Alpine Archery shoot yesterday

[Bonejour]

Finally got out to Lemon Grove Rod &Gun Club yesterday for the monthly Alpine 3D shoot, which is something I've been wanting to do. Great course set up. Good times. I went around with some real nice folks from SD Archery. Jeff and Dave from Bow n Arrow Shop there too.
It was great to see Lungpopper there, and finally meet (in person) Invisible Man, Ajsnack and Sherpa. They gave me some great advice on the bow Muley hunt I'm hoping to arrange with Oneazbowhunter in Arizona in December. I went straight from there to the B n A Shop and added an 80 yard pin to my sight

 

[ilovesprig]

Very cool, Don.........80 yd pin?........Hell, I can't even see that far.........

 

[Bonejour]

Very cool, Don.........80 yd pin?........Hell, I can't even see that far.........

lol great point Steve. Well I can't hunt ground squirrels at that distance like Randomshot and Lungpopper can, but I shoot 5 inch groups at 75 yards so an 80 yard pin isn't a stretch for hitting the lungs of an adult buck. I've been working toward it for a year already, but up to now there was no particular reason for the extra pin. The guys tell me Jeff hunts pretty open country and 80yds may be as close as we get.
Anyway as you know the hard thing isn't so much seeing/hitting the target at a range, as to make a good shot after a difficult stalk, maybe from an awkward position. That concerns me more than my eyesight. The other thing I did yesterday after the shoot, which is already part of my off season workout, was to hike the hills near my house with a 45lb pack. I didn't mention it but it's worth discussing how much preparation, besides target practice and finding game, goes into a good hunt.

 

[MJB]

Knee pads is a must Sitka has a great pair of pants with reinforced knees and seats and removable knee pads. Gloves that can stop thorns is another must.

The weighted pack is good but just running is just as good and quicker just keep increasing your distance. Or go to Laguna and run up there that's a huge gain in your cardio.

Another thing try hitting the archery range at balboa in the morning with your pack & bow. Walk fast or jog between targets the key is spreed and accuracy. If your doing it right you'll be wet and charged from adrenaline at the end. Good time for an IPA at the car! This really helps with talking good shots while your heart is pumping and after you do it enough it becomes automatic on every shot that's when you know your ready.

Good luck Don, don't sweat the 80yrd shots it may or may not happen. But I would use the hypodermic if I did have to shoot at 80

 

[Bonejour]

Thanks Mark. Great advice as always.