Shooting deer is different that targets

I'd say it's pretty common. I missed several before I finally connected. I have found that my best method it use the "go/ no go" method. Once I make my decision, it's all about getting ready for the shot. I'm not staring at the rack, I'm focused on other things. I self film so that occupies my mind, then I pull, aim and shoot. I don't think about the deer at all, just shot placement.

 

I missed my first two deer that I ever shot at, both were slam dunk 15 yards shots that I airmailed...and they happened within 5 minutes of each other. Then, later on during the same evening I connected on a doe that was far out of my range.I just got stupid lucky, never should have shot. Since then, I've calmed down quite a bit.I still get the excited feeling when I see a deer but I have learned to control it for the most part. I did have a close encounter with a beast of a buck that left me shaking for an hour. A big 10 pointer walked directly towards my stand, got within 5 yards and sensed something wrong. It looked up, busted me, and blew out of there. It never gave me an ethical shot. I sat there shaking for at least a hour! LOL!

 

Thanks for all the tips, suggestions, and stories. I will try again this afternoon. Will post if I get one. I think looking back I may not have had my arm extended. He turned his head long enough for me to grab my bow and I thinK subconsciously I kept my arm in closer to minimize movement. Kinda like the young lady said on the first post. I knew good and well I need to extend my arm all the way. Then the spaghetti noodle arms probably came from the initial shock of me not being able to draw out right.
Again, thanks to you all. I haveas good many deer coming through my 23 acres. It's one huge bedding area with two food plots. I see deer on the regular, so it's just a matter of time. Good luck to you all.

 

I can really appreciate this thread man. I can honestly say the rush has kept me coming back for more each season. I can relate a story while on stand when I first starting bowhunting almost 5 years ago now the small group came in from behind me 3 big doe a button buck and two smaller yearlings deer. I can remember hearing one loud crack!!! immediately my heart began to pound and not only that my right leg begin to shake so much I had to hold it down to get it to stop while saying over an over its just a deer calm down and started to exhale slowly an just breathe. I finally regained my composure. The deer walker into my shooting lane started feeding I drew back and that was the first time I released a spined a deer an shot a button buck he dropped right there hurt bad so I immediately gave him a follow up shot. This was my first time bowhunting from a stand. I had arrowed another doe early season and I wasnt this shook up I double lunged her from the ground. Exciting but not as intense as being on stand. My suggestion is to just exhale slowly an say to yourself its just a deer an try to calm down so you can pull back an settle that pin. As many have pointed out here man if your heart dont start beating and you dont become excited when enjoying this recreation dude something aint right I love that feeling but being able to control it is vital. Good luck man. Mussa Mussa lol!!!

 

Im dead over here dude lmbo are u serious that last part is hilarious man.

 

maybe close your eyes.. just kidding, breath deep, relax, don't rush, give yourself a second to settle down and focus on the shot. It still can be tough even when you are relatively "calm".. definitely a whole different ballgame than target practice, which is why some guys elevate their heart rate and then shoot (run, do pushups, etc.) to simulate this and see how you really shoot under these conditions, and what will help you focus and follow through.

 

Just don't accidentally bump that trigger..