Shoot up hill or down hill?

[Lark Bunting]

If you are on or about the same level as an elk on a fairly steep hill (game trail) and you know an elk is coming toward you, I believe you\'d want to move off to one side or the other. Would you prefer to be on the uphill (shooting down) or down hill (shooting up)?

 

[elky McElkerson]

I\'d shoot down. Bend at the waist.

Up messes with my form more.

But I would be able to scoot down faster and quieter.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

 

[Tdiesel]

I would prefer to be above the trail its amazing how a simple small bush suddenly becomes a large bush covering the vitals when looking up a steep hill. from above you can see further down and usually you can see more of the animal simply by being able to see above all the bushes and such

 

[Swede]

I have made a lot of shots from above. I like em. Just hold a little high as the arrow will exit lower than it went in. Sometimes a lot lower depending on the angle.

 

[cnelk]

Depending on how far the shot is affects how much gravity will drop the the arrow.
There is a certain angle [ either up or down] that gravity affects the arrows the same amount, if any.

On a steep downhill/uphill longer shot, gravity wont affect the arrow as the arrow is traveling faster in the direction than the gravity pull so you will want to aim lower than if you were shooting on a flat surface.

On a shorter shot [ like Swede said] think about where you want the arrow to exit, not enter

 

[bowhunter]

I would rather make a downhill shot. It is kind of like tree stand hunting which I am used to.

 

[BuckyHunter13]

Would time of day and wind/thermals make this decision for you?

Another thing I try to remember with up or downhill shooting is to center my site housing in my peep. This helps me stay focused and in line.

 

[otcWill]

Wind thermals or time of day? That would be irrellevant. Practice EVERYTHING and make it count at crunch time. Yes, I\'d shoot up/down hill without hesitation as I\'ve shot thousands of practice shots from every imaginable scenario all summer. Know not only your capabilities with the bow but also your arrow trajectory so that you can see the curve in your head prior to a shot.

 

[razorback]

I would think downhill as the exit hole would be lower and giving a better blood trail.

 

[F M]

I would rather shoot down hill since i am used to hunting out of a tree stand for white tails.

razorback Your entry hole would be low and your exit hole would be high. Just the opposite of shooting from above. Works just the same :upthumb:

 

[mainebrdr]

I would say that wind direction and ground conditions would definitely make the call.

\'Bend at the waist\' Thanks Elky, I needed that this am.