5 Timeless Tips for New Bowhunters

by Elliot Pfautz

“The history of the bow and arrow is the history of mankind.”

- Fred Bear, Master Archer & Pennsylvanian

Bowhunting is one of the most exciting and fulfilling methods of hunting.  Given the long season, relatively mild weather, and the ability to hunt the peak of the rut, it is no wonder that Pennsylvania continues to see an increase in the ranks of bow hunters.  However, due to its inherently limited range, pursuing game with a bow demands a proficiency of woodsmanship and technique as well as an intimacy with your quarry beyond that of many other approaches.  It is no wonder then that chasing game with a bow tends to have a steeper learning curve, often taking several seasons to find the success of a harvested animal.  Often times, these lessons have to be learned the hard way.  However, here are 5 things to keep in mind before you hit the woods, bow in hand.

Get to know the Pros

Before you can become a proficient bowhunter you need to become a proficient archer. Archery is an inherently technical sport that can be initially intimidating.  Most non-archers look at you sideways when you start talking about peep sights, kisser buttons, anchor points and paper tuning.  Then there’s the equipment side of things: drop away or fixed rest?  Single pin or multi pin sight?  What spine arrows do I need?  The good news is you have a great resource in your neighborhood, the local Pro Shop.  Most archery shops have guys who know the sport inside and out and love sharing their knowledge.  Everybody has to learn somehow and you’ll find that your excitement to get properly trained will be met with equal enthusiasm from those willing to pass on their wisdom.  They can set you up for success with the correct equipment tuned specifically for you to ensure proper arrow flight.  The big box outdoors stores are great for many things, but when it comes to setting up a bow, I firmly believe in the local independent Pro Shop to have the product and knowledge to get you set up right.

Shoot Shoot Shoot

There is no substitute for practice. Shoot 3D courses, join a club, and shoot in your backyard if you can. You need to know your equipment inside and out. You should be able to draw back and find your anchor with your eyes closed. If you can’t pick up your bow and put an arrow in the vitals you aren’t ready. All the repetition and hours of practice that you put in will hold your form together when Mr. Big has buck fever coursing through your veins.

Test Everything

No really, everything.  If you plan to use it in the woods, test it now.  Planning on wearing those gloves, that hat, and a parka?  Shoot with them on.  They could change your anchor point and form.  Hunting from a treestand?  Shoot from it.  Nothing is more frustrating than having a deer in front of you but blowing the opportunity because you didn’t practice like you play.  You wouldn’t go into battle without an untested weapon – don’t find out your ‘awesome gear’ is actually a hinderance when all the conditions are set.

Stay Covered

You have a short-range weapon, so check your wind and get in there and setup right where you expect them to be.  Found the perfect tree?  Make sure it has sufficient cover.  You need to be able to draw your bow without being seen.  Many beginning archers are afraid they won’t be able to get a shot, so they hang their stands in wide open trees where they can shoot 360 degrees. The end result is they don’t get to shoot at all.  They often get picked off by the deer before they even get in range.  You are much better off with 2 or 3 shooting lanes, with branches breaking up your outline and drawing motion.  There is nothing like reaching full draw on a completely unsuspecting whitetail just as it steps into your shooting range only 15 yards away.

Manage Expectations

Every animal you harvest is a trophy, even more so with a bow and arrow.  The parade of big bucks you see on hunting shows is unlikely to be your reality.  While the possibility of harvesting a trophy buck certainly exists, if that is the only way that you measure success you are missing out.  Don’t worry about bagging the right deer to post on social media – be present in your surroundings doing what hunters have done for millenniums past.  Enjoy the journey and never forget to slow down and enjoy the experience.  Besides, the time spent in the autumn woods with friends and family is reward enough in itself.  Being able to provide organic lean protein for your family is an added bonus.  These are the moments in which many of our fondest memories and traditions are formed, solidified, and passed along.