By Joe Thomas
Co-Host, American Archer®
I tend to get a lot of questions from viewers about hunting dangerous game with a bow. I think nearly every bow hunter has, at one time or another, dreamed of stalking into bow range of a giant Brown Bear or Cape Buffalo, but there are definitely some obstacles one has to overcome to turn that dream into reality. My goal here is not to address outfitter selection, hunt costs or gear. All of those are vitally important in making it happen, but what I want to address in this post is the mental and emotional aspects of closing the deal at close range on an animal that could possibly end your life if things were to go south.
Hunting dangerous game can even be risky with a rifle, but most of the time the shot distances are substantial which reduces not only the risk, but your emotion in the moment.
Here are couple of things that have helped me prepare to control my emotions and fear when I get down to the moment of truth…
1) Set a minimum and maximum distance that you are willing and able to shoot. You have to take into consideration, not only the anatomy of that animal, but also their wariness, speed, typical temperament, etc. Based on this information and discussions with your outfitter, decide on a minimum and max shot distance and DO NOT VARY FROM IT! This will help not only in your practice sessions, but also in your visualization of possible shot scenarios. For example, when I hunted Cape Buffalo in Africa I set my shot zone from 20-35 yards. With the tough anatomy of a Cape and the heavy bow / arrow / broad head set up was only going to give me adequate penetration out out to 35 yards. We also felt like anything less than 20 wouldn’t allow my PH adequate time to stop him with the .500 Nitro if the buffalo charged us.
2) Decide on acceptable shot angles based on the specific animal species and do not deviate from it for any reason. Study the animals anatomy in detail and only take the shot when the odds are in you favor.
3) Remember that you are hunting them! There will undoubtedly be that moment when when you are making that final leg of your stalk when you will get that sick feeling in your gut. Your feet might feel like they are stuck in concrete. Those are normal feelings that we all experience in that moment. But… the bow hunter who is able to channel their emotions and focus only on the details of the task at hand will succeed. Keep reminding yourself that you have the advantage of the wind, concealment and surprise. Remind yourself that, YOU ARE HUNTING HIM!
For me, in that moment… fear turns to focus. The birds quit chirping. It’s like I’m in a tunnel and the that giant Brown Bear is at the end. Ya just gotta finish!
Finally… Always have a guide you can trust over your shoulder with an adequate back up gun and trust his judgement on when to use it. After all, in that moment you’re both in it together!
-Joe
