Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

Hi all, new to the board but not Bow hunting.

I have shot a few deer with my bow but I have this horrible tendency to shoot under deer. [:@]Seems as if I do it at least once every season and can't quit figure out what I am doing. I've notice that it seems to happen the most when I am in a sitting position. I'm guessing that I am dropping my arm but it doesn't always feel like it. It almost seems worse the closer the shoot. Once I shoot 5 to 10 times I seem to be able to quit doing what I am doing but it always creeps its way back into my form. Any suggestions, mental things to keep in mind. By the way, did it again last night. Hey, wouldn't be right if I didn't do it at least once a season although this is a tradition I'm willing to let go!! lol

In advance thanks for the help

Tazman-j

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

Well it dosn't sound like a problem estimating yardage but definately a form issue. From reading your post it sounds like you know hat's happening. IMO the best way to correct it is to practice, practice, practice and when you've got that shot in front of you actually think about it.

If you practice the shot enough it should become second nature but you might just have to remind yourself as you anchor to keep your bow arm up until the arrow hits the target. It's not a quick fix but you should be able to overcome it.

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

If you are shooting from a stand, remember to bend at the waist to maintain proper form. Then watch the arrow hit the target, you'll have plenty of time to admire your trophy later.

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

Could be a form of target panic. Are you picking a spot? Make sure to pick an exact spot...and follow through.

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

Taz, I think you solved your own problem. Sounds like your are watching your arrow instead of the aim point. Pick a tuft of hair or some marking on the target then concentrate on that spot and release. All experienced bowhunters have had or have this problem come up sometime in this sport. Another form of trouble can arrise from dropping your arm. Target Panic. Practice holding your bow on the target until the arrow impacts. This will help overcome the problem.
Good Hunting;)

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

I think you are probably doing 1 of these 3 things. A) Not bending at the waist B) Dropping your bow arm C) Looking where the arrows going and not following thru w/the shot. Every year when I begin shooting again I have to recondition my self to bend at the waist as opposed to moving my bow arm to get on the dot. Just my thoughts.

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

I think you just might be peeking. NO PEEKING! Try to keep your eye/focus on the spot you are shooting at until you see the arrow hit. Peeking around the sight to watch the arrow will result in such problems. The problem is you do it without thinking. To this day I still have a little mental chant of things to check as I draw and anchor. I won't let myself release until I do this. The last one is no peeking. I consider this a part of the "follow through" which is just another portion of "form".

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

When you practice from a sitting position in a tree stand do you miss low ?

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

Sounds to me like most the post in here tell you your problem...yourself told you the problem.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE....
I find myself missing easy shots I haven't practiced and sometimes preach to the choir about what is wrong (speaking about my sons bowhunting).

Good luck Bud

RE: Help! What the H*ll am I doing?
 

Thanks all, I think it may be a combination of all those things, that is why it might not stand out to me when it happens. I've self tought myself to shoot the bow and even though I practice a lot, and considered myself a very good shot, 99% is from the ground while I shoot deer from a tree stand. I try to pay attention to my arm not dropping but haven't considered bending at the waist, peeking, and these other suggestions. (Like I said, self taught with no guidance).

Thanks for the info and this looks like it's a great board, I'll have to stick around.
:)