Rank Beginner!
 

Hey all, I've lurked around here for about a year, and posted a bit last year, as I was looking forward to making my first hunting trip. Unfortunately, shoulder surgery derailed those plans and I never got to go. This year things are better, (well, except paying for the surgery!) Anyway, I picked up a used, but like new Bear Compound Bow and have been trying to set it up and shooting regularly. I do OK at 15 yards, but haven't tried anything farther yet. My set up so far consists of the bow and an Octane Hostage rest. I should be able to pick up a sight next payday. I currently use finger tabs for release. I've been reading alot, and practicing, but I was wondering what ya'll think is the best thing you've done to increase your chances in the woods?

Find the right property to hunt first off. Then scout, scout, and scout, some more. Trailcams are an invaluable tool in this process!! GL

Practice as much as possible until it becomes routine.

pratice then scout alot

I wouldn't know where to begin
 

with a newbie with less than one year experience, and all the gizmos that are coming out of Madison Avenue these days.

As an archer you have to practice shooting; no easy way around it. If you can't shoot an arrow from a bow, you are wasting time hunting.

You have to learn to trek in the woods; spot game; set up an ambush for game. Be patient and be quiet.

It takes time; it is not a quick video game.

He's not asking how to HUNT, he is asking what is the best way to Increase his chances with a bow..

Like said above the best thing to do is get your hunting situation figured out..where are you planning on hunting? Then get your bow completly set up, Sight, quiver, arrows, etc then like also said before SCOUT, SCOUT, SCOUT and SCOUT..some more..

-NICK

Thanks. I have a place to hunt, it's a Wildlife Management Area not far from home. I've been checking out some maps and have an area in mind where I've seen Deer, Hogs and Turkey during the off season. The WMA butts up to a section of rails to trails that I ride on my bicycle alot. Lots of game in that area. I've been out scouting, but where I want to hunt is to far out to reach by foot. (Gates are closed until a day before the season) Next step is to bring the Mountain Bike and ride back as far as I can and walk from there.

Way to go!! Its adapting and determination like this that will make you successful. You getting away from other hunters by biking is VERY smart.

In my opinion, you should definitely get a release instead of using your fingers. I started with the cheepo black plastic thumb release at Wal-mart. Not more than $10-$15 but makes all the difference in the world. You could even ask around on here and maybe someone would send ya one of their older ones for cheep. Trust me though, it will make a differance.

I actually did pick up a release from Wal-Mart, now I just need to get a loop on the bowstring. I tried tying one on, but it didn't hold. (guess I did it wrong!) I just read a post about it here, but it left me a bit lost. I plan to make it to the Shop this weekend to look into getting a sight, so I'll probably let someone do it who knows what they're doing.

Take your time, and squeeze.

Practice, practice, practice. When your form comes to you automatically after you draw your bow you shouldn't have any problems. Always take a few real life practice shots as well, sitting, kneeling, and any other way you may have to shoot. If your hunting from a treestand then practice from an elevated spot. Pay attention to where you anchor at full draw and stay consistant. It don't matter if you have the best land in the world to hunt, if you can't make the shot.

Where in Florida are you located?

be mindful that deer will change their patterns with the changing of the seasons...find some good mast crops (acorns, persimmons, apples) for early season then after the first frost you can start focusing more on grasses and such things...hunting WMA's can be tough but it can also be like hunting private land...you jus have to find a "honey hole"...alot of WMA's dont plant food plots...thats ok cuz the deer still have to eat you jus gotta find out wat that is...do you know if your DNR plants food plots at the WMA you plan to hunt?

I'm just North of Lakeland and plan to hunt in Green Swamp and Crooms.

Hey Bandit - I'm also a FL hunter. I like to shoot a dozen or so arrows every evening from different angles & then walk away until the next day. I find if I shoot a lot at one time I get tired or something & I start scattering shots all over. FWIW I'm a finger shooter too with a Bear Blacktail Hunter purchased in 1979 from my uncle's hardware store. I recently added a tru-glo site & I'm shooting 4" groups from 10, 15 & 20 yards. Good enough to fill the freezer again I hope.