By Zach Lazzari
Our guided bow hunts for antelope and mule deer are highly successful, thanks in large part to strategically placed ground blinds. Archery hunters have near perfect success rates and 100-percent opportunity from blind locations that are busy with game. Show up ready to shoot with confidence.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a Wyoming bow hunt from a ground blind:
Prepare to be Patient
Be prepared to hunt with patience and to wait for the right opportunity. Pronghorn may come to water anytime throughout the day. But mature bucks can be cagey and they may not come directly to the water. So it’s an advantage for hunters to remain patient. Always be ready for the action to begin.
Our guides know the animal behavior in this area. Whether you’re hunting antelope or mule deer, they will know the best times to get in and out of the ground blind. Whatever your guide suggests, trust their knowledge and be ready for action.
Mind Your Space
The blind hides your physical form but sound can still escape. Pay close attention to your gear and surroundings to minimize the impact of sound. Leaving clutter can blow a shot when you knock over a cup or trip on a pack.
When you first step into the ground blind, put all of your gear in a safe, central location and keep the shooting lanes wide open. Make sure you have plenty of space to adjust your angles and draw your bow without obstructions. Do a quick test run in each shooting lane to ensure you are comfortable with the space. Also, make sure your clothing is quiet, allowing you to draw smoothly when the time comes.
Keep Your Focus Outward
Hunting from a blind can be a true test of patience. If you’re not vigilant, it’s easy to lose focus. A few minutes of not paying attention is enough for an antelope to slip in for water and pass on through without a shot opportunity.
Work hard to keep your attention in the field. When the blind is busy with game, maintaining focus is easy. But stay mentally prepared for gaps in the action. Stretch or do a few squats during a slow spell. A little movement will help your brain refocus, keeping you in the game longer.
Shoot vs. Pass
One of the most difficult aspects of blind hunting at Table Mountain is deciding when to take the shot. You might have a great buck in range within the first hour and deciding whether or not to hold out for something bigger is a tough call. If you have a bottom line personal goal, do your best to field judge the animal and make a decision based on that judgment. Otherwise, it’s hard to let a good buck pass on any archery hunt. If you have a buck you like within range, don’t dwell too long and get ready to make your shot count.
Learn More About Our Guided Archery Hunts
If you’d like to learn more about guided bow hunts with Table Mountain Outfitters, please take a few minutes to view our Antelope Hunting page or Mule Deer Hunting page. For specific availability or other details, you can send us a message or call us at 307-632-6352.
