Summary
If we underestimate the distance to our game, we usually shoot low, and if we overestimate the distance, we usually shoot over our game.
Another common reason for missed shots is failure to execute the shot even if we estimated the distance properly. Common causes for failure to execute the shot include not having our bow properly “sighted in” and/or “tuned” for the broadhead that we have selected for hunting. Regrettably and frequently the point of impact of our broadhead is different from our field point. The final common reasons we fail to execute the shot include failure to evaluate our arrow trajectory and we hit a branch etc., or the bowstring hits our arm due to thick clothing etc.
“Target instability” is more apt to occur if our game has sensed our presence either by scent, sight, or sound. Since arrow speed rarely exceeds the 280-300 feet per second range even with high tech equipment, we can forget about eliminating the deer’s ability to “jump the string”, and we should focus on trying to stay undetected by our game and shooting quiet bows.
There are several common factors that frequently cause us to miss our game.
Basically, there are three major categories that characterize why we miss. These three categories are (1) improper judgment of the distance to our game, (2) failure to properly execute the shot, and finally (3) “target instability”. Let’s examine each of these three categories separately.
Probably the most common cause leading to a miss is improper judgment of the distance to our target. If we underestimate the distance, we usually shoot low, and if we overestimate the distance, we usually shoot over our game.
Another common reason for missed shots is failure to execute the shot even if we estimated the distance properly. Common causes for failure to execute the shot include not having our bow properly “sighted in” and/or “tuned” for the broadhead that we have selected for hunting. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to tune and sight in our bows with a field point and when that task is completed, we screw on our preferred broadhead of the same weight as our field point and expect the point of impact to be the same. Regrettably and frequently the point of impact of our broadhead is different from our field point. That is why it is a must to practice using our preferred broadhead for final sighting in and tuning. Another reason we may fail to execute the shot is simply the fact that we selected the wrong sight pin while aiming at our game. Another frequent cause of failure to execute the shot includes improper release of the arrow, (whether shooting with fingers or a release aid). The final common reasons we fail to execute the shot include failure to evaluate our arrow trajectory and we hit a branch etc., or the bowstring hits our arm due to thick clothing etc.
The final category of errors that leads us to missed shots is referred to as “ target instability”. This simple means that unlike shooting 3D targets and backstop practice targets, live game will tend to move upon hearing our bow release and this is much more common with compound bows than traditional bows as the latter generally tend to be much quieter. “Target instability” is more apt to occur if our game has sensed our presence either by scent, sight, or sound. If deer are “on the alert” to possible danger at the time of the shot, it is an established fact that whitetail deer can drop or duck a whole body length of 12 to 18 inches in 0.4 of a second, thereby allowing them to “jump the string” causing us to miss even though we judged the distance properly and executed the shot flawlessly. When you apply the laws of physics to our arrow speed, the speed of sound, and the reflex capabilities of whitetail deer, it is a know fact that our arrow speed has to be in the 850 feet per second range if we are to prevent the phenomenon of “jumping the string” from happening to us. Since arrow speed rarely exceeds the 280-300 feet per second range even with high tech equipment, we can forget about eliminating the deer’s ability to “jump the string”, and we should focus on trying to stay undetected by our game and shooting quiet bows.
If we apply these principles each time we prepare our equipment for a hunting endeavor, it should allow us to keep our “misses” to a minimum.
With that said and with Turkey season around the corner, let me encourage you to consider participating in your local 3D archery shoots as it is the best off-season practice with which we can be involved and your participation will certainly be appreciated by your local club as well as the Mississippi Bowhunters Association.
