Getting the bow over to the weak side is only half the battle. The important question is can you shoot as well when you have your torso twisted like that. And the angle of the shot will come into play, too. A steep downward angle (close deer, or down slope) is harder to shoot off side than a lesser downward angle (up slope at eye level).
I personally suck at off side shots and I now have that little seed of doubt when trying that shot. Doubt is a horrible thing with trad shooting. Gotta have confidence or you're in for some long blood trails.
If a guy can consistently shoot over the bridge, then go for it. I am more effective if I turn on the platform.
I spoke with Boswell a few years ago about this topic. He also had accuracy problems when shooting over the bridge until he realized the problem...he would short-draw (I have the same issue). He decided to put a clicker on his bow and it solved his problem. I suppose I should re-visit a clicker.
Another thing that can occasionally come into play when trying to get around the back side of the tree (in order to shoot the off side without going over the bridge) is bow clearance on the tree. I really like trees that have branches for cover and sometimes the back side has branches or a "Y" that just won't allow clearance for the bow. When I turn on the platform for a weak side shot, I already have the space needed to maneuver myself and my bow or else the stand wouldn't be hung there in the 1st place.
A truly polished shooter is a guy that can actually shoot in any position/360 degrees. This will allow shots at any deer and any angle. I'm just not good at over the bridge shots so I play to my strength...turn on the stand.
I personally suck at off side shots and I now have that little seed of doubt when trying that shot. Doubt is a horrible thing with trad shooting. Gotta have confidence or you're in for some long blood trails.
If a guy can consistently shoot over the bridge, then go for it. I am more effective if I turn on the platform.
I spoke with Boswell a few years ago about this topic. He also had accuracy problems when shooting over the bridge until he realized the problem...he would short-draw (I have the same issue). He decided to put a clicker on his bow and it solved his problem. I suppose I should re-visit a clicker.
Another thing that can occasionally come into play when trying to get around the back side of the tree (in order to shoot the off side without going over the bridge) is bow clearance on the tree. I really like trees that have branches for cover and sometimes the back side has branches or a "Y" that just won't allow clearance for the bow. When I turn on the platform for a weak side shot, I already have the space needed to maneuver myself and my bow or else the stand wouldn't be hung there in the 1st place.
A truly polished shooter is a guy that can actually shoot in any position/360 degrees. This will allow shots at any deer and any angle. I'm just not good at over the bridge shots so I play to my strength...turn on the stand.