Tips for Making the Shot
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Dan from KS asks:Bill- second comment/question today! Hope you have the time. . . I just watched your 2009 episode based of the current sheds found. Also recently saw the end of this year! Ouch!! So- maybe this has been wrestled over before. . . Question: Why do you guys want to stop and alert the deer? Though I shoot trad equip. and rarely more than 25 yds. (180 fps), I actually like to wait for deer to slowly walk before I shoot. They are relaxed and often making a little noise. I realize it is the naked eye, but from what I can tell as an instinctive shooter, I have rarely had a deer "jump/drop" the string on me (180 fps). Even with your compounds, I would bet you guys could easily practice/master taking slowly walking shots. If anything, I bet deer would stop upon your release at those longer distances. I think that would be better than anticipating something that may or may not occur. Just a thought. . .Winke Responds:Dan, I think you are right. A slow walking shot is not too tough to make. The buck this year was actually slowly walking (probably too slow) but still reacted. I used to take a lot more walking shots before we started filming this stuff. People love to tell you when you are doing things wrong and the walking shots are like a lightning rod for criticism, so I began stopping the deer. Past 20 yards, the walking shots are tougher, inside 20 yards they don't have much time to drop so it is really a double-edged sword. Close shots, shoot them walking. Longer shots really depend on the skill level and practiced ability of the individual hunter. Thanks. Best regards (3-23-12)
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Scott from SC asks:Hey Bill, Last year I read an article for where you laid out your strategy for calling deer. I adopted your tactics (i.e no blind calling, increasing volume until deer hears me, give them one more call and then go silent) and have had much more success getting deer to come to my calls. However, I have noticed that deer have any uncanny ability to recognize exactly where the sound came from. On multiple occasions the deer have come straight to my stand like they were on a string. This is great except that frontal shots are low percentage and something I am not willing to take. I have called in several bucks that came straight to my stand (most within 5 yards) and then turned and went straight away never offering a shot. Is there a strategy that you use to handle these situations? Thanks!Winke Responds:Scott, You might be getting unlucky there. Usually, they will stand around for a while before leaving and in so doing offer a broadside shot. However, in your case, you have a shot right when they turn for a few seconds as they are changing ends, but you have to be at full draw. That will open up a broadside shot. Also, after they turn to leave, when they are about ten to 15 yards away you can angle shot through the liver and into the lungs for a very lethal shot. The aimpoint is farther back than people might think, that is why this shot is often taboo, because people shoot too far forward. Aim as if you are trying to hit the desired exit hole on the other side of the animal. That will show you the correct aim point. Good luck. (3-1-12)
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Rob from MI asks:Hi Bill, I have a problem “punching” the trigger on my release aid. I practice all summer on the surprise release and have gotten pretty good at it but all that goes out the window when a big buck shows up in the fall. My index finger has a mind of its own! I’m thinking about going to a thumb trigger release but I see Scott archery has two newly designed back tension releases for hunting. I’ve read were using a back tension release can be hard to hunt with do to timing the shot. Seems to me I’d rather take more time on the shot than punch the trigger. What do you recommend?Winke Responds:Rob, It is much tougher with real game. For sure. I struggle with it too. I first broke myself of the urge to punch by shooting several does one season. I took very special care to squeeze the trigger on all those shots and it pretty much broke me of that habit. However, if the first deer of the year is a big buck, I still struggle. Or if I haven't shot a doe in a while. It is funny how shooting a few animals throughout the season increases your confidence and keeps you sharp. I definitely recommend that. Scott does have a couple of back tension hunting releases. I think they would work. You would have to get used to it, but it would definitely break you of the habit. The Longhorn Hex is a good choice for that. I have also used their spring trigger releases to break myself of punching but it is easy to cheat on those by pulling your finger in close to the body of the release and taking the movement out of the spring. Good luck. (2-15-12)
