First shot confidence?

[Bill Carlsen]

For me it is situational. Confidence in taking a shot is more than just knowing you can make it.  It has to do with how the animal is behaving, weather, how many other animals can see you making the shot and lots of other things, as well. Over the years I have a sense about when it's ok to take a shot or not.

[BBWV]

I always judge my self on my first shot. The way I work I don't get to shoot every day, so when I go in the back yard to shoot I always try and take my first shot from different places, any where from 15 to 25 yds, up hill or down hill, and my first shot always seems to be the best. Now don't get me wrong I like to shoot a few before going in the woods but when I'm going in before day light I take a couple practice arrows and take a shot at a leaf once it's day light and the coast is clear. This seems to work for me

[Norminator]

Next time you go to practice, and on your first shot, turn your back to the target. Then as quickly as you can, and still comfortably, turn and shoot. No time to think, turn and shoot.
See what happens, ....... Thank me later.

[thump]

I shoot one arrow and then walk over and pull it during practice. I only do this when I’m shooting by myself which I prefer .I also shoot an arrow before I leave to go hunting having the confidence that you can make the shot I believe is 90% of the shoot .Now when the kids and I go to Comptom or any of the other Trad shoots Ill empty my quiver just for fun.

[EL Mejor]

ONE SHOT AT A TIME WHEN U PRACTICE,LIKE THEY SAID,AT DIFFERENT DISTANCE,YOU'LL FIND YOUR ZONE,AND IT WILL BOOST UR CONFIDENCE...GOOD LUCK...

[traditional beagle]

Thanks for all the input. I was curious about all of your routines. I've been doing this for close to 30 years and have heard all of these practice situations but to be honest I just don't put them into practice enough. I'm gonna start.

[sidebuster]

You need to practice from your hunting ground blind or tree blind.   Pretend  a deer came out and now you must shoot.  To me this is the most exact way.  If you practice in shorts at the camp standing up this is not the same as when you are all geared up and shooting from your ground or tree blind especially if you are not standing up.

[bigbadjon]

The only time I shoot groups is to make sure I am doing the same thing time and again. I agree taking one shot is the best way to practice. I practice from different yardages, positions, and angles with uneven footing. Another thing to keep in mind is when you shoot 3d targets is to shoot through the vitals not for the score rings.

[GRINCH]

I always shoot a few arrows before I leave,has always helped me feel confident on that first shot in the woods.