Have you ever been driving along and then all of the sudden you snap out of
a coma-like trance and you can’t remember anything for the past couple of
minutes and you realize (with some alarm) that your exit is rapidly
approaching? That is the way it is for a lot of archery hunters. They plod
along during the hot summer months concerned mostly with mowing the lawn, tending the garden, and maybe doing a little fishing. But suddenly, they snap out of their coma-like trance and realize (with some alarm) that archery season is rapidly approaching.
NOW IS THE TIME
Consider this a big freeway sign notifying you that your exit is approaching soon.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your bow out to start practicing.
NOW IS THE TIME to replace or repair equipment.
NOW IS THE TIME to check your hunting areas.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your work schedule in order.
NOW IS THE TIME to get licenses or permits.
WE ARE DIFFERENT
Unlike hunters who use rifles, muzzleloaders, or crossbows, we can’t just
pick up our bow after a year of not using it, draw it back, hold that
weight, release smoothly, and expect to hit what we are aiming at. We have
muscles that have to be strengthened and form that needs to be relearned.
We do not have the luxury of simply putting a crosshair or bead on our
target and pulling the trigger. There is SO much more involved. And because
of that, we must begin our practice sessions well before the season opener.
START OUT SLOW
At the beginning, you will want to keep your practice sessions short. As
you tire, your accuracy suffers and you may assign your errant shots to
something else entirely. And trust me, in the beginning, you will get tired
quickly. Try to make time to shoot every day but for the first week, don’t
shoot for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Rest and reset your mind
and body in between each arrow and only shoot three arrows in a group.
FOCUS
It’s alright that you’ll only be shooting about 9-12 arrows each session
during that first week. Focus primarily on your form for each and every
arrow….strength will come. It is better to have a short but FOCUSED
practice session that a long and unfocused one. Beginning in the second
week and every week thereafter, add two more groups of three arrows to your practice sessions until you find yourself shooting for about an hour. For
the first few weeks, practice from the same distance each time so that you
can focus on your form.
CONCLUSION
If you find yourself getting bored with your practice sessions, mix up your
routine a bit. Shoot at a 3D animal target, mix up your distances, or find
a friend or family member to shoot with you. Boredom is a huge killer of
practice. And don’t forget to practice DURING the season as well. If your
last practice session was the day before the opener and you don’t have an
opportunity at a deer until the last day, it could be several months since
you’ve shot.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
BOOK REVIEW - "Whitetail-Fundamentals and Fine Points for the Hunter"
TITLE, AUTHOR, AND PUBLICATION INFO
“WHITETAIL-FUNDAMENTALS AND FINE POINTS FOR THE HUNTER”
by George Mattis
Copyright 1969 by Popular Science/Outdoor Life Book Division
273 pages
SUMMARY
Strange as it may seem for me, this book is NOT about archery hunting at
all. Instead, it is old-school still hunting with rifles and deer hunting
storytelling at its best. But don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of
lessons to be learned in these pages for hunters of today regardless of
what type of weapon we choose to hunt with. I seldom re-read a book more
than once but not only have I read this book MANY times, I have even
purchased a second one in case I wear the first one out!
BREAKING IT DOWN
Hunting Methods - the author uses over half of the book to discuss various
rifle hunting methods
Whitetail Characteristics – there is a lot of info in this book about deer
behavior and habits
Still Hunting – the main focus of the entire book
LIKES
· Mr. Mattis grew up a hunter and (to me) became a very talented
outdoor writer. His matter-of-fact way of telling us a story while
imparting his knowledge is refreshing and makes for very easy
reading.
· I was very happy to see a chapter that talked about wounded deer. Not
only that, but he discusses different types of wounds and how to
proceed with your tracking based on field data.
· This book is NOT technical. In fact, it reads almost like a novel.
But read it only once and you will discover that you have learned
something.
DISLIKES
· While Mr. Mattis does not come right out and advocate taking a shot
at a running deer, he does not state that this should not be done. I
am a firm believer that under no circumstance should anyone shoot at
a running deer.
