THE GUN ROOM

(Step 1) Spend a few days just getting comfortable with the bow. Once you get it tuned and sighted in, use only broadheads. No matter what you might have heard, shooting field points is never the same.

Practice Tips
Develop your form. Maintain a consistent anchor point. Apply steady forward pressure with your bow arm.

(Step 2) Start shooting on the range from awkward positions. If you do most of your bowhunting from a tree stand, practice from one or from a raised platform, like a backyard deck. Don’t always face the target perfectly. Twist your body to replicate field conditions. When I hunt elk, I often shoot from my knees, so I practice that way.

Shooting Tips: Tree Stands
When shooting from a tree stand, keep your anchor point and head position the same. Maintain your form while bending at the waist. Concentrate on not dropping your bow arm or raising your head.

(Step 3) Take six bull’s-eye and life-size 3-D targets and move them off the flat, open range and into areas that more closely mimic hunting conditions. Set up so that you’ll have to shoot through narrow gaps in the brush, between tree trunks, and over or under limbs. Again, shoot from an elevated stand, from your knees, or while standing. Follow the same sequence you use on your hunt: Sneak into position, nock an arrow, hook up the release aid, pick a spot, draw, aim, and release. Do everything as quickly as possible.

In bowhunting, only the first arrow matters, so you only get one shot at each. Put an arrow into the kill zone on all six, and you’ll be ready this fall.

Shooting Tips: On the Stalk
On most stalks you’ll be on your knees, behind cover. Spread your knees for a solid platform, and lean forward slightly for a balanced, athletic stance. If you must shoot from behind brush, lean and cant the bow while maintaining form.

Learn How to Shoot
This advice from world class archers and coaches will help you sight in your new bow and teach you how to shoot it in the awkward situations you'll find yourself in out in the woods.

SPECIAL THANKS TO FIELD & STREAM MAGAZINE AND expert archery coach Terry Wunderle