first shot only

[griffin73]

I try to make my first shot of the day my most important but i generally always shoot way low, im not sure if im dropping my arm to watch the arrow or if its something else, after i shoot a couple of times i get dialed in, but it really frustrates me, any advise would be extremely helpful?

[frassettor]

I have the same problem. For that reason I always take a practice arrow with me to shoot while on stand. I could never get away from that either. Sometimes I shoot fine the first shot and other times I don't.

[cbCrow]

I have the same problem so I helped myself  by shooting between 9-12 arrows at my bag from 6' with eyes closed looking just for feel(blank bale). I found it loosens me up and prepares me to shoot.

[Red Tailed Hawk]

Same problem here. I do the same as frassettor.

[oldskool]

I draw, hold a couple seconds and let down 2 or three times on my way to my stand. I think it helps to losen you up

[longbowguy]

I suggest taking and arrow with a judo point. Take a dozen shots before you leave the truck. Take another now and then as you walk forest and field. In a blind at least take a draw and aim now and then. Got to keep the shooting muscles warm and supple if you expect to make a good shot when the game appears. - lbg

[Stumpkiller]

Practice with one arrow.  Take a shot, retrieve, move back to a different spot/distance and repeat.  I do this with my bag 3-D deer in the morning before I go to work year-round.  

You don't get as much shooting in but, IMHO, it is better practice for a hunter.  Saves on nocks and fletching, too.    

[CEO]

Small game hunting is good practice.

[Possum Head]

I not so much replied to offer advice as I did to let you know you aint in this thing alone.I'm glad I read your post because I seem to suffer from this.My answer would be to follow the practice a judo shot advice once settled into your stand.I'm sure if you mess it up you wont feel any better about yourself to the contrary you'll probably want to empty your quiver.Hope it works out for you.Things seem to be getting better for me as I've commited to talking my way through each shot.PICK A SPOT/ANCHOR SOLID/LET STRING OPEN HAND!

[Al Natural]

Loosen up prior to shooting.  Do some windmills, draw the bow string several times and anchor.  You may not be getting to full draw.  Any athlete must warm up prior to practice or competition.
Al

[njloco]

I think the main idea behind the blank bale shooting is so you don't have to think about it, just pick a spot and the body should know the rest.

[Bill Skinner]

As far as hitting low for the first shot, without seeing you shoot, I will guess either a short draw because your muscles are cold, your bow arm has too much bend or most likely, you are dropping your bow arm to watch the shot.  Working on form will correct all three.  Bill

[TroutGuide]

I found if I started aiming at a blank deer target without a bullseye I could pick a spot and hit first shot, shooting at a target I had to dial in also.  I shot single arrows like the others and only at blank deer outlines picking a spot relative to the shoulder and my first shot got much better,the shoulder as a reference realy seemed to help.  Now I seem to be over the first shot problems but I always go back to the blank deer outline if I feel I am having problems.  BTW this is from 10-20 yd shots.

[bobman]

probably dropping your bow arm if you have a video camera ask your wife or girl friend to film you shooting, any form problems will be apparent... thats what I did.

When I practice I try to exaggerate holding my bow arm up for a longer period ot time than is needed just to keep my follow thru consistant

[Knawbone]

Practice from a ellivated stand if you can, you can mark trees ect. around your stand with trail tape ect. with the apprpreate yardage.

[snow leopard]

i pretty much do what stumpkiller does, although i usually have 2 arrows i shoot. i think the subsequent walking back and forth helps me to focus on making "the shot."