Let’s talk about your shot process…

[MTGamecock]

And I don’t think the hay bales I’m using are the best to back up your target. What do you guys use?

I'm also only a few years into my archery hobby and started with hay bales. Eventually, I built a gallows and hung one of those heavy rubber stall mats like you can find at Tractor Supply or similar stores. Since the backstop hangs, you have the added advantage of being able to hang it from a basement or barn ceiling in the winter. (see below)

 

[WVmike]

I’m fairly new to archery, been a rifle hunter all my life. I have an archery range in my pasture and I’m getting good at 20, 30, and 40 yards with a compound bow. I don’t see me shooting at anything beyond 45 yards or so. It wouldn’t be ethical at this point. Do I just suck at archery?

I'm in the same boat, archery hunting for me has been a new thing in the past few years but it is very rewarding and challenging at the same time. My limit is 40-45 yards as well.

 

[WVmike]

While I was in Africa I had an opportunity to shoot a lot at animals. Just not something we really get here in the states. One thing I noticed is that the more excited I get the larger an area I aim at. I am very robotic about my draw and setting anchor points but I feel like I am worse about “aim small miss small” with a bow than I am with a gun even though I am way closer. I wonder if it is maybe because it’s close and I’m thinking “well how could I mess this up” and, honestly, it’s not like it cost me animals but it did cause me to hit way back in the lungs on an impala requiring a 2nd shot. What are some things you do to bring down the intensity and find a hair to focus on?

It's only normal for the blood to start pumping more especially when you go through those checkpoints of if this animal walks here, that's where my shooting lane is. I usually focus on the shooting lane then once the animal gets close, I start going through where my shot needs to go on the animal depending on their orientation in regards to my position. After that I focus on my breathing and getting a good sight picture and focus on the pin I'm using and let it settle over the spot I'm wanting to hit. Pretty much the same as shooting a rifle with sights, focus on the sight after you determine the place on the target you are trying to hit and focus on the sight then squeeze it off.

 

[sclancy27]

My process is draw, anchor, panic and trigger punch. Like the ol' Primos boys say "Aim for the middle and find them in the morning."

 

[bisblue2]

I took a clinic with Joel Turner of shot IQ. Awesome resource.
Before I draw I say I will shoot with control and determination or I will not shoot at all. Then I work through a version of his process.
The end is that I let the aim float while focusing on a spot and using internal dialogue to pull through the shot. This was unbelievable in how it improved my shooting.
When I go back and try my training wheels (compound) once or twice a year I can shoot great groups at 60. Otherwise I'm shooting the traditional bow.