Bowhunting Prep: How to Shoot a Deer That’s Right Under You

Shooting a buck that’s right under your stand can be more challenging than you think. As you can see in this video, if you want to make a shot at close range (3 to 5 yards) you will want to use your 30-yard or 40-yard pin. If you try to use a 15-yard or 20-yard pin, you’ll likely hit low because the arrow is still traveling up to meet your line of sight.

This might mean a difference of 3 inches or so, which would likely still be a shot through the vitals. But, some hunters make the mistake of using their top pin and then holding low. This will result in a missed or wounded deer. So, practice a few super close-range shots this summer and find out which pin you need to use.

—Larry Wise has competed and coached archery at the professional level for decades. He’s a retired high-school math teacher and a bowhunting fanatic.