The archery-only season for whitetail deer kicks off Sept. 27, so for the area's bowhunters now is the time to get serious.

    Bowhunting requires more practice, dedication and focus than any other avenue of the sport and according to the experts, the little things make the difference.

    Take shooting in broadheads.

    Bowhunting writer and master bowhunter education instructor Lou Marullo said the number one mistake he sees young hunters making in regards to shooting is not practicing with broadheads.     

    “It is extremely rare to find a bow that shoots with field points exactly like it would with broadheads of the same grain. All you have to do is look at the physical differences and see that there are some serious aerodynamic differences,” he said.     

     A number of broadhead makers claim their products match up to field points, but there are simply too many variables.     

    “It’s an absolute must to get out there and shoot with broadheads before going hunting. Even if you are just off an inch or two that could mean the difference between taking a big buck and suffering the heartache of losing an animal,” Marullo said.     

    When it comes to shooting broadheads at a target, there are many options on the market nowadays. However, I am old-fashioned in this regard.    

    In my opinion, the most versatile and practical bow targets on the market are 3-D targets. I have owned Delta and Mackenzie 3-D deer targets and have found they will last for years, if you treat them right.     

    “When it comes to shooting broadheads, I have found 3-D targets with the removable core or vitals to be the best option,” Marullo said.     

    Marullo said he shoots field points all year on a Black Hole target but switch to 3-D when it is time to get ready for hunting season.     

    “About a month before the season starts we break out the 3-D target and start shooting with broadheads. It’s inexpensive to replace that core and they stop an arrow really good. The other advantage is that they really do simulate hunting situations best."

    “You have more of a lifelike target that you can set up in situations like you would while hunting. I teach a lot of bowhunting education instructors and always tell them when it’s time to shoot to use 3-D targets ad set them in different positions for their students. You can get deer, turkeys, hogs and just about anything. Game animals are not round with a bulls-eye on them so why should you only shoot at something like that?”     

    I have to agree that 3-D targets are killer for using broadheads and the convenience of a replaceable core makes them indispensable for the serious bowhunter. Being “3-D” also makes shooting them at various angles a lesson in shot placement and being able to hit vitals from more than one position.

    Most archers practice by standing on the ground but most of the time they hunt elevated or on a seat in a ground blind. Using a 3-D deer target set up quartering away like deer often do when you are in a tree at a sharp angle blows away the kind of practice you get shooting at a plain, old bulls eye.