Switching to a 3D deer target was interesting to say the least!!/ thoughts/help

[Stumpkiller]

We clear and mow shooting lanes and put targets at marked ranges in such a way that everthing focuses on that cental target.  Hang a 3-D target in the woods with no cleared path and it becomes much harder.

That's why I like roving and stump shooting.  No two arrows from the same distance and you not only have to pick a spot but find a clear window for the arrow's path.  Shoot one arrow and retrieve or at least move.  IMHO it makes you a much more effective hunter.  Made a huge difference in my hunting.

I have two deer 3-D [bag] targets set up in the brushy woods beside my barn.  I shoot at them from every angle and left plenty of saplings and cover to "keep it real".

[nineworlds9]

Yeah, I'm about to get on the stump shooting train directly.  Yesterday was a real eye opener.  Next woods day for sure.  A deer on that day would be a bonus, shooting practice aside.     Even got some footed arrows recently so I have to go  

[ChuckC]

(not) Picking a spot is, in my mind, why most of us miss,  (not) picking a small spot is, in my mind, why we scatter our shots.  Sure there are other things that can go on, but I believe the above trumps all.

ChuckC

[lpcjon2]

To be honest I think your problem is going from a shooting alone to shooting with someone. The unknown mental pressure to do good in front of another can and will cause you to not shoot like you do alone. you could be short drawing,slipping on the form, and just all around quick shooting. This happened to me my first time shooting with others. its all mental.

[nineworlds9]

Yeah we were certainly ribbing each other a good bit, shot to shot; we were being real curteous, shutting up when each of us was making a shot, but in between there was certainly a share of ballbusting, lol.  i think one day i'm gonna ask him if i can have a go at the 3d deer all by myself and see what happens, haha.  sorry buddy you stay inside!  lol

[Rustic]

I ran into the same issue last winter. Last winter I shot religiously EFOC 25%@10 yds. My confidence level soared. Then at my 1st spring 3D shoot all of my arrows were dropping before they hit the target...many laughs but I needed to revisit my tip weight. Now I shoot from many different distances and every morn before work I shoot 1 arrow in my basement @ 10 yds. I think practicing under any and all conditions works for me...
All my best,

[nineworlds9]

Thanks rustic.  I happen to be an FOC fan myself, my favorite points are 200g, love em, nice all round weight imho for some punch and def seem to be accurate, they fly nice even out of my 46/47# bows.

[BigArcher]

I think that  when shooting at a 3d target the shooter suddenly realized that a miss, even by a hair, could be a problem for the arrow.  Busted or lost.  So you think about a possible miss and it materializes.
On a bag target you can miss the deer picture by a long way and still have a safe arrow.

BigArcher

[nineworlds9]

Big-  that definitely was an issue for us, we spent quite a bit of time yesterday digging arrows out of the woods behind the target LOL

[KSdan]

Read Jay Kidwell's "Instinctive Archery Insights."  The Button technique! Even after 20 years I could NEVER pick a spot on a live animal.  Even if I did, by the time I was a full anchor the spot vanished.  Its actually called "stimulus confusion" and there are certain techniques you need to use to overcome it.  Has been KEY for me.

[nineworlds9]

KS- thanks for the book tip, will def check that one out.  I have practiced the spot pick, have def not mastered it, and I agree, from the pick to the point through the draw to anchor it is easy to get distracted

[Cyclic-Rivers]

These guys say Pick a spot. Thats a huge part.  I have not read all the posts but I find when I am talking and having a good time, my shooting is worse.  Its because I dont concentrate as hard and do not pick a spot.

[Kingsnake]

Force randomness into your routine.  After I shoot my first group at my backyard 3-D target, I pull my arrows and as I walk back to my shooting area I jam arrows into the ground at random spots (angles and distances).  Then, starting with the furthest arrow, work my way back to the target.  No two shots the same distance or angle.

Just a thought . . .

Kingsnake

[nineworlds9]

Thanks guys, this has been a great thread, lots of great info for me to chew on

[falconview]

My advise is take a hike and go stump shooting, pick a stump guess the distance, take the shot than walk it off for actual distance you may find your estimated  20 yard forest shot is 30 yards or more, there is something about range to forest
Distance perspective that's never quite the same. I started doing this while scouting and quickly improved my distance judgement in field  and it's fun