Captain Tred Barta - HUNTING: Prepare Hunt

[Captain Tred Barta]

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Captain Tred Barta talks about how he practices and prepares for his hunts by making sure he emulates the conditions that he will find when he actually hits the grounds. Get some tips on the right ways to get ready for the game you'll be hunting. Every condition that is presented must change your strategy if you are going to be truly successful when the perfect shot appears in your scope. Find out how Tred gets ready to hunt regardless of what nature will present him and share your own ideas on preparing before you head to your stand or load your quiver.

[Dave Sikorski]

I don't know about the whole hose thing, but I'd say you're right on with this one.

I practice all over my backyard and shoot any time I have a chance. It only takes a few minutes to shoot an arrow or two to make sure you're still on your game. It's all muscle memory, and anyone is prone to having the "shanks" now and again.

Some of the things I do that always get some great looks from the neighbors.

I like to run laps around the house then stop and shoot from a few different distances and positions kneeling, sitting, standing, through trees, etc. It gets my heart rate up and makes me really lock in on the target and take a true shot.

Consistency with your form is very important and can make or break a hunt.

This September I was shooting my last round of practice before heading to Colorado on an Archery Elk hunt. I was out at 40 yds and my dad stepped out of the office and told me to show him 10 yds. He said the Elk will be at 10 yds so prove to him I wouldn't miss. It was a novel idea when you think about it. How many people actually practice at 10 yds? Yeah it's a slam dunk shot, but wouldn't you feel bad if you missed such a close shot at a fired up bull??

My dad proceeded to yell and scream and shake some bushes in front of me as he had me shoot at close range. All of the arrows were nearly touching in the top of the heart. He gave me his approval, and I just had to laugh as the neighbors looked on wondering what the heck we were up to now. I cased my bow, and when the 5x5 was bugling at 25yds and putting on a show, all I could think of was my dad dancing around the back yard doing his best rutting bull impression.

There's no way to fully prepare for "the moment", but you sure as heck can give it one heck of a go with a hose, or a screaming father.

Also double check your equipment every day of your hunt. The day before my elk hunt everything was spot on and ready to go. After a long horse ride on day one I hit the rack and didn't think twice about my equipment.

Luckily as the bull turned broadside my arrow still struck home and took out both lungs. I knew something was off, or my shooting was bad. I had aimed at the top of the heart and hit as high and as far back as a double lung can be.

The next morning I found out my rest had moved and my sights were loose. I was shooting way high and left.

I got lucky this time, but had I been any more off I could have missed, or even worse, injured and lost an animal.

As an archery hunter, your practice should never stop.

-D

[WAHOONBOX]

TRED, GREAT COOL INTRO VIDEO IN THIS SECTION BRO......

I CAN HONESTLY SAY I AM NOT A CERTIFIED "ARCHER" ....I AM ACTUALLY A POOR "ARCHER".....I DON'T PRACTICE ENOUGH THIS I AM POSITIVE OF....SO I GUESS I CAN LAY CLAIM TO BEING LUCKY BY LAST THREE SHOTS WITH A BOW.... 3 DEER DOWN OUT OF MY LAST 4 BOWSHOTS........

NOPE, I AM NOT A GREAT BOWHUNTER BY NO MEANS!.....BUT I AM A "GOOD DEERHUNTER" ...IF THERE WERE A DEER SEASON WITH A WRIST ROCKET I WOULD BUY THE LICENSE....IF THERE WERE A SEASON TO HARVEST A DEER WITH A BLOWGUN...I WOULD START BLOWING.....AND THERE IS A YEAR-ROUND SEASON ON FILMING WILDLIFE SO I DO ENJOY THIS PART THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR!

THE FIRST AND FOREMOST "PREPARATION " THAT I DO WHEN DEER HUNTING LOCALLY IS LEARN AND STUDY THE WEATHER....I LITERALLY TERRORIZE WITH MY DAILY PHONE CALLS THE METEROLOGISTS AT THE NEWPORT, N.C. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE. I AM CONSTANTLY ASKING THEM FOR LOCALIZED INLAND WEATHER REPORTS INSTEAD OF OFFSHORE MARINE REPORTS.

QUESTIONS LIKE:
"IS IT GOING TO RAIN AT SUCH AND SUCH ROAD OR HIWAY SUCH AND SUCH AROUND 4PM ON THIS COMING MONDAY?".... AND THIS ONE: ....."AT WHAT TIME WILL THE WIND SWITCH AROUND FROM NE TO SW ON OL' MAN WILFORDS SOUTH PASTURE ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE TAR RIVER ?"

