The Art of Bowhunting: 3 Cardinal Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Avoid Them
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer John Becker
Point, miss, point, and….miss again. It’s the story of nearly every bowhunting beginner on the planet. The bad news? The heartbreaks won’t end anytime soon. The good news? They’ll hurt a little less once you figure out how to sidestep the top three most common rookie mistakes. Here they are.
Mistake #1: Using a Borrowed Bow
Look, that dusty Uncle Joe’s bow that’s been in the store for years simply won’t cut it. The fact that you took it without checking if the draw length or weight fits you is a recipe for disaster. It’s akin to pulling up to a marathon with shoes two sizes too big. One thing’s for sure: it won’t end well.
Instead: Head over to a bow shop and get properly measured. A well-fitting bow not only boosts your confidence, but makes the whole experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
Mistake #2: Practicing Only in Perfect Conditions
Your backyard is probably as serene as the iconic Blue Lagoon, but when it comes to sports bowhunting, that won’t help your course. In the outside world, foggy mornings are more common and your hands will become shaky and cold more times that you’d like. In short, it’s pure chaos.
Instead: Live the hunting experience fully. By that we mean: Wear your gear as if you’re going for the real thing. Shoot from elevation, in the wind, wherever—just not in the comfort of your backyard. Embrace the unpredictability. That’s what makes bowhunting such an adrenaline-pumping, fulfilling sport.
Mistake #3: Thinking It’s All Physical
Thought archery is 90% drawing strings and looking cool and 10% mental? You thought wrong. It’s the other way around. Like any other sport, bowhunting calls for a great deal of mental fortitude. Think about how Ronaldo (the soccer phenomenon, rings a bell) consistently beats and outperforms 99% of the teams he faces simply by believing he can. Or how Novak Djokovic comes back from the dead to win tennis five-setters by never letting the crowd and his opponent get to him. Games are often won in the mind first. Unfortunately, most beginners let the psychological weight of the moment overwhelm them.
Instead: Practice as if your life depends on it. Anchor your mind as you arrow, and steer clear of possible distractions. Practice breathe control, visualize your shot sequence, and land as many perfect shots as you can. Put differently, get comfortable being uncomfortable. Because when the big moment arrives, and all eyes are on you, your body will only go where your mind has already been.
Final Words: Become a Pro, One Corrected Mistake at a Time
Bowhunting is a phenomenal sport—scratch that, it’s an art form. And like all great art, it demands respect, consistent practice, and an occasional piece of humble pie. Sure, the misses will still come. However, with these rookie mistakes firmly behind you, you might just start to enjoy the chaos. Perhaps even thrive in it. Here’s to fewer misses and more laughs!
Written by:
John is a gifted writer and marketer.
A Connecticut native, John studied at UPenn, Middlebury, and UMass, and has worked in both corporate and nonprofit settings. Every day, he helps businesses improve how they sell, market, and communicate. He writes about finance, sales, investments & stocks, technology, psychology, marketing, SEO, leadership among other finance and tech-related topics.
John is passionate about sustainability, education, design, and teamwork. He enjoys building furniture, baking, swimming, and traveling with his family.
