early in

Matt, I think you're on to something here. That's exactly what's taking place! You're all pumped up (anticipation) hoping to see something, and when you do have a deer come in, you're already putting pressure on yourself not make a mistake. Think the oppisite way. When you see a deer coming, just say, that's coolI was expecting this, now all I have to do is wait a little bit andput that killer shot on her/him, like I know I can. My practise has shown me this. You can't say enough about confidence!

matt660

That's a great way to look at it! I'm fixin to head home and shoot that delta riverbottom buck til he can't stand anymore. That is, unless my dog chewed his leg off today while I been at work.

davidmil

I don't get that much anymore. I mostly go auto pilot. BUT, a lot of times early on(the first 25 years of bowhunting) I'd get nervous. I developed a couple things that calmed me almost immediately. First off, take a couple of slow... deep ... easy breaths and let them out slow and relaxed. I also would close my eyes if the deer is a ways away and take a couple slow breaths. I would also keep my eyes moving looking for other deer that may be better or those I had to watch so I didn't spook my intended target. Just breath, squint, close your eyes, whatever. Just don't stare at the horns too much. You have to look at them to see what you got, but once you decide to shoot your focus should be on THE SPOT you want your arrow to hit... and for gosh sakes breathe. After you've drawn and are ready to take the shot.... don't do it. Just pause another second and ask yourself, is this the sight picture I want. It'll ensure you're looking at the SPOT and not the DEER.

silentassassin

I agree with everything Todd said. I don't do the shooting with 20-30 guys part anymore but it is a great way to get use to shooting under pressure. The rest, for me anyway, just came with experience. Davidmill makes good points also. Just try to focus on a spot on the deer. Whether it's a buck or a dow. When you decide to shoot, glue your eyes to the spot you want to hit and keep them focused there envisioning your shot hitting where you are looking.

AR Bowhunter

Practice an more pratice. Feelsure of yourself when you have your bow in your hand. Experience in the stand will come with time in the stand. Do not be afraid to make a mistake it is all a learning process. Focus on the body of the deer an the spot you want to hit. Good luck this coming season.

Dozen Arrows

Squeeze that trigger and put a bullet through his freakin' heart!

Wait a minute, I'm sorry that was all wrong.

Squeeze that trigger and put an arrow through his freakin' heart.. Do it!

That's better! Sorry, I had the wrong movie before.. [8D]

NCRemington700

That almost made me spit my beer on the computer screen!

All very well said though.

Dr Andy

I get that all the time!

Huntinman23

what i do it take a deep breath in and hold it for at least 7 seconds it slows your heart beat and stopps the shaking my brother taught me that when he got back from marine boot camp it works it really does
[align=left] [/align]

bowmanaj

I understand exactly. I'm having the same anxieties cuz this will be my first year bowhunting. Even in years past with a shotgun in hand and a deer out at 70-75 yards, Ive shaken so bad I thought I thought the tree I was leaning against was gonna come down. I think the only reason I got my first deer is because I used a tree to steady myself. If it would have been an offhand shot i prob would have shot twenty feet over him. Ive been practicing almost everyday for five months with my bow and i feel confident with my groupings, but I think thats all gonna go out the window when the first deer comes within bow range this year. I wish I had an answer on how to calm yourself but I dont think its even possible until after a lot of experience/kills.