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Message
Bow hunting tips
Posted on 11/15/11 at 6:01 pm
Posted on 11/15/11 at 6:01 pm
I have always been a big outdoorsman, with the exception of deer hunting. However, I was recently given a nice Matthews bow and I am looking to get into the sport.
I have plenty of access to hunting property (friends and family's) but I have no idea where to start besides just getting out there and practicing.
Any general advice for a beginner?
I have plenty of access to hunting property (friends and family's) but I have no idea where to start besides just getting out there and practicing.
Any general advice for a beginner?
Posted on 11/15/11 at 6:05 pm to CalcuttaTigah
practice all the time. And then just dive right in. Bow hunting like most other things is all trial and error. You're gonna spook deer, just make sure to learn from it. Set up downwind, cover your face, and dont move like your in a big ole box stand.
Oh and bring me to your property and youll have one down within 2 hunts
Oh and bring me to your property and youll have one down within 2 hunts
Posted on 11/15/11 at 6:39 pm to CalcuttaTigah
Patience.
You may need to hold a draw for a while, so consider that when choosing a draw weight.
You can shoot through newspaper to tune your bow - stop your arrow from fishtailing or dolphining to fly true.
Arrow stiffness and broadhead weight will have an effect on the above.
Try to be consistent with your hold and release.
You may need to hold a draw for a while, so consider that when choosing a draw weight.
You can shoot through newspaper to tune your bow - stop your arrow from fishtailing or dolphining to fly true.
Arrow stiffness and broadhead weight will have an effect on the above.
Try to be consistent with your hold and release.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 7:30 pm to CalcuttaTigah
Before you set up in a stand, shoot your hunting setup, meaning practice enough with your hunting arrows and hunting broadheads that you're comfortable with the sights. I practiced like crazy but never shot my broadheads until the day I first hunted with em. Dangit.
This post was edited on 11/15/11 at 7:31 pm
Posted on 11/15/11 at 7:33 pm to CalcuttaTigah
Practice and patience. Very fun and at times the most frustrating thing on earth.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 7:35 pm to F Head
quote:
Before you set up in a stand, shoot your hunting setup, meaning practice enough with your hunting arrows and hunting broadheads that you're comfortable with the sights. I practiced like crazy but never shot my broadheads until the day I first hunted with em. Dangit.
so you're telling me i should probably shoot an arrow with a broadhead on it before i get back out there huh? my first year bow hunting as well. got it all sighted in and practice a lot, have never shot a broadhead though.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 7:48 pm to chickman1313
You should always practice with your hunting setup before you bring it in the woods.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 7:51 pm to chickman1313
quote:
so you're telling me i should probably shoot an arrow with a broadhead on it before i get back out there huh? my first year bow hunting as well. got it all sighted in and practice a lot, have never shot a broadhead though.
Do it. The fact that I hadn't shot my broadheads or set up my stand and shot from it (or from any elevation for that matter) caused me (in part) to miss the biggest buck I've ever had walk out on me earlier in the season
I'm still losing sleep over that damn shot.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 8:23 pm to CalcuttaTigah
quote:
Bow hunting tips
Bow hunting is the best shooting sport in my opinion. I've been bow hunting since the late 70's, Bow hunting makes you a much better rifle hunter if you choose to continue rifle hunting. I basically on gun hunt now during the rut and bow hunt the rest of the time. Practice shooting sitting down and standing up. A range finder is a must. Don't get discouraged...If you are able to draw on the first deer you shoot at without getting busted you have done a good job.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 8:24 pm to lukestar
quote:
.If you are able to draw on the first deer you shoot at without getting busted you have done a good job
drawn on one this year, she saw me and hauled arse
Posted on 11/15/11 at 8:28 pm to chickman1313
quote:
drawn on one this year, she saw me and hauled arse
The big boy I missed walked out laid there in a ravine for 30 minutes where all I could see is rack without knowing I was around. When I got him to stand up he knew something wasn't right with the tree I was in but I don't think he saw me move until I drew back and took aim. He still didn't haul arse after I missed either. Blew and jumped a few times and stared at me, and eventually just kinda walked behind a downed tree and slipped away quietly.
Had a doe walk out right behind me and she smelled me and bolted before I had a chance to move
Posted on 11/15/11 at 8:32 pm to Boats n Hose
Post your draw length, draw weight, and the model of bow that you have and I can point you in the right direction on arrow spine. If you are shooting underspined arrows you will never get consistent groups with broadheads and you will not get the penetration that your bow is capable of.
Set your draw weight at something that you can COMFORTABLY draw and HOLD for a few seconds. I
Buy a quality release, I never knew how good I could shoot until I got rid of my $20 release. You don't have to buy the most expensive, I shoot a Scott Little Goose which cost me around $60. My groups at 50 yards were 4-5 inches before and are 3 inches on my worst days now.