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ryan from NJ asks:I have seen a lot of gun shots on broadside deer that hit straight up the front shoulders about halfway up the body. This shot seems to paralyze and drop the deer in their tracks every time. Do you recommend this shot placement when when it is offered and you are using a gun or is there more risk then it seems?Winke Responds:Ryan, I would recommend that most people aim for the center of the lungs. The target is bigger so the margin for error is greater too. What you are referring to is a good shot, but not the best option for anyone but a very good shot. Merry Christmas. (12-19-11)
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todd from MA asks:Hi Bill so i encountered my first real buck this am. I called him into 45 yds he was smelling hard but he kept coming in didnt seem like he caught me. i got him to 30 yards and i had buck fever totally take over. I was at full draw for 40 seconds then he looked up and busted me. I shot but missed high. what can i do to be more in control so that i take the shot and not keep waiting and waiting. i was so angry at myselfWinke Responds:Todd, Welcome to bowhunting! It will certainly get better with time and experience. It is very exciting and that is why we love it so much. One thing you can do now that you know what it feels like, is spend some time visualizing a successful outcome to encounters with bucks. See it over and over in your mind, feel the emotions and then see yourself deliver a perfect shot. That will really help you to prepare mentally for the next opportunity, plus it is a lot of fun. Good luck. (11-30-11)
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Frederick from NY asks:I have been reading some of the questions being asked in regards to the shot you made on the G5 buck, and I have to say that although every good hunter should always strive for a quick, clean and humane shot, sometimes things just happen so quickly that you literally have no time to think and you only have time to react. No one, no matter how much they practice and hunt, is going to have a perfect shot at an animal every time. We are all human. I applaud you for showing the hunt as it actually happened, along with the follow up shot. Keep up the good work, Mr. Winke.Winke Responds:Frederick, I agree with that, and I am sure that we all practice long and hard to make sure that when given the shot we are prepared. However, often the shots we get are nothing like the ones we practice on the range and we have to think fast. It is best to spend some time ahead of the season to go over every possible shot and the best way to handle it. That way you won't have to make those judgments under the gun. I knew what I had to do on that buck, I just wasn't able, for various reasons, to get it done. If you have a plan you can act decisively. If not, second guessing can kill you. Good luck (11-27-11)
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Mike from IA asks:Congrats Bill on the G5 buck! It is hard enough to bow hunt the whitetail deer let alone take two mature shooters in one season. I truly enjoy watching and following the updates on your website. I don't have cable tv so your website is my hunting show therapy. What mental points do you focus on when a mature shooter gives you the opportunity for harvest? I'm still after a good buck with my bow, and I'm hopeful this afternoon proves to be successful. MikeWinke Responds:Mike, I don't really have any thoughts in my head except to get him killed. Often that requires planning when the opportunity is slow in developing, like in the case of Daggers. Other times it just requires reacting to the situation as was the case with the G% Buck. I think it is good to rehearse the shot as many times as you can in your mind so that you are ready mentally to make the shot. I still get buck fever sometimes (I still get doe fever too), but mental preparation in the form of visualized rehearsals are the best way to assure you execute well anyway. Good luck. (11-19-11)
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Mike from MI asks:Hey Bill. I've been a huge fan of your articles for years and now just love the online site and TV show. Michigan grad so the Iowa loss was tough last weekend! 2 weeks ago I finally got the buck I've been after for 2 years to come into range right about noon out of nowhere. He's now a 160 class 10pt and everything seemed to be falling into place. He came in directly facing me though and continued this path rather than follow the main trail. I had one small window but I just wasn't comfortable with a front shot at all. He passed by without detecting me at all so that was my main concern. I've played this out in my head a hundred times wondering if I should have attempted that shot but wanted your take on it. Have you taken any front shots on bucks and were they lethal?Winke Responds:Mike, I have killed a lot of deer that way but it is not for everyone. The main thing is that you need to be geared up for it both mentally and physically. It is not a shot you take on a whim; it is one that you have to prepare for. So I feel that you did the right thing passing the shot. The aimpoint is not the center of brisket where peopple would naturally aim (the brisket can turn the arrow downward). Instead, the aimpoint is the pocket between the brisket and front leg/shoulder on the side nearest you. This is an area about the size of a softball