· Due to the fact that this book was written in 1969, the term “rut”
included pre and post rut phases…even though these terms didn’t exist
back then. The author only devotes one chapter to the “rut”.
IN MY SIGHTS
This book is fun to read! I guarantee that you will enjoy being taken back
to your grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s time to experience how deer
hunting was then. Compare it to today’s hunting methods and be amazed at
how much things have changed…and how much they haven’t.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
“WHITETAIL-FUNDAMENTALS AND FINE POINTS FOR THE HUNTER”
by George Mattis
Copyright 1969 by Popular Science/Outdoor Life Book Division
273 pages
SUMMARY
Strange as it may seem for me, this book is NOT about archery hunting at
all. Instead, it is old-school still hunting with rifles and deer hunting
storytelling at its best. But don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of
lessons to be learned in these pages for hunters of today regardless of
what type of weapon we choose to hunt with. I seldom re-read a book more
than once but not only have I read this book MANY times, I have even
purchased a second one in case I wear the first one out!
BREAKING IT DOWN
Hunting Methods - the author uses over half of the book to discuss various
rifle hunting methods
Whitetail Characteristics – there is a lot of info in this book about deer
behavior and habits
Still Hunting – the main focus of the entire book
LIKES
· Mr. Mattis grew up a hunter and (to me) became a very talented
outdoor writer. His matter-of-fact way of telling us a story while
imparting his knowledge is refreshing and makes for very easy
reading.
· I was very happy to see a chapter that talked about wounded deer. Not
only that, but he discusses different types of wounds and how to
proceed with your tracking based on field data.
· This book is NOT technical. In fact, it reads almost like a novel.
But read it only once and you will discover that you have learned
something.
DISLIKES
· While Mr. Mattis does not come right out and advocate taking a shot
at a running deer, he does not state that this should not be done. I
am a firm believer that under no circumstance should anyone shoot at
a running deer.
· Due to the fact that this book was written in 1969, the term “rut”
included pre and post rut phases…even though these terms didn’t exist
back then. The author only devotes one chapter to the “rut”.
IN MY SIGHTS
This book is fun to read! I guarantee that you will enjoy being taken back
to your grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s time to experience how deer
hunting was then. Compare it to today’s hunting methods and be amazed at
how much things have changed…and how much they haven’t.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
THE ARCHERY WHISPERER
THE ARCHERY WHISPERER
There are a LOT of things to remember when shooting a bow. There are a lot
MORE things to remember if we want to hit what we are aiming at. As an
archery instructor, I’m always looking for ways to break the lessons down
into very basic components that are easy to remember. But sometimes even
experienced archers need a reminder of good shooting fundamentals. They
don’t need a long drawn out explanation of each and every step but just a
little “nudge” to keep them on track.
A GENTLE REMINDER
After thinking through all of the steps necessary for good shooting, I’ve
come up with three simple catch words that we all can use as a reminder of
the need to maintain good shooting habits. They are Form, Focus, and
Follow-through.
FORM
There are a lot of steps within this element but when you see or think of
the word “form”, it should remind you of posture, stance, bow arm, grip,
anchor point, and sight picture. Achieving good form prior to even putting
the arrow on your string and maintaining good form throughout the shot
process is vital for accurate shooting.
FOCUS
It may seem kind of silly that we need a reminder to focus but so much of
being able to put the arrow where we want it hinges on focusing on that
single tiny spot. We need to be able to shut out everything else when we
are at full draw and lining up our pin. This element should serve as a
means to keep our focus on aiming.
FOLLOW-THROUGH
Yeah…it’s hyphenated but it still counts. This is an often neglected aspect
of archery that can really affect accuracy. If we don’t maintain good
follow through and keep our eyes on that single tiny spot until arrow
impact, we open up the potential for BIG misses. Don’t peek.
CONCLUSION
Our equipment aside, everything for accurate archery shooting falls under
Form, Focus, or Follow-through. A little sticker with these elements on the
inside of your top bow limb will be a quiet whisper for you to pay
attention to your shooting procedures each and every time you pick up your
bow.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
There are a LOT of things to remember when shooting a bow. There are a lot
MORE things to remember if we want to hit what we are aiming at. As an
archery instructor, I’m always looking for ways to break the lessons down
into very basic components that are easy to remember. But sometimes even
experienced archers need a reminder of good shooting fundamentals. They
don’t need a long drawn out explanation of each and every step but just a
little “nudge” to keep them on track.
