New to archery

4KnHorns · Jun 25, 2016

Hey hunters,

My son and I will be going on our first archery hunt this fall.

What would be the one thing you advise a hunter to do, or not do to be successful? (Mule deer)

I realize scouting is a big part, and lots of time behind glass.

So when you find the deer, after that what makes or breaks a hunt?

Can't exactly make that 200+ yard shot across the way like rifle hunting!

Thanks in advance.

264mag · Jun 25, 2016

Know your bow and patience when stalking your deer,lots more but those are my main ones,goodluck to you both.

leftturnabq · Jun 26, 2016

Pay attention to th wind, lots of shooting practice=confidence in your equipment, mind the wind, know your ranges/range finder, stay downwind.

WestNDMuleys · Jun 29, 2016

Patience above all else, shoot your bow quite a bit, pay attention to wind.

Sherlock · Jun 29, 2016

What everyone said...wind and patience...and for a stalk move in painfully slowly, and be willing to back out, if needed.

Only other thing I might add...rookie mistakes I've made in the past...once you are inside your effective range for the conditions/skill/equipment, don't try to get closer unnecessarily. Just make the shot when it is good to go. Odds of blowing it out or getting pinned down increase dramatically when you are in their bedroom.

4KnHorns · Jun 29, 2016

All good stuff guys, thanks!

I've heard about deer jumping the string, and arrows flying over because the deer ducks.

What should we consider with regard to that? We realize quartering away is desired and broadside is also ideal, but even in those positions, if the deer is looking toward you is it likely they will jump the string? Just curious about shot placement I guess. Should you aim a little lower to compensate? Maybe I'm over thinking it.

leftturnabq · Jun 29, 2016

With regard to jumping the string, I would not try to compensate. Today's bows are as fast and quiet as ever, however I would ensure that you done very thing you can to ensure that your bow is as quiet as it can be.

Having said that, a standing deer that has you pegged and is on edge is most the most one likely to jump/drop/bolt/react to the sound of the shot. I still would not try to compensate for anything, if he is not moving, and you are on him at full draw, just try to put it where it needs to go.

4KnHorns · Jun 29, 2016

Great. Thanks!

Sherlock · Jun 29, 2016

Gotta read it's behavior. If it's nervous or suspicious then it won't take much to 'jump the string'. If you did a great job getting close and wind cooperates, then it might be calm. If calm before and after you draw, it likely won't jump the string.

Also, don't expect to be able to draw if you can see any part of it's eyes. Needs to have it's head obscured in any number of ways, or be looking the other way. Unless it's a young buck in a low pressure area...then you might get away with a lot more.

4KnHorns · Jun 30, 2016

Thanks Sherlock!

Trad Bow 1979 · Jul 1, 2016

Another thing about stalking would be to make sure u limit your lateral movements to when you have concealment between u and the deer. Animals spot lateral movement easier than u just coming straight in.

Soj51hopeful · Jul 1, 2016

Not sure if this was covered but when you glass a buck watch him from afar until he beds, then make your stalk on him. Bed him down then plot your course according to the wind and the best terrain approach.

"Keep your nose to the wind and your eyes along the skyline".

Bear claw grizzlap

4KnHorns · Jul 1, 2016

We appreciate all the help guys. Hopefully we'll be able to put it all together and have a successful hunt.
Thanks

nfh · Jul 1, 2016

Lets say on your first archery hunt you get a chance for a shot. Your nerves and heart beat will go wild.

I use to go sit in my tree stand and wait for deer to come in and practice my slow movements and my draw with out a arrow of course. .. it helped teach me patience and how to move slow...

other than that most the tricks and everything else you learn as you go.