Hi Charlie, hope you are doing well.
There are a lot of different methods described above that work for certain individuals. There is not one method that works for everybody, I tried numerous methods over several years until deciding to make my own. Below is my method, maybe it will help somebody “Make It Dead”.
Like Terry, I pick a spot when seeing the critter, though the sight picture will change as its body changes positions and angles. My favorite spot is on the off side of the body where in my mind I visualize the arrow exiting. After 60 years, my shot sequence is ingrained, subconscious, automatic, until reaching full draw, where I anchor in a locked out position. Bone on Bone. If I decide to take the critter, my shot sequence is reengaged by consciously saying “Make It Dead”, which triggers the expansion phase. The release happens subconsciously during expansion when/if it feels right. The bow hand does not move until the arrows hits the critter.
That is what works for me, hope some part of it helps. Develop or adopt a killing shot sequence that works for you.
Oh ya, my wife tells me most people’s brains don’t work like mine. TANSTAAFL