Anybody have any tips for the first shot of the day? My practice sessions seem to follow the same script... first shots are not great... after about 10 shots - my groups tighten significantly... start getting tired and they open back up.

I'm okay with fatigue setting in and causing issues. That's my signal to be done. I'm not happy with my first shot(s). Of AAAAaallll the shots to be great... that first one is the one! Texas deer aren't fond of do-overs.

Tips/tricks/techniques all welcome. Thanks.

Build a repeatable conscious shot sequence to follow is bestthjng i can think of

One thing that has helped me a lot is participating in the “First Shot” thread as often as I can. This practice helps me to focus with more intensity on the first shot. If you could go back 5 years and look at my progress you would see a lot of improvement.

Recently on that thread we talked about coming to a full draw to check your sight picture before you draw and release. That has helped me to an extent, but I have to not overdo that. I do better to not overthink the shot.

I practice at 5 yards on bales and pick out very small spots to focus on and to work on my draw, anchor, and release.

Practicing at the outer edge of your range can also be a big help. If you can tighten your group at say 24-25 yards it helps me on the shorter distances.

Some days are better than others. Don’t get discouraged and keep practicing. Exercising with weights or universal gyms to build some arm and shoulder muscles helps with stamina and stability.

Hope this helps and I’m sure many others will have suggestions.

Use a bow that's lighter than you can handle , draw to anchor then let down count from one to 5 seconds before taking the shot unless you're a point on guy or gapper

Best tip I can offer is Shoot Like You Mean It.

So I, too, would encourage you to join in on the First Shot fun & games, and just promise yourself that you’ll post a pic whether you’re happy with the results or not. It adds just a little good-natured pressure, and when you just set up and sling one without thinking about it... and then you realize that you agreed (with yourself) that you would post the result. you’ll start to realize how often you’re allowing yourself to go unconscious. Which is a pretty common problem.

And as with many problems, the first step is admitting that you have one.... so maybe think of the FS thread as a support group...

Now, you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to go take a shot at an armadillo...

First shot thread is great exercise and fun

Go shoot Then shoot a bunch more,,after that,,,,,keep shooting

All great advise, Before I joined with the first shot of the day folks, I honestly couldn't place five arrows on a bail of hay at 20 yards, after shooting a lot of embarrassing shots one of the great archers on this site offered to help via e-mails, after a relatively short time I was placing those FS's in the bullseye. Even now I get bad shots, it's usually my release,(arthritis), but don't let it bother you, there is not one person on the FSOD that will ridicule you, they will help you in anyway they can, great bunch of Archers.

PS: now after you have become one of the regulars in short time we may call you names or give you a hard time about your disintegrating target........Ha!Ha!

Join us Jarhead

I feel a little silly... I had no idea what the "First Shot"... other than mine - were. Thanks all for the wisdom. Bear hunt is in 6 weeks... I need that first one to count!

I have alittle Morell xbow discharge bag there $20 I keep it in my truck for when im not hunting my land and always do some warm up shots before heading into the woods Its good to loosen up and makesure your gear is 100% before the day begins I also carry judo tip arrows in the quiver and will take stump shots to warm up etc

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