One Shot Every Morning!

[LCB]

For the past two weeks rain or shine I have been walking out my door at daybreak and taking one well thought out shoot from no less than 20yds at my 3D deer target. I orginally started doing this to see if I was overbowed. I wanted to see how I preformed without any warm up or from a cold start. So far I have only missed the vitals once, and even better I am coming to full draw without difficulty. Today I wore a heavy coat while performing my training.

The weather has been in the 50's to low 60's. I fear that once the temps drop down below freezing my hunting set up may be to much weight. I have just recently purchased a 48lb bow for colder weather hunts.

This will be my first year hunting big game with a traditional bow, and I have gone out of my way to consider every circumstance. If there is any advice you vets could give me to better prepare myself I would appreciate it. Also how do some of you guys who shoot heavier (60+lbs) bows train/practice for cold weather hunting?

[Grant Young]

I agree that sub-freezing weather can change things to a certain extent but clothing is probably a bigger issue. I shoot bows ranging from 67# to 76# and I shoot about every day but I have experienced winter time difficulty after an extended lay off. I have lighter bows in my collection but I haven't been comfortable or confident when I dropped weight in the later season. The late Bill Negley mentioned shortening his draw length from 28" to 27" to accomodate his arctic clothing when he hunted polar bear but that was with a 100# recurve. If you are pretty new to this type of equipment continued use should eliminate any problem under any but the most extreme conditions. The one shot in the morning idea is really good thinking on your part. Good luck in your first trad season-with your kind of comittment you should have a great one.               Grant

[LCB]

Thanks Grant!

I have never shot my 64lb bow in temps below freezing. I have shot it almost everyday this summer. At least 50 arrows. I have no problem with the draw weight. My only fear is what will happen when the temps drop and I've been on stand for 3 hours.

[madness522]

There isn't a law that says you can't pull it back every once in awhile while your on stand.  So you could pull it back a few times an hour to keep limber.

[WestTnMan]

LCB, I shoot one in the morning and one in the evening when I get home this time of year. I want that one arrow to count. I also take two blunts with me and shoot at available small game from my stand when I hunt. To me, it makes it fun and that is what it's all about. I also invested in a quality wind proof barber fleece jacket and have a light weight down vest I wear under it when it gets really cold. I can shoot fine out of that setup and don't even get chilled. Of course cold in West Tennessee and PA are two different colds!! Good luck. I shoot 48# year round.

[LCB]

WestTnMan,

I have a 49lb bow that I will prolly use after Christmas, and remain using for the rest of my life. I love my 64lb bow but for everyday shooting I am beginning to feel it puts to much wear and tear on your body. OH I love to see it fling a 600gr cedar, but after shooting it for three days at Denton hill this year I had to take some motrin:( No doubt it will work perfect for most hunting situations, but I don't think that much bow is required for killing anything in the woods of PA!

That one shot in the morning has boosted my confidence to new levels. During the evening I usually shoot for 20 to 30 minutes. I'll carry a few blunts this season for practice shots.

[WestTnMan]

It's all about shooting what you want, when you want and how you want. Have a great season.

[TSP]

Here in Maine it can sometimes get fairly cold during early season.  You can't change the cold weather but you can dress for it...and you can help prepare for that "stiff" situation (even if the weather isn't frigid) by practicing similarly to how you normally hunt.  Do you use a treestand and stand up to shoot?  With hunting clothing on (including gloves if you use them), practice shooting from up high, and standing.  Do you sit, either in a ground blind or from a treestand?  Be sure to include practice from that same position...even using the same seat or stool if possible.  Just like the shot itself, how you position yourself in taking it is best engrained so that it feels familiar.  It'll help flag any short-draw, clearance or clothing problems as well.  Beyond that...form form form.