Bow season is just around the corner and will you be ready to take on the elements of the Backwoods? On a mid-summer day in my Backyard, you will find me performing exercises and slinging arrows to challenge myself. As an example, I will perform 60 or so push ups, immediately grab my bow, draw back very slow, steady my aim, control my breathing, and release. I am sweating profusely, slightly out of breath, muscles are fatigued, but I have one thing on my mind…..hit my target. If I can hit the bulls-eye after every exercise or close to it from many different angles in practice under duress, imagine what will happen during the climax of the hunt.
Why Practice shooting this way?? You never know when an opportunity will present itself. It could be at first light or 11:00 a.m. when the sun has risen and you can literally feel the heat rising from a Florida swamp. If you hunt the west for elk and mule deer, there is no doubt that you will be battling the elements of high altitude where the oxygen is thin leaving you gasping for air after a long stalk. Time is of the essence in the sport of hunting and if you take take advantage of every opportunity presented, you could end up empty handed. You may struggle to be successful and suffer from your hunt if you don’t condition your body.
[cincopa AgOActKqiwEa]
It’s all about the your shooting mechanics. Repeatedly drawing back, lining up your sight with your peep, your string hitting your anchor point, leveling out your bow, breathing, aiming small, and squeezing off with a clean follow through. One quote form Jim Burnsworth (Host of Outdoor Channel’s Western Extreme) runs through my head every time I shoot is “AIM SMALL, MISS SMALL“! In other words, pick the smallest target when you aim and squeeze the release. If you miss, you won’t miss by far, still making a clean shot through the vitals. So next time you are practicing shooting your bow or gun, challenge yourself and perform squats, pull ups, or push ups before taking each shot. You will be amazed at how tough it can be, but how much of a better shot you will be when the hunt is on the line. There is one thing I can guarantee you when it come to the sport of hunting or shooting, “If it can go wrong, it will go wrong”. Do your best and eliminate as many known obstacles as possible and you will be successful. Train to your limits and apply as much stress to your body so that your odds will be in your favor this season. The Hunt Starts Here, Hunt Strong!