Big Mistake....

[joe skipp]

.....Bowhunters make when hunting season starts is not practicing enough to stay sharp. The mind set is focused on the hunt and practice sessions become non-existant.

Shooting all summer honed your skills, don't stop now. I warm up every morning with 5 arrows, maybe 8-10 shots during midday break AND always carry a few judos for some stumpshooting on the way out.

Be smart, stay on top of your shooting all season long and your odds will increase when that shot opportunity presents itself.

[Terry Green]

Great post Joe....at times during the season we don't seem to find time to shoot....for getting ready to hunt, hunting, and cleaning up after the hunt....I made a post once about this very thing....arrows going south during the season was the title I think...something along those lines.

Try to remember to take a few shots weekly during the season....don't want any rust to build up.

Here, here!

Excellent advice Joe. I too always shoot a few arrows before I go to the stand and usually shoot some during the midday hours.

Bisch

[pamike]

i am trying....work is killing me right now!!!

[LONGSTYKES]

Joe, Thanks for the reminder. I do stretch every morning and I carry judo's. Shoot, whenever I get a chance. Good advice.

[bolong]

I couldn't agree more.    

[wooddamon1]

I have a mini 3D course at camp and a block target to stay sharp. Sometimes it seems like I get more shooting in during the season than before...

[Charlie Lamb]

Very important observation Joe and a great tip for everyone. I try to shoot a couple of shots every day even if it's at a leaf in the truck head lights on the way in.
 

[Feather Flinger]

Great info. Another thing I try to do is go outside randomly during the day and shoot 1 arrow and 1 arrow only to try to stay sharp for the 1 shot after sitting cold for hours.

[ron w]

I shoot everyday and carry a judo or blunt for a shot or 2 while on the hunt,usually at a lunch break or when I move to a different spot.Gotta stay sharp.......!

[doubleo]

Right on Joe. Shot some broadheads off the porch this afternoon. Will be hunting tomorrow evening. I always try to take a few shots before leaving for my hunts.

[FerretWYO]

I concur completly Joe.  Dead on.

[LimBender]

Great hunting point.  Especially when you are scrambling between work, family stuff, packing gear, washing clothes, traveling for hunting - pretty soon your sitting there thinking when did I last practice?  Not the best kind of thoughts to have on the stand.    

[2Blade]

I shoot as much as possible just to reinforce form to both my brain and body. I take it very serious. However I talked to someone today who said he just got his bow out and shot it a few times and hit the bullseye so hes "ready" I dont agree with it but that satisfies some folks.

[Aggie1993]

Great post Joe! BTW, I'll be taking that Kempf Trophy Hunter, I bought from you, to the stand Saturday! Wow what a shooter.

I might add, that I feel it is very important to practice like you are actually going to shoot an animal. For example, not rapid firing arrows, but rather, slowly raising your bow as if a deer or game animal is right there and slowly drawing back to take the shot and possibly letting down a few times as if the animal turned and ruined a shot opportunity. This was critical for me. I practiced but the actual hunting situation was not like I practiced. I tell my players all the time to practice just like you play.....I also tell myself that too. Hope that helps someone! Wishing you guys a great season.

[COOCH]

Joe hit the nail on the head.You waited all year for these few special weeks don't stop now.

[Marc B.]

Good advise!

[Downtime]

My hunting land is behind my home and behind my business (two locations) in which I have an archery range at each locaton.  I always take 3 to 5 practice shots before heading out for the hunt.

[LA Trapper]

Great advice Joe.  I see you changed your email address, no wonder you didn't answer.

Billy

[Sean B]

Ahmen!!