Confidence in your ability to put the arrow where it needs to be is your number one tool in helping get into "Kill mode".

If you truely love the animals you hunt, deep inside you is the reality of what you are about to do. In your heart you KNOW it is OK, but your heart also knows the responsibility you put upon yourself, just by being there, as a hunter...a predator. Part of the circle.

This is a burden we MUST accept as hunters. I believe, this burden is what we experience when in the presence of game. The excitement we feel, is actually the acceptance of our responsibilities. I believe wolves, and bears, and cougars are free of this burden.

During the heat of July, I am getting into "kill mode" through my practice. I tear my targets up with my broadheads, because the added CONFIDENCE gained through the use of broadheads all summer, helps me during October. When a shot presents itself, I KNOW I can make the shot.

This "mental hurdle" you asked about, is best dealt with on a year around basis. It is not supposed to EVER go away. Experience, and confidence are our tools to help us. But the mental hurdle is supposed to always be there.

You asked how to get into a mode where "nothing can break your focus, and all I can do is kill the animal in front of you"...I say, shoot until it is automatic, recognize what your EFFECTIVE range is(where EVERY arrow is a kill shot), and keep your shots within that range. Beyond that...enjoy the ride.

Great thread.

QuoteOriginally posted by houseman:
Stop thinking.  When an animal comes in and I decide your the one.  Stop looking at horns or anything.  Just wait for the shot.  The whole time I am "there" watch my spot and wait for my chance.  That's where my mind stays, course once the arra leaves.  It's like letting go of a balloon full of air!

yip thats me too

not much beats getting out there and getting more animals under the string.

Since its about to be hunting season....thought I'd bring this one back up....

 

I just think about my former boss and my soon to be former son in law and it all comes natural.  Just kidding, the older I get the harder it is to shoot deer.

After 50 years of shooting deer, I just switch everything over to auto-pilot.

WOW thats my EX WIFE whats she doing here??  
Hey who cares just shoot dummy!!      

I never got over that excitement and go be honest with you, I hope I never do. Concentration is everything, and the times I miss, I chalk it up to " it wasn't ment to be". Laugh it off, be thankful for the experience, and keep moving foward. I found out that getting upset about misses makes it ten times worse!

I play ice hockey. If that won't get you focused you aren't playing hockey.

What it does to help hunting success is it teaches you how to become more successful under constant pressure.


1) Any team sport will do this for you.

2) You must concentrate under pressure with little time to think.

3) You must wait for the right time to shoot and close out the things going on around you that do not matter in that moment.

4) it teaches you to forget about your past mistake and not let it influence your next attempt.

5) Improves reflexes.

6) Its fun.

For me, I enjoy being out there and animals, once i see the animal i want to shoot, i make a mental note, pick a hair.  That turns my switch back to old marine days of relaxing and concentrate on the hair and next thing i know  it is over.

This is a great thread.

When I go into the zone, kill mode, whatever, I am a completely different animal. It's probably why I am a bowhunter. I am better at almost everything. I see way better. I know it may not really be true, but I think I can see each individual hair. I am in better shape. I shoot way better. All my senses are sharper. I cannot do that on a bullseye or at a tournament. I can't pretend it's for keeps when it's not. But when there is something furry or feathery out in front of me I focus so intently something happens inside me.

I have discovered something tho, I can get closer to it shooting at 3D targets. And failing that (I don't have one at the time being) I shoot at stuffed dog chew toys (chipmunks and hedge hogs). When you hit that squeaker it is a hoot. I cannot do it and not laugh. It's not the same kind of drive but it is motivation that isn't there on concentric rings. I know, I'm stark raving. But there it is. Amazing thing.