Originally Posted by
tnt1960
I practice with my bow as often as I can. I don`t want to have to think about anything when the moment of truth is there. I want to have shot so many arrows, that everything comes automatically for me. I want to go to "auto pilot" so to speak. Plus I want the confidence to know that I can make the shot when it presents its self. Being confident on stand is everything!
I get what you are saying, but at the same time, that hurts in some situations as well...
I think having some kind of mental shot routine really helps not only to keep your mind focused on the shot, but to keep your nerves down and confidence up. I cant say that ive bowhunted as long as many of you guys on here(this will be my 9th bow season) but i do remember the days when I did the whole autopilot thing and it failed... You see the big buck and everything starts to speed up in your mind, and adrenaline kicks in and it all happens. And after the shot, you think "I cant even remember it happening". For me, Ive found that I have much more confidence and stability if I go through a tiny mental check list. Nothing that is time consuming, just a quick thought to make sure of good anchor, bend at the waist, not creeping into the valley etc...
Im sure everyones process is different, and by no means am i trying to preach
I have a ladder stand in the back yard, and do the same as everyone else. Try and make good single shots in the unorthadox positions...
Its getting close!!! Sept 5th here!
Derek