Watch some videos on YouTube on proper form. Pay particular attention to your anchor points. You will never be consistent if you don't have at least 2 consistent anchor points.
When bow hunting playing the wind is critical compared to hunting with a gun. Once you see a deer with a gun in your hand you can usually immediately take a shot. Often times with a bow you see the deer several minutes before you have the opportunity to shoot. Obviously the longer the deer is in the area, the more likely it is to bust you.
Make sure you have good cover around you while on the stand. When a deer is 20 yards and in they will pick you off quick if you are out in the open, especially if you are standing.
Be patient when you get ready to draw, I can't count how many times I was busted during the draw when I first started bow hunting.
If you shoot right handed, set up with your left shoulder pointed where you most expect to see the deer to minimize your movement.
If you are taking a close shot, maintain your form by bending at the waist. One of the most common reasons for missing with a bow is when a hunter drops his bow arm rather than bending at the waist.
I could go on and on, but those are the most important pieces of advice I can give you without typing a book.
Set your draw weight at something that you can COMFORTABLY draw and HOLD for a few seconds. I
Buy a quality release, I never knew how good I could shoot until I got rid of my $20 release. You don't have to buy the most expensive, I shoot a Scott Little Goose which cost me around $60. My groups at 50 yards were 4-5 inches before and are 3 inches on my worst days now.
Watch some videos on YouTube on proper form. Pay particular attention to your anchor points. You will never be consistent if you don't have at least 2 consistent anchor points.
When bow hunting playing the wind is critical compared to hunting with a gun. Once you see a deer with a gun in your hand you can usually immediately take a shot. Often times with a bow you see the deer several minutes before you have the opportunity to shoot. Obviously the longer the deer is in the area, the more likely it is to bust you.
Make sure you have good cover around you while on the stand. When a deer is 20 yards and in they will pick you off quick if you are out in the open, especially if you are standing.
Be patient when you get ready to draw, I can't count how many times I was busted during the draw when I first started bow hunting.
If you shoot right handed, set up with your left shoulder pointed where you most expect to see the deer to minimize your movement.
If you are taking a close shot, maintain your form by bending at the waist. One of the most common reasons for missing with a bow is when a hunter drops his bow arm rather than bending at the waist.
I could go on and on, but those are the most important pieces of advice I can give you without typing a book.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 8:47 pm to CalcuttaTigah
quote:
Bow hunting tips
Don't get fat
Posted on 11/15/11 at 8:56 pm to Raz4back
ditto this!
If you are taking a close shot, maintain your form by bending at the waist. One of the most common reasons for missing with a bow is when a hunter drops his bow arm rather than bending at the waist.
Also when the time for the shot comes make sure you pick a spot and don't just shoot at the side of the deer. Broadside aim for just above the heart. if the deer jumps string they will drop into the arrow, giving you a double lung shot. Also if the deer is close, but quartered away, pick a spot that will allow the arrow to exit at the opposite front shoulder. If the deer is close and quartered halfway it will appear you are aiming too far back, but thiink of the path that the arrow will follow as it goes through the deer.
And finally.... practice, practice...practice!!!
If you are taking a close shot, maintain your form by bending at the waist. One of the most common reasons for missing with a bow is when a hunter drops his bow arm rather than bending at the waist.
Also when the time for the shot comes make sure you pick a spot and don't just shoot at the side of the deer. Broadside aim for just above the heart. if the deer jumps string they will drop into the arrow, giving you a double lung shot. Also if the deer is close, but quartered away, pick a spot that will allow the arrow to exit at the opposite front shoulder. If the deer is close and quartered halfway it will appear you are aiming too far back, but thiink of the path that the arrow will follow as it goes through the deer.
And finally.... practice, practice...practice!!!
Posted on 11/15/11 at 8:56 pm to willeaux
Practice and don't take a shot at a live animal until you are completely confident that you can make the shot. Good luck you are going to have a lot of fun.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 10:10 pm to CalcuttaTigah
Never hunt a good spot on a bad wind.
Posted on 11/15/11 at 10:29 pm to CalcuttaTigah
Make sure you take everything you'll need before you go hunting. Check list sorta. Don't forget TP & thermal cell
Posted on 11/15/11 at 10:38 pm to AlxTgr
quote:
Never hunt a good spot on a bad wind.
Very true! Ive waited all year to hunt a spot, because I've been waiting for a NW wind, on a day I could go(work). Deer entered the flat from the west, up wind of my position eating acorns. Luckily I got him, as he was trying to circle downwind of my location. Big Bucks are just freaking smart. You hunt a spot, and they get your scent...Its over till next year, unless there's a hot doe/accident. Knowing when, where, when NOT to hunt(really important-hardest to fight back), when to stand, when to draw, how to overcome Target panic, is all a product of failure/learning. Be patient, your going to fail many more time than you succeed, but nothing compares to killing a Giant with your Bow.
This post was edited on 11/15/11 at 10:39 pm
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