Interesting observation, Rick, about the arrow sound provoking ducking of the arrow. Seems to be little doubt that this arrow noise could be a significant factor, and worth trying to reduce -- especially considering the lightning-fast reactions of whitetails.
Also, not sure we can rule out the effect of the approaching arrow's movement. I wonder if the best solution would be to shoot as quiet a bow as possible with the quietest possible arrows AND shoot at a drastically quartering-away angle to minimize the effectiveness of the deer's extreme peripheral vision to pick up the arrow? (Basically, like a pass-rusher "blind-siding" the quarterback.)
Of course, it wouldn't be practical to put blinders on deer to "scientifically" test the peripheral vision effect. BUT, I would imagine there is plenty of video footage by hunters shooting from all angles that could be compared for the effects related to picking up arrow flight visually. The same footage would likely have audio to measure bow noise and arrow noise as well.
Also, not sure we can rule out the effect of the approaching arrow's movement. I wonder if the best solution would be to shoot as quiet a bow as possible with the quietest possible arrows AND shoot at a drastically quartering-away angle to minimize the effectiveness of the deer's extreme peripheral vision to pick up the arrow? (Basically, like a pass-rusher "blind-siding" the quarterback.)
Of course, it wouldn't be practical to put blinders on deer to "scientifically" test the peripheral vision effect. BUT, I would imagine there is plenty of video footage by hunters shooting from all angles that could be compared for the effects related to picking up arrow flight visually. The same footage would likely have audio to measure bow noise and arrow noise as well.
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