Knowing the gaps

Inspired by watching several hours of Jimmy Blackmon last night, I figured my gaps during my lunch break today.

Inspired by Jimmy Blackmon, figured my gaps today

I didn’t really shoot tons of groups to confirm these exactly so my numbers are a little rough. I did find this to be an excellent exercise in the quest for better shooting however.

What I discovered is that I’ve already shot so much using the arrow as a reference in sort of a “split-vision” manner is that this really just confirmed the gaps that I’ve been using all along. This helps a ton for those form flaws that seem to cause me to blow shots way high at times. When those issues crop up I can just focus more intently on the arrow and the gap. A lot easier to focus on fixing form flaws when you take the issue of focusing on a tiny spot within the bullseye out of the equation.

Maybe the most interesting thing about plotting these gaps is that there is only a 3″ difference in gaps between 7.5 and 20 yards. What do you know, right about where most of my treestand shots take place during deer season! That gives me a ton of confidence in that I can focus on an aiming spot in the field and just use the gap as a quick reference. Combined with making sure to bend at the waist this should help a ton in avoiding the tendency to shoot high from an elevated stand.

Shooting practice is really all about building confidence for hunting right now. Hunting time is precious. I’ve I’m going to invest a whole day in the November woods I want to make a quick kill rather the spending the whole day tracking a wounded whitetail.

Righting the ship

Shooting much better this afternoon. Need to remember the following keys:
– Keep a little more hook with string fingers from the beginning of the draw until conclusion.
– Once committed to the shot, remember to feel like pulling with the elbow to keep the back muscles engaged.
– Keep in mind the rotational draw.

Remember that while one arrow practice is great, it’s OK to shoot groups of three when working on something specific.

Shooting

Shooting the old Tall Tines about everyday that I can’t hunt. Keeping track of the little form tid-bits.

Today I noticed I need more work keeping my string fingers from creeping forward. Also, need to remember to maintain back tension through the conclusion of the shot. Having to fight tendencies to let my fingers and/or shoulder creep forward. Causes shots to go left.

Quick hunt out back

Still a little warm for October but at least the wind was down tonight. Slipped out back for about a 45 minute hunt. Had some deer move in from the bean field about 5 minutes past responsible shooting light and too much brush to identify.

Opening day of bow season

October 1st is opening day of archery whitetail deer season here in Michigan.  Although it is no where near the event of the November 15 firearm opener it does still begin official “hunting season” for most Michigan hunters.  Everything is in full swing now: waterfowl, coon hunting, fall turkey, squirrel, rabbit, you name it.

I’ve had some success in the early season, the 8 point in a previous post was from October 2, 2011.  However most bow openers are like today with temps way too warm for optimal deer movement.  Today the wind was howling at 20 mph at times to make the conditions even less desirable.  Never the less, I spent the last few hours of daylight in my favorite stand at the back side of my dad’s property.  No runs, no hits, no errors but it felt great to gather all the gear up and get out there again.