The hunter moved quietly through the woods as dim light appeared. He carefully angled his bow to avoid hitting brush and trees while moving to the hot area where he had been scouting a big buck and two sub-dominate bucks who were almost as impressive.
Visions of the big buck haunted him. He had even dreamed about that trophy rack. He had it imbedded in his head. First he would grunt in the big boy, and then release his arrow at the right moment which would naturally hit a quick kill spot. He imagined how the buck would drop and how his friends would admire the big rack that adorned this magnificent animal’s head.
The big buck filled his head as he moved closer to the hot area. He sat against a big oak, nocked an arrow and waited. Foliage in front of his position blocked part of his view, but openings provided shot lanes. Then he heard it — that sound.
A buck grunted. The woods were still dark and he could not see. The sound was close. Out hero felt a nervous cloud settle in his stomach. This was a time he would never forget. Then he saw him.
The big buck stepped out and starred at the hunter’s position. He could not make out the shape, but something did not look right. The arrow drew back smoothly until the hunter’s shoulder touched the oak. The buck walked within 20 yards while the hunter sat with a half-drawn bow and arrow. He could not move to correct the positioning. The big deer was starring right through him. The buck quickly moved on. This meant another time to hunt the buck because he had not been spooked--the only thing I did right that day.
I learned a valuable lesson. Correct positioning when bow hunting is as important as remembering to bring arrows. The best equipped bow hunter in the woods will be unsuccessful 95 percent of the time with a proper set up.
That all-important set up — Successful positioning includes sitting or standing correctly and setting up in the right place. A keen-eyed buck or gobbler does not allow movement for correcting a shot. A big buck or turkey may move in or past quickly, only allowing time for one shot.
Sitting in a spot where excessive movement is not necessary is a good start. The first step is a seat cushion or comfortable seat. This stops you from sitting in a cramped or uncomfortable position. Makes sure you pick up all of the sticks or rocks under your seat and legs to avoid noise.
Sitting on your knees, back or toes quickly puts your legs to sleep. Most hunters only last about 10 minutes like this. Big bucks generally take a lot longer to hunt.
Experienced ground hunters sit with their backs against a tree and legs stretched out. After you sit, draw the bow back to make sure a shot can be made from that position.
“I often use a small stool, or a folding dove-hunting type seat, said Bill Jordan, president of Realtree Camouflage. “The folding chair fits in my vest. I sit with my back against a tree for comfort and safety. I can sit for long periods of time with a seat.”
Jordan finds the seat is easier and quieter when repositioning for a shot while allowing a larger shot radius from right to left. He keeps the bow upright with the wheel inside his unlaced boot. The boot keeps dirt out of the wheel and his left arm sets on the knee for quick access.
Propping the bow up makes it easier to reposition when the buck or gobblers turns its head. Then raise the bow and draw back the arrow in a quick, smooth movement that is achieved by practicing.
Propping the bow up also allows a free hand for calling or grunting. For example, turkey hunters might squeeze a box call between their legs. Make sure the call is high enough to not restrict the paddle’s side-to side movement.
This is a good time to consider the length of bow to use. A hunter who shoots from a seat can handle a longer bow than a hunter who sits on the ground. The key is finding what fits your position and is smooth, quiet and comfortable.
Make sure you are capable of a fluid motion when drawing back. This may mean sitting slightly to the side so your arm has clearance when drawing back to find a comfortable position. Deer or turkey will not wait for you to position correctly. Do it right the first time.
Practice, practice, practice — Many bow hunters visit their archery range, shoot until their pattern is tight and then go home. That type of shooting will not help hunting situations. For example, you will either shoot from the ground, a seat or a deer stand — depending on what you are hunting. Then you must determine what distances you are accurate from in different positions.
Most hunters are comfortable with a 10 to 20 yard shot in the easiest circumstance. But how accurately can you shoot on a stool with your back against a tree. Experts set targets at three different distances and shoot three arrows. This is repeated until you know your limitations or expertise. Targets may be set up at 10, 15 and 20 yards. Most archers lose accuracy at 30 yards.
Positioning to see the pins on your bow is another factor. This is sometimes difficult in strange angles sometimes dictated by hunting scenarios. Trying to line up on a big buck is not the time to find your pins. This requires precious time and probably some costly movement.
Sit on a stool, pick up your bow and look at the pins. Next angle the bow and look at the difference. These are all matters that should be ironed out on the practice range.
The best hunters practice from sitting, on their knees, standing, in a tree stand and almost any way imaginable. Try leaning against a tree and shooting from the side. Awkward? Probably, but who knows what situation might arise when you are walking through the woods.
These are a few tips for improving bow hunting positions. Practice and you will have a successful season — maybe the best of your life.
