Successful Trad Hunters: How do You Train? What are your Habits for Success?

[swampmountaineer]

@flyboy214 this is awesome and it seems like other people are getting something out of it as well. Gonna shoot you a PM.

 

[Beendare]

Out of breath? I can't think of a situation like that while hunting with a recurve.
Typically it's a slow stalk...or I'm set up for a shot.

The things that helped me go from sloppy to successful is the good form comments above- I had a mentor...and then utilized free Youtube resources like Jake Kaminsky and Arne Moe RIP.

Having a shot sequence that I can fall back on was a big key. I consciously walk myself through the key components of my shot and practice it. It helps you calm and focus at the moment of truth. It has to hit the key elements for you- and it has to be quick- typically just a couple key things.

The main thing for me was to realize, this ain't walking around with a rifle or compound and shooting stuff at long distance. Trad hunting is all about planning for a close in shot....or analyzing terrain that is stalkable.

 

[Wrench]

Find every single thing that moves when you draw. I've had to draw wearing my pack as often as not......everything wants to grab your string and make noise.

Run your shot process EVERY TIME.

Aim small.

Freakish training is great for getting to the animal habitat, but ninja skills and patience are far more important.

I wear a size 36 waist jeans and am far from a fitness freak, but I put myself in position for great opportunities more than most guys. I know when to press and when to pause.

Keep your skills sharp by stump shooting daily. In a typical elk season I'll shoot .75 times at an elk. During the same season I will fire 50 arrows at grouse and kill 30 or more. I will hit a lot of stumps. Keep your field skills sharp......and when you are sitting there waiting for prime time or taking a break.....strop those heads!

 

[ledflight]

@swampmountaineer I have hunted trad since I was hunting but that's only 6 years. After some harvests
I had a run of misses the last two years before connecting again this past fall.

First, it's been discussed, but you need to practice how you hunt and that means the angles. I missed a buck 2x in 10min in 2023 b'c I hadn't shot elevated in a couple months. So find a way to do that.

For me, I go on my roof and shoot backyard targets at various ranges.

Range finders help - I skimmed the back of a doe at 6yards from my tree b/c I aimed like she was 9-10.

Lots of other good advice here.
Tuning is important. If "Precision Tuning for the Diehard Bowhunter" by the PUSH wasn't mentioned then consider it.

 

[Wrench]

For tuning....don't waste your time as a new shooter getting completely dialed UNTIL YOU HAVE GOOD FORM.

I, like most guys have a pile of arrows cut to solve problems that were actually my form.

I suggest a super slow mo video shot from above, behind and beside you to help diagnose your form. Paper is great, but was the arrow stiff or did you collapse a bit.....the camera shows your form and the paradoxical correction to answer the question.

 

[ledflight]

.I suggest a super slow mo video shot from above, behind and beside you to help diagnose your form. Paper is great, but was the arrow stiff or did you collapse a bit.....the camera shows your form and the paradoxical correction to answer the question.

yes, I agree. Most phones these days can provide excellent slow mo video and I feel like this tool isn't promoted enough.

 

[bisblue]

Get a well tuned bow and arrow and a sharp Broadhead, all the rest, heavy FOC, light FOC, single bevel vs 3 blade is the remaining 3% of the equation. people have been successful with all kinds of arrow set ups. 10-12 grains per pound and 15-18% FOC is a good middle of the road place to start.
I also have a 30" draw and I love an arrow like the safari tuff taipan where I can tune with various field point weights, then change the insert to get the right flight instead of cutting arrows.
Joel Turners shot IQ or Tom Clum's archery class are amazing.
For backpacking, find something you like to do that mimicks what you need to do hunting. If you don't have elevation you'll probably be stuck working out on a machine.
I haven't killed a ton of stuff with a stick bow, but I've been lucky enough to spend my career working outside in the western landscape and feel pretty comfortable moving in the mountains. The more comfortable you are the longer you will stay.