New York State Southern Zone opens in two weeks... Each day before work I'll go out back and shoot one broadhead arrow at my target... Just one, without any warm up shots... After work is another story with many shots... But I'm thinking the "cold shot" is the right way to gauge myself... What Say You?

... mike ...    ...

Me to but how is your shots looking. I cant figer it out, my first shot is the best more focus on form and picking a spot I guess but they look good all the way to 40 yds after the first one it goes down hill.

I think this is a great idea.  I don't like it when I have to get "dialed-in" by taking a bunch of practice shots first.  That doesn't work in hunting situations unless you walk around stumping while you hunt.

I also think it is an excellent idea.Fred Bear once said that you should record your first,cold shot through 10 shooting sessions and that would be your real group as far as hunting is concerned.

I'd call it a "best practice". When I shot heavily I'd do my morning shot right before I got ready for work... made for interesting conversations with the neighbors since I wasn't shy about heading out into the yard with just my boxer briefs and a nocked arrow on my Brack.

I think that's an excellent way to practice.  We usually only get one shot when it's for keeps in the woods.    

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

My first shot is always my best for some reason.  

I think it is a great idea.It kind of gets you ready for the season for sure.Been practicing with just one arrow all summer.When I shoot 3 or more at a time I get flyers.One arrow makes you pick a spot.

What 3Feathers said is sage advice.  I also visit the local field archery range as often as possible.

My buddy Tim told me to shoot at a 7" paper plate in the morning. It only takes one shot. If you miss, come back in the afternoon and practice.

Martin

That's funny I do it too, did it this afternoon. But what is your distance?

I try to shoot at least two shots every day before work at 20 yards.  First one is the important one.

If it's still dark I'll shoot that one shot under 10 yards... Otherwise it gets mixed between the trees on the side of the house, figure fifteen to twenty something yards.

... mike ...

That's a great way to practice

Hey Gound Stalker, we met at Cos Cob Archers earlier this year. This is a great thread and a great idea. Starting to keep a record of my cold shoots one a day. Started today want to see what my " hunting group" looks like.

.Fred Bear once said that you should record your first,cold shot through 10 shooting sessions and that would be your real group as far as hunting is concerned.

I like this and it is a very realistic approach - and of course it is the first shot that counts.

I am not feeling the one arrow thing though. I think it may be a confidence builder done well. Nothing beats shooting often and I know it is difficult during the season but I think most guys will shoot better if they shoot a group even before a morning hunt. Dark is ok - under a light is ok - its more about waking up your shoulder. Once in the stand I always come to full draw on all shooting lanes and this helps a great deal. I also think this is more important as it gets colder. I have a harder time keeping up with shooting when the rut gets here with shorter colder days. Easy shooting judos during the day for afternoon hunts as mentioned.

Due Diligence focusing on making that first shot count -- all for that - just saying if I have a moment I'll shoot "one" knowing that was the first one - not seeing the harm in shooting a real warm up after that
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If I'm working from home, I will take one shot, several times a day.

I have targets from 15 - 30 yds. and shoot from the porch. Draw the bow several times, hold a 5 count to keep the shoulder loose.

I pull the arrows later in the evening when I take my, "in the dark" shots. I shoot from a totally dark area at a target with one of the cheap solar spotlights shining on the target.

The bow is just barely visible in my peripheral vision.

This takes the shot to strictly pick a spot and follow the form to arrow impact.

Sockrsblur,

I shoot from about 15 yards. I do not have 20 yards to work with. I think 20 would be the best distance but you need the space. I would also like to practice at 30 yards.

One of the tricks Tim showed me was to take an old basket ball, toss it out and shoot it. The ball I am using has so many holes in it. When I throw it, it pops back into shape. I never know what the distance is. I just know that I hit the ball. Well, most of the time. (:

Martin

Down here in Texas I am a member on a website and on the trad forum we do what we call First Shot Challenge. A target is called/shown on Sunday or Monday to be printed then us members have to make the shot prior to the following Saturday by midnight. It must be the first shot of the day. Who ever hits closest to the called mark will asign the next weeks shot. We have a lot of fun with it!

Sounds like a good idea Mike.

Do you vary the distance each morning?