Many times a bowman can be deadly with an arrow. He may be an outstanding woodsman who is able to read signs, predict deer movement and analyze the best place to set up an ambush. But because he fails to foolproof his equipment, he may be unsuccessful. Such was my problem with the tree stand I mentioned earlier. My hunt was flawless, and the shot should have been simple. However, since I’d failed to oil my stand properly, it squeaked before the shot. Therefore the deer vanished.
“I expect every piece of hunting equipment I own to fail at some time,” nationally-known bowhunter Dr. Robert Sheppard of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a bowhunting instructor at Westervelt Lodge near Aliceville, Alabama, and Bent Creek Lodge in Jachin, Ala., says. “Before I leave to hunt, I try and anticipate how, when and where my equipment can fail, and then I attempt to prevent this from happening. I check all my tree stands each season before I hunt. I test my bow. I sharpen my broadheads. I inspect my clothing. I go over every piece of equipment with a fine-tooth comb checking for worn places and repairs that need to be made.
There’s nothing worse than spending the time required to become proficient with a bow and to find a nice-sized deer to shoot at and then failing to take that deer due to an oversight with equipment. Most equipment failures are minor, but those little things are what makes a difference and prevent success in bowhunting.
You can learn about Dr. Sheppard’s new book at http://youtu.be/s1I8mEGZ4S4.
To learn more tips on bowhunting success check out How to Hunt Deer Up Close: With Bows, Rifles, Muzzleloaders and Crossbows, available in both kindle and paperback click here http://amzn.to/11dJRu8. Click on the look inside feature to see the table of contents and read 10 percent of the book free.
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