For Michael Waddell, summer isn’t just about pit bikes and cutting grass—it’s also the perfect time to knock the dust off his bow and start getting dialed back in. Because, once deer season hits, it’s game on. So, in this Backyard Life video, the Bone Collector breaks down his bow setup, what works best for him, and doles out some expert advice. All before hitting the backyard range. As Waddell exclaims, “Just a little summer warm-up, cause the fall will be here. Archery 101, baby. Let’s go!”

Getting Set for Deer Season

Michael’s been cutting all spring with his Exmark Lazer Z, but now that the summer heat is ramping up, all his focus is shifting toward getting his archery setup tuned and ready. And before we know it, it’s going to be deer season. Which is why he’s walking through his gear, shot process, and a few field-tested habits that’ve helped him stay consistent, whether he’s chasing whitetails or moose up north.

Equipment Rundown

While diving into his bow and arrow setup, Michael stresses he isn’t an authority by any means—he just knows what works for him. As he puts it, archery setups are like race cars: everyone tunes theirs a little differently, and they’re all trying to get across the finish line (and win) all the same. And, he says if you have any questions, you can always hit up your local pro shop to help get your setup dialed in.

Bow Setup

• Hoyt RX-9: Waddell runs a 34-inch axle-to-axle carbon riser bow, tuned down slightly to accommodate for an old shoulder injury—but still incredibly accurate.

• Rest and Nocking Point: A properly tuned drop-away rest and basic D-loop are critical and might just be the most important parts of your setup. When it comes to bow hunting, stability and repeatability are the name of the game.

• Mounted Quiver: Michael shoots with a mounted quiver, saying it helps keep his arrows readily available in a pinch.

• Stabilizer: He uses a side weight to balance the weight of the quiver.

• T.R.U. Ball Bone Collector Release: Michael has used a wrist strap caliper-style release (the prototype version, no less) for nearly two decades. It allows for more control and speed while firing—and it’s easy to keep track of, to boot.

• CBE 5-Pin Fixed Sight: Offers quick and easy yardage references from 20 to 60 yards, with a sliding Trek option for longer practice shots.

Arrow Setup

• Arrow Setup: Michael’s shooting Altra Arrows Centrum Premier 246s—500 grains total weight, with about 175 grains front-of-center, thanks to a brass insert up front. All tuned for a smooth 280-290 feet-per-second arrow speed. Just how he likes it.

• G5 Megameat Broadhead: A rear-deploying mechanical head that delivers devastating wound channels and reliable penetration. However, Michael stresses that broadhead selection is a personal thing, and different products work better for different hunters.

• The finer details: Thankfully, the Bone Collector laid out all the particulars regarding his arrow setup in a previous Backyard Life video.

He explains that these components work together not because there’s one “right” answer—but because they suit his draw length, hunting style, and experience level. In fact, he’s still learning! Everything he shares is pure opinion, based on his preferred setup, what he’s learned first-hand, and gleaned from legends in the field.

Shooting Tips

Now that Michael’s laid out his bow and arrow setup, it’s time to hit the range!

• Count Pins and Check Level: Referencing his 5-pin fixed sight, Michael always starts from the top (20 yards) and counts down to the correct pin for the right distance. Then, he takes a quick glance at the bubble before settling in.

• Shoot With Both Eyes Ops: Michael says that your dominant eye will still do all the work, but this allows your field-of-view to stay open, giving you better awareness of your target during early-morning and late-evening hunts.

• Hold Lower Thirds: Deer and elk often “jump the string,” ducking instinctively at the shot. Aiming for the lower third of a deer or elk keeps you in the heart zone, even if they duck a few inches.

• Know Your Trajectory: Shoot at different distances to help develop a feel for how your arrows travel.

• Know Your Limits: Michael says he feels most comfortable around 60 yards—but he practices at longer distances to stay ready.

Finally, with all this in mind, he dials in a 100-yard, “cold turkey,” shot—a touch off the mark, but hitting the target all the same. He jokes that it wasn’t perfect, but it would still be right there in the vitals.

More Than Gear

As Waddell states, the right equipment only gets you so far. It’s how you prep and perform in the moment that seals the deal. And, archery, like all things outdoor living, rewards effort, humility, and constant learning. Even if you aren’t an avid hunter looking forward to deer season and filling tags, it can still make for some great family fun, and an even better opportunity to get some friendly wagers in (chores, money, you name it).