Shooting tips and tricks

[>>>---WW---->]

It doesn't matter if you shoot a bow, rifle, or smoke pole. Share some of the shooting tips you think might help others.

Here is mine for archery: When shooting at longer ranges, don't forget to check all your other pins as well. For instance lets say you are shooting at an elk that you know is 40 yards away. Put the 40 yard pin on him. But before you release the arrow, take a glance at your other pins, especially in brushy terrain. Each pin will show you where the path or arc of the arrow will be at the yardage each pin is set for on its way to the target. If any one of the pins is on a tree branch or other obstacle, don't shoot.

I have another one for you rifle guys if this thread sparks any interest.

[itsnlkthing]

For the rifle guys; especially new to big game, know the status of your rifle at all times. Round out of the chamber getting in a vehicle, round in the chamber and safety on when out. Safety off before pulling the trigger. Cycle a new round for a follow up shot. Trigger must be pulled to make it go bang. Safety back on when done shooting. Reload to replace spent rounds.

I have watched several experienced hunters miss shots on their first elk because they forgot to take the safety off. I even watched one cycle every round out of their gun without pulling the trigger with a big mule deer buck standing broadside at 30 yards. Rehearse scenarios in your head beforehand so you are better prepared to execute when the pressure is on.

Practice offhand shooting ahead of time but use a rest if possible for that shot on your elk.

[cnelk]

Archery Tip:

When calling in thick timber, get down on your knees.
You can see movement better and if you have to shoot, there are less branches lower

[Swede]

For you archery shooters that use a release: when you draw your bow on an animal, place your trigger finger behind the trigger until you are ready to shoot. If you put your finger forward too soon, in a nervous situation, you are likely to have the bow go of before you are ready.

[ctdad]

Cnelk, in that video hunt you posted again recently from 2012 hunt, I actually wondered why you got on your knees. Now I know. Good info.

[>>>---WW---->]

THE Rule Of Three: This was written by Warren Page back in the early 60's. I suppose that a lot of younger guys have never even heard of him.

Anyhow, (The Rule of Three) refers to ( almost ) all big game elk rifles regardless of caliber. The theory is to sight in 3" high at 100 yards and you will be pretty much dead on at 300 yards. 3"=300yds. Thus the Rule of 3. This was written back before shoot thru rings and 50mm scopes. Most scopes back then had their cross hairs about 1 1/2 inches above the bore.

I have always sighted in my 7MM Mag this way. And I have no problem holding dead on out to 325 yards and right on the back bone for 400. If anyone wants more information on your particular caliber, just let me know. I have the trajectory for most of the popular ones. No wildcats or short mags please. You have to remember this was written in the 1960s.

[Toby]

For you bow hunters who shoot a single pin slider. You can set the pin to be on at 30 yards, the middle of the pin(some have a notch there) to be on at 40 yards, and the bottom of the pin to be on at 50 yards. This way you can use your slider without having to slide it in the heat of the moment. Try this on your shooting range, you might be surprised at how accurate it is, and you don't have a bunch of pins cluttering your sight picture.

[Swede]

For bow hunters that shoot from a tree, especially those who prefer to get up near the stratosphere, and for hunters on the ground shooting downhill, there are a couple things to remember. 1. The shot distance to your target is horizontal yards/meters. This applies even if you are shooting up hill. 2. When shooting down, hold high on the near side of the animal as your arrow will come out lower than it went in. 3. If your arrow does not make a pass through, you will not likely get a good blood trail. Be prepared for that if you see your arrow fletching protruding out from the side of the animal.

[WapitiTalk1]

Archery. Don't shoot more poundage than you can easily pull straight back from all shooting positions. If you have to point your bow up or in any other odd directions to quickly anchor and ready for a shot, you'll draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

[>>>---WW---->]

A friend was showing me his antelope ground blind one day. He had placed a pile of cow pies every 10 yards in several different directions from the front of the blind. This was before range finders were popular. But no reason why it still wouldn't work today.

