I've missed 2 deer in the past 4 days. My bow is dead on when I'm target practicing but when it comes down to the actual shot that matters is shoot high. any advice?
Bend at the waste instead of dropping the bow arm. Practice shooting from an elevated stand the same as you hunt. Don't rush your shot.
Calm your nerves somehow. Wihout knowing more about the shot and your mechanics that's about all that can be said. Don't rush and let the shot happen. Take a target to your stand and place it the same distance, see if the results are the same
And when you practice from the stand, practice with your hunting clothes on (or something that simulates the bulkiness) and in all directions.
I had a problem and could not seem to get it corrected until i realized i was griping/squeezing the release. This was driving the arrow up and to the right. No shaking or rushed shot but none the less buck/deer fever. Perfect at the target and way off at the animal now part of my check list is open hand on the release problem solved Deer dropping like flies LOL
Practice, practice, practice. Practice with your broadheads. Remember to breathe. Do your best to calm your nerves. Don't grip your bow too tight. Relax. Pick a spot on the deer, not just aim at the deer. Practice from a treestand. Hope this helps!
I know shooting chipmunks etc. in the yard has made as big difference for me. The first couple of the year as soon as the pin got close I would pull the trigger. Now I can hold on the spot for 5-8 seconds and then shoot.
Also, work on your follow through. Hold your pins on the deer/target until impact. This can help keep you from torquing the bow if you're trying to peek at your arrow flight too soon.
. I missed many a deer that same way when first starting out. the ones I did shoot and kill were hit high. Then I realized what I needed to do. Aim lower is the obvious answer...if you are treestand hunting up 20 ft. and they are close to you within 20 yards and you are using your 20 yard pin you'll shoot high every time. Imagine the exit hole and aim for that...if you shoot 2" high at 10 yards better aim 2" low in stand with a 20 yard pin at 10 yards...plus if you are 15-20' up you got to aim like they are a few yards shorter...I always aim for the exit on a broadside shot to be level with the armpit on the opposite side. Of course you need to practice this from an elevated platform.
Like Brad said since you are shooting high you are more than likely dropping your arm. This causes the alignment of your eye and the sight to change. Kinda like walking the string. Keep your upper body in a T and bend at the waist. Practice that until its muscle memory and things will get better. Just tell yourself bend at the waist. Good luck next time and hang in there.
How tight is your lifeline? if it is supporting weight when you are aiming it is likely keeping you from bending properly
Aha... Shooting high from the ground...??? How are you lining up your pin? Do you line up peep to sight housing then put pin on aiming point...get yourself into a routine...do it every time especially on an animal... Draw, settle anchor point, center sight housing in peep, check bubble level, float pin on aiming point, breath, focus on target and release. No idea what else you are doing to pull the shot high.
Sometimes when I shoot high I'm "cheating" and pulling my head off the bow to get a better look at the arrow hitting my target.
I'm going to give you a little advice. There's a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball. - Ty Webb
