"Nocking an arrow is a fairly movement-rich thing to do. You have to assume that when a bull comes in, there could be a half-dozen cows around as well. And if you wait until then to nock the arrow, they're going to see you," Adams said. "I like to have my bow in my hand whenever possible. And if I'm in a stand, my arrow's nocked all the time."

Even with your bow in hand and an arrow nocked, lifting and drawing the bow are necessary movements that you can't make until the animal is relatively close. How close depends on your strength, your let-off, and your ability to keep a steady aim with a shaky arm. The only way to judge that with any accuracy is to practice it. Every time you shoot your bow, end your practice session with three or four extended holds. This will not only let you judge more confidently how far in advance you should draw. It will also help strengthen seldom-used muscles you'll need when you have to hold out for that trophy a minute or two longer than you anticipated.

RULE NO. 4: Know When To Move
There are times when every calling tactic will fail. Every preparation will be in vain, every setup will be worthless. Despite your best efforts, there are times when the animals will simply refuse to come any closer. At such times, the best way to close the distance is to take the fight to them.

"I always say a good foot hunter is like a cruise missile," said Adams. "He moves at whatever speed is necessary and adjusts his path according to the movements of the target."

The only way to do that successfully is first, to be aware of where the target is.

"Keep track of where the animal is, so you can move up and not get caught," Berry said. "I'll call after I move in 30 to 40 yards and sit down. Hopefully, he'll get excited and come looking for you."

Once you make the decision to move on an animal, don't second-guess it. If he doesn't respond to your call, move up again. And again.

"The most common mistake foot hunters make is not being aggressive enough. When you see it, go after it," Adams said. "I win a higher percentage of the time by being aggressive, rather than passive. Sometimes I blow it. But if I'm going to blow it, I'm going to blow it by pushing the situation."

Adams says there's a big difference between being aggressive and being foolhardy. When you decide to move on an animal, don't throw out all your stationary tactics. Your preparations, your final shot setup, and calling tactics all play important roles in your ability to successfully move closer to your quarry. Keep your stalking tactics honed, keep the wind in your face, and work the angles of the terrain, but don't hesitate -- especially when it comes to crunch time.

"If you're going slow when you're drawing, you run the risk that he's going to catch you in the middle of a move. Then you're stuck," Adams said. "Every situation is different, and you have to base your move on the animal's body language as he's coming in. But I like to get in position as quickly as possible and take the first good shot that presents itself."

That shot is going to present itself more often than not, if you continually practice techniques for closing the distance between you and your quarry. As with every other aspect of hunting, however, getting past that magical 100-yard barrier -- whether you're crossing it, or trying to get the animal to cross it -- takes more than skill and tactics. It requires that you immerse yourself in the natural world and become a part of it.

"You have to feel and live what you're saying," Carlton said. "You talk about closing the distance. That's what gets it done."