Getting Excited - Newbie First "Successes" Photos

[inn8hunter]

To All:

The image above was shot a few days ago at 8 yards. I was terribly excited as I hadn't shot a "group" yet. I have been reading the trad. bowhunter handbook, but have mainly got advice from members of this forum and one other forum. I felt things "click" the other day as I actually saw my arrow flight.

The next photo was shot today at 8 yards. Yikes! Made my wife come out and see this one. Now, I want to make it clear that my first 3 groups of 5 arrows looked nothing like this one. Prob. 5 - 6" groups with one "flyer" per group. And, if I open the garage door and go back to 13 yds, I struggle and always shoot LOW, not sure how to correct that other than just shooting alot.

This last one I just stared at the bullseye and didn't think about much else - I QUIT AND WALKED AWAY FEELING GOOD - LOL. I will shoot tonight but heard somewhere if you really have something that feels "right," walk away and try to remember it.



Thanks again for all of the support! Now, if I could only do this consistently - lol.  

Tim

[Mudd]

How cool is this? Way!! Thanks for sharing. I would also like to shoot groups like that consistently.
God bless,Mudd

[BadKarma]

From the looks of that, your gonna need a fletching jig!!!!

Mudd's right, WAY COOL!!!!!!!!

[leatherneck]

Good for you. Looks like you are on your way. Don't scoot back in too big of increments. Go back to maybe ten,get those groups, then 12, good groups, you get the picture. It takes alot of practice. But you my friend are on your way!!!

[pcappy08]

 congrats on some fine shootin wish my groups looked like that! what is that target expandable foam?

[inn8hunter]

Thanks, I think this was my "lottery" group and yes, I am starting to damage feathers, but I'm still not courageous enough to shoot to the outside of the target - lol.

Yes, it is industrial grade polyurethane that a friend experimented for me. It is 8" thick and 2 psi (I think). It is not his 3 psi foam, but he layers 2" at a time allowing them to dry. Because of this, I have a 3 x 3 rubber mat bonded with the foam on the back side as a back stop. The arrows are starting to go through.

What is nice about this is, when it gets bad, I'll cut out the middle section and have him spray a new section for maybe 10 bucks or so.

He thinks the 3 psi will be more durable. It is what they use to seal a new house to the foundation.

Tim

[inn8hunter]

By the way, I "cant"ed my bow quite a bit more and took a more athletic stance on that last group. Could that just be the right form for me?

And, as I put on the AT trad section, I stared "angrily like a football player" at the bullseye on that last group.

Tim

[KentuckyTJ]

Nice going. Yes that and when you cant it more you can see the target better.

[Bill M.]

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

OOOHHHH!!! I had that magic moment a few months ago. WAY COOL! Now if you're like me, you'll find that it only works when you don't think about it! Trust your eyes and your muscles - the first elevation hold with your bow arm is the right one, windage will be spot on if you anchor consistently. Put it away when you start to get tired. AND REMEMBER that the first shot is the most important shot of your practice!

YEE HA!

[Whip]

Great shooting!  I think the key to that great group was the focus and concentration you talked about.  That is a key to good shooting from any distance.

[Rob DiStefano]

congrats, tim!    

that's fine, potential 'meat in the freezer' shootin'.

[inn8hunter]

Well folks, I just went out and shot 20 arrows and I'm not posting any photos - lol. Not bad shooting, but didn't get that same group again unfortunately. Funny though, I hear something clicking all of sudden like my arrow hitting the shelf or something. I've never heard it before and am curious why it would start now?

Tim

[Big Bird]

congrates!you are well on your way now.

Whenever I practice I won't quit until I get a "go-home" group. That is a group that is real good and makes me leave the range in a good mood.

I am going through some really poor shooting right now ( and don't know what is causing it) so the go-home groups are a little harder to obtain, but I still do it every time.

Bisch

[maineac]

Looks great.  You are starting to get the "feel"  Keep at it and the distances you can do that it will increase.  Don't pressure yourself, just keep enjoying it and working at your muscle memory.

[yamaharider]

Way to shoot!! Don't give up, always make having fun you main target. The clicking could be bad arrow flight, do you see any bad wear on your rest?

[inn8hunter]

Not too much wear, although the velcro carpet is pretty new. I don't know if it is related to me canting the bow more now.

I just got my field point test kit today from 3 Rivers and threw some larger points on and didn't hear the clicks. I also got my bow square as well and put my nock to 5/8" above center. I'll shoot the 100 grain tips again and see if I hear the click.

Tim

[JEFF B]

well that pic says it all congrats and real good shooting.

[sabas silva]

It is always a rush when shooting goes well, I still get excited after a good shoot even if it is every day