A GENTLE REMINDER
After thinking through all of the steps necessary for good shooting, I’ve
come up with three simple catch words that we all can use as a reminder of
the need to maintain good shooting habits. They are Form, Focus, and
Follow-through.
FORM
There are a lot of steps within this element but when you see or think of
the word “form”, it should remind you of posture, stance, bow arm, grip,
anchor point, and sight picture. Achieving good form prior to even putting
the arrow on your string and maintaining good form throughout the shot
process is vital for accurate shooting.
FOCUS
It may seem kind of silly that we need a reminder to focus but so much of
being able to put the arrow where we want it hinges on focusing on that
single tiny spot. We need to be able to shut out everything else when we
are at full draw and lining up our pin. This element should serve as a
means to keep our focus on aiming.
FOLLOW-THROUGH
Yeah…it’s hyphenated but it still counts. This is an often neglected aspect
of archery that can really affect accuracy. If we don’t maintain good
follow through and keep our eyes on that single tiny spot until arrow
impact, we open up the potential for BIG misses. Don’t peek.
CONCLUSION
Our equipment aside, everything for accurate archery shooting falls under
Form, Focus, or Follow-through. A little sticker with these elements on the
inside of your top bow limb will be a quiet whisper for you to pay
attention to your shooting procedures each and every time you pick up your
bow.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
BOOK REVIEW - "Bowhunter's Guide to Accurate Shooting"
TITLE, AUTHOR, AND PUBLICATION INFO
“BOWHUNTER’S GUIDE TO ACCURATE SHOOTING”
by Lon E. Lauber (www.lonlauber.com)
Copyright 2005 by Creative Publishing International, Inc
(www.creativepub.com)
127 pages
SUMMARY
As the title of the book implies, this publication focuses on fine tuning
your archery equipment and skills to achieve the most accurate shot
possible when the moment of truth arrives during your hunt. However, many
of the tips and suggestions in this book can also be applied to target and
3D archery shooters. While most of this book talks about compound bows and compound bow shooting, the author sprinkles in a little traditional archery
information as well.
BREAKING IT DOWN
There are three primary areas that the author deals with..
Equipment – with a chapter dedicated to achieving consistent arrow flight
Shooting Form – includes a chapter on yardage estimation
Field Application – including a chapter on shooting in adverse conditions
LIKES
· Mr. Lauber writes from experience. He shares his successful (and
sometimes not-so successful) hunting stories and imparts to us what
he has learned from those adventures.
· There are many photographs, illustrations, charts, and drawings
throughout the book that offer informative and supporting visual
aids.
· While this is a somewhat technical book, I like that Mr. Lauber also
wades into the mental aspect of archery shooting. Oftentimes, this
side of archery is overlooked in other how-to books.
· LOTS of useful information! This book will make an excellent
reference guide.
DISLIKES
· This really isn’t a dislike but there is a LOT of information in this
book and I would like to have seen the author spend more time on each
subject.
· The contents page at the front of the book does not do justice to
what is between the covers.
· Speaking of the covers…the front cover really turned me off! The
ancient camo pattern the hunter is wearing almost made me NOT pick
this book up. It made me think the content of the book was not
up-to-date.
IN MY SIGHTS
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Backyard Practice
Just out in the backyard shooting my bow on this beautiful spring day.
Great grouping at 20 yards...
Great grouping at 20 yards...
Good grouping at 30 yards...
Decent grouping at 40 yards...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
DETERMINING DISTANCE
One of the first things I do once I’m settled in my stand it to dig out my
range finder and start shooting ranges to unique landmarks around my stand.
I range a couple landmarks out to around 30 yards and a few more in at
around 20 yards. I memorize those ranges and put my range finder away. The
less movement I have to make when the deer is in visual range, the better.
I am of the belief that a range finder is as important to the archery
hunter as is an elevated stand….its not required but it sure makes things
easer.
