In this episode of DSC’s Campfire, host Larry Weishuhn sits down with Craig Archer to explore the nuances of woodmanship, wildlife management, and the "lost art" of tracking animals after a shot.

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  Reading the Signs: Archer emphasizes that modern hunters often focus on the shot but neglect the critical signs that follow. He stresses observing how an animal reacts—whether it "kicked up its back end," "humped up in the middle," or "stumbled"—to determine the shot's placement.

  
  


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  The Tracking Process: Archer advises hunters to stay in their blinds after a shot to observe and wait rather than rushing to look for the animal. This patience prevents hunters from inadvertently destroying a blood trail by stepping on it.

  
  


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  Environmental Factors: The duo discusses how local terrain, such as the "sandy shinnery" country of Texas, affects tracking. In sandy soil, blood may form "balls" that aren't immediately recognizable, and heavy fat content in well-fed deer can quickly plug exit wounds, minimizing external bleeding.

  
  


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  Property Management: Archer shares his management philosophy for his low-fence operation, which includes:

  
  
  
  
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    Natural Diet: Avoiding protein supplements in favor of a natural habitat supported by rotational cattle grazing.

    
    
  
  
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    Water Distribution: Strategically placing water troughs to spread livestock and wildlife across the property, preventing overgrazing near a single source.

    
    
  
  
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    Collaboration: Working closely with biologists to manage population density and "buck-to-doe ratios".

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Hunting Ethics: They underscore the importance of sighting in rifles before a hunt, noting that even high-quality optics can be knocked out of alignment during travel. Ensuring an accurate shot is a fundamental responsibility to the animal.

  
  

Craig Archer is a professional outfitter and land manager with over 17 years of experience in the Lubbock, Texas area. His operation maintains a near 100% success rate for mature animals by strictly managing hunting pressure and maintaining "sanctuaries" near water sources where rifle hunting is prohibited.

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