Hey yall, i am going on my first deer hunt with my compound bow in texas (where I'm from). I've been doing some hog hunting with it but never have been able to get a shot off with it, been practicing in the yard on the decoys and I have the confidence. Going to double check the sights and strings before I leave. But i was wondering any tips for me? I'm starting to get anxious and a little nervous but more than anything excited :0)
It's nothing like shooting at targets or 3D animals. The rush when you see that first animal you want to shoot can be overwelming and you can forget all of the good habits and shooting form you had in the back yard. Try to have a set routine you go through on every shot and it eventually will happen automatically even when you aren't thinking about it. Like when that animal is in range. When you do go to shoot, pick a small spot on the animal. Don't just shoot at the whole animal, pick a hair or small spot in the kill zone and focus your pin on it. Good luck on your first deer hunt.
Thanks for the advice, I have been spending a lot of time just sitting and watching the deer. I have had a lot of deer within five to ten yards of me and there is no rush like it I would agree.... But i would bet the rush is alot better when ill be in that stand
When you get into your stand, be sure to go over your landmarks for distance refferances. It's easy to missjudge a animal when they surprise you and you have to try and guess the distance instantly. Also, check over all your shooting lanes and make sure you know where you can and can't get a arrow through. It's easy to overlook a branch or two when they are up against a deers body. Also remember every aspect of your shooting technique. When I shot my first deer I forgot to re adjust my feet as the deer walked infront of me and it pushed my shot back a little bit. These are just things I can think of. Also as stated above, be sure to pick a small spot and aim at it, don't just aim at the body.
I dont have a rangefinder, but I am a horrible judge with distance i know in my yard what ive been shooting so i know about what thirty yards will look like if i get down to it... this is all going to help me, its good stuff for me to go over.
Make sure you bring a field point or two with you. If you still have light after your hunt is done, than take a practice shot or two at a dirt pile or a leaf that you can see just to double check your yardages and give yourself some confidence in shots in those areas. If you get there early don't be affraid to pace off a land mark or two to give you a better idea on distance aswell.
