Archery Tip of the Week

[AngelicFatum]

If I'm hunting an area with lots of balsam/spruce/pine I'll cut some boughs, put them in a pillowcase and throw all my hunting clothes and the pillowcase in the dryer. Really makes you smell like a pine tree!

[ac777]

Well, I may not be an expert bow hunter, but I have learned a thing or two about bow hunting. This time of year you are probably doing some target shooting and getting ready for this fall. Once you get your bow shooting where you want there are still other things to consider. When you are hunting, you are not likely to be shooting on a nice level surface with a clear view. You will probably be shooting out of a tree stand or a ground blind in most circumstances. This means you need to practice shooting your bow as if you were hunting. I have set up a couple of tree stands in my yard to shoot out of and I also set up my ground blind to shoot out of. One of the reasons you need to shoot from a tree-stand or elevated surface is because of the rise of your arrow. Most bows will shoot slightly higher than you aim due to the law of physics/gravity. Depending on the distance, I usually aim slightly below the spot I want to hit, about 6 inches or so. You will need to find out where your bow shoots so when it comes to crunch time this fall you will be glad you did. Another advantage of shooting real hunting situations is to get comfortable shooting out of your treestand or ground blind. It will feel different shooting out of your tree stand due to the height of it and the position of your body. Your ground blind may feel different due to being in a small enclosure and pulling your bow back in tight quarters. Also your body position will be different when shooting out of a blind. Another thing to think about when shooting is that first shot. When you’re hunting, you won’t be taking warm up shots to get you ready for when the deer shows up. While practicing, shoot that first shot as if it were your only shot, try it from different positions, and when that shot presents itself you’ll be ready.

If you can get comfortable with your hunting situations, you will increase your odds of making that critical shot this season, and you will be glad you did that real hunting situation practice pre-season.

Key points to remember: Shoot from real hunting situations, shoot your bow from a elevated surface/tree stand for shot placement/and comfort. Shoot from ground blind for comfort/body position. Practice taking that first shot, and making it count.

Good Hunting

[Scott M]

Great tips AC! I was thankful for the opportunity to shoot at the Superior WI range last summer where you could practice all sorts of different shots (stand, downhill, uphill, etc). And like you say, one shot is all you get so don't just shoot arrows to shoot arrows, take each shot like it's your one and only.

[paceman]

Great tips AC!!! I also practice shooting from my knees and a while sitting flat on my but on the ground. I also practice different drawing sequences. I found out the hard way last year that I couldn't draw my bow while pulling straight up with the bow at my waist.

[Gamer]

Also, Don't have your cell phone on loud in the stand.

[AngelicFatum]

Speaking from experience there, Gamer?

[Gamer]

Yes, last year. I would hate to tell the story again but that just was not cool. I’ve only been bow hunting the last couple of years and this is one of the “learning” experiences you always remember. Or maybe this could be the tip of the week.

I was trying to find this public land for a couple of years but didn't know how to get to it. I finally found the road that brought me to the land. It was down somebody’s private driveway and would never have guessed. But anyway, it was the first time up in that tree and didn't get a chance to clear out all of the little sticks/branches. I tried early in the morning before daylight to try to get as much of the branches out of the way as I could when sitting. I thought I was good to go.

So as daylight approaches I hear crunch, crunch and then nothing for like 10 minutes. So I was like, no big deal. Then I heard crunch, crunch, crunch and I peaked over my shoulder behind me and saw this buck coming where I though no way would one come from there but I guess that’s what big deer do. So its coming fast with its head down and all I see is it's white antlers about 15-20 yards and like I said coming fast. So I quickly yet slowly stand up and move my bow so I could get a shot. Well, my arrow fell off of my drop away and went clang, clang, clang. The buck runs about 20 yards back and then stops. I can still see its outline but couldn't see much more then that. I thought great, he's going to go around me now. About 5 minutes later he comes back but on the other side of the tree. So I put my finger on my arrow so IT WILL NOT FALL OFF AGAIN and attempt to move my bow to the other side of the tree. Well, I hit a different branch and went twang, twang, twang. That time the buck just stared at me and didn't move. I didn't make direct eye contact but I could still see him out of the corner of my eye. He stared at me for like 1/2 hour, well more like 2-3 minutes and didn't see me move so he continued on. I had time to pull back my bow and wait for him to get past the thick brush. Well he didn’t get past the thick brush. He just stuck out his nose into the field and walked the other direction behind me. Well I said he has to come back because the only other way to get past me is through the open field. There's no way he's going to do that right? So as soon as he was out of my site, my cell phone RANG and of course it's in the bottom of my pack. Well, a guy from work is trying to get a hold of me (nobody was supposed to take vacation because of our workload but my boss was nice enough to let me go because I recently had twin girls and was not going rifle hunting by International falls this year). Well, let’s just say rather than walking by me, he traveled right through the middle of the field showing off his Tall, wide, symmetrical, Tall (did I mention that?) 10-point rack glowing in the morning sun in the middle of the field. I grunted a few times and he did come closer but then ran away. I think the cell phone might have thrown him off a little.

