Archery season is right around the corner. As we speak (type) I’m working on lining up an archery Texas deer hunt, a Colorado archery elk hunt and an Idaho archery elk & deer hunt. If I get all of these hunts lined up, I’d better be ready.

So what does it mean to be ready? That’s a big topic, let’s break it down.

First off, I need more practice. I just arrived home an hour ago. I had run up to the mountains on a family camping excursion. I’d thrown in my target and bow so I could practice a little. On this trip last summer I bet there were 12-15 people shooting archery. I don’t know about you but I never get enough practice. This year I vowed to do better.

Practicing does a few things. Not only do you become a better shot but it also builds up your shooting muscles. This is especially important if you have to stand at full draw waiting on the perfect shot, which happens now and then. My brother-in-law’s brother-in-law shoots from the ground and off of his roof to simulate shooting out of a stand. Your arrow will fly a little differently and you also need to consider the different kill angles that will be presented when hunting from above.

Hopefully I can adequately verbalize this thought. I once read an article on tightening your groups and the author said if you’re wobbling a little don’t try to release your arrow when you cross the dot. Just do a steady release and he guaranteed that you group would tighten. I thought I’d try it. He was right. Let’s think about why.

If you’re setting there wobbling a little, let’s say  two inches. What will invariably happen is that you will jerk the release right when it passes over the target. This is just like jerking the trigger. What happens then? This advice is true whether you’re shooting a bow or a rifle. Just focus on getting a smooth release. I guarantee you that your group will tighten up.