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#6 � Try Mechanical Broadheads
Many archers are great shots with field points, but once a broadhead is screwed onto the end of the arrow their confidence goes to pot. The easiest way to maintain that great accuracy that you�ve developed while shooting field point tipped arrows is to use low profile, mechanical broadheads for hunting. Because mechanical broadheads do the have the exposed surface area that a fixed-blade broadhead does, they fly more like field points. Industry experts recommend hunters shoot a bow producing at least 50 to 55 foot pounds of kinetic energy when using mechanical heads on deer-sized game. Because mechanical broadheads require more energy to achieve penetration equal to a fixed-blade broadhead, wait for broadside shots at game to maximize arrow penetration, and choose broadhead models that have a conservative cutting diameter of 1 � inches or less.

#7 � Practice with Broadheads
Even the best advice and the best equipment are useless if you don�t take the time to practice. Once your bow is set up properly, you must spend time shooting it to reach your true potential. First, try for �quality� practice instead of �quantity� practice. It�s better to shoot 20 arrows during a practice session with total concentration and focus given to each shot than to shoot 50 arrows �willy-nilly�.
Take a half-minute break between each shot to analyze what you did right or wrong on the previous shot. Concentrate on good shooting form, but also practice from awkward shooting positions and from a variety of distances to prepare yourself for real-world shot opportunities. It�s also important to shoot broadheads in practice. During the summer months leading up to hunting season I shoot nothing but broadheads in practice. Sure, the broadheads tear up targets faster and shooting broadheads get expensive, but there is no substitute for the boost in confidence that I get from shooting the exact same arrow-point combination that I�ll be hunting with in the fall.

#8 � Use a Laser Range Finder
Perhaps the biggest reason for missed in bowhunting, aside from buck fever, is misjudging yardage before taking the shot. By using a laser range finder, you can significantly boost your confidence before turning an arrow loose. The quality range finders offered today are a huge step up from the image-merging, dial-operated range finders of the past. By simply pressing a button, the distance is displayed in a second.
Laser range finders are especially practical in two scenarios. First, when hunting from a treestand or blind you can use the range finder before game shows up to determine distances to landmarks. In a stalking situation the range finder can be used to determine the exact distance to the animal before taking the shot. This is crucial for hunting western game such as mule deer and antelope where shots past 30 yards are common. Knowing the exact distance to your target will give you more confidence in taking longer shots.

#9 � Shoot in 3-D Tournaments
The best shooters I know shoot year round. Shooting in 3-D tournaments in the off-season is a great dress rehearsal for the real thing. Having another bowhunter breathing at your neck while you draw back and take a shot creates stress similar to what you might encounter when taking a shot at a live animal. Overcoming this anxiety of having someone watch you shoot will also help calm your nerves in a real hunting situation.
Shooting 3-D�s also stresses the importance of making one good shot. In 3-D shooting, like real hunting, you only get one shot. Since not every hunting situation will allow enough time to use a range finder, shooting 3-D tournaments where range finders are taboo will also teach you to judge distances better. To get the most benefit from 3-D competition, shoot the exact same set-up that you plan to use during hunting season.

#10 � Take a Lesson from a Pro
At least once a year it�s a good idea to swallow a little pride and ask a local pro for some form tips. Even when I think I�m shooting as good as I can possibly shoot, an hour-long lesson with a shop pro can usually polish up my form and tighten my groups. A simple reminder to hold the bow with a loose grip, relax, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, face the target slightly, squeeze the release or follow through might be all the coaching you need to take your shooting to the next level.
Being a great shot with a bow requires a combination of quality equipment, some talent, dedication and diligent practice. The best bowhunters I know each possess great hunting skills that help them bag bucks, but being a great shot with a bow and arrow is what ultimately puts the game on the ground. If you implement each of these 10 steps in your preparation for hunting season, you will be a better shot.