Skip to main content

Shooting Tip With Randy Ulmer

Shooting Tip With Randy Ulmer

Avoid Obstacles

Randy Ulmer

In most hunting situations, you're not going to have a lot of time to decide whether to take a shot. So you need to use every trick possible to make this decision quickly and reliably. This decision is especially tough if a branch is sticking out between you and the deer.

Here's how you determine whether your arrow will clear that branch -- or hit it. Hold your bow at full draw and aim at the animal with the right sight pin. Now look at all of your other sight pins -- they'll tell you exactly where your arrow will be at each corresponding distance.

Recommended


For example, if you're shooting at a deer 40 yards away and a branch 20 yards away covers the deer's vitals, your 20-yard pin will tell you exactly where your arrow will be when it passes that branch. If your 20-yard pin is in line with the branch at 20 yards, your arrow will hit the branch. Don't shoot. If your 20-yard pin rests above or below the branch, your arrow will have a clear path to the deer. Go ahead and release. On any shot, simply match up your pins with the openings in the trees to find a clear path for your arrow.

If you do this on every shot you take in the woods, all of those mysterious deflections you used to get will disappear.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Browning Pro Scout Max with AI Technology

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

QAD Archery: Integrate Mounting System Updates

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Bowtech's 2025 Bow Lineup

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Ripcord Arrow Rest Options for 2025

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

New Easton FMJ Max & 5.0 Arrows

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

The Technology Behind BLOCK & GlenDel Targets

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Prime Form Hunting Bow

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Saddle Hunting Era Set to Begin at Hunter Safety System

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Kenetrek Elevated Extreme Saddle Hunting Boots

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Rage Hypo 2 Broadhead

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

New Traditional Bow Additions from Bear Archery

OSG's Lynn Burkhead checks out the latest and greatest from Trophy Ridge at the 2025 ATA Show in Indianapolis. Design En...
Gear

Trophy Ridge New-for-2025 Accessories

Bowhunter Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Bowhunter App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Bowhunter stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Bowhunter subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Bowhunter stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use