HELP PLEASE!!

[eobowhntr]

Alright heres the deal. Before i left for college last year, i use to shoot every day, no matter the weather, and i was a good shot. I had a slight target panic type deal, (freezing off to the side or up or below the target) but it was small and i could still shoot very accurately. Well i started shooting a few weeks ago to get ready for archery season, and it seems like ive forgotten how to shoot. My freezing has gotten considerably worse, and i cant seem to get my form back. Ive tried everything i can think of, with little success. Im getting very frustrated, and worried. Has anyone ever had the "freezing" thing? Its like i cant get my pin near the target without pulling the trigger before i get there, cauing eratic shots. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Im also looking at a new rest, ive narrowed it down to the trophy taker fall away, or the whisker biscuit. I live in eastern oregon and do alot of stalking, so i was leaning towards the whisker biscuit, any advice on this subject would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help, thanks guys, good hunting!!

eobowhntr

 

[jakstr]

hey, eobowhntr. college,sounds like the women. No just kidding ... find your form again. don't get in a hurry to change your set-up , If its not the bow its the form! you could be thinking about it to much, relax and focus on what you think is your probelm. I think you'll come around . You still have a month ,right? put the down and pick it back up when you aren't thinking about shooting it ... good luck this year.

 

[4x4elk]

eobowhntr; suffered from the same stuff a few years a go hers what worked for me.
first walk up to the tatrget about 3 ft., get in shooting position, knock your arrow, draw your bow (make sure your going to hit the target) now this part is going to sound funny, but close your eyes settle and ready to shot. now repeat this in your head or aloud push, pull, aim, squeeze and let your body do what it knows to do from years of practice. this sounded completly stupid to me, the first time but it works, I have done this sevral times when i start to getting attacks. it relax's you and you remember what your doing. Mack

 

[IdahoBugler]

EOBow,

I've been in your shoes before as I'm sure a lot of other bow hunters have too. 4X4elk gives great advise, for that is what I do if I get the panic. All I really need to do is get close and visualize the shot. I try and make a smooth release letting the bow suprise me at the shot. After a few rounds of that. I will get about 5 yards away and shoot with my eyes open. Picking the smallest spot on the target I can. Then concentrate on a smooth release, hopefully the bow will surprise you and you won't punch the trigger. If you do go back to 3 yards and close your eyes and shoot until everything is smooth. As you get better back up until you are back to normal.

The biggest thing right now is confidence. Once you are confident again you'll be back to normal.

I hope this helps.

I also sent you pm.

Later,
IB

 

[theplatoon]

I had the same problem with target panic...i lost so many darn arrows it wasn't funny. I shoot with a release so what i did was when i pulled back i would'nt put my finger on the trigger and i would concentrate on putting my pin on the target.
When i could put the pin on my target i would count for eight seconds(with the pin on my target) and then let the bow down, i would'nt even let the arrow fly. I'd do that three to five times, then i would draw back, don't put your finger anywhere near the trigger, and hold the pin for the count of five and then i'd move my finger to the trigger and count for five and the bow would surprise the hek out of me and now i don't have target panic any more

good luck and don't get frustrated!

 

[eobowhntr]

Hey thanks for all your advice guys, i went out this afternoon and saw immediate results!! I tried both the shooting from 3 feet, and that surprised me alot!! I realized that i was flinching horribly!! I got my form back in no time. Then i did the counting to 8 seconds, and i had to cut it in half so anywhere 3-6 seconds, anytime after that, i get to shaky. But my groups went from bigger than paper plate, to softball or smaller size. I was very impressed!! Thanks again for your help guys!

eobowhntr

 

[4x4elk]

Happy to help. & Good luck!! Mack

 

[mmwb]

Alot of good advise here! Also, make your practice fun. Shoot with someone, some friendly competition. If you can get out in the woods and stump shoot a little, do so its good practice for the hunt. Again, with someone can make it more enjoyable. The guy closest in the shot, picks the next target. One of those toss/kick and shoot targets adds a little variety as well.

 

[theplatoon]

ya..sorry bout that...forgot to tell you i have 80% let off so i can hold it a lot longer than i could with my old bow...but glad it's working...good luck