mamawithastickandstring-blog

[mamawithastickandstring-blog]

Video from the Pop-Up Archery Tourney I competed in a few weeks ago. I placed 2nd of 6. This was so fun! Although, half of me was frustrated because I know I can shoot much better. It surprised me how it shook up the most experienced bow shooters though. If you ever have the chance to shoot at one of these, do it! (I shot the buck going down and got a 10 on that one! Just keeping things exciting!)  

[mamawithastickandstring-blog]

This past Saturday Aaron and I participated in a 3D archery shoot in our area. It's put on once a month this time of year by Razorback Archery, our local bow shop. We love to do these shoots! It keeps us shooting throughout the year, which is so helpful for me come deer season. I know a lot of people take a break and start shooting again a month or two before the season, which is exactly what I used to do. It works fine in theory, but I know for me it was always difficult to get back in the groove. I think it's as much mental as anything. When you're weaker it takes a toll on form and consistency, thus, causing a lack of confidence shooting. Confidence is so crucial in the field, as the saying goes, "Practice makes perfect". So what I would do is put off shooting too long, and wouldn't be ready or confident going into deer season. I've heard many people say it, start shooting in the spring or early summer, even if it's a few shots a day, to be in top form physically and mentally. Or, like me, never quit!  Consider checking around for archery shoots in your area. While most couples are going to a fancy restaurant for dates, Aaron and I go shoot our bows or go hiking/scouting. Our shoot offers 25 targets plus one bonus target. They have all kinds of different 3D targets. From deer, caribou, elk and bighorn sheep to turkey, bear, leopards, and wild boars. The women's division is anywhere from 15 to 30 yards distance and different terrains. I also had the opportunity to do a 3D pop-up shoot a few weeks ago. That was crazy! I was so nervous but had a blast. Talk about great practice! I will post that video soon. I would encourage you to have fun shooting your bow, it really breaks up the monotony of practicing at home.                                         Blessings, Hannah

[mamawithastickandstring-blog]

I'll be straight with you--i'm not an expert bow hunter and I certainly don't have motherhood down pat. My aim here is to be encouraging, informative, and hey, maybe even inspiring to my fellow hard workin' Mamas/Bow huntresses out there. I was raised around hunting and all things outdoors so it runs deep in me. Growing up, hunting was something my Dad and brothers did primarily, though Dad gave my sisters and me opportunities to hunt once in a while too. Fast forward a few years, and God blessed me with my wonderful husband, Aaron, who that shares my love for the outdoors and hunting. Though I bought my first bow when I was 17, I really didn't get into bow hunting until we got married. I was able to harvest my first deer with my bow in the fall of 2013, just a few months after we got married. What a rush! I've been hooked ever since. Now I have 3 kids, my daughter Beth, 3, and my boys, Jacob, 2, and Enoch, 4 months. Juggling hunting and being a wife and mom is not always easy, but getting out in the woods is a great way for me to slow down and clear my head. That's the inspiration behind this blog. I've looked around online for bow hunting instructional videos by women and there's not a lot out there. Most of what you find is some chick wearing a bikini making a fool of herself. Bless her heart! I hope to share some practical tips and tricks for mamas by a mama, all while sharing my hunting adventures.                                       Blessings, Hannah