that you can hit and wipe him out quick, but you need to know where it is from every angle and also have a bow and arrow and broadhead geared for penetration. That is why it is not on the list of "good" shots, because not everyone has the experience or the equipment to pull it off. Study the anatomy of every deer that walks past the stand the rest of the year and look for that correct spot that runs the arrow through at least one lung and the liver. That drops them very fast. Shoot small diameter arrows and conservative broadheads (not those big whoppers) and you can kill them easily from this shot. It is not a shot would tell everyone to take, but it can be done with the right mental and physical preparation. You did the right thing passing him up. You need to study a few more deer before that is a good shot for you. Good luck. (11-16-11)
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Joe from WI asks:Hi, I have missed 3 bucks over the past 2 years. Do you have any tips on when you shoot deer? I shoot good when I pratice and when I shoot 3-d but I allways seem to mess it up on deer. I am 15 and I have not shot a deer with a bow yet if that helps at all. Thanks for all the help.Winke Responds:Joe, It comes down to mental preparation. You need to spend some time in a quiet place visualizing your shots hitting the vitals of the deer you are shooting at. You need to do this several times per session and do several sessions during the week. It only takes a few minutes per time. The idea is to get your subconscious used to the idea of seeing you shoot a perfect arrow. If you do that enough you will react much more positively in the stand next time a deer shows up. Be willing to shoot a doe. Get some experience. Don't just wait for a buck to show up. Good luck. You will be instantly hooked when you see that arrow disappear and the deer fall 80 yards away. (11-15-11)
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Ryan from WI asks:Hey Bill, congrats on "Daggers." I've noticed a lot of bucks are dropping when you stop them by grunting and then shoot. Do you think they drop because you stop them, or what is the reasoning? Do you think it is better to let them stop naturally or what should you do?Winke Responds:Ryan, I do think they drop because I stop them. But they are too far away to shoot at them walking. I have had some not drop after stopping them too, making it hard to know exactly how to play that. If you can get them to stop naturally, I think that is much better. I think 20 yards and in, most Midwest bucks can't beat the arrow. Beyond that, you just have to aim low, I guess, if you stop them. Good luck (11-14-11)
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Pat from MN asks:I have been watching your videos from the 2009 season on the great 8 and the other massive 8 point that dropped your shot. My question is, have you ever thought of shooting without grunting them. They were both in open areas, and with the speed of the bow would have had no time to react to the string. I know the preferred method is to stop the deer, but in those situations could it hurt to take a walking shot? Any input would be greatly appreciated. have a great day. Pat KellinWinke Responds:Pat, I always shot them walking before I started this stuff. I had no problems then but I feared I would get fried if I tried that on national TV. They were both at 30 yards, just a touch too far for some critics to accept walking shots. I have taken walking shots to 40 yards with good success, but again I will get fried for that if I do it on film. It comes down to your level of preparation, but even if I am prepared for that shot and competent at it, the message is that the shot is ethical for everyone if I am doing it on the show. I may be able to work around that, but for now it is kind of a no-win. So the best strategy is to stop them but aim much lower than I did on those two. It was my first experience with really bad string jumping in the Midwest with bucks, so it was a painful season of hard lessons. Good point though.
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Tracy from IA asks:Hi Bill, not really a question, but a comment on the viewer who was upset over the quartering-on shot. I don't think there was anything wrong with Mike taking that shot, given his draw weight and the range to the deer. I think quartering-to shots are just fine as long as you shoot a fairly heavy draw weight and the distance is moderate. There is no way a deer's shoulder would stop an arrow from one of today's bows if it was set to 70 pounds with a quality arrow and broadhead. Ultimately I don't think we can second-guess someone else's decision when we weren't there; if we all waited for "perfect" shots there wouldn't be very many big bucks killed. Have a great day, TracyWinke Responds:Tracy, Thanks. I think they can be ethical shots too, but like I mentioned earlier, we just need to tell the viewers more clearly the circumstances in which they are ethical and those circumstances in which they aren't, rather than only showing the shot. I seriously doubt Mike even knew it was quartering when he took the shot. I appreciate the support. Have a great day.
