Trying to get it done on ground TOUGH!!!!

[darin putman]

Thanks for all the comments, love hearing pointers from all of you about hunting, practicing, things you've seen and everything else. I usually wear wool plaids now with a face mask and this whole experience has really made me a believer in them.

[fmscan]

Darin, I have not been real successful on the ground but now I try to set up near large trees or brush that will allow me to make my move when their head goes behind the tree or brush
h. When they step out then I release and the arrow goes over the back by 3 ft.

[Slasher]

Uh shooting high at 10 yds...

May I ask a question?

Are you actually picking a spot?   (a very small spot, a tuft of hair, a point in the crease?)

Because I know that I used to shoot high a BUNCH!!! earlier  in my trad hunting career...   and still do, when I get shocked at getting a calm deer in range and getting drawn on a live deer in bowrange... then I spaz!!!  

The adrenaline that comes with the rush of bowhunting is just the fight or flight instinct... The key is embracing it... and learning to stay calm...pick a very small spot... and try toslow down your shot sequence...

I switched from a snap draw shooting style  to a 2-3 second hold at full draw... I just focus on the spot until my subconcious says let it go...

I am far from purfect... But have gotten it done plenty of times since I made the switch...

[darin putman]

fmscan I try to but have found that blowdowns work great for that when I have them available. Slasher I say that I am picking a spot just always practice from farther out and have found that closer shots need to be ingrained as well. Too much time spent from around 20 yds, for me got to vary routine and include close shots also.

[darin putman]

  Last year shot hickory, this year will be osage. Also plan to spend more time chasing small game this year. That should help as well.

[Rob W.]

I dream of taking a deer on the ground with a selfbow. I do pretty good at the ground stuff it is the bow building I don't do well.

Keep at it and nice setup you got there!

[darin putman]

Thanks Rob, I was lucky enough to meet a friend on here by the name of Eric Krewson. He only lives a few miles from here and taught me how to build a selfbow. He's always ready to help and has done a lot to pass his knowledge of traditional archery on. Really helps to have someone with his knowledge, willing to pass along the craft.

[Zradix]

As said before...

You "can" get away with a draw more often than ya think.

It takes a while to figure it out.,,especially after coming outta the trees. Being up there makes you feel pretty safe to draw.

Took me a few chances with deer up close..and just letting them walk cause I thought I'd spook them when I drew.

Finally got to the point of "next time they're in range I'm drawing..PERIOD"

And wholla...venison.

You get caught now and again..but still..you can get away with more than you'd think...

Good luck!