[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Hang your bows? #60116

Not an elegant set up, not a great pic, but the bows are easy to grab for a quick practice session in the yard.

L-R: 35# Bear Montana, 55# Sky Rogue R/D, 50# Howatt Hunter, 45# Browning Explorer I

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Practice #58933

Aging bodies aside, short sessions of high quality practice are my choice. I am shooting two or three times a day in my yard most days. Ranges are only 10 – 20 yds., plus or minus, due to space limitations. I only shoot 15 or 20 arrows at a session with concentration on my form.

As I have been building strength in my archery muscles I tried to avoid getting physically tired. I shoot two or three arrows before pulling them. I always try to end with a good two or three shot group. This leaves a positive mental image and builds confidence.

Stump shooting in the mountains once a week allows me to concentrate on “first shot” accuracy at unknown distances. When stumping I rarely shoot more than one arrow at any one “target.” In September the elk won’t wait around for a second shot.8)

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Bow to heavy? #58922

This calendar year I have worked up from a 35# bow to shooting 50# and 55# bows. I have a shorter draw length so my actual draw weight is approximately 5# less than what the bows are rated.

That said, instinctive shooting as I understand and practice it does not require any significant “holding” at full draw. Once a solid anchor is reached the shot continues with little or no pause before the release.

Being over bowed is a legitimate concern and should be avoided. Others will have more eloquent responses.

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Picking a bow for 2013 hunting #58914

I haven’t made a choice yet. As my form continues to improve and my arrow tuning progresses I am waiting to choose based on consistent performance/accuracy. This Saturday I will shoot the Howatt Hunter in a local 3D match.

The one I shoot the best by the end of this month will get the call for hunting beginning Sept. 1. Then all the others will be hung up until the season is over. I will take the month of August to tune broadheads to the chosen bow.

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Picking a bow for 2013 hunting #58328

You are right about the fun. I am just getting into the zone where I have a few arrows each session that arch gracefully straight to the spot I have chosen. I love it when a shot comes together! The simple pleasures are the best.

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Measuring draw length #58323

Bowhunters are wise to add an inch, or even two inches, to that measurement to ensure that in the excitement of the hunt they don’t draw a razor sharp broadhead up against their bow hand. Ouch!:cry:

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: PTSD and the 4th of July #58319

Years ago there was a guy on the Marlin Owners Forum who signed off with something like this: “Be kind to everyone you meet — you have no idea what battles they are fighting.” That sort of fits right in with the Golden Rule as I understand it.

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: 2013 Poke and Hope Rendezvous pics #57112

Awesome! We have a local, 2-day shoot next weekend just off I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie. I can only shoot on Saturday but really looking forward to checking my progress.

One thing for sure…the will be NO lobster feed included.:shock::shock:

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Picking a bow for 2013 hunting #57104

UPDATE

I’m happy to report that progress is better than I thought it might be. I am shooting either, or both, my 50# recurve and 55# longbow every day. It’s been two or three weeks since I even strung the lighter bows.

Some days I shoot two or three times in short sessions. While home for a quick lunch I will take 12 – 15 shots in the back yard at ranges of 10 – 20-ish yards. About once a week I get out to stump shoot. Today I spent about an hour roaming around in the timber at 8200+ feet elevation.

Happy to say that “it’s beginning to come together.”

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Tuning issues #57088

Good discussion and helpful.

I just made great progress with bow/arrow tuning by simply raising the brace height on my 66″ longbow.

I am just getting back into archery this year after many years away. Over the last several weeks I’ve been a little frustrated as accuracy was simply not improving much. A few days ago it dawned on me that my longbow was noisier than my recurve. Hmmmm?!

A check of the brace height revealed it was low by a bunch…over an inch. Getting the brace height to the high side of bowyer’s suggestion took care of all sorts of problems. Now I know when it’s my release or form that sends an arrow astray.

Finally, wouldn’t a drastic change in brace height like I made possibly require an adjustment in knocking point? I am going to take a look at that just to be sure.

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Trail cam time again #57034

I have been considering a trail cam to put up on my cabin property. I see deer beds in aspens behind the cabin an a regular basis.

Any recommendations on a basic, reliable, durable trail cam? There are so many choices on the market it is a little hard to sort through the marketing hype.

Nice pictures you fellas posted.

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: of wolves and elk – no debate please #11276

Cool! I would love to have that experience or seeing both in the wild at the same time. Thanks for posting.

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Day Pack #63379

That’s a good list above. I have used such lists for years. Typically I start a hunting season by putting all the “safety” stuff, the carcass care stuff, snacks, navigation aids, and water in my pack. By the end of the third day of hunting half of that junk is scattered around the cabin or behind the seat of the truck. Now I am down to knife, food, water, navigation (GPS, compass, & map if in new territory).

My new guideline is to ask about every item, “Have I ever used this item on an actual hunt?” If the answer is “No” I leave it out.

Sometimes less is more.

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: How does your Garden Grow? #63302

SDMFer wrote: I broke my own rule of planting before June 1 here in Laradise. I have been appropriately punished by a few light frosts and 50+ mph wind gusts today.

Looking like I’ll be replanting after the 1st (maybe the 7th).

Definitely jealous of what you guys have going on in more garden friendly locales.

I also live in Laramie…at about 7500′ elevation. It was 38 F. at my house this morning but no visible frost. We have not planted, yet. Of course all sorts of stuff is starting to sprout but nothing we want except a few handfuls of volunteer spinach.

I was in mid-Missouri over the holiday weekend and saw all sorts of gardens well on their way to producing. BUT there are no elk in Missouri! Life is full of trade offs.:D

[WyoStillhunter]

in reply to: Little things that make us happy! #63144

Yep, it’s good to be on the mend. When I meet someone with a cast or big bandage (depending on the situation) I will ask, “Were you having fun when you did that or just stepping off the porch?” Your story fits in the Having Fun category.

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