NO RANGE FINDER?
But what if you don’t have a range finder or that buck shows up before you
can utilize your range finder? Are we then forced to “ballpark” the range
and hope for a good shot? Sadly, many hunters do exactly that and end up
with poor hits. We have an ethical responsibility to make every effort to
try to get the most humane kill possible.
I’m not sure where it ranks but I’d be willing to bet that range
miscalculation is one of the biggest factors for poorly hit game and sheer
misses when it comes to archery hunting. I freely admit to whiffing at my
first opportunity at a buck with a bow because I didn’t correctly calculate
the range.
HOW TO CALCULATE RANGE
So how do we calculate range? How do we know if that deer is at 22 yards or
29 yards? Not a big difference, but I would have to use different pins. But
have no fear my friend, we only need to calculate 10 yards and the ONLY way
to determine that (without a range finder) is by experience.
Measure out 10 yards in your backyard and then count how many natural steps
it takes you to go that distance. Do this a few times to get a good
average. Now start testing yourself. As you walk down the sidewalk, move
through the hallways at work, mow your lawn, or walk the dog, find an
object you believe it 10 yards away and count how many paces it takes you
to get there. Pretty soon, you will nail down that 10 yard distance. Then
get in the woods and test yourself. Distances seem different when in the
field.
APPLYING OUR PRACTICE IN THE FIELD
Now back to that question about the deer being 22 or 29 yards away. By the
time hunting season rolls around, we are experts at determining how far 10
yards is, right? So find the 10 yard marker in the direction of the deer.
Using that landmark, look beyond and determine the NEXT 10 yard marker, and
so on until your deer falls within your marker. For our example, we only
had to find two markers so we KNOW our deer is at LEAST 20 yards away. Now
it’s a simple calculation to determine if the deer is closer to your second
10 yard marker, closer to your third 10 yard marker, or closer to the exact
midpoint. For us, our deer is not quite midway between our markers and
seems to be a bit closer to the second marker. Yep...about 22 yards.
CONCLUSION
I advocate using your electronic range finder whenever you can to give you
an exact distance. But for those times when things happen too fast or it
just isn’t practical, you are now armed with being able to calculate your
shooting range for a quick and humane shot.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
Check out my instructional archery videos at www.youtube.com/archery64.
AND COMING SOON….www.thinkarchery.com!!!!
range finder and start shooting ranges to unique landmarks around my stand.
I range a couple landmarks out to around 30 yards and a few more in at
around 20 yards. I memorize those ranges and put my range finder away. The
less movement I have to make when the deer is in visual range, the better.
I am of the belief that a range finder is as important to the archery
hunter as is an elevated stand….its not required but it sure makes things
easer.
NO RANGE FINDER?
But what if you don’t have a range finder or that buck shows up before you
can utilize your range finder? Are we then forced to “ballpark” the range
and hope for a good shot? Sadly, many hunters do exactly that and end up
with poor hits. We have an ethical responsibility to make every effort to
try to get the most humane kill possible.
I’m not sure where it ranks but I’d be willing to bet that range
miscalculation is one of the biggest factors for poorly hit game and sheer
misses when it comes to archery hunting. I freely admit to whiffing at my
first opportunity at a buck with a bow because I didn’t correctly calculate
the range.
HOW TO CALCULATE RANGE
So how do we calculate range? How do we know if that deer is at 22 yards or
29 yards? Not a big difference, but I would have to use different pins. But
have no fear my friend, we only need to calculate 10 yards and the ONLY way
to determine that (without a range finder) is by experience.
Measure out 10 yards in your backyard and then count how many natural steps
it takes you to go that distance. Do this a few times to get a good
average. Now start testing yourself. As you walk down the sidewalk, move
through the hallways at work, mow your lawn, or walk the dog, find an
object you believe it 10 yards away and count how many paces it takes you
to get there. Pretty soon, you will nail down that 10 yard distance. Then
get in the woods and test yourself. Distances seem different when in the
field.
