Jake from Indiana asks,
Bill, What’s your take on shooting 3D targets versus just a shooting block? I was having trouble a few years back with shot placement. Just like golfers get a case of the shanks it kinda came on and I lost a few good deer which was very odd for me. I was shooting great at the target really didn’t seem to be having shot panic but just was get the arrow where it needed to be. I went ahead and ordered a 3D buck target and it was actually amazing how I was replicating the same shooting as a live animal. I was consistently shooting low or forward in the shoulder. I firmly believe shooting at the 3D target helped me with my shot placement issues. Instead of trying to constantly tuck the arrow in for a heart shot I shoot the lungs. Happy to say it’s been several years without losing a animal. Just thought I’d get your opinion and hopefully help anyone struggling with the same issue. Happy hunting this fall. Thanks, Jake
Bill responds,
Topic: Practicing with a 3-D Target:
Jake,
You bring up some good points. Thanks. For the reasons you state, I think it is much better to shoot at a 3-D target in practice before the hunting season than to shoot at a block or bag target.
However, most 3-D targets are lot more expensive and don’t take the arrow abuse that a bag can take so it is harder to justify using them a lot.
It would be best if a person could use a bag for most of the offseason and then switch to a 3-D target during the last two to three weeks before season. Good luck. (8/31/22)