Hunting with a hinge

[rhendrix]

So I just picked up a Scott archery longhorn Hunter. I am trying to rid myself of target panic for next year, in order to do that though I've had to completely change up my d-loop and peep. Instead of changing everything and having to resight my bow, which is what I'd have to do if I go back to a thumb release, I thought about just hunting with it as is, has anyone done this with any success?

 

[xcutter]

It's a great release. I always shoot a hinge when shooting 3d so I thought I would try the Longhorn Hunter for hunting. Didn't work for me. I drew my bow on a doe and could not get it to go off. I think with my excitement of shooting the deer caused me to lock up and I missed the doe. So I switched back to my mongoose release.

But I do shoot the release without the click setting so I can have a full surprise release. Maybe if I used the click for hunting that might help.

This was my experience. Doesn't mean yours will be the same. Just my two cents. Good luck!

 

[rhendrix]

It's funny you mention the clicker, I was already thinking that I should leave it on for that exact situation.

 

[El Gavilan]

I used a Stan Element pull through release for 2 years and got pretty proficient with it, took second in a big 3D shoot and killed two elk with it. Then last year I picked up a Backspin hinge release. I use the clicker but it was to loud for hunting so I polished the click groove down so I can still hear it but it is not nearly as loud as before. I did shoot my elk with it this year and the funny thing was I do not remember hearing the click, but I made a very good shot so it worked well.

Mike

 

[Luked]

Used to shoot a ton of 3d but have got out if ot for a while. I always shot a long horn pro for 3d and used a longhorn hunter for hunting. It does take some practice to get it to work but it will work. Just takes time and practice

 

[rhendrix]

Still working on getting used to it, I still want to punch the trigger when I'm holding on target sometimes, but it's getting better.

 

[xcutter]

Try shooting it without the click to get rid of wanting to punch it. After you get used to using your back tension then put it on the click.

Just a recommendation. This helped me a lot when I was trained to punch a release as a kid. It trains your mind to aim and not think about the release going off. Trying some blank bailing without any sights on your bow. Just concentrate on your release not caring where you hit on the target.

 

[jmez]

You have to care a little. I have a hole in my tail gate to prove it!!

 

[rhendrix]

Took off the click, definitely holding on target better. I think I've got it set entirely to heavy of a pull. I'm having to pull so hard that it feels like I'm shaking whenever the shot breaks. What's the proper you should be pulling with in order to fire a hinge?

 

[xcutter]

I usually don't want to hold any longer than 10 seconds. If I hold any longer than this I'm letting the bow down and starting over. Play around with the adjustment. I like my release a little slower so it is easier to draw the bow without the fear of it going off. The more you shoot the release you will notice what you like your hand placement to be before the release goes off.

My shot process is this:

Draw bow
As I'm drawing the bow I am watching my level and getting the bow level as I draw.
Centering the sight housing with my peep.
Checking level.
Putting pin on target.
Start concentrating on where I want to hit until the release goes off. A good way to do this is to remove your sight for practice at close ranges. I always try to concentrate on what I want to hit instead of trying to hold the pin like a rock. Your pin is going to float around what you want to hit.

A good way to play with your release settings is to get an old bow string or rope with a d loop on it and just work your release with the rope wrapped around your hand imitating your bow at full draw. I caution though that your release will be much hotter on your bow than the practice string because of the bow poundage.

I had issues with target panic and this really helped me a lot. A good book to read is Bernies.

http://www.robinhoodvideos.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=36&product_id=74

Hope this helps.

 

[realunlucky]

If you would like to borrow Bernie book pm me

 

[rhendrix]

Success...I think I figured out the problem, Ive been loading the release with my index finger and thumb, after reading a couple articles I readjusted the half moon and put equal pressure over all my fingers, when I let go of the thumb peg, after pulling 4-5 seconds the release fires. I still have some fine tuning to do, but overall I feel like my shot sequence is much better and I honestly believe I could probably hunt with a hinge given enough practice. Time will tell.

 

[BOW1144]

I have been shooting the Scott Longhorn Hex for two seasons now and really like it. I had big time target panic issues before I switched. I left the clicker on, It has not been an issue with spooking animals in the field. I like the fact that I can pull it to the click and then hold it just at that release point. I set mine as sensitive as I could get it with out it going off prematurely. I would suggest shooting blind into a target from a few feet away to get over the panic. I always start off my practice and 3D shoots this way to just get the feel of the release without worrying about where your arrow is going to hit.

 

[wapitibob]

Kind of depends on what you're hunting and the excitement level you'll hit when you need to draw back. When the green monster crawls up your backside and you forget everything it'll be real easy to yard the bow back, going right past that click and you'll watch your arrow going thru the trees.