Rule #1: It's not a deer/elk/bear... it's a target. Treat it like any other target. (Shoot lots of 3D and you'll learn how to treat them. )
Rule #2: See rule #1!

I guess I'm lucky in this respect. I never shake until after the shot. It's then that I can't control those muscles.

I'm like Little Cheif, I fall apart after the shot.

For starters it takes time. You just need to do it and get used to it. The biggest thing is having confidence. In both you and your equipment. Plenty of practice and KNOWING you can make that shot when you need to does a lot for your nerves. Actually killing a few is big boost as well.

Take your time, don't hurry and know that you can get the job done when need be.

But hey, if your not getting excited you should look for a new hobby.

Paul

As I'm sitting in the tree, I visualize deer coming in. The more detailed mental picture I can create the better.I visualize them coming in, drawing the bow, taking the shot, a perfect hit and following them after the shot. When the deer actually approach, it's like I've already been through it and I expected it to happen.

It helps me.

3d helped more than one could imagine.

A couple reasons.

The first is I became a much better shot with much more CONFIDENCE in my abilities.


Second is those "buddies" behind you giving you hell everytime you approach the stake.I really learned to FOCUS on the task at hand and block all else out.

I have gotten home from a shoot before and had my quiver full of trash and dirt from those "buddies" filling it up while I was at the stake.I had no idea they were doing it.



I will still get a little fever when I see the deer coming but when I start my shot sequence,I am focused on the task at hand,once the shot goes off,I look like a bumbling fool.

Roscoe gives you good advice. If it's not time to shoot you can also close your eyes when you're breathing. Slow thoughts of breathing and taking your mind off the deer for a few seconds. GMMAT also has it pretty much down from the rookie end. LOL It gets easier for sure. I see people all the time say that the day they stop shaking and getting nervouse they'll give up bow hunting. I say to that.... BULL HOCKEY!!! It's all about becoming the predator. It's all about becoming the tree. It's all about becoming invisible. It's all about becoming the ARROW. I really don't become nervous with a deer. I'm more nervous with a half dozen people watching. When I'm in the tree it's me and the arrow and the deer. I really don't get nervous anymore. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy the heck out of it or enjoy it any less than someone else. I enjoy the hunt and becoming the arrow.

Exactly what I love about deer hunting........

Lots of good advice already provided.Controlled breathing keeps up the oxygen supply and creates a focus other than the animal,I like what Kodiak Archer said,basically have your focus be on your form and executing a good shot at specific spot on the target/animal.I have done a couple of other things as well,self talk,such as telling myself I probably wont get a shot when an animal is coming in that I want to shoot,it is a little bit of denial that is taking the heat off until you know for sure whether you will have a shot opportunity.
There is no substitute for experience and being around game,there is one thing that I have found immensely helpful,not caring so much whether I take an animal or not.I give my hunting everything I can from a time and effort perspective and whatever happens,happens.Some of the best things that have ever happened to me in my life have happened once I let go of being so concerned about the result and just focused on the preparation and enjoying the entire experience.I hope this makes sense to anyone reading this.

For those of you who get tired of me relating deer hunting/archery to golf...I apologize, in advance. But....this method of thinking parallels a WONDERFUL golf philosophy. In either endeavor.....we practice....we become proficient......and we attempt to make our shots "automatic". We're attempting to REPEAT our proven form. When the time comes to do so.....we have to relenquish the thoughts of the "outcome"....and stay in the moment......"trust" ourselves......and not care.

Before I get rolled on the internet.....we all CARE about what happens to the animal That's innate and a 'given'). But we've heard MANY successful hunters advise us to not look at the antlers when a trophy animal comes in (and yes....EVERY deer....regardless of headgear....is a 'trophy'). We're asked to treat every animal the same .....and trust our ethics, mechanics, etc... . We CAN'T get caught up in the "outcome". It's absurd to think we haven't been through the thought process of said.....but that should be part of our overall plan.....and shouldn't come into play at the time of the shot.

Controlling this aspect of hunting/shooting/shot selection/overall decision making.....is what I hope to get better with, every year. We have to trust that we've done the correct things leading up to the moment of truth......and let go.

tsoc....I believe you're right on track.

I don't think I could add any more, as very good advice. I can relate with getting the shakes when surprised.