| I know numerous bow-hunters who shoot bull's eye | | | | your bow while kneeling down and leaning around a |
| after bull's eye when they are shooting at the range | | | | tree should not be at the deer of a lifetime. If your |
| under controlled conditions. Bow-hunters shooting at a | | | | options are limited and you have to go to a range be |
| range usually are standing straight up and the target | | | | creative. An empty 55 gallon drum or piece of |
| is directly in front of them on level ground, which is | | | | plywood propped up make great obstacles to shoot |
| not exactly a realistic hunting scenario. A good | | | | around. Hunters who utilize tree stands need to |
| portion of those successful target archers go out | | | | practice shooting from elevated positions. |
| hunting every fall and do not have a successful shot | | | | 3D archery targets replicating animals are readily |
| on an animal when the opportunity presents itself. | | | | available and can be reasonably priced. If you don't |
| Bow-hunters who only takes aim at block or paper | | | | want to purchase your own many clubs and archery |
| targets on a range during the off season are not | | | | stores have 3D ranges available to use for a nominal |
| taking the best advantage of their precious | | | | fee. Becoming proficient in hitting a 3D target in the |
| preparation time. Don't get me wrong, time spent on | | | | appropriate vital area will increase a hunter's likelihood |
| the archery range shooting arrows is important and | | | | of successfully killing an animal while hunting. Another |
| should be a part of the overall preparation for making | | | | thing to experiment with 3D targets is placing the |
| a good clean shot at the moment of truth. However, | | | | target behind obstacles replicating hunting situations |
| range time is only one facet of what is needed to | | | | where a portion of your animal is behind a tree or |
| become a well rounded field shot. | | | | other obstacle. Anytime you are going to be hunting |
| Bow-hunters can greatly increase their success levels | | | | an animal you are not familiar with you practice on a |
| by implementing a well rounded and realistic training | | | | 3D target of that animal ahead of time if possible. |
| program that prepares them to shoot under a | | | | Another training aid I really like is virtual archery |
| variety of circumstances. I believe in the old adage | | | | simulators. These simulators project a realistic view |
| train the way you play. In other words attempt to | | | | onto a large screen, typically 20 yards away. Hunters |
| shoot your bow under circumstances that mimic an | | | | have the ability to go through numerous scenarios in |
| actual hunting experience as close as possible. If you | | | | a short amount of time; a few weeks ago I shot |
| plan on hunting in the rain, snow, or wind you should | | | | 104 arrows at a simulator in one hour. Simulators |
| practice with your bow in less than ideal conditions. | | | | provide hunters with another opportunity to shoot at |
| Other factors to consider when attempting to | | | | realistic looking animals. Simulators also prepare the |
| replicate hunting situations is the clothing you are | | | | hunter to shoot animals at different angles and it also |
| wearing and accessories on your bow. If weather | | | | helps the hunter develop decision making skills on |
| permits wear the same clothes you will where when | | | | when to take a shot do to the fact in a lot of the |
| hunting at least part of the time when shooting your | | | | scenarios the animal is moving for a good portion of |
| bow. If you leave your quiver on your bow while | | | | the time leaving the hunter with a small window of |
| hunting practice shooting that way during the off | | | | opportunity. |
| season, paying attention to these little details can | | | | If you are already taking advantage of all of these |
| have a big impact on your level of preparation for | | | | training aides and concepts you're probably a pretty |
| the hunting season. | | | | decent field shot. If not, revaluate your training |
| There are numerous things you can do to improve | | | | program and implement some of the ideas in this |
| your shooting skills for hunting. First of all, practice | | | | article. I guarantee it will make you more prepared |
| shooting your bow from a variety of positions and | | | | for that all important shot. Who knows, you might |
| angles. Shoot while your standing, kneeling, and while | | | | only have one opportunity next season; make it |
| leaning around obstacles The first time you shoot | | | | count! |