First two years deer hunting

[indyoshi]

Thanks for all the tips... Last year I had it set to 64 pounds and over the summer I shot it quite a bit and raised it to 70lbs... I never had a problem with it... in fact this season I went out and one afternoon just before climbing down from my stand I knocked a field tip and drew it to see how accurately I could guage distance and take a shot at a twig on the ground about 30 yards away.. drew just fine and was within about 4" of my target... of course it was a bit warmer then. I think its time to back it off down to 60-65 lbs again to make sure I am extremely comfotable with it and that this problem doesnt happen again.

On another note... I got the bow used, and I am not 100% that the bolts to adjust the poundage are exactly even... should I screw them all the way in to the max and then back it off evenly to make sure they are even? is that the best way to do it?

Also... I have a 20-30-40 and 50 yard pin... of course I really dont feel comfortable taking a shot over 30-35 yards, so I am thinking of removing the 50 yard pin... just so there is no temptation to take that long of a shot..

Freom 70-60 pound how much difference can I expect when re-sighting? Shouldnt the 20 be fairly similar, but the longer shots need more adjusting?

[clfergus]

Originally Posted by indyoshi

Thanks for all the tips... Last year I had it set to 64 pounds and over the summer I shot it quite a bit and raised it to 70lbs... I never had a problem with it... in fact this season I went out and one afternoon just before climbing down from my stand I knocked a field tip and drew it to see how accurately I could guage distance and take a shot at a twig on the ground about 30 yards away.. drew just fine and was within about 4" of my target... of course it was a bit warmer then. I think its time to back it off down to 60-65 lbs again to make sure I am extremely comfotable with it and that this problem doesnt happen again.

On another note... I got the bow used, and I am not 100% that the bolts to adjust the poundage are exactly even... should I screw them all the way in to the max and then back it off evenly to make sure they are even? is that the best way to do it?

Also... I have a 20-30-40 and 50 yard pin... of course I really dont feel comfortable taking a shot over 30-35 yards, so I am thinking of removing the 50 yard pin... just so there is no temptation to take that long of a shot..

Freom 70-60 pound how much difference can I expect when re-sighting? Shouldnt the 20 be fairly similar, but the longer shots need more adjusting?

Hey Yoshi - This is my first year bow hunting. I wanted to comment on your questions as I just got a new bow after shooting an older 1996 era bow. You should def set your weight back to its peak all the way to its heaviest. According to the guys at Outdoorsman sport shop and my manual, that is the only way to make sure your Tiller setting is equal. Basically the distance from the string to the limb on the top and bottom. It can throw off the accuracy if they are not equal. What I do is paint a think line at 12oclock with white out and do my counter clockwise adjustments so I can see them equal.

I think you will be surprised that you wont be too far out of adjustment with your sights. I have 5 pins myself and only use 3. I just moved the last two all the way down in the sight so I don't misplace them by accident.

[AF92venger]

So, since you havent been hunting all that long? Its pretty darn addicting huh>?? I love it!! If I could be in the woods ever single day...I for sure would. I havent read all of these before me, but I did read about how you miss that 10pt. Like the other guy said, you time will come. Just get back up in the woods. Good Luck

[Jack Ryan]

Originally Posted by indyoshi

So last year was my first year... I started with a bow and sure enough on the first day I went I had a shot a a really nice ten pointer.... I kept thinking...only 30 feet...only 30 feet... so what did I do? I drew my bow on the 30 yard pin! needless to say I shot right over his back...but he just stood there like captain morgan waiting for another shot... too bad I wasnt able to take it...

then yesterday I am sitting in my tree stand and have a perfect broad side shot at a nice doe only 15 yards away... I was DEFINITELY jittery, but tried keeping my calm. I was in the stand for about an hour and a half when she walked by at 50+ yards and I called her in with a doe bleat "the can"... I guess there is always a lesson to be learned.. I was kind of cold (36 degrees outside) and I sat super still in the stand... so I go to take the shot...and what?!?!? I couldnt draw my bow! my muscles were too cold.. I didnt stretch...and sitting very very still kept me a bit cramped... so thats two so far ive missed on stupidity..

when am I going to catch a break?



question: what calls do you use, and how often do you grunt, bleat, whatever?

Wow! You been hunting that long? A whole year and another month or two and all that pain, suffering and waiting, disappointment left and right.

I don't know, I'd just give up if I were you after going through all that. Take up golf or something.

[El Cazador]

Statistics for new bowhunters is that it takes on average 3 years to take their first deer. You've still way in front of the curve. Enjoy your time in the woods. As for using calls and how, the best way is through experience. If you have decent deer activity around your stand, just sit and observe and listen to them when they're undisturbed. That to me beats listening to all the "experts" on TV telling you how you ought to hunt deer.