AHHH THE WIND. SHE CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMY AND SHE CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND.....I COULD NOT HAVE FILMED THIS ACTION LAST MONTH WHILE BOWHUNTING IF THE WIND HAD NOT BEEN MY FRIEND FOR THE EVENING...


NEXT, UNDERSTANDING THE DEER IN YOUR AREA:

LET'S NOW PLACE OURSELVES HUNTING ON A SMALL PRIVATE LOCATION, OR MAYBE EVEN A PUBLIC LAND TRACT OR A SMALL "RESIDENTIAL AREA" TRACT OF PRIVATE LAND....

I HAVE WITNESSED DEER ACTING VERY DIFFERENT IN MORE HUMAN POPULATED AREAS THAN THOSE IN A WILDERNESS AREA....WILDERNESS AREA DEER WILL SPOOK AT A TEAR FALLING TO THE GROUND FROM A SQUIRREL AT DINNER TIME.....I ONCE WAS OBSERVING A NICE WILDERNESS BUCK.....I WAS STEALTH AND SILENT....... SILENT I THOUGHT....THIS WILDERNESS BUCK HAD TO OF HEARD MY BRAIN THINKING FOR HE LOOKED ME IN THE EYE AND WAS GONE....IT WAS NOT DA WIND THAT SENT HIM AWAY!....THE MAJORITY OF HUNTERS WILL NEVER GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO A TRUE WILDERNESS HUNT SO HE SHOULD KNOW HIS AREAS DEER ADAPTIVE HABITS....

NOISE....AND A LOUD NOISE AT THAT..........I HAVE BEEN WATCHING DEER ON SMALL FARM TRACTS AND THEY ARE OBLIVIOUS TO LOUD NOISES.....

SOME EXAMPLES I HAVE SEEN...I MEAN HAVE HEARD: FOR INSTANCE, AN ADJACENT POLICE FIRING RANGE- KAPOW KAPOW!...CHAINSAWS BLARRING....HIWAY TRAFFIC ECHOING THE COUNTRYSIDE...NEARBY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT "BEEPING LOUD SHRILLS" WHILE BACKING IN REVERSE....CROP DUSTERS FLYING OVERHEAD....FLOCKS OF HUNDREDS OF GEESE LANDING AND TAKING OFF CONSTANTLY...

THE DEER I AM WATCHING ARE OBLIVIOUS TO THESE DECIBALS.....HECK I HAVE MISSED A DEER AT 80 YARDS WITH A BLACKPOWDER AND THEY JUST STOOD THERE AND ALLOWED ME TO RELOAD FOR THE NEXT AND FATAL SHOT....

NOISE. SMALL LAND DEER GET ACCUSTOMED TO LOUD NOISE....A HUNTER MUST LEARN TO USE THIS NOISE TO HIS OR HER ADVANTAGE...MAKE YOUR MOVE IN YOUR CLIMBING STAND AS THE JET FLIES OVERHEAD...OR THE 18 WHEELER ECHOES BY.......ONE SHOULD TIME DRAWING YOUR BOW BACK AS THE GEESE BEGIN SQUAWKING....


LET THE WIND AND THE NOISE WORK TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.



TRED THANKS AGAIN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO HUNT WITH YOU RIGHT HERE ON WORLDWIDE ENTERTAINMENT: SPORTFISHERMEN DOT COM.....THE WORLD'S LEADING INTERNET FISHING & HUNTING MAGAZINE


ROCK ON,
TIL THE NEXT HUNT,

MARTY

[Captain Tred Barta]

Originally Posted by Dave Sikorski

I don't know about the whole hose thing, but I'd say you're right on with this one.

I practice all over my backyard and shoot any time I have a chance. It only takes a few minutes to shoot an arrow or two to make sure you're still on your game. It's all muscle memory, and anyone is prone to having the "shanks" now and again.

Some of the things I do that always get some great looks from the neighbors.

I like to run laps around the house then stop and shoot from a few different distances and positions kneeling, sitting, standing, through trees, etc. It gets my heart rate up and makes me really lock in on the target and take a true shot.

Consistency with your form is very important and can make or break a hunt.

This September I was shooting my last round of practice before heading to Colorado on an Archery Elk hunt. I was out at 40 yds and my dad stepped out of the office and told me to show him 10 yds. He said the Elk will be at 10 yds so prove to him I wouldn't miss. It was a novel idea when you think about it. How many people actually practice at 10 yds? Yeah it's a slam dunk shot, but wouldn't you feel bad if you missed such a close shot at a fired up bull??

My dad proceeded to yell and scream and shake some bushes in front of me as he had me shoot at close range. All of the arrows were nearly touching in the top of the heart. He gave me his approval, and I just had to laugh as the neighbors looked on wondering what the heck we were up to now. I cased my bow, and when the 5x5 was bugling at 25yds and putting on a show, all I could think of was my dad dancing around the back yard doing his best rutting bull impression.

