It never fails that as the hunting season draws closer more people start dusting off their bows and guns. They may practice one or two weeks before season starts, hit the target and call it good. But it is like my mother used to always tell me “Practice Makes Perfect” and in the case of hunting that is always true. The more that we can shoot our bows the better off we will be. Being at the top of your game is what makes you a better hunter. Knowing your equipment inside and out is what will make that shot count above everything else.
But many times people fail to take into account their own health and limitations. Sure, it is easy to climb into a tree stand and sit, but what about a spot and stalk hunt? Or better yet, a spot and stalk on elk at 10,000 feet elevation? Knowing your body and its limitations are a good way to know what you can do under a stressful situation. It may be the difference between a punched tag and going home empty handed.
A way that I help to put the odds in my favor are by keeping in the best shape that I possibly can. I work out 4-5 times a week, usually doing a mixture or cardio and weights. I give myself days off in between a hard workout to recover but something that I have recently started to do is shoot my bow directly after a hard workout. This allows me to see what my body is able to hand under stress, and I typically will shoot 30 times in this kind of situation at 10, 20 and 30 yards and see how long I am able to hold my bow at full draw before I must let down or hit my release.
I want to push myself, so if the time ever comes when I am in a situation with the buck of a lifetime I know what my body is able to handle and I know that I will make a good, clean and ethical kill. I have also taught myself this past summer to shoot my bow with both eyes open. I know that many more than likely do this already, but I have found that my accuracy and my groupings have improved ten fold. Lastly, you may notice that my yardage on my sights are not set way out to 60 yards. I know what kind of terrain I am hunting in and how far of a shot I will be presented with. There is no need to shoot my bow at 60 yards in deep timber.
If you have been looking for an excuse to get more in shape, or even if your spouse has been nagging you to go to the gym then use this as an excuse to do so. It may be that you go for a mile and a half run, lift weights or you go to the gym. Whatever you do take the time afterwards, while you are sweaty and still in your nasty gym cloths, to shoot your bow and test your body’s limitations. Happy hunting and I hope you have a wonderful and very successful season!
