Have you begun shooting more frequently or at different angles to prepare for bow season this year? (Photo: Alan Clemons)

Bowhunting for white-tailed deer has witnessed an explosion of interest in the last 20 years. As deer populations have soared and bowhunting gear and tactics have gone mainstream, more deer hunters are picking up the stick and string to chase their favorite quarry.

Shoot a bow long enough and you will desire to improve your consistent range to longer ranges. We all know there is a point where it is unethical to take long shots at live deer, but at the same time, most of us want to maximize our time afield. Whether you want to build your confidence out to 30 yards, 40 yards or even a tad farther, the key is practice, practice, practice. And practice.

Team USA archer Brady Ellison of Arizona enjoys hunting when he’s not winning medals in competition.

While honing those skills, you will invariably need to learn which shooting style and what types of gear will be necessary to acquire so you can take your game to the next level. If that’s where you’re at, I would strongly suggest spending the $10 it will cost to get yourself a copy of Deer & Deer Hunting’s Guide to Better Bowhunting. This is one of the most useful publications we have produced in the 20 years that I’ve worked here.

It spans 128 pages and is filled with useful advice on everything from broadhead weights and designs to the nuances involved in correctly measuring your draw length.

“This is 128 pages of expert, no nonsense instruction that will benefit any bowhunter no matter what his or her experience level is,” said Gordy Krahn, editor of Deer & Deer Hunting. “Learn how to paper tune arrows, set up a bow and get the most from practice sessions.