[jmez]

To go along with what WW posted. When you set up to call or set up a treestand over a wallow etc. Range a few notable landmarks around you. Don't have to mess with the rangefinder that way.

[Mikeha33]

Archery- Practice with your gear on. I was doing so last year before our trip, with my pack on, semi loaded, with water in the bladders and all. When I drew back once, I felt something hit the top of my hand, near my wrist strap, breaking my concentration. It was my bladder straw mouthpiece. I had my primary straw over my right shoulder, and when i drew back at a certain angle, it would sometimes come into contact with the back of my hand. I couldn't get it to reproduce the move every time, so I switched it to my left shoulder, where there was no interference. Not a big deal, but in the heat of the moment, you sure don't need any preventable distractions.

[jmez]

Practice with your broad heads, a lot! I always have two in my quiver when practicing and shoot them every round through the quiver. I have just as much confidence shooting with them as I do field points.

Shoot broad heads on every one of your arrows. You will have a few arrows that don't shoot well with broadheads no matter what you do. I mark a vane on every arrow that shoots well with a BH with a sharpie. When I hunt only marked arrows go along.

[pointysticks]

Archery. Don't shoot more poundage than you can easily pull straight back from all shooting positions. If you have to point your bow up or in any other odd directions to quickly anchor and ready for a shot, you'll draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

i like this. equally important. (i fail here)
ideally the bow should be equally as easy to let down. with our new modern HOT bows and aggressive cams.,.letting down can be a HUGE attention drawing movement that spooks game. i cannot let any of my bows down slow and smooth.

OKAY a tip: you guys shooting tiny peep sights. in really low light, if there is not enough light to see thru your peep, you can (in a pinch) use the triangle formed by the peep and the string. it will be HUGE and lets in lots of light. you have to practice this and know which pins you have to adjust to for various distances.

[ishy]

To add to swedes keeping finger behind the trigger, when you are waiting for a shot to present itself and your holding at full draw dig your thumb into the back of your neck and you'll be suprised how it will help you stay at full draw a little longer. It's like in weight lifting and the spotter only touches the bar but feels like pounds fly off the bar.

[timberland]

Archery: Shoot every day during your hunt. You don't want to find a broken pin or squeak when drawing on a bull. If thin air causes arrows to hit high at long distances you can back off the poundage without having to adjust all your pins. +1 for the thumb behind your neck, but if you shoot with a wrist strap release you can rotate your hand and place your whole palm behind your neck. It helps to rest your bow on your knee or leg at full draw. By far my most used piece of gear is my bow sling(the type on your belt that cradles the bow handle). I use it when hiking, glassing, calling and my bow is just under my left hand

[Toby]

Timberland

What is the name of your bow sling and where did you get it?

Thanks
Toby

[timberland]

Sportsmans outdoor products fleece bow hook. I think kolpin makes one also. I got it from one of my wholesalers. If you can't find one I've seen guys make their own.

[Willie makit]

If your going to archery hunt in a full gillie suit strap the suit tight and trim, trim, trim around face, chest and arms. These suits are freakin awesome but one little breeze or shooting down can allow one or two strands of fabric to grasp your string and blur your vision when you shoot. Don't ask me how I know.

[elkmtngear]

Archery or rifle...breathing is everything! I always take in a good breath...exhale...hold my breath and release (or squeeze).

Others recommend taking a half breath in and holding before touching off the shot.

Consistent breathing techniques will seriously tighten up your shot groups.

[huntnfolk]

In regards to breathing, your body will be most at rest when you exhale completely. You have a natural respitory pause at the end of your breath. When shooting you will usually have 4-5 seconds at the end of your exhale to settle your sights and squeeze the trigger. If you go beyond that much you will start to get tremors again as your body says it wants more fresh oxygen.

Letting out half of your breath will not be as consistent because it's hard to know for sure what half your breath is. Did you take a shallow breath or maybe a bigger breath because your adrenaline is pumping from excitement of seeing the bull of your dreams. Exhale completely and you will have a more consistent response from your body.

[Toby]

I like to take a fairly full relaxing breath, inhale/exhale before I draw, kind of calming.