Absentee Member

[Philip Morris]

Long time member with very little free time over last 20 years(life happens)   Bows have been hanging in the rack for some time(2009).  My children are now grown and I am getting the urge to dust off the old equipment to pursue the fun of shooting again.   I am even considering a hunt in the near future.

My only adventure into what could be used in hunting is the fact that I built a Cedar Strip Canoe during that time frame

30 days from now I am on vacation and have access to a farm in Indiana if I wish to hunt it. 

In the opinions of all of you experts, can I effectively get back to a reasonable skill to humanely do so. 

Phil

[Pat B]

Philip, it's just like riding a bicycle.    I'd suggest starting over from scratch with the basics. Things will go a lot faster than the first time. I have sat out a year or more and it didn't take long to get back in the saddle. I guess a lot will have to do with your attitude and how critical you are of yourself.

[Philip Morris]

Thanks for the reply.

I am overly critical of most things I do.  I would almost rather wait another year before hunting to ensure my skills are up to speed.  Its just been a good long while since I have had the time and desire, and don't wanna lose it.

Philip, it's just like riding a bicycle.    I'd suggest starting over from scratch with the basics. Things will go a lot faster than the first time. I have sat out a year or more and it didn't take long to get back in the saddle. I guess a lot will have to do with your attitude and how critical you are of yourself.

[John3]

You will be amazed at how fast it all comes back...  Good consistent form is what this is about.  Practice smart then have fun hunting in a month.. Let us know how things go.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I say go for it! Go easy on the shooting sessions. Short and sweet. Just determine your maximum consistent range, and set stands for short shots.

[Philip Morris]

Well I guess finding a few arrows with at least 1 feather left attached and start practicing. 

[tom halloran]

I had a bout a 7 year lay off from hunting with my bow. Last year I decided it was time again, and I got up to speed pretty quick, like about a month, to where I was comfortable with shorter yardages. Didn't get a chance to loose an arrow, but I then shot pretty consistently throughout the year and now I am shooting better than I ever have.

SO you gotta start somewhere, just get after it and get out there and don't take a shot if you are not comfortable with it!

[Cory Mattson]

Philip - trust your instinct to wait before shooting at game. One month after a 9 year lay off is not enough. You might be ready by winter or spring but even that would be very fast. Good Luck.
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[Bisch]

I would say, give it your all for the next month. When it comes time to hunt, you will know whether you are ready or not!

Bisch

[TIM B]

Yes- go hunt.  Maybe limit your shot distance if you need to
Tim B

[achigan]

While your marksmanship may not be great, how is your woodsmanship? If you know, or can learn the area you hunt, maybe you can set up for a close(enough) range shot.

[Josh H]

I can appreciate your willingness to wait--speaks highly of your character.

With that said, I believe you can get up to speed. This I do know: you'll never know if you don't try.

Good luck

Josh

[Matt Fowler]

where are the pics of your canoe?

[Pointer]

Kind of depends on you Philip. I had a long absence myself back n the 90's that went for about 6-7 years. I had not picked up a bow in that entire time. I got the urge again one day and pulled out an old Jeffrey recurve that had been my go-to bow for many years. I remember it felt real stiff on that first shot but, incredibly my first arrow in all that time shot at 20 yards actually was within 6 inches of the spot I picked on the target.

Obviously one shot doesn't prove anything but I always felt that having good form helped me get back in short order. The only issue was being over bowed during those first couple months until I built up my archery muscles.
So for that first season I picked up a used light weight bow...something like 10 lbs less than I'd usually use. I didn't get anything but I was confident in my shooting ability.

I guess best advice is just shoot as much as you can to gain your confidence back and know going in that you are going to keep your shots really close

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Welcome back Phillip. I can't really tell you what hasn't been said.

Personally you are your best judge.  I've had years I limited my shot distance to 10 yards. Cost me game, sure, but I was hunting which wasore important than killing at the time.

[Philip Morris]

Thanks Folks,

Y'all are awesome.   I think my best option is to postpone my hunting season and start training for next springs 3-D season.  By then maybe I can be sufficient enough to not lose/bust and arrow with a near miss.

 I do another post for the Canoe since someone asked about it.