Back Tension Method While Hunting?

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UTGrad

UTGrad

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I learned to shoot back tension this year but now hunting season is upon us, should I practice punching the trigger? I take my time when shooting target, but obviously I might need to take a quick shot when hunting. How should I practice?
 
I wouldn't use a back tension release for hunting because the last thing you want is a surprise release when shot timing is so critical in a hunting situation .
Practice squeezing the trigger of your hunting release , not punching it .
 
UT,

I imagine you picked up the bt while shooting 3d. Thats what got me into it. I bought a carter thumb style release (Chocolate Lite) and shoot it a lot like a bt. I bury the trigger deep in between my thumb and pointer finger and trigger the shot with a strong push/pull method. Its a suprise release, but for hunting I can punch it if need be. Also allows me to keep my form the same.

Another plus that I like is I hook to my d-loop when I get in the tree and my release hangs there leaving my hands free but Im always ready.
 
Exactly what Radar and camoman said!!! Practice using your normal release and use the same method as you do your back tension while squeeeeeezing the trigger. You do not want a back tension release going off to soon or not at all when "buck fever" kicks in and you only have a brief shot window to make the best shot.

If you have an adjustable release, I have found it better to adjust it where the trigger is deep in your finger instead of having to use your fingertip or last knuckle. Doing this helps you NOT to punch the trigger.
 
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I have to disagree with most of the answers.If you have learned to shoot back tension and have shot enough to have it ingrained into your subconscious then back tension is a still reliable method to use to hunt with. I have used bt for years. Not one time has it ever cost me a deer. Actually I think it has helped put meat in the freezer and tag a few more animals.With enough practice it is very reliable.
 
Phil - UT uses a trigger release with a back tension style. We learned from the same teacher.

I shoot a hinge release full time in all forms of competition (3D, fita, field, indoors) so the habit of pulling through a shot is deeply seeded in my routine.

For hunting though I still transfer holding weight from my shoulder to my back, but I use a finger trigger release and I take the shot when it's right. I load my back the same way and pull through the shot then I punch that trigger when the shot is there. I'm still taking advantage of holding with my back and gaining steadiness this way. Works for me. Others may hate it :D
 
JayMc said:
Phil - UT uses a trigger release with a back tension style. We learned from the same teacher.

I shoot a hinge release full time in all forms of competition (3D, fita, field, indoors) so the habit of pulling through a shot is deeply seeded in my routine.

For hunting though I still transfer holding weight from my shoulder to my back, but I use a finger trigger release and I take the shot when it's right. I load my back the same way and pull through the shot then I punch that trigger when the shot is there. I'm still taking advantage of holding with my back and gaining steadiness this way. Works for me. Others may hate it :D
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That's exactly what I'm talking about. I've worked hard this year to form the "gun barrel" with a straight line from the arrow through my bow arm and shoulders back to my drawing arm and elbow. This creates a firm tension in my back that allows me to use the trapezius to "pull" through the shot.
 
I realize what your saying and understand the method with which your shooting but I don't advocate "punching" the trigger in any form. A slow steady pull will work just as well. If the deer is moving then it may be best to try to stop it or not take the shot period.I had to do my learning from the old trial and error , as there was not any coach or teacher, book, or dvds out then as to how to shoot. But a bad case of target panic, a punched trigger and a wounded/lost deer made me realize i had to learn how to shoot. But if your method works for you fling them if you got them.
 
If the bow weight is loaded correctly in your shoulders and back the traps do very little of the pulling in back tension. The rhomboid muscles, the ones that lie right under your shoulder blades, are the muscles you are wanting to fire the release with. With enough practice you can fire the release pretty quick. The main problem for most people is target acquisition. That is the time frame between actual drawing, getting your anchor point then getting your sight on target.You should never turn a arrow loose unless you are 99% certain of where you going to hit. There is that 1% remaining is depending on the animal itself. You can't know what it is going to do.
 
I go into auto pilot and focus on the deer's body language and shot angles so much that the shot just happens .There is a world of difference between shooting a live animal that is wound up tight , and shooting a stationary target under controlled conditions . To each his own I guess . I have been doing the same thing for 30 years and it works for me .
Most misses in the woods occur from not bending at the waist from a stand and shooting over the back of the deer at close range , and misjudging yardage at longer distances . Focus on those two things and you will put more venison in the freezer .
 
Radar said:
I go into auto pilot and focus on the deer's body language and shot angles so much that the shot just happens .There is a world of difference between shooting a live animal that is wound up tight , and shooting a stationary target under controlled conditions . To each his own I guess . I have been doing the same thing for 30 years and it works for me .
Most misses in the woods occur from not bending at the waist from a stand and shooting over the back of the deer at close range , and misjudging yardage at longer distances . Focus on those two things and you will put more venison in the freezer .
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