Advice needed from successful hunters

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

What I try to do is take a couple deep breathes then focus on your spot.  Try not to look at the whole animal and pretend that you're shooting the 3-d in the backyard and concentrate on form and release.   This helps take your mind off what's going on and take s you to a comfortable and familiar place.  However in certain situations.  I have forgotten to do this myself and sent an arrow between a bucks antlers.  But, if I didn't get so excited(even with does) I wouldn't want to do it.

[BamaBarebow]

Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:
I always imagine that the deer is naked!     :D  

You stole my line! Lol

[Onehair]

First I begin getting into position as soon as I decide I am going for a shot. You don't need the added pressure of trying to pull that off at close range. I then only watch the deer with my peripheral vision. No starring and as the deer gets in range I only focus on the spot.

[TooManyHobbies]

I don't mind the shaking so much, but trying to keep the arrow on the shelf is hard. I feel like an epileptic off the drugs. How can a deer NOT see the arrow bouncing up and down like a bird leaving a branch. I love it. When I was younger, I had a doe trot by, I shook so hard that I had to put my bow down and hold on to a tree because I was shaking so bad. I was on the ground too, it wouldn't have been a long fall. Welcome to the sport.

[bro-n-arrow]

Hold your breath, pinch your cheeks together,close your eyes, count to 100, then it will be all over.

[Terry Lightle]

I stay really calm until I make the shot,then its racing heartbeat kneeshakin,fast breathing.What a wonderful feeling

[Littlejake]

I just tell myself..it's just a deer..

[wtpops]

X2 KentuckyTJ's. One other thing on size, pick that spot and dont think about size the center of a golf ball is the same size as the center of a basket ball

[Benjy]

I usually just think to myself "Now, how are you gonna mess this up" and laugh to myself.

I think I will try Charlies way the next time!  

[Possum Head]

X3 Kentucky TJ's.I never shoot bullseyes,I force myself to create an imaginary one.Like Pepper said if the "doe fever" goes away take up a new sport.

[ChuckC]

Charlie  that was funny !  

I think the closer you let them get , the harder your heart beats.  That is part of the game.

You can, and will overcome it. . .  eventually.  Enjoy it while you can.  It is awesome and tells you that you are human (really human, not a person that sends their animals elsewhere to be butchered so you can eat the meat but not feel fettered with the kill.)   It is what we are. .  that's all.
ChuckC

[Plumber]

I really focus on picking a spot burn it into your minds eye. you got to focus! you can shoot all the 3-d you want but you cant get the rush from a foam filled buck!once you learn to shoot the rest is in your head you gotta keep your self calm you only have to keep yourself together for a few moments in most cases.the more animals you get in front of you the better it will get,but hope it never goes away.good luck an no matter what never give up make it happen do it the trad way

[Bowwild]

I pretend I'm in the basement on my range visuallizing perfect shots - piece of cake -- it doesn't work all the time though!

[vtmtnman]

I personally find the longer I watch the deer the calmer I get.I get very shaky if it comes in fast and I get a shot fast.I'd rather I had no rush whatsoever.I'd rather be a calm killer than a shaky wounder.I like well placed shots,short blood trails and hero pics...not sleepless nights and wounds.But that's just me.

[chanumpa]

A wise old archer told me to drill a hole in the animal where you are going to shoot, it and that always has helped me and I remembered that.And block out looking at the horns of course when the big guy comes in.Easier said than done,and I still can get caught on that one.The heart beating fast is a good thing.The breathing is important and will help alott.Best of luck!

[jfelkins]

Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:
I always imagine that the deer is naked!    :D  

Too funny, I guess the alternative is a clothed deer? I can see deer wearing tacky sweaters during the holidays!


I always tell my son to focus on one tiny spot: aim small miss small. As for me, I freak out!

[OS]

I joined in with a outdoor video production company here in Michigan and have spent a lot of time behind the camera and I believe somthing another video producer once said is when you spend more time with deer in front of you the easier to get through to the shot.  Now after that I go to jellow!!! I enjoy the sight of watching them walk in, I've already gone through every shooting possibility in my mind waiting for them to show up in the first place.  As things start to fall into place I focus on the little spont I want that arrow to end up and focus just on that until the string slips from my fingers.  THEN my heart does mock 12 (I love that part)

[joe ashton]

ain't it great...

Ok after you decide to shot this animal only look at the spot you intend to slip the arrow through.. do not look at the animal as a whole just the 'spot' and keep breathing... you will have plenty of time to shake after the shot...

[bad arrow]

I'm gettin' nervous again just thinking about it.  Just breathe... pick a spot... 911! 911! Naw, I'll be alright  :cool: ....Phil

[joe skipp]

I put my ex wifes face right on the vitals....makes me concentrate harder...   :eek: