Long time member with very little free time over last 20 years(life happens) :knothead: Bows have been hanging in the rack for some time(2009). My children are now grown and I am getting the urge to dust off the old equipment to pursue the fun of shooting again. I am even considering a hunt in the near future.
My only adventure into what could be used in hunting is the fact that I built a Cedar Strip Canoe during that time frame :bigsmyl:
30 days from now I am on vacation and have access to a farm in Indiana if I wish to hunt it.
In the opinions of all of you experts, can I effectively get back to a reasonable skill to humanely do so.
Phil
Philip, it's just like riding a bicycle. :thumbsup: I'd suggest starting over from scratch with the basics. Things will go a lot faster than the first time. I have sat out a year or more and it didn't take long to get back in the saddle. I guess a lot will have to do with your attitude and how critical you are of yourself.
Thanks for the reply.
I am overly critical of most things I do. I would almost rather wait another year before hunting to ensure my skills are up to speed. Its just been a good long while since I have had the time and desire, and don't wanna lose it.
Quote from: Pat B on September 23, 2018, 12:18:23 PM
Philip, it's just like riding a bicycle. :thumbsup: I'd suggest starting over from scratch with the basics. Things will go a lot faster than the first time. I have sat out a year or more and it didn't take long to get back in the saddle. I guess a lot will have to do with your attitude and how critical you are of yourself.
You will be amazed at how fast it all comes back... Good consistent form is what this is about. Practice smart then have fun hunting in a month.. Let us know how things go.
I say go for it! Go easy on the shooting sessions. Short and sweet. Just determine your maximum consistent range, and set stands for short shots.
Well I guess finding a few arrows with at least 1 feather left attached and start practicing. :biglaugh:
I had a bout a 7 year lay off from hunting with my bow. Last year I decided it was time again, and I got up to speed pretty quick, like about a month, to where I was comfortable with shorter yardages. Didn't get a chance to loose an arrow, but I then shot pretty consistently throughout the year and now I am shooting better than I ever have.
SO you gotta start somewhere, just get after it and get out there and don't take a shot if you are not comfortable with it!
Philip - trust your instinct to wait before shooting at game. One month after a 9 year lay off is not enough. You might be ready by winter or spring but even that would be very fast. Good Luck.
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I would say, give it your all for the next month. When it comes time to hunt, you will know whether you are ready or not!
Bisch
Yes- go hunt. Maybe limit your shot distance if you need to
Tim B
While your marksmanship may not be great, how is your woodsmanship? If you know, or can learn the area you hunt, maybe you can set up for a close(enough) range shot.
I can appreciate your willingness to wait--speaks highly of your character.
With that said, I believe you can get up to speed. This I do know: you'll never know if you don't try.
Good luck
Josh
where are the pics of your canoe? :biglaugh:
Kind of depends on you Philip. I had a long absence myself back n the 90's that went for about 6-7 years. I had not picked up a bow in that entire time. I got the urge again one day and pulled out an old Jeffrey recurve that had been my go-to bow for many years. I remember it felt real stiff on that first shot but, incredibly my first arrow in all that time shot at 20 yards actually was within 6 inches of the spot I picked on the target.
Obviously one shot doesn't prove anything but I always felt that having good form helped me get back in short order. The only issue was being over bowed during those first couple months until I built up my archery muscles.
So for that first season I picked up a used light weight bow...something like 10 lbs less than I'd usually use. I didn't get anything but I was confident in my shooting ability.
I guess best advice is just shoot as much as you can to gain your confidence back and know going in that you are going to keep your shots really close
Welcome back Phillip. I can't really tell you what hasn't been said.
Personally you are your best judge. I've had years I limited my shot distance to 10 yards. Cost me game, sure, but I was hunting which wasore important than killing at the time.
Thanks Folks,
Y'all are awesome. I think my best option is to postpone my hunting season and start training for next springs 3-D season. By then maybe I can be sufficient enough to not lose/bust and arrow with a near miss. :biglaugh:
I do another post for the Canoe since someone asked about it.