As far as shooting goes what makes you as good as you are? Is it equipment? Long hours of dedicated practice?? Just a natural? Lessons from a pro or someone else like dad??

For me I would have to say that equipment plays a big role in my skill level because I have been a good shot since the day I picked up a bow. Now I guess so many years of shooting guns had surely taught me good aiming techniques and I'm sure a little natural talent is there........without sounding cocky at all I have always just been kinda good at everything I try.......not professional good but better then average. I shoot 80's in golf, 200 avg in bowling, ski, basketball etc.........I guess I have been blessed with athletic coordination.

I do however believe that technology plays a big role. Both my brothers can shoot well.......not far behind me and sometimes just as good or better. I shoot a Patriot and my bros shoot a Martin Tracer Mag and my old Fred Bear TRX respectively. I think the speed of my Patriot gives me a slight edge and more forgiveness but they can stack arrows just fine. My bro with the TRX now was a TERRIBLE shot with his old bow that was a very dated Martin that was just junk compared to todays bows..........now with the TRX he shoots very very well and has tremendous confidence.

I just don't see the difficulty level of shooting a compound as being that high. The hardest part to me is getting the bow properly setup and once that is done all you have to do is put the pin where you want to hit and squeeze the release.

So, I guess I would fall under the equipment/technology umbrella first then natural talent second probably at a 60/40 split.



As far as being a hunter I would say that my dad taught me 90% of what I know most importantly the fact that you need to be focused when the moment of truth happens. Excitement never leaves and hearts pound and legs shake but when it's time to go to work you have to be steady and true. When I see that I have a shot opportunity I get as excited as anyone out there but I remain focused on a clear shot and a single hair right behind that shoulder........I don't count points, stare at racks, or take hasty shots because I just can't wait. I saw the biggest buck of my life last year and my fathers words of "Aim the gun kiddo" echoed in my head like the 1,000 times I had heard him say it.

Again, I think I have a natural skill level that allows me to at least be good at most things.........combine that with a focus on details and practice and I am a pretty darn good shot.


So for hunting skills I would say I had a great teacher and then natural skill/knowledge picked up along the years a distant second......probably 80/20.


I have friends who were not lucky enough to have a good teacher and I feel so bad for them...........they just don't know things I take for granted because my dad taught us all before we ever even touched a weapon.



So what about you guys?