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Kaleb from MI asks:I have shot many deer quartering to and have never not found one. But saying that I will not take that shot past 20 yards. And I think if you have the right pounds set on your bow this shot is perftly ethical. By saying that I dont think people should tell you what shots you guys can take and what you cant because you have a great show, so keep up the great work and oct. 1 needs to get here faster.Winke Responds:Kaleb, I have too, but I shoot heavy (80 pounds). Mike shoots 70+. However, we need to address that when we take one of those shots because for all the viewer knows, Mike and I may be shooting 50 pounds. So the viewer had a good point. We just need to address it. I went back and looked Mike's hunt and the deer took one more step and turned a bit when he grunted at him to stop him. I bet Mike never thought once about it at the moment of truth. Thanks for your support.
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zack from OH asks:hey bill, hows your season going?I wanted to know if there is any possible way to make a good shot on a deer when it is quartering to you? and if there is where would it be. i shot a doe the second day in the season like that and not thinking about it i shot it behind the shoulder and it must of went to far back, clotted up and never found her! i love the shows, you guys are doing a wonderful job, keep it up!Winke Responds:Zack, Thanks for your support. That is a tough angle, probably you just have to wait for a better angle, often patience is rewarded that way. There is a shot that will work for that angle, but it requires experience and the right equipment. I have killed a number of deer by shooting right for the lower part of the shoulder (right at the deer's elbow, if you will). I shoot heavy draw weight (80+ pounds) and use Rocket Steelhead broadheads that never buckle on bone hits. Even if I hit the leg bone I kill the deer, but this is not a good shot for most bowhunters. I would simply wait. Quartering toward shots are generally trouble.
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Ryan from OK asks:Bill, last season I remember you explaining "leading the shot" on a walking deer in depth, and I actually used the info to shoot a nice buck on the mov. Do you remember the exact episode (or could you explain the "technique") to refresh my memory as its not the easiest shot to intentionally replicate. Love the show...looks like an HD camera is in the lineup this year as well...excited to see it in action! Thanks, RyanWinke Responds:Ryan, We are excited to bring a better product this year. We are focused on doing everything we can to improve both the quality of the video and the quality of the story-telling this year. It is a learning experience and every year we all get better at it. I appreciate your support. I am pretty sure that was the episode where Drew Yarkosky shot that buck walking at 40 yards. It is the 2009 Episode titled "Tough Shots". Episode 17 on November 19. Give that one a try and let me know if that is correct. If not, I will write you out a short description of how to do it. Good luck.
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Ron H Jr. from WI asks:Hey Bill. Just wanted to make a comment on your video "Hard Lessons". It was helpful!! First of all in the last 2 years I've been busting my butt trying to film myself. Its not at all easy especially when you get a really nice buck in front of you. When you went over rushing shots and not really taking the time to think about what the deer is going to do once you send your arrow on its way, really costed me this Halloween. I had a really nice 10 pointer with splits + kickers that blew my mind when i rattled him in! I drew back and stopped him with a grunt, put my pin on his lungs, and let the arrow rip. Sadly, exactly like the 2 bucks shown in your video the giant dropped at least 10 inches and I shot right over his back. At the time I was beside myself, but after seeing your video, helped me realize that at that range, they do drop and you should take an extra second or 2 to think about that: is the deer calm, nervous, distracted, ext. Thanks a lot Bill and GOOD LUCK out theWinke Responds:Ron, You are so right. It was definitely a hard lesson for me. I'll never look at those shots the same again and I hope the show's viewers don't either. Thanks for the comments and the support.
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Luke from MN asks:Hey Bill. I really have trouble concentratingvwhen the deer get in shooting range. I need some tips to calm myself down. Any help or similar stories of this situation would be very appreciated. Good luck this season.Winke Responds:Luke, Buck fever is a common problem. You can try all kinds of things, but the only real solution is to improve your self discipline. Be patient and wait until you get a good shot. Make yourself slow down. Focus on each step of the process with all your mental energy so there is nothing left to think about the results. In other words, forget the antlers or the situation. Snap into the "all business" mode. Where will you shoot? Where will you draw? What is the distance? Check to make sure the arrow is resting correctly. Pick a spot. Squeeze the shot. Again, focus on each step and not on the result. If you execute each step well, you will get your prize. If you don't break it down and focus on each part, your nervous system will be overwhelmed.
