Archery Hunting Tactics for both Public and Private Lands

Bowhunting combines unique appeal and unique challenges. On one hand, it honors a timeless tradition that requires a tremendous amount of skill. On the other, the physical demands of drawing a bow, the practice and the shorter shooting distances for hunting big game with a bow can create more barriers to entry. In anticipation of the upcoming archery season, here are a few pro tips to better prepare, practice and persevere – whether you’re hunting on public or private lands this season.

Spend Time on Pre-season Preparation

Choosing the right bow, correct draw length and draw weight is an important place to start – archery is definitely not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. If you’re new to it, head to your local sporting goods store to be properly fitted by an experienced bow tech. Beginners often benefit from learning with a compound bow – one that uses a cam system to make holding & aiming easier – versus a traditional recurve or longbow that doesn’t offer relief at full draw.

Given the risk of wounding an animal, practice is paramount when it comes to bowhunting. Buying a foam block or compressing enough bails of hay for target practice works well. Or you can take it to a more sophisticated level by setting up 3D Big Game Targets in real life scenarios across acres of your land or hike a 3D course on public land to practice.

Have the Right Equipment

Help ensure success by dressing the part and heading out with the proper equipment. Here are some key items for every bowhunter:

• Bow, arrows and broadheads
• Release and arrow rest
• Bow sight and extra pins
• Range finder plus extra battery
• First aid kit
• Headlamp plus batteries
• Wind checking device
• Field dressing kit
• GPS or Smartphone AND compass
• Game calls
• Camo clothing (Check out True Timber)
• And Great broken-in Hiking Boots!

Learn the Animals’ Corridors and Patterns

Trail or game cameras can be helpful in learning how deer and elk are moving through your property and the public lands you want to hunt. (Note: if installing game cams on public land, make sure to check your state’s regulations on when, how, where and if they can be used – these regulations vary from state to state.) Cams can help identify where game might bed or feed, giving you a better idea of where their location or general habits come opening day.

Pro Tip: Speaking of opening day, it’s best to keep human interaction minimal in the week or two leading up to it. During this time, leave the area alone to help foster an environment in which big game feel safe to bed and eat freely.

Scout – Both Digitally and In-person

It’s a good idea to begin with researching the area in which you’ll be hunting. For public lands, digital resources such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and apps such as Caltopo and onXmaps can be incredibly valuable. Invest time in understanding the greater region, neighboring properties, geological features, and areas of private land that might help you glean insight into the animals’ behavior.

Then take to the meadows, mountains, hills or basins to look for signs of big game or the animals themselves. Learn what to look for when you’re glassing, such as small sections of hide or antler, the twitchy movements of a tail or ear, and moving brush.

Mind the Wind

Even the most extensive preparation doesn’t matter if you’re battling unfavorable wind or weather conditions, so learn seasonal wind, daily thermals, and weather patterns for your public or private hunting land. Always having the wind in your favor is key to bowhunting success. Wind patterns help determine where you should stage to ensure breezes and gusts don’t blow your cover.

ProTip: It’s best to always have a wind checker to help confirm wind behavior in the field. In a pinch, tie on a short piece of yarn or thread to the bottom of your bow!

Know Where You Stand with a GPS with Hunting Map Layers

When hunting on private land, GPS mapping is less critical, however this can be a helpful tool for sharing info with your hunting party. For those venturing into public land, it’s a vital tool that helps inform your hunt from beginning to end. GPS mapping allows you to map the area and mark waypoints in the field – everything from the trailhead, to fresh sign, game trails, or where your shot was taken. Additionally, apps such as onX show private land boundaries and detailed owner information that can be critical information accessible right from your phone when needed.

Master the Art of Stealth

Being able to move through the field without creating dramatic disturbances helps ensure your bowhunting success. Learn how to be still, observant, and patient, moving low when needed, to lessen disturbances that might cause a ripple effect that pushes the herd out of the area. While this skill is not easily mastered, each time you venture into the woods – try to make it a goal to make as little disturbance as possible. Since, you cannot always guarantee that other hunters won’t disturb the game you are seeking on public lands – consider looking into the small steps you can make today to purchase the hunting property of your dreams!