Trouble picking a spot?

[KentuckyTJ]

Picking a spot only works when there is a spot to be picked.When a deer is at longer ranges the spots disappear and just turn into a large tan form and we tend to shoot at the middle of it. When they are closer, you can actually see a hair tuft or some other "spot" on a deer/elk/etc. The best shots I make are when I just pull up and shoot instinctively.

[onewhohasfun]

Originally posted by KentuckyTJ:
Picking a spot only works when there is a spot to be picked.When a deer is at longer ranges the spots disappear and just turn into a large tan form and we tend to shoot at the middle of it. When they are closer, you can actually see a hair tuft or some other "spot" on a deer/elk/etc. The best shots I make are when I just pull up and shoot instinctively.

X2

You gotta be on autopilot.

[Wile E. Coyote]

What I have found that forces me to pick a spot is to change my draw sequence. Now I know, I know, we've all spent so much time on our technique that we dont want to change it, but believe me it works.

Previously my draw sequence was to focus on where I wanted to hit then in ONE continuous smooth motion draw to anchor and release.

My current system consist of drawing to the point where the back of my thumb/wrist contacts my face, just below my cheekbone. At this point I pause, aquire visual of target assuring I am focused on a spot, then complete the remaining 3-4" of the draw to anchor and release.

So it is a TWO step draw. Give it a try, it may seem a little odd initally but you will rarely end up shooting at the whole animal if you practice this method.

Good Shooting!

[Keb]

I am struggling with this very problem, and it has turned hunting into a night mare.

I have made some headway, I have been able to pick a wrinkle in the vital in the last few small deer that walked past my stand.

I did not shot these deer, but I am hoping I am over the hump.

[John146]

Originally posted by DaveT1963:
I usually shhotv at a dirt like that forces me to pick a spot.   What I've done in the past was use a one inch flo orange dot.  I stare at this while shooting at very close range.   Then i try to project this spot on targets at further ranges.   I guess it is a form of visualuzation.... instead of picking a spot i visual this spot where i want to hit.   Helped me

Chuck Adams spoke of this in one of his books as the way he would pick a spot. It works if you can train yourself to do it. I had an orange dot sticker inside my bow limb which helps to remind you to place the image on the spot you want to hit.

[Bowwild]

TatherHill hit on something that happened too me. I was trying for a shot on a Warthog -- only 11-13 yards. A waterbuck kept getting in the way. The shot took several minutes to happen. I was thinking about the spot the first few times I tried to draw. Then the WB interferred. By the time I eventually took the shot I had forgotten to pick a spot.

I did the same thing 30 minutes later (multiple attempts to draw) on an Impala. Both shots went to the top of the back (WH) or over (Impala) back.

My lesson was to make sure picking a focal spot was part of every draw.

[Traditional-Archer]

Picking a spot only works when there is a spot to be picked.When a deer is at longer ranges the spots disappear and just turn into a large tan form and we tend to shoot at the middle of it. When they are closer, you can actually see a hair tuft or some other "spot" on a deer/elk/etc. The best shots I make are when I just pull up and shoot instinctively.

×3

[joe skipp]

Not picking a spot is a result of anxiousness and lack of concentration. Like any other sport, Archery/Bowhunting is a mental game. Backyard practice means Focus on the spot, block out all outside disturbance and never let any negative thoughts enter your brain.

This should carry over to the field and taking shots on big game. When I have an animal easing through and I determine I'm getting a shot my eyes lock in on the vitals and never leave. When I release I follow the arrow right to the animal.

Shooting/Practicing at small targets or pieces of foam 4-6" square is a good way to "bear" down and focus, especially at longer distances.

[Kevin Dill]

Very interesting topic and discussion. I'm always interested in the psychology aspects of making a good shot on game animals.

I personally think that (for some) not being able to zone in/pick a spot/see the spot is another form of target panic. I've seen guys who obviously went through a lot of anxiety, tension, and pressure to succeed at the moment of having to make a killing shot on a much-desired animal. They blow the shot and later admit they didn't pick a spot, or shot at the whole animal...even at very close range. To me it seems that the more badly you want something, the less likely you are to put it together at the moment of truth.

One of the best bow shots I ever met gave me some advice once:

"I work hard at keeping the emotion out of my bow shooting. If I miss or screw up an arrow, I don't get upset...I just analyze. I never ever allow myself to hope on an arrow, or worry where it might go. Once the arrow is gone I can't do anything about it. The more emotionless your shot sequence, the better you are likely to shoot. There is plenty of time to get excited later!"

It won't work for everyone, but this is sound advice. I use it constantly in practice, and I've noticed it on game. I shoot my best accuracy on animals when I'm dead calm internally and not considering the outcome of the shot, or how much I want that animal. It makes the task of focusing a lot easier.

