Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: cnorth on March 28, 2009, 06:44:00 PM
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This may be a dumb question, but I need some suggestions. I have been shooting trad for a few months now, and I feel like that I am doing better. However, my first shot seems to always be off, then when I fire a few more, I start to hit good. However, I am thinking that my 1st shot is my most important since I think it is very doubtful that a whitetail is going to give me that 2nd shot. So I guess what I am asking is how do you stay loose after sitting several hours in the stand? I know with the compound it was not as critical for there was always the high let off. Is this something that will get better with me the more I shoot (strength wise), or is a form flaw? Thanks ahead for the suggestions, hope all is well, GOD BLESS!!!!!
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I draw my bow every 30 min or so when I am hunting to try and stay loose. As for your first shot problems I would say make sure that you are doing the same thing every time. If you think you are having form problems take a few videos of yourself shooting and watch them. That is how I improved my form and after that my shooting became more consistent.
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I'll venture a guess for you. I say that when you go out for that first shot you are just shooting at the target rather than really concentrating on that one spot you want to hit.
I had this problem when I first started shooting trad. My problem was shooting at a huge bullseye on my target. First shot was somewhere on the target then I'd concentrate on that arrow and stack all the rest of em with the first arrow. First thing I did was spray paint my target jet black and put a small flor. green dot in the center, then instead of shooting at a whole target I concentrated on that little spot.
I could be way off here and without seeing you shoot it is really hard to determine if it is form, or if you are overbowed. However, work on that concentration. Even if it isn't the problem it will make you a much better barebow shooter in the long run. Sometimes it even helps to shoot single arrows rather than groups. And you are correct, first shot IS most important...Mike
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one of the things i do before i step into the woods with my bow is warm up on my target in the very early mornin so when i see game im ready to take its not the first shot ive taken that day
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I have a few extra arrows in my quiver for just this very reason, nothing wrong with a little practice every so often while on stand!
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I think you would benefit from a day or two of good ol' stump shooting. Walk in the envirnoment you hunt in. Keep the mindset that you are out hunting. Stop when you see your target-an old rotting stump, a leaf on a dirt bank, whatever-and say to yourself this is it! Go through your shot sequence and then go and pick up your arrow. Walk on and do this over and over. I would venture to say at the end of the day you are going to be ready to shoot that "first shot" whenever it presents itself. Good shooting.
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For first shot practice, I aim for a specific spot on my target, a dot or whatever you have, and only shoot one arrow at that spot. I then move to change the direction and distance from my target. I then fire one arrow at a new spot. This helps me concentrate and range estimate. Stump shooting is also great, but limit yourself to one shot here also, make it count, and build confidence in your first shot. Hope this helps.
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I really appreciate it. I am going to have to really focus on a smaller spot. Also, what type of tips do you shoot when stump shooting.
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Judos or blunts. Keeps you from loosing your arrows.
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I'm having similar concerns.I do know that I can normally group much better on my 3d targets than I can on my bag target.I think mainly because it has five spots,and it throws off my concentration on the shot.
I've recently been going stump shooting regularly,and I seem to hit the stumps better than my bag target.Sometimes I shoot a group on them.Best practice ever,and some great fun with a hunting buddy well spent.
I use blunts,judos work great too.
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VTMTNMAN, I also seem too shoot better while out stumping. Feels more natural out in my hunting grounds because there is less distractions for me.
I like the big rubber blunts that 3Rivers sells.
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Stumpshooting is in my opinion the best practice that you can get. I like the judo heads for stumping.
As far as making the first shot count, keep your bow strung up and handy. Get in the habit of taking just one shot, then put it down at a certain time of the day. On your way to work. First thing when you get home. When you go out to get the newspaper. Whatever it is, start a habit. Take one shot and make it count.
You can still pick up the bow and do some longer practice sessions at other times, but the one shot each day are the ones that count. Even go so far as to keep a record of whether the shot was a kill or not. You will find that you get better and better at making the first shot count.
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My routine is similar to Whips. It helps me to focus better.
Leland
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Thanks for the input. I am going to try to start one shot before and after work.
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one method that works great for target panic which i really feel is your overlying problem (trust me we all have it in one form or another) is to put a large target up in front of you 6'x6' or close to it.put various dots of different sizes all over it, 15 or so will work.next stand 6' or so away from target,next draw your bow with arrow on it while trying to burn a hole through the dot you are looking at.hold a few seconds then let down.repeat on another dot.do not get into a directional pattern while doing this.mix it up always different.do this for a week every day without shooting for a week.follow this like i did and you'll see a huge difference...pick a spot and lock onto it....larry
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shooting before you hunt is important also,like stated numerous times.good luck and good hunting
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Thanks elkherder
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youre welcome....good luck..need any more help pm me and i'll help all i can
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Like others I carry a judo head and take a few shots walking in to the stand if in daylight. If it's dark I draw the bow back a few times picking out a little target to concentrate on once in a while while on stand. Then shoot your judo on the way out in the daylight again.
