Lucky or Accurate

[Dirtybird]

I always have the mindset when hunting that I can make the shot.  If you think negatively I believe it will effect your shooting.

[RC]

Awful good stuff there ChuckC. RC

[Sam McMichael]

I have enjoyed this thread. Like all trad guys, I have had severe disappointments and a lot of really great experiences. It reminds me of my own self doubt that never ever completely goes away - nor would I want it to. Otherwise over confidence and failure to continue hard work clouds the trad bowhunter's work ethic.

Practice smart as described above. Concentrate on good form, taking only those shots that really do feel right. Killing game is not the only measure of success. If you put yourself in good position on an animal that is not aware of your presence, you still have "won the game", even if you do not drop the string. As long as you work hard and attempt only shots that are reasonable for your skill level and personal degree of confidence, you can feel comfortable that you are hunting fairly and ethically.It is supposed to be harder, you are supposed to get closer, and you are supposed to become a better woodsman. It is part of accepting the challenge of a more difficult and challenging approach to hunting.

Even these guys who have killed lot of game realize that they are not perfect and that bad luck can always figure in, but the more you practice, the luckier you will be. It is a mindset that says "I can do this, and I can develop the skills needed to do this with confidence". But it is a skill set developed over time, with ups and downs. Have faith in yourself. If you do the work, the results will come, so go enjoy yourself in hunting camp.

[ChuckC]

We have changed a bit.  Although we always liked antlers and trophies, we have morphed into a society that has been taught, by the industry of course, and by the resultant peer pressure, that you HAVE to get the deer, you HAVE to get that Booner and you CAN do it (if you use our products).  

Why use brand X and be able to shoot 10 yards, when you can use ours and shoot 100 yards.  Think. .  cut the right shooting lanes and you can cover the entire woodlot.  Nothing escapes.  If it comes by you. .  you can take it.  

Put out the right bait pile, grow the right crops and they will knock down your door.  Wear the right clothing and you don't have to worry about the wind and your scent.  Why take the time to learn how,  when, by using our product. . .

Your time is precious. . .your tag once in a lifetime. .  why waste (?) a moment of it using gear that limits you.  GET THAT TROPHY ! You deserve it (I love that line).

And you know what. .  I guess that's OK if that is what floats your boat.  

I don't feel the same way.  The hunt, the opportunity for the interaction, not just with the critter, but also the nature aspect, thats what I crave.  I shoot nearly every day because that's what I do.

I would love to get a big critter, and frankly, if a big one and a small one walk by, I will try for the big one, like all or most of us.  But I also am very OK if I don't get one at all, especially if the rest of the trip fulfills my needs.

Sure. .  using trad style gear limits you.  You have to put in the time.  You have to practice and get good with your gear.  This is not something that you can pick up the week before your hunt and "dial in" with three or four shots, as in a few other forms of hunting.  This is a long term commitment. . . and it's OK if that is not for you.  

Not everybody can commit the time and energy,  but look around,  in almost every single case the folks that do really well continuously, will religiously put in the time.

We all need to realize that. . maybe this isn't for me after all.
ChuckC