#2013702 - 08/01/10 11:46 AM
Just a few bow hunting reminders!
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102
10 Point
Registered: 08/01/02
Posts: 3681
Loc: Tennessee
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I started bowhunting in 1981. I killed my first deer at AEDC that year and was hooked for life. I remember telling a friend that I wanted to kill 100 deer with my bow and would give up gun hunting to multiply my chances. I can remember that hunt like it was yesterday. Still, seems like EVERY year I take to the woods as practiced and polished as possible. Yet EVERY year I still manage to screw up a "cake" shot. Last year was AGAIN...no exception.
Fact is, years ago I raised the bar even higher and decided I would not be satisfied with anything less than "perfect" shots. Pryor to that, I had taken MANY deer effectively enough, but the shots were not "perfect". My definition of a "perfect" shot is STRICTLY self-imposed. I want to either see or hear it fall. So the IMPORTANCE of being competent, and capable of executing these shots, at a given angle, MUST be understood AND practiced diligently.
The doe was exactly 21 yards from my position, it was relaxed, and I was at full draw. THe fact that I had already taken a couple does earlier in September just bolsterd my bulging confidence. I settled the pin about mid-body, and squeezed. I MISSED cleanly.
THe reason was because I had climbed higher in the tree than usual for lack of cover. So my angle changed my trajectory and the deer STILL, though not appearing nervous, dropped at the twang of the string.
So this season, DON'T forget to practice FROM YOUR STAND at targets ALL over your effective range.
102
_________________________
God, Family, Job, Bowhunting
Luck is where Opportunity and Preparation MEET!
When in doubt...back out!
SCAPAS.stay calm and pick a spot.
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#2013726 - 08/01/10 12:10 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: 102]
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102
10 Point
Registered: 08/01/02
Posts: 3681
Loc: Tennessee
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Remember, even relaxed deer, on quiet hunts, almost always react to the strange sound of a bow string.
_________________________
God, Family, Job, Bowhunting
Luck is where Opportunity and Preparation MEET!
When in doubt...back out!
SCAPAS.stay calm and pick a spot.
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#2013727 - 08/01/10 12:11 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: 102]
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Poser
14 Point
Registered: 07/28/10
Posts: 8397
Loc: Tennessee
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Starting in July, I won't shoot without my hunting gloves on. Its a slightly different feel than shooting without them. By this point, it feels more natural to shoot with gloves on than without them.
As we move into August, I try to make myself always shoot with full head cover on. The game changes a bit when you can't feel your anchor points so well.
When I shoot from my back yard/practice tree stand, I hang my bow back up between each shot to ingrain a slow handed bow retrieval into my shooting ritual.
_________________________
It doesn't have to be fun to be fun. Wild & crazy, can't be stopped. Only the strong will survive. Keep your knife sharp and your skillet greasy. http://www.GoCarnivore.com
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#2013754 - 08/01/10 12:48 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: Poser]
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102
10 Point
Registered: 08/01/02
Posts: 3681
Loc: Tennessee
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Slow handed ritual is a good idea...unless it is the rut.
We actually practice what we call a SEVEN second drill.
From a standing position, with bow in its' cradle or on its' hook, you must draw, aim, and kill the target at a known distance.
To make it more realistic, we ask the stander to close their eyes when we are ready, we shout right, left,or middle and the stander must locate the correct target and make a killing shot.
3-D targets.
So often we find that during rut times, mere SECONDS make the difference between success and failure.
The glove and mask idea is great!!!
So is a dress rehersal.
So is dialing in with broad heads.
It is also a good idea to do a COLD weather dress rehersal when the temps drop.
102
_________________________
God, Family, Job, Bowhunting
Luck is where Opportunity and Preparation MEET!
When in doubt...back out!
SCAPAS.stay calm and pick a spot.
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#2013755 - 08/01/10 12:49 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: 102]
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102
10 Point
Registered: 08/01/02
Posts: 3681
Loc: Tennessee
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NEVER EVER hang the bow behind youwhile on stand.
102
_________________________
God, Family, Job, Bowhunting
Luck is where Opportunity and Preparation MEET!
When in doubt...back out!
SCAPAS.stay calm and pick a spot.
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#2013761 - 08/01/10 12:55 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: 102]
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bowriter
Non-Typical
Registered: 08/31/02
Posts: 40337
Loc: Lebanon,TN USA
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I missed a nice bull elk at 8 yards once.
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Constipation has ruined many a good day. Not as many as stupidity, though.
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#2013763 - 08/01/10 12:57 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: 102]
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Poser
14 Point
Registered: 07/28/10
Posts: 8397
Loc: Tennessee
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Yeah, I do some "quick draw" drills too. The main reason for the slow hand drills is to make sure I don't have a sudden "grab the bow" reaction when I go into shooter mode. Of course, being able to do that when you need to, can be important to success.
_________________________
It doesn't have to be fun to be fun. Wild & crazy, can't be stopped. Only the strong will survive. Keep your knife sharp and your skillet greasy. http://www.GoCarnivore.com
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#2013772 - 08/01/10 01:12 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: Poser]
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Tomahawk
6 Point
Registered: 07/11/10
Posts: 762
Loc: east & west tn
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Very good advice 102. I'm gonna do my best to get the practice time and angles in as well.
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#2013802 - 08/01/10 02:05 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: Poser]
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BowGuy84
10 Point
Registered: 09/16/07
Posts: 4862
Loc: Nashville, TN and Louisville, ...
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As we move into August, I try to make myself always shoot with full head cover on. The game changes a bit when you can't feel your anchor points so well.
Reason I use face paint...along with it doesnt hurt my perephrial and I look bad!
Along the hanging your bow line, know where your hanger is in relation to your limbs and cams. Ive missed two deer because my bottom cam hit the bar on climber or top limb hit my bow hanger.
I set my pins at obscure ranges to compensate for the angle equation and the missing high problem.
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#2014042 - 08/01/10 05:34 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: BowGuy84]
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tickweed
10 Point
Registered: 11/25/09
Posts: 3595
Loc: medon,Tn.
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Good reminders and tips 102!
_________________________
The hardest thing about Bowhunting Turkeys is leaving the gun at home!
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#2014354 - 08/01/10 09:12 PM
Re: Just a few bow hunting reminders!
[Re: 102]
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Boone 58
16 Point
Registered: 06/23/04
Posts: 13564
Loc: Food Plot
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Good post.
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