Shoot From Your Knees

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.

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