Bow practice

[tangleknot]

It seems like summer is always so busy and bow practice kind of gets lost in the midst of everything. I'm going to start shooting again and get back in the groove. How about you gals?

[RIVER LADY]

It seems like summer is always so busy and bow practice kind of gets lost in the midst of everything. I'm going to start shooting again and get back in the groove. How about you gals?

Boy is that the truth. I was thinking the same thing last night. Yes, it's time to get shooting.

Only bad thing, once you start shooting the rush starts. The vivid memeories of bucks past start dancing in your head, tantelizing your senses and a whole different side of us comes to life. :evilsmile

[timberdoodle528]

I've been shooting everynight, just not my bow...

I really need to start making time for it or else I might as well skip bow season this year.

[fishergirltc]

This will be my first year bow hunting. My bow is all ready...I just need to start practicing. Will get out this weekend to practice hopefully. Have been putting it off to fish! :D

[bluesun7602]

i'm out practicing with my bow every time i have a day off. gettin' antsy!! i already pulled out the blind too... getting the garage smell out and the fresh air in.

[Huntinggirl]

I have had my bow out on and off for the last month or so. When I can I try to shoot about every other day. This will be my first year Bow hunting as well. (If I get my confidence built up in time ) :xzicon_sm

[bluesun7602]

i wish we all lived closer to each other, i'd love to shoot with some women. i don't like talking to the guys at the archery ranges. they think it's my first day with a bow. hellooooo, i shot a deer, i know what i'm doing, stop staring at me!

it'll be my second year bowhunting and had great success last year... i just hope it wasn't beginner's luck. my bf will accompany me at the range once in awhile, but since we work different shifts i'll go shoot by myself. luckily i know one of the guys who works at country woods archery so he'll shoot with me... but still. i want some chick camaraderie!

[Steve]

Watch out for those travel trailers ;)

[RIVER LADY]

I have had my bow out on and off for the last month or so. When I can I try to shoot about every other day. This will be my first year Bow hunting as well. (If I get my confidence built up in time ) :xzicon_sm

Huntingirl, the best way to build your convidence is to shoot, shoot and shoot some more. Don't let all the hupla get to ya or, you previously mentioned, men at deer camp. When you're out there in your blind, it's just you and the woods honey. It's all up to you when the shot is presented to you. The hardest thing with bow hutning is getting the deer close enough to ya to hopefully have him present himself with a good shot for ya. Just remember, if you don't take the shot, you can't get the buck. I'm not saying shoot because it's close enough. But if he gives that sweet spot up to you, don't hesiate. Once the shot is presented, take it. Remember, no one is watching, no one to judge you. Have patience with yourself, and if something goes wrong, which it more than likely will, don't beat yourself up. Learn from it and use what you learned next time out.

Have a great time in the woods and I wish you the best of luck.

[timberdoodle528]

I'm getting pretty frustrated with my shooting abilities with my bow.
I'll shoot 3 arrows great, nice tight small group, then the next 3 are all over the place. I know what the problem is, yet I can't seem to fix it. I'm rushing my shots and not slowly squeezing that release. And for some reason I'm having a hard time slowing myself down. I don't understand why I'm doing it. I don't shoot guns like this.... I'm going to keep shooting - and I'm even thinking about trying a differnt release - but with the way I'm shooting right now, there's no sense in going after a deer with my bow.

[RIVER LADY]

I'm getting pretty frustrated with my shooting abilities with my bow.
I'll shoot 3 arrows great, nice tight small group, then the next 3 are all over the place. I know what the problem is, yet I can't seem to fix it. I'm rushing my shots and not slowly squeezing that release. And for some reason I'm having a hard time slowing myself down. I don't understand why I'm doing it. I don't shoot guns like this.... I'm going to keep shooting - and I'm even thinking about trying a differnt release - but with the way I'm shooting right now, there's no sense in going after a deer with my bow.

Megan, when you are shooting. Do you draw up put the pin on and quickly release so it is all kind of one motion? If not try it. The longer you try and aim at your target the worse the shot is gonna be. It should all be one smooth motion. When I draw back, the second my pin in on my target I softly release. Your release can make some difference. It has to be a hair trigger or you are going to pull on it and get the results your getting.
The release may have a small allen screw to trighten and release on the trigger. If your's doesn't get one. Makes a world of difference.

