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It's hard to believe that it's already late-August, and this means that archery season is right around the corner. If you are looking to increase your accuracy and up your chances at filling a tag this fall, it is not too late. Here are some tips to get you started.
Relax and breathe
Are you one of those guys who drills bullseyes shot after shot on the range, but still seems to miss when it comes to a live target? The simple answer is buck fever. But what does that mean? In most cases, it is a matter of learning to relax and breathe.
When a live target is standing in front of you, your focus becomes the animal, your form, and aiming at the ideal spot. The problem is, while you are doing all this, you forget to do the two most important things - relax and breathe.
You need to relax your grip, making sure that you have as little contact with the bow as possible. Let the bow gently rest on top of your thumb and first finger to prevent your grip from shifting your aim. Next, take a deep breath, let it out, and then take your shot.
Increase your
distance
Too many archers practice at shot distances. The theory is that where they hunt, most shots will be at that range or less. This makes sense when you are starting. Practicing at short distances provides confidence and encourages improvement. But eventually you need to move back and keep moving back as your skills improve. The goal is to eventually be as good at 40 or 50 yards as you are at 5 yards. Even if you will never take a shot at this distance, the ability to do so consistently will make chip shots seem like a no-brainer.
Slow down
Speed kills, but it is your shot that suffers, not the deer. There are two times you need to slow down: before the shot and immediately afterward.
Take your time when aiming. Too many archers rush the shot, get a less-than-perfect aim, and end up missing the target or getting a bad shot. Give yourself at least 10 seconds to aim, then release. This not only lets you focus on the shot and your point of aim but also gives you time to remember to breathe.
Next, take your time after the shot. Too many shooters release the arrow and immediately look to see where the arrow hit. A lot of times, it will go anywhere other than where you wanted it to. Release the arrow and wait until you hear it strike before moving. This will help reduce the possibility that you accidentally interfere with the arrow's flight.
Keep everything
the same
Far too often I will see archers practicing with a dozen mismatched arrows, different weight points, and shorts and a t-shirt. I get it. Arrows are expensive, so why not shoot what you have available, saving the good stuff for the field? Plus, it's hot in August. It is so much more comfortable to shoot in comfortable clothing. But this is not how you are going to hunt.
Practice wearing what you wear on a warm day of hunting. Shoot the same arrows and tip weights you shot when hunting. Doing so is the only way to know how everything is going to react together when the target is brown and white rather than red, blue and yellow.
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Tom Burrell is a retired Waterways Conservation Officer, veteran and lifelong outdoorsman. He now spends his days hunting, fishing and sharing his experiences with readers.