There's no way to fully prepare for "the moment", but you sure as heck can give it one heck of a go with a hose, or a screaming father.

Also double check your equipment every day of your hunt. The day before my elk hunt everything was spot on and ready to go. After a long horse ride on day one I hit the rack and didn't think twice about my equipment.

Luckily as the bull turned broadside my arrow still struck home and took out both lungs. I knew something was off, or my shooting was bad. I had aimed at the top of the heart and hit as high and as far back as a double lung can be.

The next morning I found out my rest had moved and my sights were loose. I was shooting way high and left.

I got lucky this time, but had I been any more off I could have missed, or even worse, injured and lost an animal.

As an archery hunter, your practice should never stop.

-D

Dear Dave,

Can't say it any better than you just said it. End of story, I agree whole-heartedly.

Captiain Tred Barta

[Dave Sikorski]

I'm the hypocrite of the day.

Last week I was in Manitoba and got home late on Sunday. I have a buddy who I've called my "grasshopper" b/c I'm getting him into hunting. Anyway, he called and asked if I would go hunting with him Monday morning. I didn't have it in me and didn't go.

He took his first whitetail and first animal with a bow that morning. I helped him track it and was more proud than he was. Watching him gut it was an absolute hoot.

Fast forward to this morning....

We climbed trees 10 yds apart and on the ride to the hunt John said Dave I want you to shoot today. Cool I thought, I appreciate that.

7:45 a doe stops at 35 yds. I draw, she moves then stops again at 28ish yds. I shoot. I hit her low and watch her jump off then walk slowly through the brush. Immediately I think he's hit in the middle b/c she's kind of hunched over like her stomach hurts.

One of her fawns, (yes, I shoot fawns b/c the place has way too many deer and the landowner wants them dead, it's legal.) the doe fawn passed by me at 12 yds and I took the shot at her.

Hit her low too.

To make a long story short, I didn't check and re check my equipment after a lull in my practice and have now injured two deer.

I said a prayer as I always do when hunting and apologized for not being responsible and respectful to the animals. Of course none of that changes what happened, but it has taught me more about the sport, and also shown a rookie the importance of practice and taking a controlled and ethical shot. Losing an animal is something I never want to do again, but know I will.

The season is hardly a month old and it's already had it's share of ups and downs. Ah the life of a bow hunter.

-D

[Captain Tred Barta]

Originally Posted by Dave Sikorski

I'm the hypocrite of the day.

Last week I was in Manitoba and got home late on Sunday. I have a buddy who I've called my "grasshopper" b/c I'm getting him into hunting. Anyway, he called and asked if I would go hunting with him Monday morning. I didn't have it in me and didn't go.

He took his first whitetail and first animal with a bow that morning. I helped him track it and was more proud than he was. Watching him gut it was an absolute hoot.

Fast forward to this morning....

We climbed trees 10 yds apart and on the ride to the hunt John said Dave I want you to shoot today. Cool I thought, I appreciate that.

7:45 a doe stops at 35 yds. I draw, she moves then stops again at 28ish yds. I shoot. I hit her low and watch her jump off then walk slowly through the brush. Immediately I think he's hit in the middle b/c she's kind of hunched over like her stomach hurts.

One of her fawns, (yes, I shoot fawns b/c the place has way too many deer and the landowner wants them dead, it's legal.) the doe fawn passed by me at 12 yds and I took the shot at her.

Hit her low too.

To make a long story short, I didn't check and re check my equipment after a lull in my practice and have now injured two deer.

I said a prayer as I always do when hunting and apologized for not being responsible and respectful to the animals. Of course none of that changes what happened, but it has taught me more about the sport, and also shown a rookie the importance of practice and taking a controlled and ethical shot. Losing an animal is something I never want to do again, but know I will.

The season is hardly a month old and it's already had it's share of ups and downs. Ah the life of a bow hunter.

-D

Dear Dave,

I applaud you, I salute you, and I respect the fact, like myself, that you are willing to write negatively about yourself.

What you have put down here, has been replayed countless times in countless days in the field. When you admit it to others, it is taken extremely seriously because it is real.

Thanks for talking up on this issue. Get your equipment tuned up, as I know you will. And I hope the big man in the sky, our creator, rewards you with a magnificient 14 pointer and your arrow is a double-lunger. I hope your trophy drops where he stands.

Till Next Tide,

Captain Tred Barta

[stuntdogs]

Originally Posted by Captain Tred Barta

Get the Flash Player to see this video by Captain Tred Barta.