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The hunter moved quietly through the woods as dim light appeared. He carefully angled his bow to avoid hitting brush and trees while moving to the hot area where he had been scouting a big buck and two sub-dominate bucks who were almost as impressive.
Visions of the big buck haunted him. He had even dreamed about that trophy rack. He had it imbedded in his head. First he would grunt in the big boy, and then release his arrow at the right moment which would naturally hit a quick kill spot. He imagined how the buck would drop and how his friends would admire the big rack that adorned this magnificent animal’s head.
The big buck filled his head as he moved closer to the hot area. He sat against a big oak, nocked an arrow and waited. Foliage in front of his position blocked part of his view, but openings provided shot lanes. Then he heard it — that sound.
A buck grunted. The woods were still dark and he could not see. The sound was close. Out hero felt a nervous cloud settle in his stomach. This was a time he would never forget. Then he saw him.
The big buck stepped out and starred at the hunter’s position. He could not make out the shape, but something did not look right. The arrow drew back smoothly until the hunter’s shoulder touched the oak. The buck walked within 20 yards while the hunter sat with a half-drawn bow and arrow. He could not move to correct the positioning. The big deer was starring right through him. The buck quickly moved on. This meant another time to hunt the buck because he had not been spooked--the only thing I did right that day.
I learned a valuable lesson. Correct positioning when bow hunting is as important as remembering to bring arrows. The best equipped bow hunter in the woods will be unsuccessful 95 percent of the time with a proper set up.
That all-important set up — Successful positioning includes sitting or standing correctly and setting up in the right place. A keen-eyed buck or gobbler does not allow movement for correcting a shot. A big buck or turkey may move in or past quickly, only allowing time for one shot.
Sitting in a spot where excessive movement is not necessary is a good start. The first step is a seat cushion or comfortable seat. This stops you from sitting in a cramped or uncomfortable position. Makes sure you pick up all of the sticks or rocks under your seat and legs to avoid noise.
Sitting on your knees, back or toes quickly puts your legs to sleep. Most hunters only last about 10 minutes like this. Big bucks generally take a lot longer to hunt.
Experienced ground hunters sit with their backs against a tree and legs stretched out. After you sit, draw the bow back to make sure a shot can be made from that position.
“I often use a small stool, or a folding dove-hunting type seat, said Bill Jordan, president of Realtree Camouflage. “The folding chair fits in my vest. I sit with my back against a tree for comfort and safety. I can sit for long periods of time with a seat.”
Jordan finds the seat is easier and quieter when repositioning for a shot while allowing a larger shot radius from right to left. He keeps the bow upright with the wheel inside his unlaced boot. The boot keeps dirt out of the wheel and his left arm sets on the knee for quick access.
Propping the bow up makes it easier to reposition when the buck or gobblers turns its head. Then raise the bow and draw back the arrow in a quick, smooth movement that is achieved by practicing.
Propping the bow up also allows a free hand for calling or grunting. For example, turkey hunters might squeeze a box call between their legs. Make sure the call is high enough to not restrict the paddle’s side-to side movement.
This is a good time to consider the length of bow to use. A hunter who shoots from a seat can handle a longer bow than a hunter who sits on the ground. The key is finding what fits your position and is smooth, quiet and comfortable.
Make sure you are capable of a fluid motion when drawing back. This may mean sitting slightly to the side so your arm has clearance when drawing back to find a comfortable position. Deer or turkey will not wait for you to position correctly. Do it right the first time.
Practice, practice, practice — Many bow hunters visit their archery range, shoot until their pattern is tight and then go home. That type of shooting will not help hunting situations. For example, you will either shoot from the ground, a seat or a deer stand — depending on what you are hunting. Then you must determine what distances you are accurate from in different positions.
Most hunters are comfortable with a 10 to 20 yard shot in the easiest circumstance. But how accurately can you shoot on a stool with your back against a tree. Experts set targets at three different distances and shoot three arrows. This is repeated until you know your limitations or expertise. Targets may be set up at 10, 15 and 20 yards. Most archers lose accuracy at 30 yards.
Positioning to see the pins on your bow is another factor. This is sometimes difficult in strange angles sometimes dictated by hunting scenarios. Trying to line up on a big buck is not the time to find your pins. This requires precious time and probably some costly movement.
Sit on a stool, pick up your bow and look at the pins. Next angle the bow and look at the difference. These are all matters that should be ironed out on the practice range.
The best hunters practice from sitting, on their knees, standing, in a tree stand and almost any way imaginable. Try leaning against a tree and shooting from the side. Awkward? Probably, but who knows what situation might arise when you are walking through the woods.
These are a few tips for improving bow hunting positions. Practice and you will have a successful season — maybe the best of your life.
