Archery Deer Hunting Information And Tips
History suggests that early man hunted for food. Their choice of weapon varied, stick, club, stone, spear and eventually bow and arrow. In the present world, most people don’t need to hunt anymore as a means of survival. However, this fact does not strip away the innate liking of men to hunt; thus hunters are consistently seeking out archery deer hunting tips before during and after the deer hunting season.
Bow hunting deer is considered to be one of the most challenging and rewarding ways to bag a deer. This likely due to a number of factors, such as the need to get close enough to the deer to mount an effective shot without alerting the buck to your presence. Another advantage is the fact that the archery hunting season generally opens a few weeks before the start of the gun hunting season. Avid hunters are always looking for any means to get more hunting time out of each and every season.
In order to give you some general archery tips it is necessary to know a bit about bows. The first thing you need to know is if you are left or right eye dominant. A quick way to do this is form a triangle with your thumbs and forefingers. Stretch your arms out in front of you. Focus on a distant object while looking through the triangular opening. Bring your hands slowly to your face keeping sight of the object through the opening. The opening will naturally come to your dominant eye. If you are still not sure, close one eye at a time. Your weak eye will be looking at the back of your hand.
Two other items you need to consider are your draw length and draw weight. This is especially important if you are using a compound bow. Draw length is simply how far an archer draws the bowstring back. Much like the name suggests, draw weight is the hunter’s ability to draw back the bowstring to a certain amount of weight.
Determining the type of bow you would like to shoot is the next order of business. There are three basic types of bows; long bow, recurve bow and compound bow. Let’s discuss each one briefly.
The long bow is also known as a traditional bow. This bow is made with long, nearly straight limbs which form an arc when strung. There is little additional specialized equipment with this style of bow.
The recurve bow sports limbs which are generally shorter than that of a long bow. These limbs are curved backward at their ends. This helps with power storage as the bow string is pulled back. This style bow generally has a pistol style grip. Archers and hunters can add accessories to help improve performance.
The compound bow is definitely the most popular choice of archers and bow hunters today. There are many different styles; however they all work with some combination of wheels and cams which are attached to the end of each limbs system. The limbs can be single or of parallel design, with single or dual cams. These features help to optimize the energy storage and help the hunter hold the bow at full draw longer. Another benefit is arrow speed; some compound bows claim arrow speeds in excess of 340 fps.
To ensure that you get the most from your hunt, you have to combine your best archery form, outstanding archery equipment and carefully thought-out strategies. Here are some tips to help you have the best archery deer hunting season possible:
- Find a Reputable Pro Shop In Your Area
Finding a pro shop in your area is essential. This will provide you with expert, one on one advice with all things related to your bow. The staff members at a pro shop are usually avid hunters; they live and breathe bow hunting. They will be able to help you to select the right bow, help you figure your draw length, draw weight and even give you sound shooting advice and practice tips.
- Practice, Practice, Practice
As the saying goes, “practice definitely makes perfect.” In order to have better success you should be practicing with your bow continually throughout the year. This should be done from the ground and the tree stand. Your local pro shop can turn you on to indoor archery competitions in your area. Lastly, you should take advantage of 3-D archery shoots. This provides you the chance to shoot at life sized targets from varying distances.
- Keep in Shape
Do regular exercise prior to the hunting season. Aside from toning your arms for your bow, you should exercise so you are prepared for long walks on difficult terrain as you track your monster buck. Not to mention, once you bag your trophy buck, you’re going to need to get it out of the woods; so keep fit.
- Use a Safety Harness
This is one of the reminders that hunters often disregard. If you are going into a tree stand, be sure to have a safety harness on. The harness should also be approved by the TMA (Tree Stand Manufacturers Association). It will save your life!
Following these few tips will help you to understand how to hunt deer and better enjoy your next bow hunting trip. Perhaps, even increase your chance of bagging the trophy buck of a lifetime.
