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by Jeff G. Phillips
FastestBows.com
 One of the most
difficult hurdles for archers to overcome is estimating the distance between
their target and themselves. It may seem that some people are blessed with
the gift of estimating distance accurately no matter the scenario. But
chances are they have just put in many hours of practice.
If you have read
other articles about estimating distance, then you have probably heard of the 'Thumb Method,'
'Triangulation Method,' and 'Stump Shooting.' Just as an opinion, the thumb and triangulation methods
are not effective with respect to hunting. Who has the time to work out
math problems in their head while a deer is traveling through your area?
Shoot the stump! Stump shooting is simply a way of practicing by walking around
in the outdoors and
shooting at different objects without knowing the distance. Stump shooting
is an effective way to teach yourself the skill, but you will damage many
expensive arrows.
Learning to estimate
distances on flat terrain can usually be accomplished by just shooting your bow
in your back yard or at the archery range. However, when it comes time to
hunt or compete on terrain that is not flat with so many different distractions,
estimating distance can be a little difficult for the beginner and even the
advanced. By using the tips listed below, you can accelerate your ability
to estimate distance to become a more accurate shooter.
 | Halfway Method - This
is a good way to quickly estimate longer distances of 30 to 50 yards.
All you have to do is pick out an object or some sort of marker that you
feel is half way between you and your target. Estimate the distance to
the halfway marker and then double it. You will then have a fairly
good range estimation to your target.
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| String Method - Before
your hunt, take some string and measure off 20 to 30 yards or whatever
length you feel you need the most help with. You will need 1 - 4
pieces of string cut at the same length. Try not to cut different
lengths because it will only confuse you at the moment of truth. Once
you get to your hunting spot, place the piece(s) of string our from and around you in a
straight line. At this time you can place some sort of marker at the
end of each measurement (if you have only one string) or just leave the
string on the ground until you are finished hunting (if you have several
pieces of string). This will allow you to make quick and accurate
distance estimations by using the string or markers as a guide. If you
hunt with scents, try soaking the string in your favorite scent.
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| Scent Wick Markers - This
method has the same concept as the string method without the string.
The object is to place scent wicks at a certain distance, say 20 yards, away
from your hunting location. Set several wicks in a perimeter fashion
around you all at the same distance. Be careful not set the scent
wicks out to far, you may cause a big buck to get hung up on a scent wick
and not come any closer to you. Forcing you to make a longer shot than
if you would have set the scent wicks up a little closer. But, at
least you would still know the distance.
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| Practice - The above
suggestions are not substitutions for a well skilled archer.
Practicing will help prepare you for the unexpected scenario. In the
off season, 3D competition shoots are the best practice you can get when it
comes to estimating distance. 3D popup ranges are also good practice
because they add the element of time. You have only a few seconds to
make your distance estimation and shoot your arrow. Bass Pro Shops are
equipped with 3-D popup ranges. |
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BowTech
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Turbo Nocks replace an arrow's fletching and nock with a one-piece solution. And, they can
be shot through a Whisker Biscuit.
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