Petersen's Bowhunting

Petersen's Bowhunting is the source for the tactics, tools, and techniques necessary for successful bowhunting. Get practical shooting tips and useful information on archery, equipment tests, clothing, and product evaluations.

SO CLOSE YOU CAN SMELL IT • A HUMAN’S sense of smell is nothing compared to that of a whitetail deer.

PETERSEN’S BOWHUNTING

ACORN ATTRACTION PART 2: ENHANCING ACORN PRODUCTION FOR BETTER BOWHUNTING • IN MY LAST COLUMN, I covered the basics about acorn production, the high nutritional content acorns offer deer and the distinguishing physical characteristics between red and white oaks. I also discussed that while acorn production is cyclical and never a guarantee, learning how to capitalize on boom years can take your bowhunting to the next level.

MY TOP PRE-SEASON SHOOTING TIPS • AFTER 45 YEARS of bowhunting, I have compressed my preseason prep to a short list of key checkpoints. If I focus on each one and get them right, I know I will be ready when the shot comes in the field. Here are the nine key shooting tips proven to get me ready for action:

WIN THE STRING GAME • WHEN USING A RELEASE AID an archer’s body should only contact the bow in two places — the hand on the handle and the tip of the nose on the string.

PREPARE FOR DEER-SEASON SUCCESS • BIG BUCKS CAN BE unpredictable during the rut, showing up when you least expect them. In many ways, it’s like gambling, putting in your time and hoping that lady luck drops an unknown and huge buck right in your lap. The potential for opportunity, coupled with taking advantage of a deer’s most vulnerable period of the year, make it worth throwing the dice and being in the field at the most critical time of the season.

FINE-TUNE YOUR ANCHOR POINT • NOT LONG AGO, we found a secret to help us hold steadier on target. For many years, we didn’t give a lot of thought to our release hand/arm position. We would just shoot the bow how it was set up.

MATHEWS IMAGE • MATHEWS CATERS TO a wide range of archers by offering bows with different specs and configurations; however, the company never forsakes its mission or values to get there.

2023 Whitetail FORECAST • Our Experts Predict 6 Top Days to Be in the Deer Stand!

ONE DAY WONDER • HOW TO SCOUT A NEW PROPERTY—AND START HUNTING EFFECTIVELY—IN JUST ONE DAY

TWILIGHT TIME • GRINDING IT OUT PAYS OFF AS SEASON’S END LOOMS LARGE

OCTOBER AGGRESSION • DON’T BE ‘LULLED’ INTO COMPLACENCY THIS MONTH

Up A CREEK! • PADDLING AWAY FROM THE PRESSURE LEADS TO PUBLIC-LAND BOWHUNTING SUCCESS

SEAT EQUITY • There’s Much to Be Learned by Simply Spending Time in the Woods

BARNETT HYPER RAPTOR • BARNETT'S first North American manufacturing facility was started in 1976, followed by its first U.S. plant in 1980.

SADDLE-HUNTING SPECIAL • A NEW minimalist pack that's perfect for the saddle hunter.

PEACE OF MIND FOR TRAVELING BOWHUNTERS • WHETHER YOU’RE DRIVING to hunting camp or flying to a far-off destination for your dream hunting excursion, having a high-quality bow case to protect your precious cargo is more than just a “good idea” — it’s essential if you want to ensure your bow and related accessories reach their final destination in good working order.

NEW GEAR

ETCHED • OVER THE COURSE of a bowhunting lifetime, you will experience some moments that remain forever etched in your mind.