It\'s Almost Here - what to do?

[Old School]

In just about 6 weeks my sons and I will head to the mountains of Colorado. I\'ve put quite a bit of time into this trip between researching and buying gear, getting in shape, shooting our bows and then countless hours researching our area and pouring over Google Earth and other Topo programs - I\'ve printed out color maps (topo and aerial) and put them in a 3 ring binder so I can make notes on them each day in the field. With all that said - what should I be focusing on these last 6 weeks before we leave. Just want to get some advice from you seasoned elk hunters.

--Mitch

 

[iccyman001]

If you haven\'t already, become one with your weapon.....

I am shooting daily. I shoot at least 30 arrows and make sure I am getting into my bow every time ready to kill.
I have 100% confidence in myself where if I draw back on something, I will kill it.

Please don\'t be like the many of people I\'ve been dealing with lately who do not practice at all and then injure animals. It\'s no Bueno!



Also, keep limber and really be smart with your workouts. Don\'t be trying to go crazy on stuff now that could lead to injury.
Be smart and consistent with your workouts and you will float through those mountains.



Make your lists and check them twice, three times and four. Make sure you have everything that you need!

 

[bnsafe]

its gonna sound crazy, but i say prepare yourself mentally. its easy to get so pumped up and looking forward to the hunt then get out there and reality, mnt climbing, cold at night and hot in day, maybe no game, etc sapps you pretty quick. you end up making silly mistakes like not watching the wind, not hunting hard or smart. for me the mental aspect is more important than all the rest.

 

[cnelk]

Mitch

It\'s time to get excited.
It will all fall into place once you get out here.

If you want a fun exercise to do with your sons, load up your packs, sit in a really dark room and them tell each other to find something in their pack. GPS, knife etc.
Or find your headlamp in your pack in the dark and try to change the batteries in the dark

You will quickly learn to put certain items back in the same place.

 

[Jaquomo]

Visualize shot scenarios. Close your eyes and go through every possible shot opportunity, angle of the animal, when you\'ll draw, the spot you\'ll aim for, the draw and shot process, the follow-through until the arrow strikes.

Then project that feeling into every practice shot when shooting at a target. Imagine the target walking into view, behind a tree, as if it\'s a live animal that presents a shot. Put yourself into that frame of mind as you execute the draw, surprise release, and follow through.

It\'s a form of meditation to \"practice\" those things which can\'t be practiced. I\'ve been around too many hunters who are meticulously prepared, super-fit, great shots on foam, who totally delaminate when an 800 pound bull comes bugling in.

 

[cohunter14]

its gonna sound crazy, but i say prepare yourself mentally. its easy to get so pumped up and looking forward to the hunt then get out there and reality, mnt climbing, cold at night and hot in day, maybe no game, etc sapps you pretty quick. you end up making silly mistakes like not watching the wind, not hunting hard or smart. for me the mental aspect is more important than all the rest.

This is great advice! All the studying and scouting in the world doesn\'t always mean a punched tag opening morning. Be ready for success and prepared for failure. Use your brain, take good notes, and go with the flow. Trust your instincts. Always know that your luck can change in an instant, but don\'t judge the success of your trip on whether you fill your tag or not. Instead, know you are going to have a great time and know you are going to do whatever you can to fill your tag. If it happens, great, and if not, you still had a great vacation.

 

[BuckyHunter13]

Visualize shot scenarios. Close your eyes and go through every possible shot opportunity, angle of the animal, when you\'ll draw, the spot you\'ll aim for, the draw and shot process, the follow-through until the arrow strikes.

Then project that feeling into every practice shot when shooting at a target. Imagine the target walking into view, behind a tree, as if it\'s a live animal that presents a shot. Put yourself into that frame of mind as you execute the draw, surprise release, and follow through.

It\'s a form of meditation to \"practice\" those things which can\'t be practiced. I\'ve been around too many hunters who are meticulously prepared, super-fit, great shots on foam, who totally delaminate when an 800 pound bull comes bugling in.

This is fantastic advice. This is the type of visualization technique that can really be the difference at the moment of truth, especially for a first time where the potential to let your adrenaline get the best of you is so high. Visualize that moment of truth with every practice shot, even if it means shooting 15 arrows instead of 30. Make every practice shot a believable imagination of the real thing, and you lessen the chance you find yourself in shock, surprise, or overcome by adrenaline when the arrow flies for real.

 

[Old School]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Glad I asked the question. From mental, to shot prep to organization of our packs. My boys are breaking knocks at 20 yards, I just need to help them visualize as Jaq said so their nerves and adrenaline don\'t get the best of them (or me) when its live and not foam.

Really appreciate the feedback.

--Mitch