October 31, 2011
By Melissa Bachman
It's a sport that takes practice, patience and persistence to be successful. I think I enjoy the challenge more than anything. It takes a lot of practice to shoot a bow well, get within archery range of a mature animal and ultimately hold your composure when you're at full draw on any animal. It's one thing to have an animal in your scope, but it's another to be so close you can hear them grunt, bugle or even let out a snort wheeze. The fact that not everyone can do it and you can't decide the night before to become a bowhunter. There is a lot that goes into it between the scouting, preparation and the actual hunting time.
Of course it may take longer to be successful with a bow, but the good news is you usually get a much longer season. This also allows you to hunt during the early part of the year when the trees are beautiful, the weather is still somewhat warm, and in some states even when the bucks are in velvet. The other great thing about bowhunting is it can truly be a family event. Even if your children are not old enough to actually hunt, the entire family can go out and shoot their bows together. Growing up, my brother and I had little bows to practice when mom and dad shot. Not only was it a lot of fun, but it gave us one more activity to do together as a family.
Lastly, bowhunting can be one of the most relaxing, yet exhilarating, sports in the world. All distractions are gone while you are in the woods and it's a time to truly connect with nature. You have time to think, watch the animals, and the best part is nothing knows you're there, so they just go on with their usual business.
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So if you're one of those women out there who have never been bowhunting, go ahead and give it a try. More than likely, you'll be a bowhunting nut like me in no time. It's never too late to try something new, so get started today.
