Bowhunting Tips For a More Accurate Target

Bowhunting is arguably one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities around. Giving your target the benefit of the fair chase means a much bigger challenge that requires thousands of hours honing your archery skills. In fact, it takes some hunters years in the field before they nab their first kill. It’s a genuine thrill for all who partake!

More benefits of the bow abound. Bow season is long and gives hunters the chance to spend more time out in the field. Most importantly, this activity is more physically demanding and requires significantly more skill than other hunting formats. Practicing your bowhunting is extremely necessary, but if you're willing to put in the time, it can be extremely rewarding.

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Accuracy is of the utmost importance when bowhunting, as it ensures a clean, ethical kill. Here are a few of our best tips for a more accurate shot with your bow. Note that most of these tips focus on shooting practice (preferably in the off-season) because it's best to hone your skills before heading out into the field to hunt.

1. Find the Right Bow

The right bow can make or break your accuracy. For example, if your bow is too lightweight or quick, it probably has a lot less room for error. On the other hand, larger and slower bows tend to be more stable. These larger bows generally enhance accuracy among beginners. To find the right bow, you need to know your draw length and draw weight. Experimenting with different bows and getting sized by a professional before buying your first bow can help immensely.

2. Practice from a Distance

The proper bowhunting distance is a hotly debated topic, but most hunters aim for a bow range of around 40 yards or closer to ensure an accurate, clean kill. Regardless of how far away you are from your target, you need to try to be as accurate as possible at any distance. When you practice long-range shots with targets, you will enhance your closer range shots out in the field as well.

3. Practice in the Wind

Along with practicing long-range shots, you need to practice in varying weather conditions, especially shooting into the wind. When you’re comfortable shooting on windy days, you can properly compensate for accuracy. During practice, use a wind gauge and observe the movement of leaves, tree branches and water. Your surroundings will help you determine the correct wind and weather adjustments.

4. Attend 3D Shoots

The biggest difference between target shooting and hunting is that you never know the conditions you’ll have to face out in the wild. Different distances, angles, obstructions and shots are par for the course, so practicing with certain obstacles in mind can be very useful. Pack up your compound bow case and attend a 3D archery shoot in your area. These courses mimic real hunting environments to hone your skills in the face of the many distractions you’ll face in the field.

The Pelican Air 1745 Bow Case is a lightweight option to keep your bowhunting equipment safe, protected and neatly organized wherever you go.

5. Practice in Different Light Levels

Practicing in different light levels is especially important if you're hunting deer. They tend to come out in the early morning or at dusk, so you're less likely to spot one during full daylight hours. Practice on the edges of your area's legal hunting hours. In most places, this means a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Forests can be dark even in the middle of the day. Make sure to slate your practice hours during these small windows to ensure that you're prepared to hunt in the woods.

Relax, Be Patient and Enjoy the Chase

Novice bowhunters are often discouraged due to the amount of time and skill it takes to become proficient. Hunting is a sport of patience, but bowhunting relies heavily on immense perseverance and fortitude. Pelican is here to help you boost your bowhunting aptitude. So grab your bow case and start practicing today.