Practicing Tips

[bucknduck]

What tips do you suggest for last minute preparations before opening day?
Here is one that I used this past Sunday. I made sure my bow was shooting real nice patterns at 30 yards straight on at the target. Then I took 10 paces forward and shot 3 arrows. Took another 15 paces forward and shot 3 arrows. I also positioned myself next to different trees in the yard so that I would have different shots at the target. Quartering away etc... Again the shots were taken from unknown distances. A couple of years ago I built a practice platform that is 16feet tall so that I can practice shoot from an elevated position. I practiced about every type of shot I could think of including facing away from the target and turning the upper portion of my body to take a shot at a deer that would be behind me. Just curious what creative ways of practicing that everyone has to prep for the best darn season of the year! :)

I also tried shooting while standing on my head but I had a hard time keeping the arrow on the rest. :lol:

[jarhead]

thats a great ideal. i was also doing last minute adjustments, so i put all my hunting clothes on and decided to take a few shots, wow, i am glad i did. I was shooting about 3 inches to the left. With my gloves and 3D scentlock head gear it changed my anchor point, had to adjust the sight, dead on again at 30 yards. I was amazed how much it changed...

[bucknduck]

excellent idea to shoot with your hunting gear on. Its surprising how different you shoot when you have a coat or vest, harness, and even binoculars on when drawing back. The way the weather reports looking I might have to practice in t-shirt and shorts for the opener.

[Oct.1]

My son and I would throw each other’s arrows all over the yard. Than we would have to shoot our own arrows from where they landed. That way you don’t know the distance.

[magnumhntr]

I like to climb into my treestand, and have someone throw paper plates out around the yard, anywhere from 40 yards to 1 yd from the tree. I then proceed to shoot at the paper plates. Its one way for me to shoot at targets that I truely don't know the yardages on.

[NorthJeff]

Practice further than you plant to hunt. Say your limit is 30...practice at 40, or even 50. It forces you to concentrate more and will make your close yardages appear much easier. It's also fun ;)

It's much like sports..."to be the best, you have to play the best". No different in archery. You have to push your limits to expand your skill and expertise....it cann be done!

[TnRidge]

Focus on that first shot by practicing with one arrow at a time at unknown distances .There are no warm up shots in deer hunting .http://michigan-sportsman.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif I setup a mini 3-D course in the back of my house and shoot from different angles and distances .

[LReed]

Not a last minute thing but I always shoot with my hunting gloves on the month prior to the opener. Probably about the time I switch over to shooting broadheads. I want to get used to the way the bow feels with the gloves on. It's always a good idea to shoot with your hunting jacket on before you head out too. You might find that one item that brushes your string on release. I know I wear an armguard over my jacket for the sole purpose of keeping my sleeve pulled back and out of the way.

[deputy]

I have my dder target placed into a red wagon and have my dog pull it across the yard :SHOCKED: now if i can remember what this dogs name is, this week :help:

[bucknduck]

deputy,
I had to lock my lab in his kennel when I shoot because he wants to chace the arrows. I thought about getting him to retrieve them which would make shooting that much easier, but I think i would only average 1 shot per arrow. :)
I'm sure the next dog in line watching the previous dog pull the wagon before taking a bad shot has fear written all over his face.:tdo12: