Avoiding mistakes when you are bowhunting is critical to a successful hunt. The best way to keep these mistakes away is to be aware that they are there. One simple mistake may cost you the clean shot that you were just about to take. Everything that you prepared for is gone in an instant. You may or may not get another shot at the animal, so make sure that you are minimizing your bowhunting mistakes. Below are some of the most common that we have found throughout the years.
Miscalculating Bow Hunting Distance
Knowing the distance before letting a hunting arrow loose is essential. This is one reason that experienced shooters recommend keeping your shot under 20-35 yards. Most hunters misjudge the distance due to lack of experience, but this mistake is easily avoided by
equipping a bow hunting sight onto your hunting bow and practicing with it.
Missing the Kill-Shot
If your prey is grazed and not subdued on the first shot, it will naturally run away. Missing the kill-spot means one of two things. You are either going to have to follow the blood trail, or the animal will get away if the shot didn't cause substantial damage. The kill-shot on a buck is somewhere between the heart and lungs. Bow hunters refer to this as a double lung shot. The position of the animal relative to your position should be taken into account. Keep in mind that shooting at a buck that is lying down is different than shooting one that is standing. It also goes without saying, but the anatomy of different animals will vary.
Approaching Your Prey Too Early
Once the arrow hits your prey, many hunters would instinctively approach the animal to claim their prize. You should give should not be so quick to chase; Wait a few moments to let the animal bleed out and then head out. A rule of thumb for this is to wait around 15 – 25 minutes before closing in on an injured animal. Even if the animal is hit correctly, they will be running on adrenaline when they see a threat nearing in. You've already made your kill; don't make your job harder by jumping the gun.
When bowhunting, most shooters would certainly like to maximize the speed and power of their shots. You want to get bone-splitting bit of speed that you can. This may lead to bow hunters missing the target. Shooters have the adrenaline in them and they can overdraw the bow at times. As the bow is drawn further, it becomes more difficult to keep it properly aimed. Simply put, never draw the bow too much, because sacrificing accuracy for the sake of an extra gain in speed and power is not worth it.
The Condition of Your Hunting Equipment
Always keep your hunting bow in good condition; otherwise, it may not function properly when it really matters. Check all of your equipment for wear and tear before and after every shooting session. This is important during practice sessions, but it is doubly important before you head out on your bow hunting trip. Don't set yourself up for failure. Assure that you are positioning yourself to fill your tags by checking your equipment. Otherwise you will be eating tag soup.
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