Getting a case of target panic days before archery antelope opener was really fun. Tried to force myself to shoot better, calmer, etc. Not helping. Fast forward to opening day, and I screw up a stalk for a buddy by bumping the buck he was stalking and I then proceeded to shoot a mile over his back when I jerked the trigger so hard I thought it was a seizure. Two hours later, I am stalking a nice bedded buck who gets up, feeds into a small gully giving me the opportunity to WALK up and get within 38 yards. Full draw, have same target panic twitching fit, launch arrow somewhere into next county. All while my two hunting buddies are watching this through the spotter.
I switched releases, practiced for several days, and went out late in the month and got it done on a nice buck. It was night and day difference with the new release and my general mental state with the shot process. I have never had target panic like that, and I know I will be practicing differently for next season. Probably start some Zen/yoga/shrooms training while I am it....can't hurt, right?