SKIPMASTER WITH A 300# WHITETAIL TAKEN WITH A 55# BEAR RECURVE AND A SIMMONS RAZORSHARK BROADHEAD.
My name is Greg Krause, but many of you know me on different forums as Skipmaster1. I am 26 years old and have been shooting a bow since i could walk, deer hunting since I was 14. I was born and raised in southern NY, where deer are plentiful and bag limits are liberal. I live and breathe bow hunting everyday of my life.
Here at the Archers Edge we have a team of qualified moderators and experienced members to help with any questions you may have. I am the resident Bowhunting moderator. I have a lot of experience with gear and gadgets old and new, as well as 1,000's of hours of field time. If there is a hunting question you have, from tree stands to shot placement, I will do my best to answer your question. If I don't have the answer, someone here will. Although I have a lot of experience I will be the first to admit that I do not know everything. I am always looking to learn more, so please tell me what you think about a subject and when you disagree with me.
Now i want to talk about what it takes to be an efficient bowhunter.
MIND SET and SHOT PLACEMENT
To be a good shot is different than being a good hunter. Being the best shot you can be is only the first step to being a great hunter. The best way to get the confidence you need is to have a well tuned bow and shoot as many 3D's as possible, or at least practice at unknown ranges and even long ranges(they make you that much more confident at hunting ranges). You should also practice in different positions, from ground blinds, from tree stands, sitting, kneeling........any position you may have to shoot when in the field. When you get to the point that every shot, in every position hits your target you will be one step closer to your goal.
Now you know you can shoot and your bow is well tuned. You have chosen(hopefully) a passing broadhead and are ready to hit the woods. Once in the woods you have to keep that confidence. You have to know that all your pre-season practice has prepared you for the moment your quarry steps into your sights. You have to know that you can and will make the shot when it is presented. That is the single best way to overcome the dreaded buck fever.
SHOT PLACEMENT
Now you have game in your sights and are deadly accurate........already smelling steaks on the BBQ? You will be soon as long as you know where to aim.
We all strive for a perfect double lung/heart hit. If you place a sharp broadhead through the lungs or heart, the animal will go down very quickly. The key is to know where the vitals are located and how to hit them without hitting heavy bone. Broadside and quartering away shots are the best options. I urge everyone to look at the blood trail section as well as the different diagrams we have posted here. There is a wealth of information at your fingertips. Most times an animal is lost it is due to poor shot placement, and the worst part is many times the hunter hit where he was aiming. They just didn't know the correct place to aim. Always aim for where you want your arrow to exit on the opposite side, animals are 3D.
Now you know where to aim, so take the time to pick that spot on your game.
You are now ready to hit the field. You have supreme confidence in your ability and your gear. You also know exactly where to place your arrow for a quick kill. Now get out there and do it. Just remember to bring your camera and come back to share your stories with all of us here.
SHOT PLACEMENT
________________________________________________________________