The problem with the whole debate on weak side shooting is that it all depends on the tree your in. Oftentimes I can’t move around the tree because It’s physically impossible due to limbs being in the way, or maybe the tree forks and the other trunk is in the way. So I turn around on my platform. On the other hand if I’m in a nice telephone pole type tree I will move around the tree for a shot if the scenario is right. I use a ros and a platform together to cover all possibilities.
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Weak side shots
- Thread starter NYBowhunter631
- Start date
It depends upon the size of your platform compared to the size of you and your dexterity. Try several methods when practicing to include the ones mentioned, which I think are:
1. going further around the strong side so you walk around the tree to get 1 o clock
2. sticking your knee in the tree and rotating counterclockwise (if you're a rightie) as hard as you can (just an extenuation of how you'd shoot 6 o'clock)
3. standing and turning on the platform both with your tether across your chest and not.
The difficult zone for me is 2 to 4 o'clock (inclusive). 1 o'clock I do #1 above. Up to 4 o'clock I do #2 above.
Treestands have a dead zone also, behind the tree. I think the dead zone being in a different spot and where we can see it more easily messes with us. The best thing is to setup so that the chance that you'll have to shoot into the dead zone is pretty low.
All this is why I'm waiting for lightweight, large platform options.
1. going further around the strong side so you walk around the tree to get 1 o clock
2. sticking your knee in the tree and rotating counterclockwise (if you're a rightie) as hard as you can (just an extenuation of how you'd shoot 6 o'clock)
3. standing and turning on the platform both with your tether across your chest and not.
The difficult zone for me is 2 to 4 o'clock (inclusive). 1 o'clock I do #1 above. Up to 4 o'clock I do #2 above.
Treestands have a dead zone also, behind the tree. I think the dead zone being in a different spot and where we can see it more easily messes with us. The best thing is to setup so that the chance that you'll have to shoot into the dead zone is pretty low.
All this is why I'm waiting for lightweight, large platform options.
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The other problem, is what degree if weak side are we talking about? I've probably killed 80% of my deer in a saddle from the weak side with gun, crossbow and finally this year a compound.
As long as the deer isn't behind,or heading that way , my shoulder line from sitting/standing position. Im confident with any of those weapons shooting "weak side" without having to flip. It may be a bit awkward sometimes but it's not worth it to me the extra movement to flip unless the deer are completely oblivious.
Two years ago I killed a buck at 2 o'clock weak side by crossing over my bridge. Even though it's uncomfortable when it happened I didn't even think about it.
This year I grunted in a buck that started in on my weak side. I crossed over my bridge with my bow and got ready. The buck then circled around to my left. I had to cross back over my bridge, step out onto my top step with my left foot. I shot the buck at about 11 o'clock strong side..... basically 180 degrees from my platform. When it all happens you don't really think about it. You just react. Sometimes everything just works....and sometimes it doesn't.
Here is a video recap of my 2023 Southeast Iowa buck. There is a little wind noise at the start of the video but it clears up in a few seconds.
Sent from my SM-S711U using Tapatalk
This year I grunted in a buck that started in on my weak side. I crossed over my bridge with my bow and got ready. The buck then circled around to my left. I had to cross back over my bridge, step out onto my top step with my left foot. I shot the buck at about 11 o'clock strong side..... basically 180 degrees from my platform. When it all happens you don't really think about it. You just react. Sometimes everything just works....and sometimes it doesn't.
Here is a video recap of my 2023 Southeast Iowa buck. There is a little wind noise at the start of the video but it clears up in a few seconds.
Sent from my SM-S711U using Tapatalk
I seriously just spooked a nice buck whilst moving around the tree. Should have turned around on the platform… dang it.
That deer is bigger than your sisters deer and yours combined
Yep. I am 70 and it's a chore to handle one of these tanks by yourself.That deer is bigger than your sisters deer and yours combined
Here is the game cam picture about an hour before I killed this buck. The second picture is him reacting to my grunt call. The last picture is him hanging in my shop.
Sent from my SM-S711U using Tapatalk
This is some OG shizniz if I ever saw it. I like your style sir.Yep. I am 70 and it's a chore to handle one of these tanks by yourself.
Here is the game cam picture about an hour before I killed this buck. The second picture is him reacting to my grunt call. The last picture is him hanging in my shop.
Sent from my SM-S711U using Tapatalk
What he said.
I’ve killed a pile with weak side shots in hangons, climber, soft saddle, guidos web, hybrid, sitting in a chair on the ground.
You just do things. Adrenaline has a way of filtering out noise.
Simple Things you can do to greatly improve your odds of pulling off weak side shots when they arise:
Don’t worry about it.
If shooting a bow, reduce draw weight to something you can pull sitting down in a chair, drawing on your weak side of your body.
Stretch and improve flexibility and dexterity.
If obese, lose weight.
Spend a couple hours on a tree in your yard one time playing with footwork and angles and see what works and doesn’t.
Don’t worry about it.
If I see something coming towards weak side I'll let out enough slack in my tether to where it feels like I'm sitting in a chair. Rotate 90 degrees left and the weakside shot becomes more of a 4-6 o clock shot. There's a little bit less movement I feel than standing up and turning around but it's also more difficult to hold the position for extended periods because you are a bit twisted.
Does any body play the wind any more ..and set up for it?the whole shoot 360% would just seem like guess work then
If you're right handed: Lift bow up, rotate right (towards the deer). Adjust your feet to your normal stance. Aim, steady, fire.
Killed 2 deer this season on the weak side, pulling 82#. Your body does amazing things with adrenaline.
Killed 2 deer this season on the weak side, pulling 82#. Your body does amazing things with adrenaline.
Weak side shots
What’s the preferred method of performing this shot? I’ve only shot deer strong side but it gives me anxiety not being comfortable with it. I see Levi Morgan turning all the way around facing away from the tree to do it. Does the tether have to go over the shoulder for tension and safety ? Thanks
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