What do you say to the new Archery Hunter?

[MtnHunter]

Good idea to get all that time off. My thought is that you can't kill something if you're not out there! Keep after it - it happens so frequently at the moment you least expect it. The highs and lows of bow hunting are quite the whirlwind!

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I wouldn't recommend buying a new bow this close to season. Buy a rangefinder(if you do t already have one)! After my bow it's the next most important part of archery gear I have.

Don't skimp on your rangefinder $ wise if you can help it

Thank you for the advise. Too late though. I picked up a new bow, got it tuned that evening, shot a 3D competition that Sunday and scored 3rd out of 20 archers. After further tuning with the shop, the broad heads impact the same spot as the field points.

I would tell you to evaluate your shooting. Nothing like doing all the hard work and shooting an animal in the hip, missing all together, etc.. Anything you are doing bad in the back yard will HORRIBLE with an animal in bow range. I think the most underestimated by far. Guys that have hunted for decades, find holding it together so much easier now than when we started - I mean related to the shot. If you shoot and can't remember what just happened - yep, I am talking to you.

I have been shooting in all kinds of conditions almost everyday. I hear what you are saying.

Lastly, DO NOT get caught up in points, score or size. Be proud you are a hunter and kill something. HAVE FUN. Let me say it again, HAVE FUN !! Shoot something , the experience will bring larger animals. If you pass up an animal, you are a fool. HAVE FUN !!!

I am not worried that I drew a trophy bull opportunity on the first go around. I plan on shooting something legal if I get the chance and yes, having fun is THE goal. Thank you.

Mentality, don't get frustrated if it doesn't seem like a Primos video out there. 2 or 3 days without sightings can make it tough to keep your head in the game. Right when you let your guard down and get careless is usually when the big buck or bull shows up. Sometimes bowhunting is so easy. I've filled the freezer many times on sheer luck and just being out there in prime conditions. Its the ones that get it done when the going is tough, with no excuses, that we all aspire to be.

Yeh, I have been scouting already and when I saw my first Elk in the wild, I was overcome with a sense of awe... then.. this turned into a logistical sense of dread. The enormity of the situation struck me. How am I going to get that meat back? So, changes to plan my plan and strategy ensued. I am just keeping an open mind and a perseverance that stands to be tested.

But the whole editing process for hunting videos gets me. Seems like they showed up, saw the Bulls, stalked and shot. The crazy thing is that I drew the same area that Nate Simmons drew with Western Hunter Season V. I will be hunting the very same habitat that he hunted and I can tell you my experience will likely be very different.

Find your effective range through practicing like you hunt.. then dont try to exceed that range under hunting conditions.

Agreed, 60 yards or closer, no exceptions.

Thank you all for your responses and advise. I almost missed these responses since my hunting starts next week and I have been so busy with getting ready. Making changes to my ideas and plans as things go along. I assume nothing and try to learn from hunters with a lot more experience.

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

Good idea to get all that time off. My thought is that you can't kill something if you're not out there! Keep after it - it happens so frequently at the moment you least expect it. The highs and lows of bow hunting are quite the whirlwind!

Thanks Eric!!

Yes, I have already experiences that whirlwind and that is what makes success that much sweeter. They have a saying: The cure for exhaustion and frustration is success.

 

[CoHiCntry]

What do you say to the new Archery Hunter?... Buy a muzzleloader, it's what all the cool guys are doing???

 

[larryschwartz]

If your bow works for you it is great. Tightspot quivers work well for me. Elknut has some good elk calling info/books/video.
Don't forget to get out in the woods and scout the ever loving daylights out of your area.

good advice here. keep in mind though that where they are when you scout, especially if you scout a month or two before the season, may not be where they are when you hunt. Look for fresh sign, of course, but also look for good habitat and old sign. Elk Nuts stuff should give you good guidance on this.

 

[larryschwartz]

Another thing to think about, especially since this is your first time big game hunting, is that you need to practice your shooting how you will be hunting. So, if you will be wearing a heavy jacket when you hunt, wear it when you practice. If you will be wearing a backpack or fanny pack when you hunt, wear it when you practice. Little things can throw a shot off more than you expect.

Also, practice shooting from different positions. You might be able to take the shot standing up straight with nothing between you and the elk, but it is more likely that there will be at least one branch between you and the elk, so you need to know how your arrow flies (trajectory) to know if it will hit the branch on its way to the elk. Also, practice shooting from standing and kneeling and bent over and leaning around a tree or sitting down on a log. Your form can change a bit with each position and you need to practice to keep good form.

I would also suggest you take the Bowhunter Education Program course in your state before the hunt. It will give you a good understanding of what hunting with a bow is about, how it works, and things to consider. It is an online course with a one day field experience and class. Here is the link: Official Nevada Bowhunter Safety Course - Online NV Bowhunter Certification.

Larry

 

[Back Country Hunter 2]

The crazy thing is that I drew the same area that Nate Simmons drew with Western Hunter Season V. I will be hunting the very same habitat that he hunted and I can tell you my experience will likely be very different.

If you watched the episode, which I'm assuming you did, then I'd try to look at the outfitters in that unit. Find out where their camps are. That should put you into elk. Then you just have to shoot one. The last part being the hardest part

 

[buttekid]

Lot's of great advise above. Never underestimate the wind factor. It can change everything, good or bad. Patience, persistence and a positive attitude when combined with the ability to remain flexible in all situations will eventually lead to success. Best of luck to you!

 

[bojangles808]

shoot your bow a lot and shoot out to further distances so that closer distances inside your effective range will be chip shots.

you wont beat the wind

this more deer than elk but stalking skills are essential and come with experience. it took me a long time for me even draw on a deer. dont be afraid to take off your boots to get close, use an asat 3d suit, or wear soem of those stalking boots (rimrocker or sneek ez)

know what your arrow means when youve hit an animal. finding your arrow and knowing where you hit the animal goes a long way towards recovering the animal. this is a good resource You Shot a Deer. Here's How to Find It. | Deer Hunting | Realtree

good luck