Target panic, sometimes referred to as "buck fever" is something every bow hunter either has suffered from, or WILL suffer from, sometime during there bow hunting/shooting life. Many bow hunters focus primarily on the physical aspects of bow hunting, proper fit, form, tuning, etc. There is, however a critical mental portion to executing the shot in archery. Target panic doesn't just affect bow hunters but target archers as well. Have you ever been shooting and notice your groups have doubled in size and the harder you try to tighten them up the worse it gets? Have you ever fought your sight pin, trying to hold it steady and slap or "punch" the trigger in hopes of hitting the bull's-eye before the pin moves away? If the answer to these two questions is yes, then you're more than likely suffering from target panic.
Surprise release
Obtaining a "surprise release" is essential to preventing target panic. There are two common ways of achieving this: One, the same slow-squeeze trigger method used in rifle marksmanship, "trigger discipline". Two, a method of release called "Back Tension". Back tension shooting is very common among target archers. There are even release aids known as back tension releases. This type of release aid has no trigger and is not suitable for bowhunting. You can, however, fire your wrist strap or hand-held release using the back tension method. I prefer a thumb-trigger on the latter, but shoot my index finger triggered wrist strap releases in the same manner. I come to full draw, anchor, obtain the proper sight picture and begin the execution sequence. In executing the shot with back tension, Place your finger (or thumb) on the trigger. You don't pull the trigger with your finger, but with your rhomboid muscles of your upper back. These are the muscles used in drawing the bow, those located between the shoulder-blades.
While anchored against the "back wall" (the place at which you reach the full extent of your draw length and the bow feels as if it has bottomed out) I focus on my target at the point at which I desire my arrow to strike. I allow the sight pin to float, rather that attempt to fight the pin in order to keep it steady on the mark. Entering "the zone", pin floating over the mark, I put these muscles of the back into action. The trigger finger or thumb now is an integral, fixed portion of my drawing arm. I continually apply back tension, with my back muscles continually moving my elbow back as if it were moving down a length of 6" PVC pipe centered on my bows sight window. Thwiiippp! The arrow's now screaming its way to the target. The key is to stay in the zone, and by that I mean focus all of your attention on the desired point of impact. Shooting back tension allows you to focus on nothing but the target. When the bow goes off, the shooter usually jumps or flinches until he gets used to shooting in this manner.
I can achieve the same results by slowly squeezing a trigger until it breaks. Keep in mind, if your trigger has very much travel, you'll learn when it's about to break and start anticipating it. Then you'll be right back where you started. Pick your spot, focus on it, and let the shot go when it goes. Be at ease, the spot behind your intend targets shoulder is all that exists in the universe. The shot execution, whether it be back tension or slow squeeze, should be totally and completely sub-conscience. Detach your brain from your trigger-finger! A mental sport
Archery is probably more mental than it is physical, and marksmanship should be looked at in the same light.
Dedicated practice cultivates proficiency, and proficiency creates confidence. Both elements are critical to be a successful bowhunter. Shot execution is one crucial piece of a big shooting puzzle. There's one resource that encompasses it all that I would like to point out, it's called "Balanced Bowhunting II: The modern bowhunting guide". It's written by one of the best bowhunting technical editors in the world and personally my favorite, Mr. Dave Holt of Bowhunter Magazine. Every bowhunter should have a copy of this great book. I do!
To obtain a copy of this excellent book, contact High Country Publishers, Inc. at: (317)849-6110. Credit card orders at: (317) 849-6110
