Andy W. from Pennsylvania writes to ask about using lighted nocks. “I’m new to bowhunting and am wondering if I should use lighted nocks. My friends tell me to keep it simple, and lighted nocks seem a bit complicated. What do you think?”
I’d say go for it. First, lighted nocks are pretty straight forward and simple to use. More importantly, they can help you recover wounded deer in two ways. One, they make it easier to recover your arrow, and looking at the blood sign on the arrow, and smelling the arrow, can help you decide exactly where you hit the deer. Having that arrow in hand is a plus. Second, they help you see where you hit the deer, especially in low light. Find a brand you like and try them out. Good luck!
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If you have a question for Dr. Dave, e-mail your question to Dr. Dave in care of Tom Kacheroski, manager of Guide Outdoors & Social Content at tom.kacheroski@sportsmansguide.com. Dr. Dave studied deer for 30 years as a wildlife management professor at West Virginia University. In addition he has been a bowhunter for more than 40 years, with deer being his main prey. He’s also an outdoor writer and has been with “Bowhunter” magazine for more than 31 years.