Bowhunters can be classified as an elite class of hunters. If you want to become one you must be committed to following through. It is no easy task but if you have the willpower and desire, it is 100% achievable. So to answer the question “Is bowhunting really that hard?” The answer is yes, it can be. But it doesn’t have to be! In this post, we are going to talk about how you can make your bowhunting experience easier and more enjoyable by overcoming the mental and physical battle of taking down a deer with this hardcore method of hunting.
Bowhunting is difficult but can definitely be done with persistence and hard work. If you want to become a bowhunter you must be fully committed to achieving your goal. Having a successful hunt starts with being disciplined. You must practice, consistently. We’re talking 50, even 100 practice shots a day during the coming months before bow season. This practice is crucial to make a well-executed shot that will quickly down your deer and not end up losing a 20 dollar arrow or worse injure the animal. Injuring your prey is not respectable and the chances of that happening must be reduced as much as possible.
Being physically prepared is also a key factor to being successful. Because of the limited range a bow has as compared to a rifle, you must exercise endurance as well as patience to get in close for a shot. And if you choose to hunt from a stand and wait for the deer to come instead, you still need to be able to draw your bow smoothly. So regular exercise for your arms chest and back will increase your odds of making a smooth, clean shot. Choosing a bow that best fits your body is also important for making well-executed shots. When choosing a bow, go to a local archery store that will let you test what they have to offer. If the archery store has any interest in making a sale (which they should) they will help you try different bows and adjust the draw weight to match your strength. Trust their expertise and you will end up with the perfect bow for you that will be tuned and adjusted to fit your needs.
Bowhunting is definitely no easy task but if you apply yourself to it and don’t give up, success will come your way. Bowhunting is not only exciting but arguably the most rewarding method of hunting out there. For more information on bow hunting, read on…
Think Like a Bowhunter
One of the most difficult hurdles to overcome in bow hunting is your mind. That is half the battle right there!
Hunting with a bow means that you will have to take down your prey at close range. In order for this method to be successful, it requires much more effort from the hunter than other methods do. This can cause stress and anxiety in some hunters when it comes time to hunt deer with a bow because they are not used to thinking like a true bowhunter.
It can be easy to get dismayed about your probability of actually taking down a deer with a bow. After all most hunters are used to shooting a deer 100 yards off with a rifle. But imagining coming within 30 yards of your prey, and then having to draw the bow without getting noticed sounds nearly impossible. Believe me, I understand.
As difficult as the task may seem, it makes of world of difference when you start thinking like a bowhunter rather than any other conventional form of hunting. When you first start hunting with a bow, you will soon realize that some of these more subtle things like stalking routes and using terrain to your advantage become much more crucial. Thinking like this will help you get through the learning curve of bowhunting. And as you learn from experience, you will soon have a better understanding of how to go about pursuing your game. Just remember, in bowhunting, the details matter, every footfall is a step closer to your target, or a crack of a stick that sends the deer running.
Practice is Key
When the moment of truth arrives you don’t want to not be able to draw your bow, your arms to shake about. You also don’t want to make a split-second shot and hit the deer in a non-vital area, that is why it is so important to practice.
Target Practice Tips
- Perfect Your Aim– When you first start practicing with your bow it is important you start small and move up from there. Start with your target 20 yards in front of you. Shoot this distance consistently, at least 30 shots a day. While doing this, adjust your bow sight as needed to fine-tune its accuracy. Learn how to sight in your bow in the great video here. Or scroll down to watch it below.
- Practice in The Cold– I know this disappointing feeling all too well. I was strong enough to pull my bow, or so I thought. Until that one freezing morning. While in my deer blind (I use the Ameristep Care Taker) I decided to draw my bow (with an arrow knocked) for a little warm-up. But to my surprise, I could not pull back the string. Turns out, when you’re freezing and tense, you practically lose a little strength. So do yourself a favor and see if you can draw your bow in freezing temperatures. You just might want to take down your draw weight a few pounds.
- Practice Different Scenarios– You never know when or where a shooting opportunity will arise when in the backcountry, so it is important to practice shooting your bow from different positions. Especially the kneeling position, as it will be an important position to know when you have to sneak up on your prey army crawl style.
My Favorite Gear
Gear can make or break your hunt. No one wants to freeze their tails off or have a piece of equipment break. That’s why it is important to do your research. Or just look at this list of my favorite gear that I compiled for you. It will serve you well as it has done for me.
- Increadible bow for the price. This bow wa s awarded best bow for price by Outdoor Life for a reason.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- UA Storm technology repels water without sacrificing breathability
- Extreme articulation for enhanced structure & durability
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- UA Storm technology repels water without sacrificing breathability
- GORE TEX WINDSTOPPER technology offers total windproofness & maximum breathability, keeping you protected from even the harshest weather
- Brushed microfleece inner is soft, stretchy & delivers superior warmth
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Bowhunting is Not for Everyone
Most hunters will use a rifle for the rest of their lives and be perfectly content. And that’s ok, it takes a special breed of hunter. Using a bow to take down a deer is not done because it is better or more effective than hunting with a rifle. It is done because of the challenge and the reward of taking down a beast with a bow.
So if you want to go against the grain and hunt with a bow, I invite you to jump in. It is no easy endeavor but if you really want to, it will be totally worth it. Are you in?
