4 Bow And Arrow Tips
Bow And Arrow Fit
The main factor in maintaining accuracy and consistency from bow and arrows is making sure that each are correctly fitted to the individual archer.
The best practice in obtaining this goal is to visit a professional archery shop. There, one can be measured for draw length which is the key ingredient for proper fit.
Once the draw length is determined, make sure the bow to be used or purchased matches this measurement. A very common mistake is to buy a bow with a draw length that is too long.
The arrows need to be cut to proper lengths according to draw measurements. The arrow weights and stiffness should be matched to bow poundage.
Bow Speed And Poundage
It is very easy to get caught up in all the speed hype of bows. This can also be a problem with bow poundage. The reality is that accuracy, form, and shooter performance will always trump speed and poundage.
It is not necessary to have the fastest shooting bow on the market nor to have a bow with an eighty pound pull weight. It is better to have a bow that can easily be drawn under all conditions. For the average hunter this falls in the 50-65 pound range.
Shooting Consistency
The key to consistent accuracy is repetition of proper shooting form. This can be broken down into shooter stance, holding the bow correctly, a smooth draw, consistent anchor point, proper aiming, a smooth release, and follow through.
These are all learned habits. Done correctly they will make any archer more proficient. Most all shooting errors are related to improper shooter form.
Bow Practice
The only way to become proficient with the bow is through continued practice. Shooting three times a week is a good goal to meet. This can be done by shooting 25 arrows or so every other day. This keeps the archer in shape as well as helps maintain consistency.
Those that practice all year long will have an edge, but at the very least begin 4-5 months before the hunting season.
Bow Shooting Tips
Bow Shooting Tips – Hunters that venture into the woods with bow and arrow in hand face many challenges. One of the most important is the ability to accurately and effectively make shots on whitetails. Field experience provides the best training for becoming efficient. However, a few basic skills will get you started.
When To Draw
Ideally the best time to draw a bow on a whitetail is when the deer’s vision can not detect any movement by the hunter. Often this occurs when the deer passes behind a tree or some other natural cover. If the eyes on the whitetail can be seen, the deer can see the hunter. Since shooting a bow requires considerable movement, the hunter must always be aware of the deer’s field of view.
Angle Of The Deer
The angle in which a whitetail is standing can also create problems. The ideal angle for an accurate clean shot is with the deer standing broad side or slightly quartering away from the hunter. Any other shot reduces the chances of success and increases the chance of a non fatal shot.
When To Shoot
The best time to take a shot on a whitetail is when the deer presents a clear and open field of view for the hunter. Make sure the angle is right and that the deer is in range of your shooting skills. Always stay alert as often there is only a small window of opportunity before the deer will pass by. Make sure to use proper follow through and watch the impact of the arrow.
Good luck and be safe.
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Bow Hunting Preparation Tips
The bow season can be a much anticipated time of the year for hunters who enjoy it. The bow hunter does however need to prepare ones self prior to opening day. Here are a few quick bow hunting preparation tips.
Proper Equipment
To start with, the hunter should make sure the bow properly fits. The pull weight of the bow is not too much to handle and can be drawn smoothly. The string length is not too long at full draw. All bow equipment is securely tightened. Any accessories such as a peep sight or nocking point are properly placed. The arrow rest is lined up straight, secure, and working properly. The arrows match up to the bow properly. The string release if used has been checked. In other words, get all the equipment straight first.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The next step is to practice shooting the bow. It is recommended to shoot periodically throughout the year for best results. At the very least this should began several months before the season at a minimum. Shoot 6-12 arrows each day. This will help your muscles stay fit or slowly build muscles back up to proper conditioning for those late shooters. Make sure to shoot with proper form each time.
Practice from a seated and standing position. Practice from heights if a tree stand is to be used. Practice from a ground blind if it is to be used. If using field points to target shoot, remember to also practice with the broad head of choice. It is also a good idea to dress in hunting clothing for an authentic feel and for a proper in field type shooting experience.
Remember to focus mentally on each shot placement. Visualize yourself taking aim on that trophy buck. Slowly and steadily pull the bow back to full draw. Concentrate and release the arrow smoothly.
Set aside a few minutes each day for practicing and you’ll be ready to go come opening day. As always good luck and be safe.
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The Twenty Minute Buck
One of the ladder stands is only about five minutes from where I park my vehicle on an old tractor path. The stand over looks a small hardwoods cut over. I generally use the stand for rifle hunting. The stand is strapped to an oak tree nestled in a quarter acre patch of pines. Inside those pines is an old cemetery lot that dates back to the eighteen hundreds. For this reason the stand is known as the graveyard stand.
One day during the early part of bow season while at work, I had a strong feeling that I needed to be hunting that afternoon. So I decided that I would go straight from work. I always keep my hunting gear in my truck for just such an occasion.
I arrived at my property at 4:00pm, slipped my coveralls on, sprayed myself with cover scent, took my bow and ran up the tractor path to the graveyard stand. I arrived at the stand at 4:06pm. I pulled my bow up the tree, put my release on and nocked an arrow.
As I stood there looking across the cut over, I caught movement about seventy five yards out. I looked through my binoculars and found a beautiful eight pointer walking in my direction. The buck was at a steady walk and closing fast as if he had some where to be.
I slipped my binoculars inside my coveralls and placed my release on the bow string. The deer walked all the way up to a ditch about thirty five yards out and stopped. The deer looked around momentarily and then jumped the ditch. The deer then walked within ten yards directly facing me. The deer then turned and started walking to my right giving me a perfect quartering away shot.
I released the arrow and watched as the arrow made a perfect shot on the buck, entering on his right side, through both lungs and heart, and exiting on the left side. The buck followed a path about thirty yards and fell. The time was 4:20pm. The total time in the woods was twenty minutes. Lesson learned, always follow your instincts.
