Practice Shots and Set Ups

[EROCK1313]

I was just curious.....

I know most of you practice on level ground using standard targets, but what are you using and how are you setting up to practice all of the realsitic hunting angles/situations etc? Of course I am aware that many of you join different Archery Shoots, but what about aside from that? Do you guys just buy multiple targets and set them up at different angles etc. on the hills and in the field; or do you just keep moving a single target into multiple locations/angles?

How many of you make your own targets and what do you make them out of for these practice situations?

I haven't tried an Archery Shoot yet (kinda nervous since I don't have anyone to shoot with and am self taught), but am also looking to practice different situations on my own to be prepared.

Thanks in advance!

~EROCK1313

 

[Boskee]

Erock if you have a local archery range you'll find that they may have a course or two set up to vary your shots on known and unknown yardages. If not take your target out to a place that has a lot of room to shoot and walk around and vary your shots right, left close far etc.take only two shots from the same place your second should always be better than your first because you can correct for it. First to warm up though, shoot some 3-5 shot groups at known yardages in 5 yard increments 20-40 yards to start to learn how to hold your pins to shoot at tweeners and to make sure your sight is set properly!If you alternate your sessions between known yardages to varying your shots you'll become a much better shot. It will also prepare you better for hunting.

If you have a friend that shoots it can be fun to shoot with him. In no time you will feel your ability and skills are starting to come together. If you have a local range they more than likely will host a couple of 3D shoots when the weather gets nice and plan on attending those. 3D is a wonderful way to prepare yourself for the upcoming hunting season and develop your shooting and yardage estimation skills and different animals and teach you where the kill zones are at different angles.

Always try to end your practice sessions with a good shot. Try to make each shot a good one and if it doesn't feel right let her down and start again. If you get tired stop before you develop any bad habits your endurance will come as you shoot more and don't start with you bow maxed out that way you can build your strength as you go. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[timberline_shedfreak24]

I attend alot of Archery 3-D Competitions.

Timberline

http://www.timberlineoutfittersnevada.com/

 

[fish4evr]

First, keep it fun and be creative, put water balloons in the yard and shoot from a roof or upper deck (If you can do it safely).
Second, Stump Shooting. Buy some Judo points, grab your bow, and head for the hills. When you see a sun flower stop and shoot it. When you see a small twig shoot it, you get the idea. Just make sure you can tell the difference between a gopher mound and a rock.

Good luck and have fun.
Fish4evr.

 

[azcouesandelk]

ERock first off what state do you live in? If you live in AZ I would be more than happy to shoot with you at some 3d shoots this summer. There is nothing better than a smoker round to really make you focus up!!!

What I do alot is go out in the desert by my house with some friends (we each have a 3D target). We set them up and move around taking quarting away, toward and broadside shots on them from unknown yardages. We also will set them up with part of there body covered with vegetation. We will take shots from uphill and downhill angles. My personal favorite is to run 200 yards or however far it takes for you to get a little winded and then try to focus up on a shot with the unknown yardage. Also if you can practice in the wind!!! That will be the biggest help for you when in a hunt situation because it will never be perfect!

Good luck!

 

[COLO3D]

Don't let you perceived lack of abilities keep you away from tournaments. Most people there suck as much as you think you do! Seriously, you need to start somewhere, give it a try. Learn to judge distance and you are half way there. You will be surprised how much you will learn shooting with other people.

I am also a member at a local club that has 3-D targets set up year round.

 

[EROCK1313]

These suggestions are Great!

For the record, I live in good ol' Sandy Utah. Unfortunately, we are not allowed (due to law) to shoot in our yards or parks, but there are some good mountains around and I will definately use some of those suggestions to practice. I do have a block target which I can shoot most any side, so that is alright. Any suggestions on making my own that will actually stop my arrows instead of my arrows plowing through them?

As for the Archery Shoots, does anyone know of any around here for semi-beginners?

~EROCK1313

 

[COLO3D]

There is a 3-D course up I-80 towards Lambs Canyon. They shoot there quite a bit throughout the spring-fall.

 

[fish4evr]

Sandy, not to far from me. I joined a club this year that gives me unlimited access to an indoor range. they have lots of shoots and leagues, and every one is more than happy to help.
http://www.datusarchery.com
if interested send me a PM and I can take you and show you a round.
Fish4evr

 

[coolarrow1]

I live by alot of open desert country, and what I do is just hike and fling arrows tipped with judo points at what ever I see.(IE stumps,rabbits,cactus),just about anything that makes a good target.This will greatly improve you in judging distances!

 

[DryGulch]

There is an indoor 3-D shoot this weekend in Spanish Fork. Try it out, they are a lot of fun. I'm not that great, but I have alot of fun and get some good practice. You don't have to compete, you can pay and just shoot for fun.

 

[EROCK1313]

Thanks for the info! I will have to see if I can get someone to cover for me at work so I can go check it out; sounds like a BLAST!!

 

[MBM]

During the summer you can't beat the range up Parleys canyon for realistic practice. They have there Friday night Pig shoots then the first of August they have there Treasure Mountain 3D shoot. Don't be afraid to come to a shoot, there is all levals of archers. Another good activity is stump shooting with Judo Points.

Mark