There are times even in severe weather conditions when feathers are simply the better choice. In the sub-zero temperatures of the author's recent muskoxen hunt, feathers made the only real choice. When it's this cold--negative 25 degrees--vanes can turn stiff and become highly unforgiving.

Shooting a draw length that's too long is a mistake made by even experienced hands. In days past, extending yourself maximized power stroke and energy potential. Today's bows are simply more efficient, making this thinking outdated. You can now sacrifice an inch or two in draw length and still produce more Kinetic energy than you did in the past. Bend your elbow slightly, turning it down to help lock it in place, choosing an anchoring point on a more reliable forward point on your face. Pull your shoulder blades together, using your strong back muscles instead of your arms to steady the shot. A shorter draw length also helps eliminate interference from hat brims and such, and string slap on bulky cold-weather clothing that can ruin important shots at game.

Consistent shooting form is then everything. Your anchor point must be exactly the same every time, how you hold your head, your grip, body angle, eye squint, which pocket you put your wallet in. I'm getting carried away, of course, but you get the picture. Practice a smooth release, even if you must stand five feet before the target and shoot blindfolded, concentrating on nothing but a smooth and even slip of the string or surprise trigger squeeze. Again, if you don't understand what I'm talking about, ask for help from an experienced shooting coach.

The single-most important piece of advice for shooters of all skill levels, in my opinion, is remembering to follow through. Put simply; continue aiming through the shot until your arrow strikes the target. Continue boring a hole through that spot you've chosen (Always Pick A Spot!), attempting to hold your pin on target after release. In more Zen-like terms, I like to believe I can direct the path of my arrow telepathically, concentrating on that arrow from launch through impact in an attempt to direct its destination. A military friend tells me he looks at his arrows as wire-guided missiles, a system requiring constant aiming from launch to impact. When it's working, I call it falling into "The Zone." It requires concerted concentration, an exhausting exercise when maintained for long periods such as during 3-D tournaments.

Super Tuning
There's tuning, and there is tuning. To set your bow up like a pro, first invest in a bow vice. Models like those from Sure-Loc or R.S. Archery Products allow you to work hands-free. Secure your bow in the clamp, attaching R.S.'s Snap-On String Level to the serving to level the bow (top cam up). Install your rest, adjusting it to the recommended height, be it a standard or drop-away model. Snap an arrow onto the string and use R.S.'s Arrow Level to find 90-degree plumb, installing your nocking point or string loop accordingly (remember, nocking points need to be about 1/8-inch high for fingers, dead even for release).