What I learned hunting last night

[jwbharper]

Hey all,

I'm a first year hunter and was in the woods last night when I got in to some deer. Unfortunately I didn't lace one but I did learn some things I thought I'd share.

1. The grunt tube works. Twice I was able to get fleeing whitetails to stop and return with a grunt or two. When they returned they appeared calm and began browsing for food. A three point also appeared out of no where making his own grunts and walked right at me. Unfortunately he stopped behind a tree and then ran off after about five minutes.

2. I need to be aware of how far back my draw is. I was squatting and leaning over when I let an arrow fly. It impacted at the deer's feet which perplexed me. I then realized that even though I pulled to the corner of mouth, I was probably 2-3 inches short on my draw because of my position. Shorter draws require higher aimed shots.

3. I need to get a shorter bow. I like to be on the ground and I want a bow that I can shoot while sitting on the ground. Currently my long bow is 60". Anyone have short bow favorites?

Despite not getting a deer, it was a blast being in the woods and "in some deer." Any advice you guys have is welcome!

John

[Greyfox54]

One of the best deals about bowhuunting is you can always learn something . If you don't learn things from your hunts you're not paying attention . Best of luck to you !

[RecurveRookie]

Yeah, I'm a first timer too, and I learned if you walk back in the dark through a BRIAR PATCH, be sure to use the SAME TRAIL! haha  That's ok, cause I was born and raised in the briar patch......I got plenty to learn

[moleman]

Learning is a never ending process, ive been doing this for yrs and am still a student, learning something new is part of the fun.
As far as bow length, if you really enjoy your 60 incher and shoot it well,dont give up on it due to length. I hunt from the ground as well, using 68 and 70 inchers, with no problems at all, just takes a little time to adapt, and a little more attention to the surroundings, as well as blind construction.
Good luck!
Paul

[HawkeyeArcher]

You'll find a ton of topics on these forums about short bow preferences, and there are a BUNCH of good ones. Just use the search function.

Congrats on getting one step closer! amazing what a person can learn in a day in the woods.

[Kamm1004]

Chucks two tracks ambush recurve. Can't be beaten. Great short bow, I love mine!!!! SOO fast!

[jwbharper]

Thanks for the posts everyone. I love being in the woods. The instances where you get in to some deer are really worth the wait- especially when they are so close and don't see you.

I'll check out of those short recurves and do some research. I'd love to find some folks nearby and try some out before buying!

[Cwilder]

This was my first year really hunting with a recurve. I learned real quick after one shot that I needed to aim low. It only took that one miss. Also learned that you really need to have your stand set in the right position to get shots.

[champ38]

I went from a 60" bow to a 56" Shrew CH. I love it for ground or stand hunting. I can shoot this bow vertical, sitting flat on the ground.

[BOHO]

I watched Rick Welch's Accuracy Factory and I learned a lot about shooting from a treestand. it works and keeps your draw and everything the same as when your on the ground. Huge plus. good luck

[Rick Richard]

I learned a lot this past year also since shooting traditional equipment versus a wheelie is very different in hunting situations.  You must consider a whole new list of other things like stand setup, limb clearance when drawing and shooting, knowing which is the best shot opportunities for your equipment and etc. The good thing is I am learning and was eventually successful.

[Rick Richard]

There are numerous good short bows out there and I would recommend shooting as many as you can before making a selection.  I would strongly recommend trying a Hoots bow also...great short bow that is sweet, quick and quiet.

[KAZ]

John- Glad to see you're enjoying the journey... Keep on learning & pursuing knowledge and you'll enjoy traditional bowhunting so much more each day. I too have just made the switch this year to a "short bow" and really appreciate how maneuverable & nimble it is in the stand and ground blind! I share a dream season with my dream bow in this thread... It's a 54" Black Widow KB. Short & Sweet!

  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=123089

[jwbharper]

I've been in a tree stand once and didn't really like it. I liked being able to see around the shrubs but thats about it.
So far I have had the most enjoyment making a rough blind on the ground, sitting on the ground, and stalking. I like being able to move as opposed to being stuck in the tree. I've been checking out some of the short bows you all mentioned and learning lots.
Maybe some time next year I'll see if there are any members in north-east washington who would let me shoot their bows to get a feel for what suits me.

[hickstick]

yes, deer grunt as a contact call as well as a warning, challenge, etc.  so depending on how aggressively you blew, it could calm some deer down.

AFA draw/anchor.  you should strive to draw consistently every time no matter what position your body is in.   if you're concerned about not realizing you're short drawing, try a clicker, or a 'welfare-clicker'.   by welfare clicker, I mean things like, drawing until you feel the back of the broadhead touch your bowhand knuckle (with my carbons I can rest my index finger on the shaft and when my index fingertip touches the brass insert I know I'm at full draw.)...thats really the only way to ensure consistent accuracy.

[jwbharper]

Hickstick,

Great idea on the welfare clicker! I'll utilize that for sure!

John