Archery Talk

Welp, got a Doe yesterday. Not the best shot but I got her. Saw her yesterday morning but never had a clear shot. Last evening see came back out but I think she was on to my position. She finally stepped into my shooting window but immediately turned away from me. That gave me a chance to draw my bow and wait for her to turn broadside. As soon as she turned broadside something spooked her and she started to take off. That is the moment I shot. I waited 20 minutes to go look for her. Ended up jumping her and then waited another 40 minutes before finding her.

Spoiler

This morning I had several doe in front of me. Got off a clean shot. She ran about 60 yards, stopped for a second and then dropped dead.

 

Finally! After numerous outings I finally got one in bow range and got a nice doe!




Anybody wondering how a Rage Trypan deals with the shoulder at 33 yards... Crushed it. Could even reuse the head due to no visible damage, but just in case I put a new one on.
Finally on the board!!!

 

Congrats..

 

It's just a cheapy. Gotta actually walk in there and check it.

 

I have three out. One Moultrie 990i and two WGI's. The WGI's I picked up for $60 each WITH sim cards. Pictures are great. The cams are close (20-30 yards) of my stands. Usually swap cards once a week when I hunt.

 

I've had a WGI setup for 2 full years without taking it down. No problems and great pics. I also have a $27 camera. Not the best pics but if it gets stolen, no big deal.

 

I run two Covert mp-8 Black. I have two of them.

 

I’m a big fan of the Browning strike force cameras. I have 8 of them, great cameras for the money and I have had very few issues with them.

 

I bought one of these just because public land. Pictures are so so, i would rather this camera be stolen than my sims card with pics and batteries. So far, no stolen cameras in 2 years. I do have pics of rabbit hunters and bowhunters.

 

Your lucky that none have been stolen.

 

I know!

 

I have more problems with bears chewing mine up!!! Last year they bit into both of them. Luckily Covert fixed both since they were still under warranty!!!

 

One more Doe down last night.

I need to work on relaxing when taking a shot with my bow. All three deer where facing to the right when shot and all my shots where too far left. I think I’m clenching my bow to tight causing the arrow to go left.

But dang my heart starts pumping crazy when drawing back on a deer. Lol

 

So listen... DO NOT clench you bow at all. You should let the handle rest against the meatiest part of you palm. Fingers SHOULD NOT be closed around the bow. Watch a couple YouTube vids on proper form.

When aiming, take your time even if you feel rushed. You should prioritize nose, circle, circle, and then pin where you want it. Remember does are pretty much always available if you have decent ground. Worst case scenario you don’t get a great shot so you wait for another day.

I drive an hour each way to my hunting spot and have come home empty handed til yesterday and I have seen deer every time. I just don’t want to take a marginal shot, guy shoot, or wound an animal. Just relax and focus and the closer the better. Preferably broadside whenever possible.

Also make sure they are stopped. I used to make that mistake and it will throw you shot 4-10 inches off with just one small step forward. Remember focus is the most important thing. I’ve become way more patient and it definitely helps.

 

That’s how a practice shooting. Fingers never closed.
I always try to take broadside shots.

Just been a few years since bow hunting and the adrenaline is getting to me

 

I understand that. I’ve hunted for years but there is something about bowhunting that is way different! I have just tried to really focus at the time of the shot.

One more thing, when you release the arrow your goal should be to watch the impact. Not moving the bow but actually trying to for a split second keep everything still and watch as the arrow impacts. It helps for sure. Most people inadvertently move their bow to see where it hits. Bad.

Also, use lighted nocks if you can in you state and you don’t already. They will help sooooo much. That way you know where you hit no question.

 

You'll probably get a lot of input here, and I don't mean to "pile on," but since you said you are so excited and your adrenaline is going, you could be "peeking" before the arrow fully fires/releases and throwing off your follow through. The other thing to consider is that you may not be getting the same form in the stand as you are at the practice range - I mean your stance, anchor point, etc. could be different. I had it happen to me where I was shooting consistently left (at the target range) and it turned out I was craning my head to the string instead of bringing the string to my face. Common occurrence when excited and common result (pull to the left for right hand shooters).

I hope you get it figured out and good luck!

 

I always have arrow with field tip in my quiver and take a practice shot from my stand. When you’re 25 feet of the ground and wearing extra clothes,things change.

 

That’s smart! I may start doing that at “new” spots.

For the spots that I have permanent stands, I will get out there before the season with a block target and take shots at various angles and distances, making sure my shooting lanes are clear and the arrow is hitting where I want from up in the stand.

 

I always feel like “train as you fight” applies. If you create the closest thing to a real situation you can rely on the fact that you successfully did it before and can do it during crunch time. Definitely a good idea with the permanents for sure.