So this tip of the week is, do not have your cell phone on loud. Trust me.

I'm sure (or I hope) we have all had days like this.

[DonBo]

Not sure I would have shared that story myself...well I probably would have.

[MilkandPie]

I made the mistake of climbing into the stand with muddy boots. The mud dried while in the stand, of course the mud fell off my boot while moving to draw. I was like someone had dropped a big rock from 15 feet. Stupid

[fishinmajishin]

Now there's a tip that I didn't expect to hear...great point.

[Bear55]

Nice tip Gamer, sorry you didn't get him. I was just curious to which drop away rest you have on your bow. It sounds like one we all might want to stay away from.

[Christopher Quast]

Put a piece of carpet on your platform and you wont regret it!!! Make sure to turn the phone off or on silent Gamer.

[Christopher Quast]

Sounds like your way overbowed too me. Obviously had a hard time making a smooth draw at crunch time. All too common of a problem in the archery world. Faster isn't always better Hitting your target is though!

[fishinmajishin]

Put a piece of carpet on your platform and you wont regret it!!! Make sure to turn the phone off or on silent Gamer.

Unless it rains/freezes, but otherwise yes. Zip tie it down so it doesn't slide out or fall off. Kicking your boots off before you climb is also a safety thing.

[Christopher Quast]

Good point fishinmajishin!!!

[Dark Cloud]

Archery tip of the week - Moment of Truth...

I had a chat with my dad before comming up with this weeks tip. We were talking about how well a friend does at 3-D competitions and the like but almost never seals the deal come hunting season. My father used to shoot alot of competitive archery and was fairly succesfull. Hunting wise he could be considered very succesfull - last season he harvested his 88th and 89th deer with archery gear. (yes all legal, he hunted NY and PA, usually takeing a buck in both states)

2 big things stand out as the deal breaker or maker at that final moment...

1) Being mentally ready. He always drilled into me when I was younger to be always thinking while on stand. ie, "if a deer comes down that trail and gives me a shot there im gonna take it." "but no need to rush it, I can still shoot here or stop him with a soft bleat in the next opening". The more I do this with each possible shot chance the less excited and paniky I get when something pops up unexpected...

2) Dont rush that final second. Sometime shot oppourtunities happen fast but always take that extra second to "settle the pin". When im at full draw and I have remembered to bend at the waist, set all three anchor points - tip of nose on string, thumb on right part of jaw bone, my minni kisser button(a few wraps of thread) is right in the corner of my mouth. I always say to myself "settle". Which brings my pin right to where I want it, top of the heart. Almost any time I have messed up and not made that perfect shot, undoubtedly I rushed the shot...

[Christopher Quast]

Great tip Dark Cloud!!! I think these things are easily overlooked at crunch time. This hits home for me because I remember when I had that first deer in front of me at 10 yds I completely butchered it just because back then I didn't know any better and now when a shot presents itself I do exactly what you do. I go through that mental checklist when I come to full draw minus the kisser button detail (don't use one)but especially pay close attention to bending at the hips.

[bigbucks]

Okay here's the one for Monday, 9/8. Then it will be up Monday right away instead of 11:00 when I remember...

9/8/08 Archery Tip of the Week

Figure out what type of hunter you are and what you want out of your season. What will make your season a successful season? If the only thing that will do it is a Booner or a P and Y buck, you probably better be pretty experienced and ready to deal with a high likelihood of disappointment. That’s fine if it is, just make sure you’re ready for that mentality. For some it adds so much stress to their season it takes almost all the fun out of it. Is that what you really want?

Don’t just say, I’m a trophy hunter and I’m only going to shoot a buck that scores at least XX”. Think about where you hunt, how many really good spots you have, what you’re likely to see, what your experience and skill levels are, etc. Decide if it will be a successful season if you pass on a couple of deer and don’t get one, or you’d be kicking yourself all off season if you let a nice doe walk on October 10th, or a decent 8 pointer on September 28th, or whatever your scenario is. For most hunters it’s a progression. It won’t necessarily change from season to season, more likely from one kill to the next.

For me I know I’m a dyed in the wool meat hunter that’s my core way of thinking. My wife told me a few days ago she didn’t see me ever really being a true trophy hunter, it’s just not in my makeup. It doesn’t mean I shoot the first buck that walks in range or that I have to shoot a buck every year, it did until I’d shot a few with my bow, then that started to change. It does mean I really want to get at least one deer every year with my bow. I’d really like it not to be a fawn or a buck less than 3 ½ years-old, but if I’m having a tough season & that marginal sized deer gives me a great shot say after Halloween, I might be shooting, that needs to be okay. Make sure you let yourself enjoy your season. If you’re mad because the big one didn’t come & you could have shot something else, you might need to change something, whether it’s expectations, locations, or sports is up to you…

It’s everyone’s personal decision, don’t let someone else make that call for you. You decide what you want to shoot & what makes your season.

