cold shots?

[VA Elite]

is that referring to the first shot or few shots ? my first 3 arrows rarely go where I want them. this is a huge problem in a hunting situation. what tips do you guys have to overcome this issue?

[Pointer]

At the very least make sure you stretch out a bit and warm up the muscles. I draw the bow a few times when I get to my blind. I also draw and hold for a bit with an arrow on the string so I can visualize a shot. I pick my spot, draw and anchor..basically the entire shot sequence minus the release and follow through. I do this 3 or 4 times before I sit.It really helps me with that first shot. Last season I went through this exercise regularly and when the late morning came without any action I'd take my first shot with a blunt at whatever caught my eye and I can honestly say every first shot I took would have killed a deer.
A few years ago I carried a small block target in the truck and would actually take a few shots by the light of the headlights to loosen up before I entered the woods. Maybe a little over the top but nothing beats warming up with a few practice shots.
Good Luck

[TooManyHobbies]

In the past, I would take a few shots in the dark at my house before heading out. Then do as Pointer does and draw 3-4 times in my stand.
Wish I had done it Monday.....

[Producer]

Cold shot is the first shot and most often the only shot you get in a hunting situation. I know of some people that take one shot a day from different distances and angles. The thought being is to discipline yourself to make the first shot. If you are cold and stiff it can be hard but you have to be able to overcome that. It comes down to form. If you do not have near perfect form etched into your subconscious mind then you are not as ready as you should be.

[Cavscout9753]

In gun terms the "cold bore" shot is the first. Important for snipers since that one has to count and a cold bore behanves different than a hot one, as far as ballistics are concerned. Same for us, different reasons. If you want to improve, keep your bow and 1 arrow handy (provided you can shoot from home or work or something.) Then at odd times, before or after work, before dinner, in between chores, etc. take 1 well aimed shot. Thats all you take. Youre not going to take another. You may not be "warmed up". Pour your entire focus into that shot. Still do your practice rounds and such, but do these single "cold shots" at different times.

[VA Elite]

producer this is what is scaring me. I will draw a few times and hold. will also practice  a one shot as well. I will certainly take a shot or two before I go to the stand. even In the morning.

I keep a target at camp, and always shoot some before I go the blind/stand. Sometimes it is only 2 or 3 shots, sometimes 20. Just depends on how dead on I am that day.

Bisch

[Hummer3T]

Luckily my first shot is always my best and where I want it to be, I have come to realize I will never have a good group or a robin hood, but I can live with it in a hunting situation.

[VA Elite]

I would take that every time

[bucknut]

I have different results with different bows, My R/D long bow and recurves generally shoot good right outta the gate, but with my hill style its more of a shot in the dark. Usually I drill the center first shot but when I don't its really bad. I think its more of a grip deal for me. (pointability)  I just love the simplicity and smooth draw of my D bow and cant keep from grabbing it. You might try a different bow and see if anything changes for you.

[AZ_Longbow]

Practice for the cold shot, Shoot only one arrow and no more, then do not shoot again for hours.
When you know you have a quiver full of chances it's easy to fail to focus.

[CoachBGriff]

I'm with Hummer3T on this one.  For some reason when I'm flinging at live targets it focuses my brain somehow (not to say I've never missed).  

When I'm flinging arrows at a bale, I can get complacent.

I'll occasionally use a squirrel as a warm-up while in stand.

[Msturm]

Cold shots? I'll take two. jack Daniels....

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Good Practice is the way to go.  Sage advice above should help.

[longbow fanatic 1]

All of the above tips are great recommendations. My advice would be to reduce the distance you're shooting. So, if you're having trouble making cold shots at 20 yards, try 15 yards and so on. Find a distance you can place an arrow right where you want, every time. Once you know that distance, consider this your maximum hunting distance.

[Zradix]

The above advice is all good.

I know exactly what you're talking about buddy.
I've struggled with that too.

I overcome this problem, I just really paid attention to what/how I did shoot those good shots after the warm up.

Then just practiced shooting "the good way".
Really concentrating on doing all the steps.

My biggest problem was incomplete concentration on my 1st shot...and my body not being warmed up.

now... I want to practice without my body warmed up. I ground hunt and plan on sitting there for a few hours before seeing anything. My body will be "tight" and possibly cold from sitting when I make a hunting shot.

So.. I practice a lot of 1 shot sessions.
I just have my target set up and take 1 shot.
Knowing this is the only shot I'm taking helps me concentrate and put the arrow on target.

I know this is all easier said than done...but that's the struggle that makes trad archery rewarding as well.

Good luck!

[KentuckyTJ]

I have a judo point in my quiver. I always take two or three shots before I head to the woods.

[JD Page 1965]

In the service it was called the "cold bore" shot and it is the most important shot of the day. It has became my most important shot in archery, strive to make that first shot count, it may be the only one you get in a situation. It boils down to intense concentration on that spot and executing the fundamentals of shooting, know your limits and stay within them.

[VA Elite]

That would be about 13 yards. Im fine with that. I really need to come to full draw a few times before that first shot. And concentrate fully one the vitals. thanks guys for all the help, I can always count on you guys

[VA Elite]

After yesterday, this may be a real challenge for me. I tried a few things at different times of the evening so all shots would be "cold" and sure enough I was either too far left or too low every time. Looks like I will dedicating myself to fixing this issue like I have with all the others since Jan. Just keep at it!