Don't beat yourself up Megan, when the buck presents himself you are only gonna get one shot anyways. Sounds to me like you have 3 goods ones before your hit. Go Hunting for peak sakes. Good luck

[RIVER LADY]

i wish we all lived closer to each other, i'd love to shoot with some women. i don't like talking to the guys at the archery ranges. they think it's my first day with a bow. hellooooo, i shot a deer, i know what i'm doing, stop staring at me!

it'll be my second year bowhunting and had great success last year... i just hope it wasn't beginner's luck. my bf will accompany me at the range once in awhile, but since we work different shifts i'll go shoot by myself. luckily i know one of the guys who works at country woods archery so he'll shoot with me... but still. i want some chick camaraderie!

Hey girl, never mind those guys at the range. They are just intimidated by you. First your blowing their mind. A woman with a bow? Then if you shoot at the range like in that pic.....trust me they are intimidated. Just ignore them and keep shooting like you are. They will eventually get to know you and all it takes is one to show you some respect for your good groupings and most of the rest will follow.

It's so tough being a woman in an (always thought of )mans sport.

Times are a changin fellas.............move over....the lovely ladies of Michigan Sportsman.com are here to whoopp your butts. :lol:

Just keep your chin up and keep pushing forward. Patience is a vertue.

[RIVER LADY]

This will be my first year bow hunting. My bow is all ready...I just need to start practicing. Will get out this weekend to practice hopefully. Have been putting it off to fish! :D

Congratualtions Kim. You're gonna love it.


If you don't put in your practice time.....you won't get the results you're dreaming of. I know it's hard to put the stick down in August and pick up the bow. But, if you don't practice and build up and stretch the muscles used to shoot archery....not only will you miss that beautiful buck, you'll also pull or even tear those muscles.

Get out there girl.......there is big bucks awaitin . Good luck

[1wildchild]

I did a stupid thing. I left my bow up north. I meant to bring it home because I won't be back up until labor day. It's making me nuts. I am half thinking about having my son's bow fitted to me. He lsot interest so it just sits in the basement. He has a whole different set up but at least I would be working those particular muscles and aiming. What do you think, is it worth it?

[RIVER LADY]

I did a stupid thing. I left my bow up north. I meant to bring it home because I won't be back up until labor day. It's making me nuts. I am half thinking about having my son's bow fitted to me. He lsot interest so it just sits in the basement. He has a whole different set up but at least I would be working those particular muscles and aiming. What do you think, is it worth it?

LOL...Honey you know the kids took it. No doublt.

Unless you plan on hunting with that bow, don't waste your time. It will help keep the muscles tone, but, it gonna screw everything else up. However, it wouldn't be a waste of time to make a day trip to pick up that bow.

[bluesun7602]

i can't wait for the day the guys let me hunt by myself and i call them on the cell and say "hey i shot a deer, come help me track it!"

that'll be the most perfect day :grouphug:

[hartman886]

I've had a sort of frustrating year so far. Couldn't find my release, so bought a cheapie at Walmart. couldn't shoot worth crap. so ordered one off ebay, they sent me the wrong one. In the meantime, I was trying the two out and slapping my arm. I was thinking "How can I shoot my bow for 2 years and NEVER slap my arm, but all of a sudden Ido it on every shot?" I mean I drew blood. I was quickly getting discouraged.

But the good news is I got my correct release, and am now shooting perfectly. Setup the "range" last weekend to practise. Got a new one pin vertical sight on ebay, just waiting for it to arrive. Thinking about trying to lengthen my draw, but don't ever get a chance to go to the bow shop. and can't afford new arrows.

It sure does feel good to be out shooting. and ever better to be shooting good. Can't wait to hear the stories of all the big bucks we get during bow season!:D

Happy Hunting,
Robin

[1wildchild]

With gas prices the way they are and my work schedule changing on Monday, I just can't do a day trip to get my bow. It's a 4 hour drive one way. I'm gonna have to just wait. I was pretty solid with it last week, I think I will be ok. I just miss it!!!!

[Huntinggirl]

River Lady,

I guess the truth of it is that I really do not have anyone to bow hunt with. The men (dad, cousins etc) no female hunters in my family all hunt(gun, and deer only) but nothing like what I am use to. However, I will learn to adapt with that. I am working on getting out and meeting people to shoot archery with and hopefully hunt with. After my divorce I lost pretty much all the "bow shooter" connections that I had. Kinda sad how that happens. Talking to others on this site and reading all of the post makes me realize how much I want to be involved in all of it.

Thanks for the encouragment and good words...:grouphug:

Huntingirl, the best way to build your convidence is to shoot, shoot and shoot some more. Don't let all the hupla get to ya or, you previously mentioned, men at deer camp. When you're out there in your blind, it's just you and the woods honey. It's all up to you when the shot is presented to you. The hardest thing with bow hutning is getting the deer close enough to ya to hopefully have him present himself with a good shot for ya. Just remember, if you don't take the shot, you can't get the buck. I'm not saying shoot because it's close enough. But if he gives that sweet spot up to you, don't hesiate. Once the shot is presented, take it. Remember, no one is watching, no one to judge you. Have patience with yourself, and if something goes wrong, which it more than likely will, don't beat yourself up. Learn from it and use what you learned next time out.

Have a great time in the woods and I wish you the best of luck.

[bluesun7602]

wildchild, you should pull an all-niter. :lol: drive there, drive back. all in a night's sleep!

[bluesun7602]

this morning's groupings. phone cam not exactly top quality resolution.

round 1 - 3 in the middle, 2 on the edge
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f144/krissy7602/grouping1.jpg

round 2 - 4 tight shots, but a little north... and one all alone
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f144/krissy7602/grouping2.jpg

what the heck happened here?!
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f144/krissy7602/fletching.jpg

[sullyxlh]

nice grouping,is that arrow out of the group the same one each round,ya might wanna number em to keep track of them:)

[bluesun7602]

ya know, i didn't even think about that. i didn't even notice the fletching was all cut up until i was just about done shooting. but i think i would have caught it before, each time i nocked it. dangit, i could have been *that* much better! thanks for the thought.

[dongiese]

With gas prices the way they are and my work schedule changing on Monday, I just can't do a day trip to get my bow. It's a 4 hour drive one way. I'm gonna have to just wait. I was pretty solid with it last week, I think I will be ok. I just miss it!!!!

Sell your sons bow to my son and that will help with gas costs to get yours.

[dtg]

nice grouping,is that arrow out of the group the same one each round,ya might wanna number em to keep track of them:)
:yeahthat: Is the one that's out of the grouping the same one with the missing piece of fletching? Every year, I shoot about a dozen arrows multiple times and weed out the ones that seem to lose their way to bullseye. I keep three of them that shoot consistantly for my hunting.

Very nice grouping though, how far out are you practicing Bluesun? And are you just shooting from the ground or are you taking some shots from an elevated platform. I'm sure you know this already, but the arrow flight is much different from a 20' stand than the ground shot.

[bluesun7602]

those shots are all from 20 yards out. i'm not ready to graduate to a treestand just yet, maybe in another year or so. i need to work on shooting my bow correctly before i can worry about falling out of the tree! next step, i need to sight in the next pin for 30 yards.

[RIVER LADY]

i can't wait for the day the guys let me hunt by myself and i call them on the cell and say "hey i shot a deer, come help me track it!"

that'll be the most perfect day :grouphug:

Bluesun, hunting alone is the ultimate. When you finally get the pay off, it feels like millions. You have to do it. The only reason I take men with me is to help me lift it in the truck. :lol:

[Huntinggirl]

Another step in the right direction

I did my first 3D shoot this weekend.. They did not keep score for it was just a fun shoot. But I did it, did well and most important had fun doing it it.
I shot alot better than I anticipated. Did not do any elevated shots but alot of up and down hill. As well as alot of different yardages.

