Deer fever
 

I need help staying calm. I've been hunting for many years and i have shot plenty of deer but it seems everytime I see a deer even a small one my heart beats like crazy and I almost jump in the air. Is there anything that anybody does to stay calm?

Nope. The way I see it is if you don't get excited whenever you see a deer, you shouldn't be hunting! :)

the pump is what its all about, let's you know your alive!

I have killed hundreds of deer and a handfull of nice bucks.

I feel the same way you do till this day. When that feeling goes away its time for me to hang it up.

I have learned to relax, breath and thus keeping me still and un noticed.

I agree with Night.. Its the hunt.. the predator vs prey... its hard wired into us from generations past... If you don't feel that then find a new hobby... for me its a passion, it runs through me.. When November comes I am drawn to the woods and nothing can stop me.

The passion is in my it really is I just over react WAY to much when I see one. I've spooked a nice buck this year from just seeing it. I jumped up and made to much movement and when I went to grab my gun I wasn't thinking and moved to much so he noticed me and took off

Same answer: I don't want to be cured!

Years back (Before compound bows) my cousin shot bow on a local league. They took on the pistol team and beat them every year. He tried bowhunting ONE year. He just came unglued and would miss deer by a couple feet. He gave up. I usually get excited after the shot. Some people are not so lucky. Try spending more time in the woods out of season and letting deer get up close to you.

What they all said. It's the predator in you. I can't imagine hunting without getting the fever LOL. BUT, you also want to make a good shot, and shaking like Don Knotts ain't the best thing either.

Something I did years ago when new to bowhunting, which it's critical to have a steady shot, is to see myself making the shot. Not simply taking the shot at the animal, but the whole hunt. Getting into my stand, having a look around, and sometime later, seeing the deer. Seeing the deer come closer and closer until the moment of truth. Drawing back on him, releasing the arrow, seeing it hit, the deers reaction and ends with me recovering him. I know that sounds a bit out of whack, but it lets one replay the scenario over and over in their brain. I do it constantly while in stand to this day, picking different situations each time. Not only does it help, but it keeps your mind actively thinking about the hunt. I does work. I guess you could say it calms you psychologically because in your mind, you've done it so many times. In fact, many pro athletes use the very same tactics.

But in the end, that rush of adrenaline is what its all about. It reminds you of your place in the natural world. :rock:

Time will teach you.

Talk to yourself to stay calm. Concentrate on shooting fundamentals.

Sights steady...
Breathe and hold it...
Squeeze slow....

Talk yourself through the shot and it will help you stay calm by keeping your mind busy.

like others said if you don't get the fever its time to quit...

but what I do is close my eyes for a few seconds. and above all don't move when you first get the adrenaline rush...because that will make you make mistakes...try to calm yourself down and let the rush subside a little. Once your heart rate is back down a little then you can make your move on the deer...if it looks at you STOP don't move to the best of your ability till it looks away and starts moving again. Wait to draw or position your rifle while the deer is walking behind a tree...then stop him/her when you are in a good position to shoot the deer in the vitals...

Honestly, I calmed down when I quit trying to shoot every deer that walked by me. I absolutly love deer hunting. There is nothing better than a deer you are not going to shoot walking up to you, and around you. Those are my victorys, those are my best stories. And I believe by doing that has kept me calm when then time comes to get ready and make the shot.

I'm nervous until I get the sight on them then I guess I just get in the zone.If I don't get excited then it will be time to hang it up.

:happy0001:yep that's a nice feeling

I love deer hunting and the near out of body experiences it causes me! The excitement gets me all the time and the rush is awesome! The day it no longer excites me and becomes a chore will be the day I quit hunting and take up shooting paper only! I hope to God that day never comes!

I have missed a deer because my heart was jumping out of my chest.

Last week, 1st time I ever saw antlers in the thick stuff, my heart was pounding so hard, I couldn't move. By the time I calmed down, he was gone.