PLEASE, Tell Me There's A Cure....

[Fattony77]

For Bear(Buck) Fever/Target Panic......!

Incredibly, I missed a bear last week (approx. 300 lbs. at 6 yds.) 3 TIMES!!!!!!!
I understand that I failed to pick a spot on the first 2 shots (at around 9:30 am & 10:15 am), because I missed by just an inch or two over his back. In fact, on the 2nd shot I saw my string from my string-tracker drag through his fur. My left/right alignment was perfect, just the elevation was off. My heart was racing, my breathing got shallow & heavy and I felt my shot being rushed by trying to get him in between small shrubs. Now, I'm no Byron Ferguson, but I usually shoot fairly well. I've gotten to where I even have a competitive score when shooting "Fred Bear Scoring" (negative points for anything outside of the kill-zone) during 3D shoots. I know that it's different shooting at foam rather than flesh, but it shows that I'm at least capable of making good shots.

But my last shot (at around 6:30 pm) was pure Target Panic! All that I could think of was that I needed to redeem myself. And then I plucked the string so bad that the arrow flew WAY left of the bear and I buried the Land Shark into the tree that was beside the bear's head! THAT time he spooked pretty badly & he didn't come back the next day before it was time for me to go back home.

I might be able to go back on my days off this week & try again, but I'm wondering if I'm doomed to repeat this scenario or if I can overcome it... The bear archery season ends on the 20th this year & then the muzzleloader season starts the following Saturday.

I'm asking for y'alls advice/opinions. Is there a way to overcome the "heat of the moment," or should I hang it up again this year...?

[Overspined]

Don’t over-practice, but shoot a few arrows a few times at a nice close distance to build confidence, use your hunting rig, any accessories like string tracker you use, and get back out there and kill a bear.  Watch it for a bit to relax

[Pat B]

You'll only doomed yourself if you think you have. Sounds to me like you are thinking too much about the shot before it happens. Try to concentrate on where the arrow will go and not on the animal. From the time you first sight him, concentrate on that spot and let your brain, which you've been training all year for, do it's job. I don't think I know anyone that doesn't get the yips when crunch time get here. When I was a kid it took my 15 minutes after catching a fish before I could throw the line back out I was shaking so badly. That continued when I started hunting and only complete concentration would remedy it. Now, after the shot was a whole different thing. Thank goodness for safety harnesses. 

[JonCagle]

Whenever I see an animal that I want to shoot, I chant softy to myself "pick a spot, pick a spot" over and over until the shot is imminent. Pretty simple but it seems to help me

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J327A using Tapatalk

[Fattony77]

I appreciate the encouragement, and the reminder that I'm not the only one. I have to admit that I felt pretty pathetic after missing so many times. When he showed up the 3rd time, I kept saying (in my head), "You're just a target... Just a 3D target..." But when I drew the string back, my mind short-circuited and it was just, "NOW! SHOOT HIM NOW! HURRY!" 

[Etter]

Ive missed two bears the exact same way.  Ive decided to end all this and Im dedicating myself to the joel turner system and Ive trying out different psychotriggers. 

[Fattony77]

Ive missed two bears the exact same way.  Ive decided to end all this and Im dedicating myself to the joel turner system and Ive trying out different psychotriggers.

I'm really interested in your results! I've tried picking up what I could here & there, but would love to hear about how it goes for you.

[Etter]

If I dont dedicate myself to it now it is just going to be up and down forever.  Two years straight I shot five arrows at animals and killed em all.  This season I was more confident than ever and to blow two gimme shots on gorgeous bears means Ill never overcome this if I dont pick a system.  Im starting with the handy clicker and going from there. Ill update

[jess stuart]

Joel Turner's system x2

[caleb7mm]

X3 on Joel’s shot IQ

[BAK]

Oh my, at 20 or 25 yards maybe but at 6

You need some serious black bag practice in low light, no aiming spot.   

[Etter]

Oh my, at 20 or 25 yards maybe but at 6

You need some serious black bag practice in low light, no aiming spot.   

People who dont have target panic will never understand.  Luckily, in 2019, there are people who get it and have the knowledge to teach others to overcome it. 

[Howitser]

Hey, Congrats......your a living human being!!!!    Don't overthink it, ya got shook n paid the price. No biggie. Just go hunt have fun and approach your next opportunity with a clear head.

Good Luck brother

[David Mitchell]

Jim Casto has developed the absolutely best program to deal with target panic I have ever used--including Joel Turner's.  He's on here and offers it free to anyone who asks. Go over to the Shooters Form Board and scroll down to the thread Beat Target Panic (Maybe?) by Jim.  Great program IF you stick with it and IF you do it as designed. 

[Etter]

I sent him a pm.  Very intrigued

[Todd Cook]

You said" I know it's different shooting at foam than flesh". If you think about it the only real difference is that foam doesn't move. EVERYTHING else in the shot process is the same. You can't control an animals movement, but you can control your shot execution.

I've battled the TP bug at times myself, and I know how it feels. It's AWFUL. Makes you want to throw things.

But it can be fixed. Contrary to what many will tell you, it doesn't matter whether you shoot instinctive or gap, or however. What you do have to develop is a shot sequence, and it has to be one you can perform and repeat under pressure. If you're shooting high like you said you PROBABLY are not getting to anchor before you release.

Missing a 300 pound bear at 18 feet is not easy to do. I'm not making fun or anything like that. I've missed some slam dunk shots myself and can tell you that if your alignment is good it's hard to miss something that big that close. What happened is my form fell apart. You have to develop a shot sequence that you can lean on. And practice it until you can't do it any other way. Find someone you know and trust to help watch you shoot, or video it and post it here. But don't give up. You can fix it!

[PhilFloyd]

Another vote for Jim Casto's method. 

[Fattony77]

All of these comments are extremely helpful! I know that I have some long term work to do, and I will DEFINITELY be checking out Mr. Casto's teachings. I also received a PM that I think will help me out quickly and without reinforcing (or creating) any bad habits. It comes via a Jimmy Blackmon video, and I definitely consider him a reputable source.

Most of all, I am thankful to have this community to turn to and receive the encouragement & assistance that I need. You're all awesome! Thank you, Tradgang!

[Fattony77]

It's AWFUL. Makes you want to throw things.

To be honest, I thought very seriously about jumping up and trying to stab the bear with my arrows. I figured that I would be able to take him in a fight, since I outweigh him by a bit...

[J. Holden]

At least you missed cleanly.  I made two horrible shots last season and one so far this season.  Last season I hung up my bow early.  I'm almost there again this year.

-Jeremy