It has been a while since I posted on this part of the forum. I have been around but mostly reading. It has been interesting to see the way Tradgang has changed over the years. There are a whole new group of "experts' (no disrespect intended) than when this thing first started. I thought I would chime in with a couple things that have helped me out to getting shooting good enough to hunt.
3D shoots are a lot of fun and good practice. I shoot 3D a couple times a year but hardly ever keep score. I rarely shoot from the appointed stakes and I usually choose to shoot around or over something that simulates a hunting situation safely at distances that are within my limitations. The folks I usually shoot with do the same. Try shooting from your knees, twisting around in an awkward position, with your back up against a tree, through some weeds or a vine tangle. That is what you will run into in the deer woods.
I regularly shoot at 30-35 yards. Mainly because the longer distance will reveal your form flaws. I pay attention to the arrow flight and how my form effected it. At times you need to shoot outside of your comfort zone. You will see how a bad release will effect your arrow flight.
I also spend time shooting at close distance like 5 yards or less. I need to do this because I tend to shoot high when I get that close of a shot. I hunt deer in standing corn and a shot at mere feet is common.
One more. If you are having form problems or a little target panic try this. At a safe distance while shooting alone or with spotters, focus on your target, draw and anchor, then close your eyes and dont open them till you hear your arrow hit. Pay attention to where your bow arm and release hand are and what happened with that shot. This will tell you what you need to know about your form and help to eliminate panic if you are dealing with it.
Sorry for the long post. Hope this might help a few out there.
I forgot to add...resist the temptation to shoot a bunch of bows. This is the tough one and Lord knows I am as guilty as the next guy. But sticking to one bow till you feel totally comfortable with it in a hunting situation will benefit you as a hunter. If you go through a lot of bows or have a couple set up for hunting I recommend making a set of hunting arrows for that bow. I usually make 6 with field tips and 6 with heads and they go out of that bow and no other. If I switch bows I will have confidence in my arrow set up.
That's some great advice.
Sounds like solid knowledge to me.
Thanks for the insights.
I'd love to do some 3D shooting. So far it's mostly bags for me. I have my own 3D deer but it aint much fun shooting him in my back yard. :( Your advice is sound and I appreciated reading it.
Hard to argue with that. Although I like to shoot alot of bows, when season gets close I spend most of my time with my go-to bow.
Good advise.
Thanks hopefully this advice will get my shooting in hunting shape
Good to know you're still around Jim. And some very good words of wisdom to share. People could really improve their own shooting if they pay attention here. (Including me :readit: )
Thanks!
Thanks, I tend to change bows a lot. Need to settle in with one bow. Good advice.
THanks for the advice man! This newbie appreciates it :)
Wise words Jim !
One bow ... mmm ... I suppose I'm ok as i have 4 matching specs and style ... jus' different wood combo's ! lol