[Brock]

Picking spot and concentrating on that spot until AFTER arrow release is vital for me to shoot good.  I noticed after I started getting older it was harder and harder for me to pick a spot...due to eyesight which earlier was 20/10 in both eyes...so once I started having some issues it was much more relevant.  On top of that I was deployed a signficant amount of time each year so each return during any hunting season was prefaced by massive shooting to GET BACK MY GROOVE.  What ended up happening between the slowly failing eye sharpness I was accustomed.....the lack of consistent meaningful shot repetition...and the fear of missing or worse WOUNDING..is I developed Target Panic.  It was a perpetuating cycle where my eyes wanted to focus on the arrow or something closer than my target and then I would think about release and the whole shot sequence would blow up.
Learning how to shoot with my military strapped glasses helped...a period of NO SHOOTING to let my mind and body go back to basics I learned decades ago....and realization I needed to start much closer to my prey/target and work back out.
Picking a spot is usually not an issue until it gets right before dusk or earlier if in ground blind using the net.  At that point I quiver my arrow...unstring the bow...and just watch the animals filter around me from cover to field and back to cover.  I have been lucky in being able to pick almost anything on the animal to turn it into a spot...hair, leg crease, leaf, grass, different color fur, etc....   Funny how closely my concentration is tied to eyesight sharpness and how being 20/30 or 20/35 is enough to ruin my world a few years ago. LOL
It is all about learning, adapting, focusing, and then delivering within your abilities.  Hopefully it will never get bad enough where I need to carry a Sharpie to draw a SPOT to focus before I shoot my deer or hogs. LOL

[Mo0se]

If your subconscious is flawed it won't matter how hard you try. Shot execution is always more important than the result. By flawed I mean inability to hold at draw long enough for your subconscious to get everything lined up. A poor release, or other form abnormality. Think about it, a split second is not enough time for your subconscious to process the sight picture, and get you lined up.

Most put the cart in front the horse so to speak. If you can't execute a proper shot, it doesn't matter how hard you focus or concentrate, or aim. Make time to build a solid foundation, and re-align your subconscious with blank bale practice.

I know the discussion is centered around shooting live animals, but it should be viewed as just another well executed shot, regardless of the target. Slow down and breathe, help yourself take control from start to finish. I think people need to be in absolute control over their shot sequences.

Everyone here knows where the arrow needs to go, even if there is no obvious feature to stare at. It's like those black boar targets at 3D shoots that are placed in the shade on purpose. Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean you don't know where its supposed to go.

[Kyle Lancaster]

Gap shoot. Gene Wensel wrote an article once entitled "There ain't no shame in aiming". As a long time "instinctive/pick a spot" guy, switching to three under and gapping has made me a better shooter.

Good luck,
Kyle

[longbowman]

I've honestly never had this problem...until I'm hunting.  Seriously, my biggest problem has never been picking a spot, it's been hitting full draw each shot.  I watched an old interview with Fred Bear this year that made me feel much better when he was asked about his accuracy.  He stated, "Well IF I can get my fingers to the corner of my mouth it's pretty much over."
  When my son was shooting his longbow on the Penn State archery team he was having the "spot" problem and the coach told him to concentrate on another aspect of the shooting process and allow your instincts to take over on the target.  He began concentrating on getting the same release each shot and his accuracy went through the roof!
  That's basically what I did.  Make sure my release was there and I began hitting full draw under pressure easier and easier.  Just a thought!

[Kyle Lancaster]

Another thought provoking article was in Traditional Bowhunter's Oct/NOV '08 issue entitled, "Instintive Shooting...is it Really" by Andy Duffy.

Hope those help.

[JDinPA]

Originally posted by tim roberts:
Some years ago, a good friend offered up some advice that addressed this problem, and is easily practiced.
When ever you have a quick second, pick something out and focus on it, at the grocery store, while walking down the isle, pick out a small spot on an item an focus on it until out of your vision. Doing this helps to create focus, and when done enough, it becomes like muscle memory...a habit so to speak.
Thanks,

Tim,
I've missed deer in the past, but I am having a particular off year this year. I've lost a buck and doe due to poor shot placement.
Most of my shots are from a tree stand, and when I miss I miss high. These high misses usually catch the tenderloin and I don't get a pass through.

When I was younger, I used to pick a spot on everything, everywhere, everyday.

Thank you for reminding of this advice. Hopefully I can regain my focus.

[Owlgrowler]

I learned to shoot everything; shotgun, rifle, pistol, compound, and stick bows with both eyes open. As I age, my eyesight gets less sharp and they don't seem to focus they way they used too. So, I've noticed when practicing that if I squint down a bit with my left,(non dominant eye), I hit the distant targets a lot better, more consistently. (Now if I can only train myself to do it on game!!!