Pre-Season Preparations For

Archery Hunters

By Zach Lazzari Dark Timber Lodge www.darktimberlodge.com

Opening day is on the horizon and

archery

hunters should be getting a jump on the season by preparing gear and training. You can work on your shooting skills, and the off-season presents a major opportunity to test different gear, work through technique and get everything dialed and ready for the real thing.

Get Your Bow Dialed

Work through every piece of your bow during the off-season to get everything setup for the hunt.

We recommend taking your bow to a pro shop for a quick check-up. If needed, this is the time to put a new string on. Make sure to check every screw and connection and change out sights and rests if needed.

Whatever you plan to have on the bow during hunting season should be added now, giving you enough time to practice.

Now is the time for tweaks and changes as they can impact shooting and arrow flight.

After your accessories and string are installed and ready, start shooting and adjusting pins until you are dead on with consistency.

While you’re at the pro shop, sign up for a couple of lessons. Having someone watch you shoot and make suggestions can make a very positive difference.

Rather than ingraining bad habits through repetition, you can improve your technique and make forward strides.

Arrows and Broadheads

Take this time to experiment with different broadheads and arrows if you’ve been considering making changes. If not, stock up on the arrows, broadheads and field points you will need for the hunt. Make sure your spines and weight are all correct and consistent. You want to practice with the same arrows and field point weights that will be used in the hunt.

Practicing with a broadhead that is dulled down or out of commission is also ideal to know exactly how it flies and lands in comparison to the field points. You might find an inch or two of variability and it’s good to recognize and adjust for this early.

Practice Calling Now!

Your bow is dialed and you are off to a great start by shooting early in the season. Getting the jump on calls is also a productive time investment. Keep a few reeds around the house or in the car and practice cow calls and bugles at least a few times each week.

Too many hunters wait until the season opens to throw a call in their mouth. When the pressure is on, it pays to be instinctive and natural with your calls.

Forcing a bad call in the heat of the moment can blow out suspicious cows and bulls.

Prep Your Gear

As the hunting season gets closer, do a run down of your pack, clothing and boots. Spend some time in the field with your gear, while carrying your bow. Getting used to everything and knowing how to quickly drop your pack for a stalk or make adjustments will help during the actual hunt. Test your equipment so it’s organized and ready to roll on opening day.

Start Training

Lastly, get in shape! Chasing elk often means climbing steep slopes and hiking into the backcountry. Train early and often and practice shooting your bow from different positions, while winded. Take your bow for a hike or get your heart rate up by exercising then shoot a round of arrows. Practice breathing and calm yourself to focus and steady on the shot. And rather than shooting a dozen arrows each day - try picking up a single arrow and making it count. After all, you probably won’t get second chances on an elk.

Learn More About Hunting with Dark Timber Lodge

To learn more about our guided elk hunts at Dark Timber Lodge, please visit our website at www.darktimberlodge.com. For details and specific availability, please feel free to contact us. We’d love to help you plan a memorable elk hunting adventure!