About Joe Giglia Expertise I am a bowhunting specialist. I`ve taken numerous species, all in New Mexico, but elk are my specialty. 21 elk taken in the last 21 years I`ve drawn. Furthest shot has been 40 yrds, closest was 8 ft. This year`s bull is pictured to the left.When it comes to elk habits and language, gear tips, clothing, preparation, equipment, what to expect from guides, what to do, how to do it, and when, I can help you.
Experience Twentysix years in the field bowhunting. Guided for several outfitters or ranches. Taught 4-H archery. Shot competetively for Pearson Archery. Was raised in the woods. I hunt, that's what I do.
I am often asked questions by people that have a dilema with the possibility of wounding or hurting an animal, or that question my mindset or ethics as a hunter. To that, here is my answer....
The possibility of wounding an animal is a dilema for ANY hunter worth their salt. The difference is that when I hunt, I am not out to hurt an animal. I am out to harvest it....yes, take it's life. Now for you, It will be up to you whether you can except the bigger picture or not. You see, I am a hunter. Just as the other carnivores, I am a part of the natural order of things. I do not misuse nature. I am a part of it. It's funny, but most people do not understand the great respect, awe and love I have for the very same animals that I search out to kill. But for me, to hunt an animal with my bow in hand, to understand it's language, to learn it's habits, likes, dislikes, thought processing, to see that animal and hear it in ways no other human might see or hear, to me, is the ultimate respect and tribute. To me, to harvest such a grand creature is an honor. Hurt them, no....practice and practice and cleanly harvest, put a quick kill, big difference.
Does that mean that you won't experience that animal dying? Again, not if your worth your salt. I have sat with many of my animals during their last breaths, thanking them and my creator for their sacrifice and honoring them with my presence. To me, if you are man enough to let that arrow go, you should be man enough to experience the reality of the sacrifice. It is a humbling and honorable experience. Every animal I have killed, died in the most honorable experience of the hunt. None, were hit by a car, shot down by farmers and left to rot in fields, starved to death due to over population, or killed by poachers for their horns alone. Every animal I have killed was a part of the natural order of things.
Now, whether or not you will be able to understand this, well....it will depend on YOUR connection and understanding of nature. If you are wondering if you will become cold to killing....I pray not. Understand it, embrace the reality of it...but never become unfeeling. Then the tribute and honor is gone.
Joe Giglia
"Aggressive by nature, accurate from practice, effective through both."
Publications Bowhunter Magazine
National Bowhunter Magazine.
Question Hi, I am fairly new to hunting and have decided its time to purchase a bow. What manufacturer or specific bow (under $600) do you recommend? What draw weight and let off should I choose? And finally what sights, arrows, rests, ect. do you recommend?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
Answer Hello Jordan, sorry I'm late, but between Turkey Day and my last hunt...well I'm just having too much fun!
Well, WOW, glad to hear you are entering the world of bowhunting. You must enjoy a challenge. Welcome!
As far as your question..the type of bow..etc depends ona lot of variables. Instead of me telling you what size shoe you wear, I would rather have you try on a few. You need to head to the closest bow pro shop and try out a few bows. The beauty of this is that, any shop worth it's weight will have a small indoor range, and you can try different bows, arrows, releases...all on their dime and if you find something you like, well you can still price it elsewhere without being out any money. You really need to do that to determine your desired shooting style before buying other things like sights and releases. Me, I shoot instinctivly with fingers, so I am a poor source for releases, sights, etc. I do know the quality and reliable names, but I don't use them. As far as bows, well it's hard to go wrong with PSE, Matthews, Pearson. Most of these companies will have what you are looking for under $600. Go with easton xx75 arrows (they will try to sell you carbon $$$$$$$). Draw weight and length will depend on you. Size and strength. But if you plan on hunting, no weight under 60lbs.
I like to keep things simple (Murphey's law) so I use a basic "centerrest" arrow rest. Also Jordan, if you don't have a pro shop near you, find your local archery club. These guys are great sources for advice and will most of them gladly let you shoot their equipment to experiment.
This is the best advice I could give a newbe. Try things out, experiment, settle on a style, price and then buy.
Hope this helps,
