Made a fool out of myself today
 

Today, I shot the Raz-mania in Dothan, AL. It was a big buck and turkey expo with pop up tournament. I had been shooting great at the house. I had been shooting out to 85 yards and had them in about a 6 inch group. The pop up shoot was only set from 15 to 40 yards. 10 targets. 30 shooters. $100 entry fee. (my entry was paid by the youth minister at my church.He said he'd pay for my entry fee, if I would split any winnings with him.) All my friends were pulling for me. I even had a group from the church come out to watch and support me.

I have shot regular 3-d tournaments and done well. I have shot pop up ranges and done well.

Today, I basically sucked.

First, they set the range with extra animals. You couldn't just look for an animal. You had to remember the ones that were standing already.

Secondly, there was no buffer between shots. Most of the targets came up at the same time as other was letting down. Only 8-10 seconds each.

Thirdly, I had never practiced trying to load an arrow without looking, so I missed seeing targets come up.

On the first round I missed 4 targets coming up. The second round, I cut my losses to only two.

I embarrassed myself and looked like I didn't know what I was doing. This was much harder than hunting. I've killed over 20 deer and turkeys with my bow, but this was tough.

I must show gratitude to my friends, because they didn't make me feel bad at all. They were encouraging.

My hat is off to those who work hard enough to shoot a pop up tournament like that.

I had a big piece of humble pie today. But, maybe that's just what I need before heading into the woods against the real thing!:)

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

sorry to hear you did not do as well as you expected, sounds like fun anyway.I wish they had something like that in my area, just 3-D and techno around here.

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

how do you guys find out about pop up 3D tournaments like that especially ones you can win money in??
Ryan.

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

Ryan-It was advertised by billboards and all the local archery shops had signs about it.

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

Sorry to hear that bud. It does sound like fun though!

Maybe one day I'll try something like that.


FreakDaddys ALL THE WAY!!!!

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

Most importantly, you took part!;)

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

Hey, maybe you didn't do as well as you would have liked, but your attitude about it is great. Keep shooting and you'll be better prepared next time.

Good luck.

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

You did better than I would have. I am terrible at those pop-up 3d shoots. At least you know what you are in for next time you go. It's a learning experience. ;)

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

hunting and archery will make you feel like a fool even 30 years down the road. Thats the way the game playes out.;)

RE: Made a fool out of myself today
 

You dont really have to worry, Just go out next time and tear it up.
Ryan.