Over the years, I’ve taken about half my big game animals while shooting from my knees. That’s partly because I do a lot of spot-and-stalk hunting, and after crawling into position the last thing I want to do is to stand. So I shoot from my knees. I also shoot from my knees when hunting from a ground blind.
This position has a lot of advantages – it decreases the size of your profile; it keeps you low to the ground and out of the wind; and, if done right, it helps you to hold steadier.
Some folks have a hard time shooting accurately from their knees. I think the following ideas will help any bowhunter.
- Rather than rising all the way up by straightening your knees, shoot while sitting on your heels. That’s the steadiest position.
- Position yourself at just the right angle to the target. You’ll find it difficult to hold steady if you twist either left or right while at full draw.
- Carefully place your hand into the grip exactly as you would while standing. This may be a little difficult, because your bow is in a different position.
- Maintain good T-form – meaning your arms are held perpendicular to your torso.
- Make sure your bottom limb won’t hit the ground.
- Don’t slouch. Keep your torso upright, and use back tension.
- Maintain good follow-through.
- Most importantly, practice shooting from your knees at home. With a little practice, you’ll find yourself shooting as well or better from your knees as you do from a standing position.
© 2011 InterMedia Outdoors