but worth the wait. Feather light and simply beautiful. Build quality is great and pictures just do not give justice to the eye candy quality of the lamination, tip reinforcements and quality leather handle wrap. Shipping was fast from Europe and bow was professionally boxed with bubble wrap and a nice bow sack. Included was a certificate of authentication complete with the bowyer's signature and warranty information. Needless to say I was anxious to get it outside and loose some arrows. The rain held off on Saturday so it was a perfect opportunity to get out under the green. I just love this bow. Not only is it lightweight with precious little hand shock but is amazingly silent as well. I was using bamboo and wooden arrows but the bamboo arrows definitely suited the bow better o...

Ordered a Turkish bow from Alibow, a traditional archery company based out of China. Renown for quality and performance the entry level fiberglass bow has been garnering positive reviews online, specifically from Armin at Malta Archery, an excellent You Tube resource for instinctive archery. https://www.alibowshop.com/ Arrived here in Halifax, NS Canada in just over a month well packaged and included the bow, string and black bow sleeve with Alibow's signature single red stripe. Intial impression was excellent for a $70 (USD) Turkish style horse bow #45@28. Fit and finish was very nicely done with integrated string bridges, nicely designed syriahs and a quality brown leather wrap. Bow is light and felt very comfortable in the hand with a smooth draw experience to full draw. The rain held off so I was able to get out under the green the following morning to loose some arrows. The bow did not disappoint and was smooth, accurate and powerful...

With an apparent early Spring and some unseasonal warm weather of late I had the opportunity to test my latest bow acquisition - a hickory longbow purchased from EBay vendor KP Archery this past winter. With an eye for reenactment I wanted a ELB that looked medieval traditional but was also functional. This simple but well made bow fit the bill perfectly. A self bow of American hickory it is 72 inches in length pulling #45@28 and came unfinished with a simp!e Flemish twist string. I was familiar with KP Archery's products as my first bow was a flatbow purchased several years ago which I still possess and continue to use. It has been bomb proof so I had no doubt the ELB would not disappoint but I was anxious to loose some arrows as soon as the weather permitted. A sanding and several coats of marine urethane later the bow was ready to shoot. I added a simple jute twine grip to complete the look and then waited for Spring. This is a very nice basic D bow that...

 On a lovely October Saturday I got out under the green, red and oranges of the autumn woods. Been dealing with a head cold this week so the morning spent in the fresh air with the bow was definitely what Dr. Fred Bear would have recommended. Sinuses opened up in the crisp morning temperatures though it became surprisingly warm as the day advanced toward noon. Started the day by repairing my wiki shelter which has been neglected of late. A tee pee style shelter I built it a few years ago primarily to store my animal feed bag archery targets and was in desperate need of winterizing before the first snowfall. Gave me an opportunity to use my newest hatchet, a CRKT tomahawk I picked up on Amazon. An excellent addition to my bush crafting kit. Using my 55# Hungarian composite bow with bamboo arrows. Speaking of awesome kit this bow is a great shooter with a surprising amount of pop for a 55# draw. Had to double up my target bags to be an effective arrow stop. Au...

We are finally getting a some sunny Spring  weather so I opted to take a morning for some bow time. Awoke to a tender knee so opted out of riding either a spin or road bike giving the knee some down time which was the prudent choice. Over the winter I had found another location that would be suitable for archery practice that was somewhat easier to access. Decided today would be a good time to look at the potential sight lines. There are a fair amount of trees but little in the way of alders and other low shrubbery. Not only will it offer the chance for different shooting angles but it should remain relatively tick free. Looking at the target from an elevated position. Facing the target bag and back stop. A view to the target through the trees from a slight rise on the right. Took out the 55#@28 Hungarian composite horse bow. Its a real nice shooter. Nice morning under the green.