Have a great hunt everybody.

[ac777]

Good post and also good perspective to look at hunting. If your not going to take the time during the season to enjoy it, then what is the point of going, just to get a trophy? yeah everyone would love to take a trophy but it's not the whole point of hunting. Thanks Rodd

[harvey lee]

I sometimes put alot of pressure on myself to harvest a book buck every year but i don't really get to upset if this does not happen. I harvest my does to eat and have a good time doing it.

A trophy buck is the bonus.

[WaitForIt]

Every deer is a trophy - especially when taken by stick and string. You should have a lot of pride when you are successful by this method. Consider that you are stepping onto a challenging playing field in which your prey have every conceivable advantage (good thing they don't shoot back!). To be able to sneak in and have deer within bow range unaware of your presence is testament to your skills as a woodsman/woman.

Go get em!

[Studer]

I agree with this!!! I have always said, when you go out fishing...if you catch a fish that is a bonus!! If you go out deer hunting and see deer, I consider that success and if you have the opportunity of sticking one.....DOUBLE BONUS!!! After all that is what we go out for but I just really enjoy the outdoors and serenity of sitting along a cornfield or in the woods!!! Makes me tingle everytime I think of it!!! Good luck to all of you this season and be safe!!!

[harvey lee]

Scoot is out west and he asked me to place his tip of the week up.

Thanks Scoot.

Stretch Your Practice Distances for Better Accuracy at Shorter Distances

Shooting long range bombs can be really great practice and improve your shooting tremendously! I've got a sliding sight on my bow that has settings for shots out to 83 yards. Now, don't get me wrong- I'd never shoot at an animal at 83 yards. In fact, I'd never take a shot even remotely close to that long. However, I really enjoy practicing out at distances like that. It's really challenging and greatly improves your shooting at closer ranges, where you're likely to take shots at game.

Shooting at 20 yards all the time can leave you feeling like you're really reaching out there when you shoot at 40 yards. However, practicing at long range (60, 70, 80 yards) can really change your mindset and make you feel like a 40 yard shot is a gimme! Doing this will greatly improve your confidence at the end of your effective range. It might also stretch your effective range out a tiny bit too.

Now, I realize not everyone is set up to shoot at 60+ yards. Both equipment and facility limitations can be a problem. However, there are a lot of sights on the market that have many pins and some have sliding sight options as well (like I have). With a standard three pin sight, shooting out at 60+ yards isn't practical- so if your'e interested, keep your eyes open for good deals on sights. Facility concerns are a tougher one. I'm from a small town and I shoot in the very early AM on the football field. I get out there right after sunrise when everyone else is still fast asleep. I also can occasionally get access to an indoor soccer field that lets me shoot out to 60 yards. I've shot in old barns, storage sheds, and in the back room of a car dealership! You have to be a little inventive, but you can find places to safely shoot if you really try.

Once you've got the sight and the place to shoot, you just need to start flinging some arrows! It'll feel like a mile at first, but just be patient and trust that you'll figure out. Start at the first 10 yard increment above where you're already sighted in. For example, if you're sighted in to 40 yards, start at 50 yards. Then, move back in 10 yard increments. Keep in mind that little changes to your sight will result in big changes in where the arrow hits at long distances.

One thing I want to make clear is that I'm not advocating shooting at animals beyond your effective range. Also, exactly what your effective range is up to you to decide. But, keep in mind that shooting in the field will be much tougher, typically with more wind, elevation change to your target, animals jumping the string, etc. So... just because you can shoot volleyball sized groups at 70 yards doesn't necessarily mean that's a distance you should shoot at a deer from. Ethical shooting distances is an individual thing and a whole can of worms I don't care to start a debate on, but I just want to be clear I'm not telling you to go flinging arrows at animals that are too darn far away.

Get out and fling some arrows at long range. It's fun, it's different, and it's a challenge. If you don't take yourself too seriously and can have fun with the learning experience, it'll make you a better shooter. It just might make that 40 yard shot on that monster buck this Fall feel like a layup instead of a long range bomb!

Good luck and shoot straight!!!

[deerminator]

Awesome tip Harvey. I am a one pin shooter and have mine set to right on at 20. A little higher and 30 and a little lower inside 20. I have toyed a little with 40 yard shots and been pretty accurate with them. At this point, though, I am aiming slightly over the 3d targets back, which threw me a little, but I got used to it. And it makes the 30 yarders seem simple. I agree with the reasoning that you never know when that monster buck will give you the 40 yard smackdown shot, so all the more convincing to practice long range shots.

One question for you, though, have you ever taken a 40 yard shot out of a blind? I am wondering how much the mesh would affect accuracy at that point if any? I haven't noticed a difference at 20 and 30 but I think I will leave a couple of windows so I can drop them completely open silenty if needed. My groundmax allows me to do this.

[DonBo]

I cut a few well placed verticle strips out of the mesh of my blinds. Maybe just 3" wide, just enough to shoot through.

This also seems to keep the claustraphobia at bay also.