It's been a few decades since I took my bow test --  My son is signed up for sept 7 at Clinton --

 

 Can someone refresh my memory about the shooting portion of the test -- What must he be able to do?  

 

He will be shooting a crossbow.

 

Jer

Hit 3 of 5 arrows within a pie plate size area on a target (sometimes paper, sometimes a 3D Deer target) from I believe 15 yards.

 

I would practice 10, 15 and 20 yards at pie plates affixed to your target bag as a realistic training for the test.  also, go over for the vitals area on the deer in case he is asked to shoot at a 3D target.

 

Big thing, make sure he trains with the gear he is going to use that day, including cocking system for crossbow, clothing, etc.

 

the day I took it years ago, it was much colder than when I  trained and I almost failed before realizing my jacket was interfering with my release and causing issues.

When I took the test there were a whole mess of kids, which only sucked because it took them forever to complete their tests.  Several failed because they weren't strong enough to cock the bow themselves all the times required.  

Lol read the thread title wrong thought it said boat license test. I was trying to figure out what boat test allows you to shoot

When I took the test there were a whole mess of kids, which only sucked because it took them forever to complete their tests.  Several failed because they weren't strong enough to cock the bow themselves all the times required.  

 

That was the big hold up on the archery test for him  --  not strong enough --  not the problem now but just a little too short to use a rope cocker--

 

Solved that problem with a ten point accudraw crank system -- It's super easy to cock a 185 pound crossbow and surprisingly quick

 

 

I would practice 10, 15 and 20 yards at pie plates affixed to your target bag as a realistic training for the test. 

 

 

 

We just checked tonight -- There is like a 1/2 inch difference between 10,15, and 20 yard zeros -- If you can hit a 20 - 10 and 15 are simple

 

Those bolts are screaming at 340+ feet per second and almost blow thru my target at 10 yards

Just a comment from a grumpy old man.

 

If you can't cock the crossbow you shouldn't be shooting it, unless of course there is a handicap involved.

 

I shoot a compound so crossbows are cheating.

Just a comment from a grumpy old man.

 

If you can't cock the crossbow you shouldn't be shooting it, unless of course there is a handicap involved.

 

I shoot a compound so crossbows are cheating.

 

With the cocking aid available from ten point anyone can cock a crossbow -- Even a skinny 14 year old boy --

 

he would have to shoot a 35 pound draw compound -- this opens up a whole new hunting experience for him with a whole lot more land and days for me to take him

 

I haven't been this excited about bow season for almost 2 decades -- if thats cheating then I'm guilty

With the cocking aid available from ten point anyone can cock a crossbow -- Even a skinny 14 year old boy --

 

he would have to shoot a 35 pound draw compound -- this opens up a whole new hunting experience for him with a whole lot more land and days for me to take him

 

I haven't been this excited about bow season for almost 2 decades -- if thats cheating then I'm guilty

 

I say that tongue in cheek.   To the traditional guys compounds are cheating...

 

Enjoy the season with your boy.  It will be something neither of you will ever forget.

if taking test with crossbow he must be able to cock it himself.

 

I do chuckle at the "cheating" comments. not here but other bow sites.   crossbows have been around as long as bows. lol   

If it gets a ten yr old in the woods and out from behind the xbox wii play station... I'm all for it

if taking test with crossbow he must be able to cock it himself.

 

 

That was the issue last year --  Then we found the ten point accudraw --  Easy as opening a manual car window  (some of you have probably never done that)

That was the issue last year --  Then we founndd the ten point accudraw --  Easy as opening a manual car window  (some of you have probably never done that)

 

Make sure you post pics of any successful harvest.

And if you get pinched for a place for him to hunt I have a 15yd doe harvest stand he can use while we have coffee.

50-75% garranteed he gets a shot.

Make sure you post pics of any successful harvest.

And if you get pinched for a place for him to hunt I have a 15yd doe harvest stand he can use while we have coffee.

50-75% garranteed he gets a shot.

 

Thanks Old school -- may take you up on that doe spot --  I have an invite to a place in Franklin/princeton that is pretty much the same thing...

 

He did get a doe with the shotgun 2 seasons ago -- last year we got skunked -- didn't even see a deer 

 

Bow season opens up so many more places

Thanks Old school -- may take you up on that doe spot --  I have an invite to a place in Franklin/princeton that is pretty much the same thing...

 

He did get a doe with the shotgun 2 seasons ago -- last year we got skunked -- didn't even see a deer 

 

Bow season opens up so many more places

 

We open the second week in Sept.  PM me if interested.

Does are dangerous. if you need a hand with them I could help. lol Nick

Does anyone know what written test Jake will have to take?  He already has a shotgun license --  

 

Will he just need to take the bow portion of the written or take the general written again along with bow?

 

He's just wondering what to study -- I said study it all but what do I know...

I shot my compound for years and harvested many deer. What I like about the xbow is efficiency. Less injured deer and more meat in the freezer in my experience. Not that you cant also take a bad shot with a xbow as well. Just less likely to have a deer duck your arrow, or move funny making a great shot into a poor shot. I also like being able to shoot from a seated position in the stand instead of standing up. If I'm out management hunting or trying to fill the freezer I grab the xbow. Chasing after a slammer buck then I still grab the Matthews in the morning.