This year’s archery tag depends upon practicing now. Get you bow out now. Dust it off and start shooting.
Have your bow serviced by a bow tech. also inspect your arrows. Bow shops are not crowded now. I was in Big Sky Archery the other day, in Bozeman, and they were open for business. The practice ranges were silent and bow repairs were complete and ready for more. That will change shortly, so start your preparations early.
Keep practice limited to a few rounds per session. Less is more. If you strain a muscle or tendon, your shooting will suffer. Start slow and build up your strength. Remember that you will get only your first shot when hunting.
Practice holding your bow at full pull. Time and increase this ability. Exercise helps. You may need to hold your pull for up to 2 minutes and accurately release.
Shoot from different positions. When afield, try to pick your killing field. Usually things happen so fast that you can’t. You may be on a knee, sitting on a log, or straddling a rock. Be comfortable and effective in any circumstance.
Avoid shooting a tight group. This will result in too many broken or damaged arrows, shoot at different locations and from different ranges. 3-D targets are pricy but good choices. Place your shots separately.
Wear your hunting gear when you practice. Gloves, loose camo, and baggy forearms could change the feel of your practice. There are enough things that will screw up your shots afield. Try to anticipate and eliminate any risks.
Practice afield. Take a portable target. Use flu-flu practice shafts to shoot stumps, mushrooms, or milk jugs. These larger fletched shafts will not travel as far and are brightly colored, so you can find them after the shot. A judo tipped head will not penetrate but jump off rocks and hard surfaces. They are also perfect for grouse.
Understand the anatomy of the critter you plan to hunt. Use a target that looks like the critter and displays a double lung kill shot. This is the money shot you need to focus on. See it, practice it, do it!
Make it a point to practice!
Montana Grant
For more Montana Grant, visit his blog or Facebook page at www.montanagarntfishing.com.