Captain Tred Barta talks about how he practices and prepares for his hunts by making sure he emulates the conditions that he will find when he actually hits the grounds. Get some tips on the right ways to get ready for the game you'll be hunting. Every condition that is presented must change your strategy if you are going to be truly successful when the perfect shot appears in your scope. Find out how Tred gets ready to hunt regardless of what nature will present him and share your own ideas on preparing before you head to your stand or load your quiver.

Tred, Right on. Practice for the conditions and the terrain are essential to improving your success rate. I regularly shot through "windows" or openings in brush or trees. I always shoot with a variety of face masks, gloves, hats, and clothing that I may wear based on the different weather conditions I may encounter during the season, and in different regions of the country. The fact is I know many guys who can "tear it up" in a backyard archery or rifle range, but do not have the confidence to take a shot under less than ideal conditions once they hit the field. Many years ago, I grew tired of recounting stories to my buddies of how I would have gotten the shot if "he" just would have done this or that. I learned that if is was going to to harvest many animals I was going to have to "take the shot that you have", because the animal doesn't have the script, and generally the "perfect" shot opportunities are few and far between. We are not talking about recklessness, we are talking about confidence; in one's equipment and own capabilities. The time to answer the questions about if the the shot is makable, is not when a trophy is standing in front of you but well in advance of your hunt. Since that time I have practiced as you suggest and guess what, it works.
Practice from a variety of ranges and elevations,as well as after physical excertion or from odd firing positions, is the key to mastery of those situations you may encounter in the field. Practice does make perfect.... Well Almost, I did miss a solid140's Buck with my bow 3- days ago, (at 5 yds). Guess I need to practice more steep angle shots.

Great Insights Tred, keep up the good work, and happy hunting.

[mlp1985aggie]

Well Mr. Barta I'm not gonna lie I dont think I have ever practiced a hunt I was about to go on ever. The primarily hunts I have been able to go on are hogs, coyotes, whitetail, and dove. Nothing like a big game hunt right there, the biggest thing I have ever shot was a hog. I just never thought about the whole practice thing for the hunts I do. I do go to the range as much as I can to be with one with my rifle whole bit thing,haha, but thats as much practice I guess I do. I like to be surprised, not expecting whats gonna happen and put myself in different situations and keep my body guessing and see how I overcome and react to different terrain and or weather conditions. It just all comes down to making that perfect shot everytime. Everybody is different I figure.

[mocomilo]

I could'nt agree with you more about practicing in actual conditions,but the water hose was just wetting you, the arrow wasen't flying through rain drops which will affect the flight of the arrowso practicing in the actual rain would probebly be best would'nt you say.By the way I still love my compound but because of you I rekindled my love for traditional archery.Thanks keep doing it Tred. Jim

[Currahee 5]

Tred, you are spot on! I am a Major in the Army, I currently serve as the Brigade Executive Officer for the famous Band of Brothers unit, the 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne "Currahee". At any rate, we have a saying in the Army, "Train as you Fight" In everything you do, do it as you would expect it to be in the actual conditions you expect to experience...in my job, two way fire fights is about as lethal as it gets, and you better have practiced under similar conditions to be ready for that. Your comment in the Video "just like the target in my back yard" I can actually remember telling myself during multiple gun fights, that "this is just like the training we did at the Joint Readiness Training Center, and I think that, and the Grace of God, is why I am still breathing in and out today. Bottom Line, keep preaching it..."Train as you Fight" we owe it to the animals we hunt to have prepared ourselves to be proficient enough to make a clean quick kill. I am a Longbow hunter too, and in the world of instinctive shooting, the only way to never make a bad shot is to never hunt, but we decrease the risk of that possibility by training and preparation. On a more personal note Tred...I just returned from a year deployment to Afghanistan, my fourth in the last 24 years...one of the few pleasures I had was watching your videos over there,(and we left them there for the next guys) and getting to watch some good longbow hunting was one of my few opportunities to relax and dream about somewhere I would have much rather been...in the cathedral of the woods...thanks for making those videos and for giving me a little peace and relaxation by being able to watch you go at it...and thanks for being real on your show, for being yourself, and not pandering to the masses and only showing kill shots...I love how the majority of your show is focused on the hunt, not the kills, as one traditional archer stated in Tradbow Magazine, I kill because I hunt, once the kill is made, the hunt is over...to me, the hunt is the true enjoyment, the kill means the hunt is over. God Bless Tred and keep the shows coming...unfortunately for me, I have DIRECT TV and we have lost Versus and the ability to see your show, guess I'll have to start buying the video series...and thats OK too :-)

MAJ Dar Place
CURRAHEE 5