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BRIAN from PA asks:Bill, I'm having concentration problems at the crucial moment. It cost me 120in 8 pointer this morning at 16 yds and a doe at 15 yds in the early season. I draw in good form but seem to panic and rush my shot once I get the correct pin on center mass instead of picking a spot on the deer and really concentrating. Any advice?Winke Responds:Brian, I used to have that same exact problem and I think most people do to some extent. It is basically Buck Fever. You have to fight through the emotion. It comes down to self-discipline. Don't let your emotions cause you to do something you don't want to do. You must use discipline. If you force yourself to slow down and squeeze the trigger you will do better than if you shoot fast. Make yourself take the extra second or two to squeeze the trigger and after a few times your confidence will come up and you will be able to do it more easily. But at first, you have to use brute force to discipline yourself to shoot slowly.
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Tessie from NC asks:Hey Mr. Winke. I have a question about nerves. I have been hunting since I was a kid and I just got back into it heavy over the past ten years. I have missed numerous deer because of "Buck Fever". When a deer comes near me or in shooting range, I start hyperventilating, shaking, and sometimes..I throw up! What is wrong with me? Is there anything I can do to fix this? I miss deer at 30 yards or less because of this. Anyone that hunts in our hunting club knows me as "Buck Fever" and they also know that it could be a little doe that puts me in that state as well. I have tried everything from breathing techniques to talking myself out of being sick and nothing works!!! Please help if you can!Winke Responds:Tessie, That is part of the fun of bowhunting. It is close range and the excitement can be overwhelming. There are a few things that will help. First, you have to reprogram your nervous system to accept this jolt. The easiest and best way to do that is to spend lots of time visualizing the encounter. You have to see a successful conclusion with the arrow finding its mark. Literally, you should close your eyes and create this vivid daydream. If you can't see the arrow hitting where it is supposed to, start over and do it again. You will have a very hard time doing it for real if you can't visualize it. Whenever I am hunting a particularly large deer or just one I really want to shoot, I will do this so that I am capable of acting sanely when the deer finally shows up. It should also work for you too. The second step is to learn to trigger the shot by surprise, squeeze the trigger as the sight floats near the spot you want to hit. This will force you to slow down and execute a good shot. Again, I do this on almost every shot I take at game. With these two steps firmly entrenched in your nervous system, I think you will be surprised how much easier it will be to make a good shot.
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Jeff from PA asks:Hey Bill-I have read on a couple of bowhunting forums people (experts haha)explaining where they aim for a shot at a whitetail. Your professional opinion counts to me so have at it: Where precisely would you aim at a broadside ground and treestand level whitetail? Love the website and shows, any chance of a dvd compilation?Winke Responds:Thanks Jeff. I appreciate your support. No DVD this year. Realtree is going to use a few of the hunts on the Monster Bucks to help promote MW so we won't be using them ourselves. Maybe next year. You always aim through the deer at the preferred exit hole. So as you are deciding where to aim, consider where you want the arrow to come out and then aim accordingly. That will help you conpensate for shot angles that you might not have practiced before. I shoot about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom at ground level and about 1/2 way up from a tree stand. That produces a good arrow path. I aim about 4 inches behind the front leg for a true broadside and would alter that aim point depending on shot angle, as mentioned. I hope that helps.
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jacob from KY asks:in late season muzzeload we saw this nice 10 pointer would of scored 145 boone and crocket and it was running so fast. so my question is, How do stop a big determined buck from running?Winke Responds:Jacob, Boy, that is a tough one. I usually bleat with my mouth when I want to stop them when they are walking, but when they are running, I truly don't think there is anything you can do to stop them. You can try bleating, and if they are just running for the sake of running it might work. But if they are running from something or chasing a doe hard, I really don't think that will have any affect at all. Good Luck. Bill
