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Breaking out of "The Slump"

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by Siman/OH, Oct 3, 2009.

  1. Siman/OH

    Siman/OH Legendary Woodsman

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    Fact.

    My last bow kill was in November of 2007.

    Since then i have missed a handful of deer, and lost 2. Im not proud, but it was a learning experience that i wouldn't trade for anything. Rewind to Wednesday evening, September 30th. Im on a newly hung stand overlooking a bean field and a pond. I have deer moving all night, and just before last light, a mature doe presents me a 30 yard broadside shot. I take it, and miss.

    Great. More of the same.

    Fast forward to Friday, October 2nd. I wake up to my pager going off for an MVA. After standing in the rain for 2 hours, i help my dad install a garage door on the fire department. 3 PM rolls around and i KNOW that i need to shoot my broadheads. I have to build up that confidence.

    The results from 30 yards with the Rage practice heads:

    [​IMG]

    Now that im 100% certain that i can shoot, I head back to my bean field stand. Here is the video of the entire night:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Pj3ykZnFA

    To some it may be JUST a doe, but it was more then that for me. It was my first archery deer in almost 2 years, and only my 3rd overall. Probably the biggest confidence builder ive ever had :D

    Also, the obvious secret to my success,

    Hoyt bows, Sony cameras:

    [​IMG]

    ...and facepaint :D

    [​IMG]

    The success pictures:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2009
  2. virginiashadow

    virginiashadow Legendary Woodsman

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    COOL stuff...nice work Siman!
     
  3. bowmanaj

    bowmanaj Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Awesome Caleb! Congrats man!
     
  4. buckeye

    buckeye Grizzled Veteran

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    Congrats again Caleb :)
     
  5. OKbowhunter

    OKbowhunter Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Tack on 50 points for Team1!

    Congrats on a nice doe man. Nice storyline :D

    PS: Nice shot
     
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2009
  6. BowHuntingFool

    BowHuntingFool Grizzled Veteran

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    Very cool, congrats brother!
     
  7. Dan

    Dan Senior Member

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    Congrats again Caleb!

    I know how you feel about the slump....it gets to you mentally. I've gone through the same thing lately a bit myself. That buck I shot in IL last fall wasn't the best shot.....it was only 22 yards and I beat myself up mentally over it.

    Fast forward to this year, about 3 weeks ago. I'm sitting in the bear stand and watch a bear for 40 minutes one night, but let him walk. I went back and reviewed the video and decided that he would have been big enough to shoot, 275-300#, and go back the next night. The second night he walks in and I draw when he's quartering away, but then turns straight away. I'm about to let down and then he turns quartering away again......and I rush the shot. I went back and reviewed the video and could see the shot was nearly perfect, but about 4-6" high. I decided to wait until morning to track him.......but never did find him. Man, I was sick and again I beat myself up over it.

    I decided the worst thing I could do is let it get to me.....the old saying "if you hunt long enough, it'll happen to you." So, I've let it go and feel extremely confident again. Hopefully, that'll be tested soon!
     
  8. Fitz

    Fitz Legendary Woodsman

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    Way to go man! Self filmed bow hunt, it doesn't get more challenging than that!
     
  9. Nate/FL

    Nate/FL Weekend Warrior

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    Great Job Caleb!! That vid was great!!
     
  10. Sliverflicker

    Sliverflicker Grizzled Veteran

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    Awesome, glad you took time to share.
     
  11. bloodcrick

    bloodcrick Moderator/BHOD Prostaff

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    Way to go Caleb :) glad ou got the confidence back. that is a big thing to get over. nice looking Doe!! ;)
     
  12. MN/Kyle

    MN/Kyle Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Typical. :(

    Congrats again, Buddy. Team 1 is rollin'.
     
  13. cfdjay

    cfdjay Weekend Warrior

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    Nice job!!!
     
  14. Vito

    Vito Grizzled Veteran

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    Congrats on a nice doe, Caleb. I enjoyed the vid.
     
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2009
  15. Rory/MO

    Rory/MO Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I never got a text! :D congrats man
     
  16. michaelp

    michaelp Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Congrats man.
     
  17. Siman/OH

    Siman/OH Legendary Woodsman

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    Damn Rory, you never get on and i totally forgot! Apology?
     
  18. Scot

    Scot Weekend Warrior

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    Congratulations Caleb! It is all in the face paint!
     
  19. Scott/IL

    Scott/IL Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Very nice job on the video and even better on the hunt.

    Congrats and way to break out of that slump!
     
  20. hammerman

    hammerman Weekend Warrior

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    Congrats!!!
     

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