Living in Yankton County, we are very lucky to have the public hunting areas we enjoy. Bowhunters, as a group, are generally very sportsmanlike and strive to enter and leave the woods with stealth and tact. The wild world should not be unduly disturbed. I see three groups of bowmen ... the skilled veterans, those learning from skilled veterans, and those who do not have a clue and are learning by trial and error. Sadly, some in the third group don’t realize their ineffectiveness nor the problems they are creating for real hunters.

I would suggest to these novices that they begin sharpening their skill sets by practicing a few basic rules: Control your scent. Keep your hunting clothes in a segregated container. Enter and leave the woods quietly, and on time. Don’t come in late or leave early. You should not be moving during prime hunting times. If work or family commitments keep you too long ... stay home.

Hang out with real bowhunters. Go to Dakota Archery and talk to Scott or Bruce. Ask questions. Listen. Don’t think you know it all (I have been bowhunting for 40 years, and learn something just about every time out).  Respect you fellow hunters. Assume other hunters are in the woods and conduct yourselves accordingly.

Practice. Practice. Practice. Take high percentage shots and learn to shoot with confidence and accuracy. If there is some doubt about a shot, don’t take it.