APPLYING OUR PRACTICE IN THE FIELD
Now back to that question about the deer being 22 or 29 yards away. By the
time hunting season rolls around, we are experts at determining how far 10
yards is, right? So find the 10 yard marker in the direction of the deer.
Using that landmark, look beyond and determine the NEXT 10 yard marker, and
so on until your deer falls within your marker. For our example, we only
had to find two markers so we KNOW our deer is at LEAST 20 yards away. Now
it’s a simple calculation to determine if the deer is closer to your second
10 yard marker, closer to your third 10 yard marker, or closer to the exact
midpoint. For us, our deer is not quite midway between our markers and
seems to be a bit closer to the second marker. Yep...about 22 yards.
CONCLUSION
I advocate using your electronic range finder whenever you can to give you
an exact distance. But for those times when things happen too fast or it
just isn’t practical, you are now armed with being able to calculate your
shooting range for a quick and humane shot.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
Check out my instructional archery videos at www.youtube.com/archery64.
AND COMING SOON….www.thinkarchery.com!!!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!
To be honest…there are a lot of things that frustrate me about hunting in
Pennsylvania.
* Nearly 1.5 million hunters in the woods each fall
* Antler restrictions
* Late starting archery season
* You’re only allowed ONE buck each season
* Anyone can use a crossbow
* Split antlered and antlerless firearm seasons
* Not able to use inline muzzleloaders for early AND late seasons
* Mountain Laurel
However, I will give this commonwealth kudos on a couple things…they don’t
allow Sunday hunting and with some restrictions, they do allow spotting or
shining.
AN AWFUL IDEA
But there’s one thing that has been a source of annoyance to me and many
other Pennsylvania hunters for many years.
Pennsylvania is one of only two states (New York being the other) that
require hunters to display their hunting license information on their back
while hunting. I don’t know who came up with this idea but it is one of the
most ridiculous laws I have ever heard of.
The print is so small that a Game Commission Officer would have to be
within 10 feet of you to read the information without the aid of optics.
The holders you HAVE TO BUY are prone to be wiped off your body if a branch
happens to swipe your back and, because you can’t see it, you have no idea
where or when it fell off. To top it all off, you are charged a fee to get
a replacement!
NEW LEGISLATION
Republican Representative Keith Gillespie (York County) has recently
introduced legislation that would no longer make it a requirement that
hunters display their license information on a back tag. I say it’s about
time!
If you live or hunt in Pennsylvania, call, write, or email your local state
representative to voice your support for this legislation.
CONCLUSION
If you know of any arcane or outdated game laws that are still on the books
in your state, let me know about them by leaving your comments at the end
of this blog.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Pennsylvania.
* Nearly 1.5 million hunters in the woods each fall
* Antler restrictions
* Late starting archery season
* You’re only allowed ONE buck each season
* Anyone can use a crossbow
* Split antlered and antlerless firearm seasons
* Not able to use inline muzzleloaders for early AND late seasons
* Mountain Laurel
However, I will give this commonwealth kudos on a couple things…they don’t
allow Sunday hunting and with some restrictions, they do allow spotting or
shining.
AN AWFUL IDEA
But there’s one thing that has been a source of annoyance to me and many
other Pennsylvania hunters for many years.
Pennsylvania is one of only two states (New York being the other) that
require hunters to display their hunting license information on their back
while hunting. I don’t know who came up with this idea but it is one of the
most ridiculous laws I have ever heard of.
The print is so small that a Game Commission Officer would have to be
within 10 feet of you to read the information without the aid of optics.
The holders you HAVE TO BUY are prone to be wiped off your body if a branch
happens to swipe your back and, because you can’t see it, you have no idea
where or when it fell off. To top it all off, you are charged a fee to get
a replacement!
NEW LEGISLATION
Republican Representative Keith Gillespie (York County) has recently
introduced legislation that would no longer make it a requirement that
hunters display their license information on a back tag. I say it’s about
time!
If you live or hunt in Pennsylvania, call, write, or email your local state
representative to voice your support for this legislation.
CONCLUSION
If you know of any arcane or outdated game laws that are still on the books
in your state, let me know about them by leaving your comments at the end
of this blog.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)