Decent shot opportunities are few and far between when bowhunting on pressured public land, and this easy tip will help you make the shot when the pressure is on.
Bowhunting seasons have already opened in a few lucky states, and many more will be in the coming few weeks. Just like that — summer is over and we’re on the verge of our favorite time of the year — whether we’re ready or not.
Many bowhunters are all set and ready and have crossed everything off their prep lists for the season. Many of us haven’t made it real far on the list yet. Bow shooting practice is a major one on that list. Consistency is key when it comes to being as accurate as we can be with archery equipment. But let’s face it — I’ll admit it, too — busy summers sometimes make completely consistent practice sessions tough to stick to. We do the best we can, but it’s not always ideal.
This one trick that I learned a long time ago, has helped me stay consistent and make good shots happen even when life gets in the way of steady practice. A simple, quick, easily memorized and repeated phrase, or mantra if you will, can save the day when the pressure is on. And help you get back into the groove faster when there is finally a little spare time to practice.
“Grip, pin, release, follow.” That’s mine. It reminds me to focus on the major fundamentals of every good bow shot. There are numerous little things that all must combine perfectly to achieve accurate arrows. Stance, shoulder position, anchor point, breathing, trigger control, and the list goes on. Quality practice and experience make most of them second nature for longtime archers. But, a bowhunter can’t repeatedly say each and every one of them for every single shot, especially while hunting, because it would take too much time and be influenced by too many different conditions.
“Grip, pin, release, follow.” These four points remind me to focus on a relaxed, torque-free grip on the bow; get the pin on target and let it float as I focus on the point of aim; smoothly fire the trigger and pull through straight back as the string releases; and finally follow through with my eyes and bow arm, trying to keep the bow up and my eyes on target until well after the arrow impact.
“Grip, pin, release, follow.” I can repeat this in my head when I’m struggling on the practice range, I can repeat this when sitting in a treestand and visualizing where deer might pass by. I can repeat it as I hear or see a deer coming and my heart rate increases, to keep my nerves and focus. It helps every time.
What would your bow-shooting mantra be? Maybe you add “anchor” or “stance” or something else. Archery is such a personal thing, that everyone shoots a little different. That’s part of what makes it so awesome.
If you don’t already have one, try to think of a quick bow-shooting mantra reminder. It can’t hurt to try. It just might help you make a tough shot this hunting season, especially when any decent opportunities are few and far between on highly pressured public hunting land.
#1: PUBLIC LAND HUNTING with Chris Berens | Deer Talk Now Podcast
