practice practice practice. and keep consistant with your ammo. also don't ever shoot rocks or anything which could damage the bands and lead to someone losin' an eye. i use them around here on stray cats out of property defense/personal amusement and i've came close on a couple squirrels i just don't dedicate as much time to it as i might could. i'm gonna start back at it though. my buddy's farm is overrun w/ mildly tame groundhogs and i'm takin. my.17, Hoyt, and slingshot with me.