Ok, this is a personal vent, so bear with me. I'm new to archery, started about a year or so ago. Probably my first mistake is I'm shooting a 10 year old bow, it's a Hoyt Raptor, 29" draw currently set at 62 pounds. It's a decent bow that I got cheap, I've replaced the sight (Cobra), stabilizer, and a few other minor things. It has a newish zebra string and cable, it's not a bad bow. I shot it pretty good for the first 6 months and suddenly started to develop target panic. I used to be able to shoot good groups at 25-30 yds. and now I am all over the place, no consistancy at all. Before, with bow set at 70# I could drill a snuff can lid at 25 yards, now who knows? I shake, I punch my release, and I've lost my confidence to the point where I wouldn't dare take a shot at an animal for fear that I would injure it and not make a kill shot. I have practiced plenty, but might go weeks between shooting due to the fact that I know I suck. I'm using a Scott trigger release, the same release I was shooting with when I was "good". Nothing has changed in the equipment. I'm thinking about a newer bow, just because it's newer technology, but I don't want to throw money at a problem. Does a new bow really make a person a better shooter? I've been gun hunting this year, but I would like to do more bow hunting next season, but only if I feel comfortable. I'm trying to be responsible and I would only draw on an animal if I felt I could deliver a humane kill shot. Should I look into a new bow, or is something wrong with me???

More than not it's all in your head.I don't know if a new bow will help but sometimes what it takes to release the mental block is to change equipment.A mental block/slump can be a very tough thing to deal with.Have you tried shooting at 3d targets or a video like the one Arlinton Bowhunting World has?You may just need a change of pace or you may need to seek a one on one leason with a bow pro who can watch and tell you if it is something you are doing wrong.

Sounds like you have the shanks. It's an easy fix. Just take all of your change, keys, etc. and put them in your left pocket. Problem solved.

I get the initial impression that you have developed a slight confidence issue with yourself over what was probably just a bad day shooting.

First, make sure that you're not "squeezing" or "choking" the grip. Any torque at all will affect consistency.

Next, unless you're seeing errant arrow flight, it's probably OK, but it never hurts to have your bow tuned-up.

And lastly, if your practicing with broadheads, go ahead and switch over to field tips for a few shots just to see if you can get them to group. Certain broadheads do affect consistent arrow flight if everything's not matched up.

Other than that, just keep practicing. You'll get the kinks worked out.

Thanks for the replys. I have been shooting at a 3-d which is at my neighbor's house. I just have a block target, but I want to get a 3d pretty soon, probably after the holidays. I'm gonna go ahead and take my bow to the bow shop my buddie uses next Saturday and make sure everything is set up with it. Then I'll go from there.

Good advice fowl. The mental aspect of shooting is powerful. You have to know you are going make the shot. When I have a bad day, I go back to the basics. Loose grip, good anchor, aim small, and watch it hit the target. Never hurts to move in a little closer and build some confidence.

Good advice above. Don't stop shooting and good luck.

Well, the good news is that it's nothing you did wrong. After shooting a compound for about 25 years, I suddenly developed target panic. I don't know why. The more you try to correct it, the worse it gets. I just quit shooting. Then after a couple years, I got a longbow and started shooting instinctively. So far, so good. You really don't have time for target panic to set in. I start my draw slow and steady. When my thumb touches the corner of my mouth, I release. Period. No hold. No aim. All the "aiming" is actually done before I begin the draw. Once my hand starts back, it's all autopilot.

In my experiance it was an issue with the bow. My bow had got out of tune...I was new to the whole paper tunning thing till a friend told me about it. At first I tried to re sight in my bow but still couldnt get a good group. then thats when I lost all confidence in my shooting abilities. Once I got my bow tuned properly then everthing else seemd to fall into place... tight groups ...relaxed draws and releases.
These days I shot a bowtech tribute ... no tunning needed..."yeah right" every year I paper tune my bow..more times then not the nock point had went up a little high. But now I know that if something aint right the first thing is to make sure your bow is tuned !!!! Then go froom there ... just my .02

Bingo!! You hit the nail on the head, at least for me. The longer I hold and aim, the worse it gets. When I aim before hand, draw, and shoot right away I seem to do quite well. I realize this may not be the "correct" way of doing it, and it could be a problematic thing in the woods if you have to wait on an animal, but it sure helps me in practice. The problem may still be there, but I'm outrunning it.

Quote:

---

The problem may still be there, but I'm outrunning it

---

Just keep practicing like that and one day you'll realize it's just gone. When you have to draw early on an animal or wait for the shot, don't aim at it. Keep your head up, both eyes open, and just watch the animal till you're ready to shoot. Then aim and shoot in one fluid motion. Good luck and don't give up!

N2FISHN:

I don't mean to offend you by saying this, but a lot of new archers don't quite learn the anchor, the grip, and the release as thoroughly as is necessary to avoid target panic.

If your front hand never moves, and your back hand never moves, and your sights are right on your target you're going to be right there.

The first thing I recommend is to go into the pro shop your buddy recommended and ask the pro to help you understand the proper grip, the proper anchor, and the proper release. Since you are already familiar with shooting this will come to you quickly and there is no need for you to sit through archery classes.

In no time you will beat this and will be busting nocks off and ruining arrows. Trust me on this one.

Practice at a distance that gives you confidence... if that means 10 yards- SPLIT ARROWS AT 10 YARDS!!! Then move back 5 yards and do it again! This will work the kinks out. If you don't already have one, get a peep AND a kisser... It will take your achor point to the next level. Too many guys use only a peep sight. I think it accounts for alot of poor shots if you don't have an absolute rock-solid anchor. PRACTICE some more... but shoot the shots that you are confident with NOW, like 10 yards.

Scoot

Sir,
Free your MIND and the body will follow.
90% mental...........and listen to Scooter, but be patient and don't move back until you are accurate with EVERY shot..........and practice, practice, practice and then practice again.......
failing to prepare is preparing to fail

Not sure what everyone else will say to this and I am no means an expert but I try to never draw more than 4-5 times when I am practicing. If you get warmed up then you will change draw length, position, etc. Shoot cold because you will be shooting cold in the field.

I agree... EVERYTHING changes between relaxed, tense, cold, warm, calm, excited, etc..
Do not keep shooting until you are exhausted.. Practice your practice.. Once you know that your bow is dead nuts on, the only thing you need to practice is your mechanics and procedure..