What do you think about at full draw?(the crazy thoughts we have)
 

I had an interesting discussion last night at the archery shop with some buddies about what you think about at full draw. It was our Traditional night when we have about 8 or 9 guys shooting longbows and recurves, so you could only imagine the responses we gave. [8D]LOL.

So what do you think about at full draw weather its on the 3D range, in the woods, or even just punching paper.

Im sure this will be an interesting topic;)

Well I guess I should clarify the question. I know everyone just focuses on the intended target and either goes through their shot process. But I know we ALL have had that time or times when we think about some crazy stuff at full draw. Thats what I want to hear about.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

When I'm shooting well I'm consciously focused on the x ring once I've hit my anchor point. Before that I'm focused on mentally walking through the steps in my shot sequence, and visualizingthat perfect shot. Once I hit anchor though and it all feels right, I commit andflip the switch and the only thing I'm thinking of is x ring. If something pops it's head up to break that concentration it's time to let down, regroup, and start over.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

Usually talking my way thru the shot, like one more step.....

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I always concentrate on my form, and make sure that I'm ready to follow through after the shot.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

i am just aiming and making sure there is a clear shot

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

My mind is blank of everything buy the expected POI. Even when I am hunting I try concentrate on the exact POI only. When I am really in the zone I have had people speak to me from behind me and I do not hear them. I dont feel or hear a thing, and I get tunnel vision. I am thinking this may be a bad thing in the woods when I should still be aware of my surroundings through the shot but its how I shoot best. My next hurdle is to become more consistant with the concentration for wvery shot.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I try to think as little as possible, the whole draw process has become natural and if something isnt right I feel it immediately. Just focus on where I want to hit.

Its like golf for me, the more I concentrate and nit pick all aspects of my shot process, the greater my slice will be!

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

Well I guess I should clarify the question. I know everyone just focuses on the intended target and either goes through their shot process. But I know we ALL have had that time or times when we think about some crazy stuff at full draw. Thats what I want to hear about.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I always think ..... Gee, how am I gonna mess this one up:D

Or , I can taste those backstraps right now! :D

Either way, they both lead to misses ..... 2 ditches :eek:

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

After getting solid peep alignment, level and pin on. I need something else to thing about because its the next second that either makes or breaks me on a good shot or a bad one. When I overthink it, its over.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I honestly think I don't have a conscious thought at the magic moment. What I have begun to do is tell myself....as soon as I decide to take an animal .....that that animal is dead. Itwent from "am i really gonna get a shot at this animal" to....."dead deer".

This is also about the time I quit being nervous before the shot. After the shot???? No comment.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

When im at my house i think... What if my dogs come running through about the time i fire. when im in the woods and im getting ready to shoot a doe i think... What if a buck will be here in 15 minutes.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I always think please god dont miss the huge buck that just walked out infront of me.

When I am target shooting I really dont think anything.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I think about my aiming at the exact spot I want to hit.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I already have that spot picked out so I'm concentrating, concentrating, concentrating, concentrating, on that spot and releasing!

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

Same here.

Taking an animal has just become sub-conscious for myself. It's all memory. I seem to just fade out.. and totally rely on muscle memory from the moment I know I am ready to take this particular animal. It's so fundamental.. I can't even explain it.. but thought... their is none.

I am sure for many hunters this is normal.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I pick a spot, concentrate and try not to think of those back straps until after the shot!;):D

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

Just to think of one, I sometimes have a statement made by John Schulz (and I hear it in his voice) refering to a Howard Hill concept saying,

"Upon release both hands do nothing".

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

[quote]ORIGINAL: dukemichaels

Same here.

Taking an animal has just become sub-conscious for myself. It's all memory. I seem to just fade out.. and totally rely on muscle memory from the moment I know I am ready to take this particular animal. It's so fundamental.. I can't even explain it.. but thought... their is none.

I am sure for many hunters this is normal.
[/quote

X3 , I have to agree 100% with Duke on this one.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I keep saying to myself follow thru, follow thru,follow thru,follow thru!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!til I release!

Hatchet Jack

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

"gotcha where i want ya and now im gonna getcha" :D

RE: What do you think about at full draw?(the crazy thoughts we have)
 

When target shooting, I mentally run through my shot process.

In the woods is another matter. It's such a surreal feeling, like a dream. I'm on autopilot, not really thinking about anything other than when to draw. I already know the range. On a deer, mentally I'm more busy in the moments leading up to drawing the bow. Once I get drawn and anchored, I couldn't tell you what happens, other than I see an arrow zip through a deer.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?(the crazy thoughts we have)
 

The last thing going through my mind is waiting for my camera guy to give the ok to shoot!!

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

RELAX! Is what I want to think but alot of times excitement takes over and im like damn this will be easy just shoot it! That got me in alot of trouble before with bad shots and misses. Now I tell myself 1 more breath relax and squeeze!:D

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

its like running the football for me... intinct takes over and I sure as heck am not thinking about anything..other than killing the animal in front of me

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I focus on my breathing and follow though most of the time, as well as all the small things that are running through my head, so as to prepare for the unexpected..."which way do I think he is going to turn.......if he steps left, where is my shot angle....does he sense me......does this shot look good or should I wait.....etc."

RE: What do you think about at full draw?(the crazy thoughts we have)
 

Exactly what I was going to say. By the time I start to draw, I've already played the entire scene through in my mind. Once I get to full draw, I'm on autopilot.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I'm always telling myselfthat I about to take thelife of a large livingcreature. Do it right!

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

OK here's a few:
Whats my taxidermists phone number. BTW I missed that one!
I'm going to have to drag this hog a 1/2 mile by myself. I got that one:D

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I think to myself......"Boy, I could really go for aPastrami sandwich right now."

















:DJ/K....I really just concentrate on the exact spot I want to hit and everything else sorta fades away, I get really focused on the shot and my mind goes blank.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

LOL! It's been so long since I've gotten to full anchor with a recurve or longbow that I've forgotten what I used to think. [8D]

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I honestly can't remember thinking anything. Autopilot takes over as soon as I anchor and I won't remember thinking anything until the arrow is on its way. Its really like I blank out until after the shot.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I am thinking, "Damn, that pin sure does move a lot!!!!"

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I like Big Johns response! Gee I wonder what the wife is doing right now? Actually I am making a conscious effort to keep my body relaxed,hands especially,feet and knees next.Then it is aim,aim,aim,aim,aim,explosion of the release,exagerate the follow through,watch the animal fall.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I usually just think about having good form and following through after the shot.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

Aiming, that's it; I think to myself "aim, aim, aim, aim..." until the shot goes off.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?(the crazy thoughts we have)
 

At full draw I don't think. I try to let my instincts take over and take the best possible shot. Thinking can and will cause target panic.

RE: What do you think about at full draw?(the crazy thoughts we have)
 

on the biggest buck ive ever drawn on when i got to full draw i thought cant wait to call pap an tell him about this deer then ...wham...missesd! lol 3 weeks later a buddy killed it with a muzzleloader.... damn him!

RE: What do you think about at full draw?(the crazy thoughts we have)
 

i have had the sudden, "did I lock the truck" or "I hope my stomach doesn't growl", stupid brain synapse right before release...

RE: What do you think about at full draw?
 

I have been guilty of picking out a pose for the mount!!:D