Another clicker ???

[Keb]

So I gave up trad for 6 months because of target panic, on live animals I got so rattled i just could not get it together, decided to take a brake.

So I'm back and have installed a clicker on my long bow. At first I had it set to go off after I anchor and settle by pulling thru, but I found I was anticipating the click.

So I was about to take it off, and decided to set it up as more of a draw lenght check, I draw anchor, nose to the feather and start to expand it clicks I keep expanding and shot when I feel like it needs to be shot.

I guess if nothing else it will ensure consistent draw lenght and to pull thru the shot.

Any insight???????

[LongStick64]

Sounds like you are focusing on the click, after you set your anchor, sight picture, focus on the movement that causes the clicker to go off, whether its a movement of your back, your elbow, a slight push towards the target, whatever, let the click happen as a result of movement.

[Keb]

I tried that the click goes off sometimes I'm still holding and sometimes I make a wild violent release.

Think I will just use it as a draw lenght check and do what I been doing.

My biggest problem was rushing my shot.

I think this method can help me have a shot sequence.

Pick my spot draw, thumb knuckle under ear lobe, expand, nose to feather while I pull thru the clicker, hold for 2 seconds, looks good, static release.

[LongStick64]

How long have you been working with the clicker. It has a steep learning curve in my opinion. If your form is not solid, using a clicker will give you mixed results. For instance many have an issue with creeping even though they feel solid at anchor, slapping a clicker on helps in reducing the creep, but along with learning to use the clicker they also need to educate their form to be pulling dynamically while they achieve anchor. It looks like a simple tool, but it does take a while to get it setup correctly and have it work as intended. Most of the problem is to correct the form issues that lead to some issues we all face. Trying to use a clicker when a form issue is present makes it a hard road. I'm not implying any of this applies to you, but I find it common with shooter trying to adapt to using a clicker as a remedy.

[Jock Whisky]

I just installed a clicker for the same reason. The consistent message I'm getting is that it will take a while and your form has to be consistent. It's helping but I'm not there yet.

[Keb]

I think my problem is I use a static or dead release, if nothing else it's making me draw to full expansion before I settle in to shot and keeps me from creeping.

I know for a fact I short draw hunting while seating or from a tree.

It's slowed my shot process down for sure which is a good thing.

[Diamond Paul]

In its purest form, a clicker is not used with a static release; what LongStick said: you hit anchor, then a slight expansion that triggers the click, which triggers the shot, which would be dynamic, not static.  It would work well for a draw check, however, if you set it to click right at the point where you reach your proper anchor.  The only problem there is if you do expand after anchor and do it in different amounts from shot to shot, but you said you use a static release so that shouldn't be an issue.  I haven't used a clicker, so let me ask something:  will it click again if you creep down past the original click point (I know the kind of clicker used on trad bows is not the kind Oly archers use, which would not click again)?  If it did that, you would know for sure if you are creeping and it would be an excellent draw check.  The whole idea of the clicker, besides training a consistent draw length, is to take your mind off the issue of whether to let it go, so target panic doesn't take over.  It clicks, it's gone, not matter what, but it doesn't go until it clicks.  In other words, the shot execution takes priority, rather than the ultimate result, which is what really causes target panic: fear of an unwanted result.  You either can't let it go because the sight picture won't tell you what you want to see (moreso with sights), or you dump it because you can't stand the tension the fear of missing causes and you say to hell with it the second you see what appears to be the correct sight picture.  If you focus on the process, and not the result, you will have taken a big step towards beating target panic.

[Keb]

It will click if u creep. I do know this I hunted from the ground tonite in a ackward set up.

During my practice draws to check lanes and clearance given the way I was seated and drawing if not for the clicker I would have short drawer by 2 inches if a shot were to happen.

So if nothing else it will keep my draw lenght closer and slow down my shot which is good

[LongStick64]

Just be careful you don't start anticipating the click, this is what happens to many that use the clicker. If you start anticipating the clicker it can feel like you can't get it to go off. It's the major reason you try to focus on themovement that sets the clicker off. A dynamic motion making the clicker go off as a result of the movement makes the clicker work without anticipation.

[McDave]

Since Keb is using the clicker as a draw check rather than as a trigger for releasing the shot, I don't think anticipation of the click will be a problem for him.  As I understand it, he begins his hold after her hears the click.  As has been mentioned, a traditional clicker can't be used to trigger the release when using a dead release, but it seems like it might be an effective draw check.

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

Originally posted by Keb:
Any insight???????

Yes.

1. A clicker is not something you learn to shoot in a week, or even a month. It takes a long time to really learn it, and then a lot longer to learn it well.

2. Drop at least 10# of draw weight. A clicker will work you hard. Most traditional archers I've seen do not trully expand through the shot (except for some snap shooters). Most creep. A clicker is a real eye opener.

3. Get rid of the target and shoot blank bale. Focus on learning proper form and expansion. You can't build a solid house on a bad foundation.

4. Expand THROUGH the clicker, not into it. There's a huge difference, and it will keep you from anticipating.

5. If you get stuck and need some hands on help, seek out a local JOAD coach or FITA recure archer. Clickers are Archery 101 to them, and they should be able to help you through it easily.