Arrow Ballistics from an elevated point

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GunGoBoom

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OK, I know that when shooting from an elevated position, because of less arrow drop due to gravity, you aim lower than normal for the same distance from a non-elevated position. I forget the sine/cosine/tangent equation. I had planned to practice a lot from an elevated position simulating a treestand but the archery range at my gun club has not yet put a platform on the scaffolding for this purpose. So, I'm looking for very knowledgeable shooters who can tell me more or less exactly where to aim under these specific circumstances:

1. 15 feet high, 15 yards from target, how much lower does one aim at the bullseye than one normally would at 15 yards from horizontal? (0.5", 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5", what?)

2. 15 feet high, 20 yards from target, how much lower to aim?

3. 15 feet high, 25 yards from target, how much lower to aim?

Thanks a bunch!

What I'll probably do for extra practice is take my climbing stand and use it on a tree near camp with my broadhead target to check, the evening before the first hunt day. (if I can find a smooth tree)
 
Shoot the horizontal distance, that is the path gravity acts on. The hypotenuse of the angle (length of the shot) will be greater than the height or the horizontal distance. So if you range based on the angled distance you will shoot high.
~z
 
In theory, you should shoot high. :scrutiny:
In practice, you need to take your bow and shoot from an elevated position to be able to know where it will really hit. These things don't always go by the book. :banghead:

And make sure you use your broadheads. :D
 
RCL, I beg to differ. Shooting high will cause you to miss high.PERIOD (.) That has got to be the #1 misconception about shooting up hill or down hill. Wether it is an arrow or bullet, gravity acts on the horizontal path of flight. If you intend to shoot bow from an elevated position, shoot low if anything. Not alot, expecially if you are using modern equip. Practice with your broadheads as they may impact differently from field points. But do not shoot high or you will go home hungry.
~z
 
:) Perhaps I should have been more clear. I meant that the shot would go high (a lot of years of shooting field targets taught me that). In other words that the bow will shoot high, not that that is were you should aim it.
 
Got cha, I wasnt sure from your post, as the common tendency is to aim high as the distance is longer. I guess you have done time behind the bow too.
~z
 
First, get higher. 15' isn't nearly enough. Double that height.

Second, set out a target, hang a stand, and practice. You will see that you want to aim according to the horizontal distance between the base of the tree and the target. Set sight pins at 10, 15, 20, and 25 yards. Mark off those distances from your tree and practice. It will pay big dividends.




Scott
 
With my bow(65lbs draw) from 15 feet high at 20 yards with a 460 grain arrow it's about 3". There are too many variables to give a certain drop that fits all. The best way obviously is to get up in a tree. It will only take you 4-6 shots to find out how much lower you must aim.
 
gotcha

Ok, then the answer to my question is, 0.00" low is where it will hit. IOW, 20 yards horizontal is 20 yards horizontal is 20 yards horizontal, regardless of how high up. Ditto 15 or any other distance. So aim dead on for that same *horizontal* distance, but aim LOW if using the actual "as the crow flies" distance for your arrow, which would be the hypotenuse, or the square root of 2 x times 20 yards. So that answers my question. Thanks.

Tax, do you really get 30 feet up? Wow, I don't have a stand that high to begin with and that would make it very difficult to find a shot not obstructed by the foliage where I hunt.
 
I don't use a tree stand here in Colorado, but in Georgia I used a climbing stand in pines. Usually clear of limbs for quite a ways up. I carried a small saw if something had to be trimmed out of the way.

I have had deer stare right at me at 15' high. Never at 30'




Scott
 
Tax, Ive hunted high in the pines in central TX too. It takes a while to get used to shooting in the wind though, even gentel breezes would sway me a full 4' left to right. Has a tendancy to rock you to sleep if nothin is moving. Not a good idea to be napping at 30-40', but you sure can see a good way.
~z
 
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