[RIVER LADY]

Another step in the right direction

I did my first 3D shoot this weekend.. They did not keep score for it was just a fun shoot. But I did it, did well and most important had fun doing it it.
I shot alot better than I anticipated. Did not do any elevated shots but alot of up and down hill. As well as alot of different yardages.

Alright Huntingirl, that's the way to do it. :woohoo1: Just keep pushing forward, you'll succeed when the time comes. Sounds like you're feel just a wee bit more confident. Confidence in yourself is everything. Keep diggin those heels in and when the time comes, you might be showing the boys at the "all men deer camp" how its done. :evil:

[RIVER LADY]

Well ladies, how is practice going?

Did everyone get all the kinks worked out yet?

I'm ready........and very impatiently waiting for opening morning. :chillin:

[bluesun7602]

I shot over the weekend at the shop, using the dart screen system, that was AWESOME! i liked it a lot. it was neat because it wasn't a standstill target like 3d, much more realistic. well, yaknowwhatimean.

october 1st october 1st october 1st! get here SOON!:woohoo1:

[Bunny]

Bluesun... them guys at the range are not staring... they are checking you out... hehehehe! I think women tend to draw attention at the range because the guys wanna see if your a better shot then they are... by the looks of your grouping your a dead eye! I got my bow out a few days ago and will be taking it with me up north... will have to shoot after early morning Salmon fishing. Gotta do it when you can! Good luck this year!

[autumnlovr]

Well, I finally got the okay from my doctor to pick my bow up (after right-hand carpal tunnel surgery in February and left-had thumb joint reconstruction in April) and it went very well! I was real paranoid to pull back the first time since my left thumb is now free-floating :yikes: but my therapy has my hand strength good enough to shoot! I was able to get off 14 shots before I started getting a little shaky and had one fall out of the 10 ring (20 yards). Now, I just have to continue practicing and building the strength. Oct. 1....here we come!

[RIVER LADY]

Well if nothing else we are enthusiastic about it.

Sounds like we're all pretty much ready or will be.

AWESOME!!!!!

Come on October 1st.
:woohoo1:

[Amy]

Hello Ladies!! I just bought my first bow last Tuesday. I'd never even pulled one back before, but after watching the guys practice....well, I had to have one!
I found an archery coach locally, spent 2 days practicing with him & now can outshoot 2 of the 4 guys I practice with. OH what a feeling!
I'm practicing every day at home, then I go to my brothers in the evening to practice. This is way to much fun!!

I have been deer hunting for the past 6 years, with a muzzle loader & shotgun, but never w/ a bow. Man, am I excited!!

Good luck ladies,

~Amy~

[RIVER LADY]

Oh Amy.....you are gonna love it. :D

Those deer have to get so much closer to you than with a gun. It is much more challenging.....and way more rewarding when you bag one. I absolutely love bow hunting....gun hunting is to take out my frustration if I didn't get big daddy with my bow.:evilsmile

You give them boys a run for their money.......bag a big one Amy.:)

Good luck,
Shawn

[bilili_3]

Ugh!! I am so glad I went to my stand yesterday and practice. This is my first year of bow hunting and I had no idea how different it would be shooting from a sitting position way up in a tree. Hubby brought along a target (five 2 inch styrofoam pieces duct taped into a block with an outline of a deer's shoulder and lungs. First, I had my bow all jacked up to the highest pounds I could pull. Been working on my muscles all summer. Anyway..I found that I could not pull my bow sitting down. No matter how hard I tried. I was very mad. So he had to adjust a few pounds down which upset me. Then my first shot out of the tree and my bow cam hit my tree stand seat and the arrow flew into the dirt in front of the target. 8 or 9 shots later, I got all the kinks out. I am so glad I took the time to practice in my tree!!

[RIVER LADY]

Bilili 3, thank god you practiced out of your stand. Now you're ready for that big bruiser to show his big beautiful rack and stand broadside to present you with that perfect shot.:evil: :D

I actually practice in the back yard on scaffolding.:D Works like a charm, you can stand and shoot, sit and shoot and it gives me almost the same angle that I would have from my stand.:D Looks like hillbilly heaven for a litlte while but, hey, us girls gotta do what we gotta do to gir-r-done:lol: :lol:

Good luck on Sunday.