JoeRE

IMO:

#1 thing to do BEFORE the shot is know what to do AFTER the shot. No sarcasm intended. Every yearyou seethe posts about 'hit one in the _____, what do I do now?'

So everybody, could you all please know exactly what you should do in case of a not soperfect hit before you EVER set foot in the woods?

Other than that, a very common mistake I have heard of (and made myself) is not comming to full draw as soon as you are in a blind/stand and making sure you can swing your bow in all permissable directions without obstruction.

StrikeTrue

A thread about what to do after the shot already exists!

eman1200

chris, as a converted golfer-gone-hunter, I know the importance of a repeatable routine. I know I'm a new guy but I would like to add one more step to your routine....

#8, follow through.

believe it or not it makes a big difference.

Thanks.

Hoytail Hunter

After being bustedfor the first couple times by smart mama does,I learned that if I turn my treestand perpendicular to the trail and use the tree as a shield to hide behind, it makes for a whole different experience. Deer don't pick you out as much and since they are oblivious to you, you have the comfort and security of doing what you gotta do without a couple or more pairs of eyes looking around. Being comfortable lends confidence which usually equals a better placed shot. The only drawback to this is the sit is uncomfortable since you have to be looking over your shoulder if you're sitting down otherwise you have to stand and face the tree.

gzg38b

The most obvious ones to me are:

Trim shooting lanes before the season starts.

Know the perimeter of your effective range. ie "If he's past the pine tree, he's too far".

Shoot your broadheads from a treestand with your complete hunting outfit on, including gloves and headgear.

HAZCON7

I'll add that you should mentally map out every branch and twig between you and all of your potential shot locations. In low light and when you're excited those tiny branches tend to disappear from your vision and I'll bet it isin the top 3reasons for bad hits or total misses.

GMMAT

I didn't check the link.....but if it's the thread GregH started a while back it's saved me and a possibly a deer an unfortunate instnce (quite possibly).

As adverse as my season started.....my initial goal this season was to NOT loose an arrow (attempt a shot) that I wouldn't be proud of. I've accomplished that to date (as unlikely as they may seem, to some). I'm not ashamed of one single arrow I've shot.

THE thing that turned my season around (as far as shot selection is concerned) is picking a spot EARLY.....and committing myself to that spot from that point on.

THAT THREAD was one of the best I've ever seen in these forums.....and I thank Greg for taking the time to post it.

gzg38b

Well said. We should all try to live by that one.

jpov22

when you know it's a shooter, take your eyes off of the antlers and prepare for the shot.