Treestand Shooting Practice

[Ron Vought]

I have been shooting from my elevated porch deck for the past few months to prepare myself for treestand hunting this Fall and have noticed a few things.... I started out shooting high on the 3-D target which was found to be an inconsistent anchor to the corner of my mouth. Another thing is when I cant the bow over this seemed to help the high shooting from an elevated position. Has anyone else noticed that canting the bow over a bit helped with shooting high from an elevated position?

Thanks,
Ron

[ChuckC]

remember, when shooting up or down at severe angles, you need to either practice to get used to the difference, or, bend at the waist so your head lines up with the arrow like before and the rest of your draw remains constant.  Shooting down is NOT the same as shooting horizontally.  Some take to it easily, some, not so easily.  

Also, if you don't already know this, remember to change your aiming place on the deer, depending upon how it is facing and upon your height.  Many recommend "looking thru" the deer and aiming to put the arrow thru the opposite leg.  
ChuckC

[KSdan]

John Schulz addressed the canting in his "Hitting them Like Howard Hill."  I found it to be true.  From a treestand = the closer the animal the more I naturally cant.  Others may be different, but other than the cant I do nothing but pick the spot-button I want to hit.  At the point of the shot- everything is autopilot for me; i.e. I really do not think of bending, holding different etc etc. Concentrate on spot and watch the arrow into it.  What has worked for me.

[Ron Vought]

KSdan - Something I did leave out was picking a spot. I think in the heat of the moment and when shooting at live animals we sometimes aim at the whole animal and not pick a spot. I'll admit it...I know for a fact that every deer I missed was me not picking a spot. When I picked a spot I had venison in the freezer. Aim small miss small is so appropriate when hunting.

Ron

[KSdan]

Technically though- I actually quit trying to pick a spot as I could never do it on live game.  It is another type of target panic.  I discussed it with and read Jay Kidwell.  Its a mind issue that no amount of physical practice would overcome.  I could hit spots all day on targets, stump shooting, even winning local shoots.  Put a live animal in front of me- and from picking a spot to getting to full draw (a matter of seconds) I would always look at the entire area of the animal.  The "button technique" solved my dilemma- though it too takes practice.  Has worked quite well for me.  

Dan in KS