I've never shot my longbow from a stand..

[USN_Sam1385]

Well I have been shooting for going on 4 years now. I do most of my shooting from my basement as it is fairly long (approximately 25 yards), and I can't really shoot outside as I live in a neighborhood.

I have probably fired 10,000+ arrows from my bow at least. I am confident in my shooting and can consistently group within about a 4-6" circle at 25 yards.(on most days, lol)

I am getting ready to go to my brother-in-laws farm for opening weekend of archery season here in Missouri.

I am debating bringing my longbow as I have NEVER shot it from an elevated stand, always the ground.

I really want to bring it, but I am a bit unsure how much different firing it from a stand will be. Stand is only 15ft from the ground.

You guys think it will make that much of a difference??? Or should I just go for it?

[USN_Sam1385]

PS: I know the ethical answer is to practice from a stand.

What I am looking for is guys with experience shooting both ways, ground and stand, and letting me know if the difference will ne negligible enough (and thus ethical) to justify hunting from a stand with my longbow.

[JamesKerr]

I have never had a problem shooting a longbow from a stand. That said I shoot highly deflex reflexed longbows that are never over 64" long.

[Broken Arrow 1]

One pointer that has helped me. Bend at the waist not the knees or you will shoot high

[ericmerg]

once i really embraced the bend at the waist thing i didnt notice much of a differance the only thing i have to remember is i want to aim at the upper lungs of the side facing me so the angle hits both if iut was a real animal

[Glunt]

You will probably find you need to aim a little lower.  Shoot a few arrows from the stand when you get there.

[Steelhead]

Other than practicing a bit from a stand and doing what was metioned about bending at the waste and adjusting aim slightly lower.I would trim the stand of branches if needed and just be careful of hitting the base of your stand with the bows bottom limb.Especially if you get s hot while seated.
I have used 64 inch longbows alot from treestands.Most trees will accomidate it well.Some knarly trees like black locust and Osage can be less forgiving of a longer bow.

[misfire]

Bring the longbow!

As stated above bring some practice arrows and shoot them bending at the waist. A few practice shots into a stump should make you comfortable. Don't get psyched out because you're in a stand. It's a great way to hunt.

Good luck!

[roundbal]

You can always find yourself a blow down and hunt from the ground, but I agree with everyone above.

[khardrunner]

Bow length never mattered to me from a stand. Lay the bow over flat and bend at the waist.

take only your longbow leave the other thing at home.
 take a few practice shots from your stand from very close out to about 15 yds.
  if your keeping groups like that at 25 yds. you will do just fine,

       goodluck!

[Bud B.]

Get'em close. Let the 25 yard deer walk and shoot the close one. You'll shoot higher so aim at the bottom third of the chest. If you bow is likely to be heard upon release, shoot at the bottom line of the chest at the front leg elbow (broadside).

[mscampbell75]

As already mentioned.

Bend at the waist!

Aim a tad lower. (I shot over the 1st two deer i shot at)

Take a few extra arrows w/ blunts on them and take a couple practice shots when you get in the stand, even if hunting. I usually do this througout the year, just pick out a pinecone or leaf and let'er rip.  I've had deer come out, literally, less that 2-3 min after one of my practice shots.

You should be fine.  Good luck to you.

[nybowman]

If you don't bring it you'll probably wish you did. As stated above take some shots when you get in the stand.

[Lamey]

Practice from the stand when you get there if at all possible.  I was surprised how much the point of impact changed when in my stand.  Not a hard transition at all, but definitely a slight change.

[Zradix]

Practice from a stand or elevated position as soon as possible.

otherwise be the cool, ultimate hunter that you are and hunt from the ground...what a rush it is!

[LimBender]

Bring it!  Don't think shoot low (that can lead to second guessing and problems), just bend at the waist, aim at a spot a little lower than normal, and treat it like any other shot.  Practice is always better. If you can't do it in the stand - try to find something elevated to shoot from.

Also, if it's an afternoon hunt and you aren't feeling confident, pick something on stand to shoot at that is not where you think deer will come from and see how you do.  I do this at the end of every morning hunt and it's good practice.

Good luck!

[D. Key]

In Texas where the deer are "wired", I focus on a spot about 3" below the chest line.  In my 20+ years of shooting Trad, I have only shot under 1 deer (a real giant I might add).  The rest of my "misses" are high.  Now, when I am ready to release the arrow from about 15' up I think low and just before I release it, I go a tad bit lower and release.  You will shoot over many more deer than under them.

[Caleb Andes]

Originally posted by Broken Arrow 1:
One pointer that has helped me. Bend at the waist not the knees or you will shoot high

Yes, Yes, and YES!

[frassettor]

Originally posted by Broken Arrow 1:
One pointer that has helped me. Bend at the waist not the knees or you will shoot high

X2! Missed high on a few because I didn't bend at the waist .