The 10 Most Common Bowhunting Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

The 10 Most Common Bowhunting Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Bowhunting is an art and a skill, but it’s also unforgiving. One mistake in the field can mean the difference between success and heartbreak. Whether you’re new to bowhunting or a seasoned archer, we all make mistakes. The good news? Every misstep is an opportunity to improve.

Let’s break down the 10 most common bowhunting mistakes, how to avoid them, and how incorporating steel archery targets into your practice routine can eliminate bad habits, build confidence, and help you perform when it matters most.

1. Skipping Practice Before the Season

Here’s the hard truth: you can’t just pick up your bow a week before the season starts and expect to hit the bullseye—or worse, the vital zone on an animal. Bowhunting requires muscle memory, accuracy, and mental focus, all of which fade without regular practice.

How to Avoid It: Create a consistent training routine with steel archery targets. The instant feedback from steel targets forces you to fine-tune your accuracy and keeps you accountable for every shot.

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2. Poor Shot Placement

Taking a shot without understanding the animal’s anatomy is one of the most common and costly mistakes hunters make. A poorly placed shot can lead to a wounded animal and a long, difficult track—or worse, losing the animal entirely.

How to Avoid It: Practice with animal-shaped steel targets that simulate real-world shot placement zones, like the heart and lungs. Learn the anatomy of your prey and aim small, miss small.

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3. Underestimating Wind and Weather Conditions

Wind doesn’t just move your arrow—it changes everything. If you’re not accounting for wind speed and direction, your accuracy will suffer, especially at longer distances.

How to Avoid It: Incorporate wind simulation drills into your training. Practice shooting at various distances using steel targets in outdoor conditions to account for environmental factors.

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4. Not Practicing at Hunting Distances

Shooting at 10 yards in your backyard is great for confidence, but it doesn’t prepare you for the realities of bowhunting. Most hunting scenarios require shots at 20, 30, or even 40 yards.

How to Avoid It: Set up steel targets at various distances during your practice sessions. Start close and gradually move further back to build confidence and accuracy over a range of scenarios.

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5. Ignoring Mental Preparation

Adrenaline is no joke. When you’re face-to-face with a buck of a lifetime, your heart is pounding, and your hands are shaking, your mental toughness will make or break the shot.

How to Avoid It: Practice under pressure with steel targets. Simulate high-stakes situations by timing your shots or adding challenges like smaller scoring zones. The goal is to train your brain to stay calm and focused, even when the adrenaline is flowing.

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6. Rushing the Shot

Patience is critical in bowhunting. Rushing a shot often leads to misses or bad hits. Many hunters take the shot too quickly out of fear the animal will move.

How to Avoid It: Practice patience in your training by holding your draw for longer periods before releasing. Steel targets are great for this because they provide clear feedback when you finally release the arrow.

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7. Using the Wrong Equipment

If your bow isn’t properly tuned, or your arrows aren’t matched to your draw weight and length, your accuracy will suffer. Many hunters also fail to check their gear regularly for wear and tear.

How to Avoid It: Work with a professional to tune your bow and choose the right arrows. Use steel targets to test your setup and ensure everything is performing as it should.

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8. Poor Range Estimation

Inaccurate range estimation can lead to missed shots or worse—wounded animals. Guessing the distance is a gamble you don’t want to take.

How to Avoid It: Practice estimating distances with steel targets placed at random yardages. Incorporate a rangefinder during your training to improve your ability to judge distances in the field.

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9. Neglecting Pre-Hunt Scouting

Even the best shot in the world won’t help if you’re hunting in the wrong spot. Scouting is critical to understanding animal behavior, movement patterns, and where you should set up.

How to Avoid It: Spend time scouting trails, bedding areas, and feeding zones. Combine this knowledge with your training to simulate realistic shot angles using steel targets.

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10. Overlooking Follow-Through

Even after the arrow leaves the bow, your job isn’t done. Poor follow-through can affect the flight path and accuracy of your shot.

How to Avoid It: Focus on holding your form and aiming until the arrow hits the steel target. Consistent follow-through improves accuracy and builds muscle memory.

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Why Steel Targets Are Essential for Bowhunters

Steel targets aren’t just durable—they’re transformative. They provide instant feedback, simulate real-world hunting conditions, and hold you accountable for every shot. By practicing with steel targets, you’ll eliminate bad habits, build confidence, and prepare for the challenges of the hunt.

Start Training Smarter Today

At Broken Arrow Outdoors, we specialize in high-quality steel archery targets designed for bowhunters who want to perform at their best. Check out our full selection here and start turning your practice into perfection.

Because when it comes to bowhunting, preparation isn’t optional—it’s the difference between success and regret.