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Guys kind of look at me funny but....When I take my first shot I draw and do everyhting that I normally do for all my shots. Then I look at the target and pay attention to the sight picture-then I let down. Do this a couple of times and you'll be surprised where your first shot goes. You can do this every now and then while hunting.
have fun
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During the day sometimes I will see how long I can stare at some object...I know sounds weird...but try it sometime. I think it helps to shut out the rest of what is around you and to focus only on that one spot. Kind like what some have said here. But I'll stare at something until I loose focus on it from outside movement or fatigue. When I am at alert with a bugling bull coming in I want to be at FULL alert. I want to be able to just focus on the kill spot...not his antlers, how far it is...whatever...just that spot!
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First off you get better because your muscles are warming up.
Heres what I on the morning or evening before I get in the truck.Before leaving I have a sanders exerciser.It's has the rubBer tubeing and bow handle you draw.I draw it dozzen or so time to losen up.I never shoot at a bulls eye.I'm not into killing 10 rings.I always shoot at a deer target.That is what your hunting not a ten ring.I always leave 3 arrows on my back pourch for this perpose.
I leave 2 there go out in the yard a only take one arrow a get under the 20 yard marked.
Now it's up to you consentrate exture hard with that one arrow.And the key here is to consentrate.After that I go in and get the other 2 arrows and shoot them.Next when I get to where I'm hunting at I take a jutio shot in the trucks head lights.
When I'm in my stand or on the ground I should say that sence i'm a ground hunter starting 3years ago.I draw my bow about every 1/2 hour.
When I know i'm leaveing I'll take another judio shot.When i'm I my building working bow building etc. Every 1/2 hour or so i'll walk out and take that one shot.Same way if i'm watching tv I'll keep every thing I need and take a shot between shows on my back pourch.
If you want to you can make alot of first shots.Soon there not first shoots anymore.
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I am a "Simple Man" I concentrate on exactly where I want to hit ie: pick "The Spot", Concentrate on getting to "Full Draw", try and insure a "Smoooth Release", and finally let "my instincts take over" as they have controlled thousands of previous shots. Keeping in the back of my mind that this may be the "Only Shot" I get I want it as close to perfect as I can make it.
Gene :wavey:
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prayer works for me.....
I have in my mind a shot sequence.
1.pick a spot
2.draw
3.come to full draw extension
4.lock in the ancor
5.make sure you still on that spot
6.release
7.keep that bow arm up till you see the arrow hit the spot
Bill
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A lot of great advice, but my question is what poundage are you shooting? You should not be overbowed to the point of having to warm up, but it should come back naturally, just as in practice. I started back into trad way over bowed, 60-65#, now shoot between #40-50, shoot much better and the first arrow is usually right where I look. When I was shooting a too heavy bow, I shot exactly as you descibe, but now my first, and last shot are usually good. I learned better form and follow through instead of wearing myself out, and shoot better than ever. I took 3 deer and a turkey last year with a #46 recurve and a #45 longbow, none of the deer ran out of sight, used WW broadheads weighted up front. Just wondering if this might be part of the problem, hope this helps.
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one way to get better at shootin cnorth is to never shoot from the same distance repeatadly,mix up your distances every shot if possible. this trains your instintive side much faster than repetative shooting from the same distance.like stated a lot on this thread....pick a spot and burn a hole through it.... larry
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:campfire:
Pick a "spot" within the spot and PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE some more so that when the time comes you won't have to think about anything but that spot. Everything will be second nature. I practice with 1 arrow at the range for hours every week. As I practice I remind myself that there isn't a second shot.
This is what works for me.......... :archer:
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Early morning I will pull the bow back a few times - later in the day I will shoot at a critter if I get a chance. If I go out later in the day I will shoot at target or shoot on my way out at whatever. The first shot thing is much harder to do your first year (at least it was for me) and now sometimes that is my best shot.
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another way to perfect your form is called blind shooting if you're brave enough to try it.stand very close 5' at most from a large target area,you need to draw,anchor in and shoot your arrow while blindfolded or eyes closed.this works on your form and is very effective after a few rounds of 4-5 arrows your group will start getting smaller. you can really concentrate on your form and all the components within it.....larry
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When I am in a tree stand or on stand I like to flex my muscles to stay loose. I say a Poem when I take my first shot, Over the top, pick a spot, pull back slow and let her go. Pull back slow and get to your anchor. It might help.
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1 shot practice. Only take 1 arrow with you. Whether stump shooting, at a butt or other target. I normally do this about a month before hunting season.
Good luck! - Q.