I got so nervous the first year I hunted.....thatI remember one day having some small bucks under me and a couple does....and I wasn't even gonna reach for my bow.

I STILL had to prop my right leg against the tree I was in because it was shaking that bad.

It's gotten better.

I've become very much more .....I wouldn't say "relaxed".....but "focused". I just look at it like I'm there to do a job. MOTOWN told me last year to pick a spot on the deer as soon as I could.....and burn a hole in it. Don't focus on anything else. That's helped, tremendously.

When the arrow's downrange and I assess the shot, though......Katy bar the door. I am a mess.

If I could bottle that feeling and sell it......I'd retire tomorrow.

I hope I never get to the point where I don't have to fight to control my anxiety. That little inner struggle is what it's all about.

edit**

Forgot to answer your question....

Before the shot? about a 5. After the shot.....9.

I can honestly say, though....that the biggest buck I ever saw (inches-wise)....I was completely calm. Can't explain it.