Guys I'll try to keep it short, but explain my meaning! I posted a number of times prior to last deer season, I was gonna give it a try after a long long layoff because of my shooting went to pieces back around 2009-10. Before that, I was truly a good, my definition of an instinctive shot. My eyes where still good, I could pick a tiny spot and focus, and that's all I saw, Total confidence to anchor and release, I evenbecame a type of snap shooter! But to shorten it, I lost it totally, all of it. Jump to now, I retired in 2016, and I got that itch, I've got to work this out. But I hunted when I could with my compound, killed deer with it well, I like it, still do, but not like my Stiks! But last season I started working on it, improved dramatically, but as time went on I just could not maintain focus or consistency! I hunted my longbow few hunts, then went to my compound, kinda gave up again! But this summer, I couldn't stand it, looked at any options. I knew I had to start completely over. I learned, that I still pick a tiny spot, but I wear glasses now, but by my old technique, as I draw, that spot just grows into a circle, and by anchor it is totally peripheral vision. I've went to 3 under now, pick my spot, and draw very very slowly, even stopping if I feel that loss of my spot. The 3 under with my anchor the same, puts the arrow right under my right eye, but mostly I've stopped at full draw at least a second. When I complete this correctly, I'm usually dead on out to 20 now, distance will come! And I've found I shoot my old Kodiak Hunter just as my longbow, so I'm going to stay with my recurve I think! Anyways, I've got some good bucks, and my compound will probably start. But I hope to be hunting some with my recurve also, especially when still hunting, squirrels may pay? But these where my last 2 shots at 17yds, the last of a long consistent session out to 23yds, the first 20 shots my best! I think I've got it beat, by total concentration and perfect execution! It's so good to be back, and almost ready to hit the woods!

I've tried sending a pic but it won't go right now, weak signal. I'll try later.

GOOD LUCK & BLESSED BE!

Good luck David, and keep working at it. Sometimes, actually many times, a layoff can be beneficial.

I am, had another good session early this morning! Trying to send a pic but I can't get one thru.

Congratulations on your progress, enjoy

Took this pic this morning my last 3 shots @ 17yds

I’m glad you got back into it , good luck hunting

Thanks everyone! This mornings session, aprox 40-50 arrows, field points and broadheads and judos was the most satisfying shooting session I believe I ever had! Almost all, well placed killing shots, 15- 23yds, consistently! No, I'm not bragging, I'm happy with it!

That is really awesome. I'm glad that you decided to push on and put in the practice to be able to shoot again. I totally understand what you have been going thru. I lost my focus as well and have been slowly getting better and better. I also have shoulder and arm issues so lighter poundage. I have macular degeneration in both eyes and just had my 2nd cornea transplant but will never see well out of my left eye again. Getting older is not always so great but it is all about adapting and figuring out to overcome what we have been given. One thing about those little victories, they are still victories. Keep on keeping on, I wish you the best. Jerry

Thanks Jerry, and best to you also! Lower poundage is in the near future I believe. I'm doing ok with the 52#, but my 63 year shoulders & elbows feel it. I'm seriously considering a 38#@28 65 Bear Kodiak right now? But may just wait and get one the new Kodiak Hunters in 40#, maybe even 35# if reviews hold up. Was glad Bear brought them back out this year. Best wishes and successful shooting for sure!

Good deal..good luck this season

There's one thing I can honestly say! I've enjoyed a Lotta different types of hunting with bows shotgun, rifles. Love my Leveractions, and reloading for my 30-30's, deer, turkeys, few other critters. But it seemed eventual success was kinda a necessity to fulfillment! But to just go hunting, still hunting, on the ground, with arrows for deer, turkey, squirrels, and a judo for stumping, it just doesn't get any better! I've hurt my chances for a deer many times, just to get up and roam and shoot judos, and ive enjoyed a Lotta good squirrel hunting with my bow! I used my compound the same way, but its just not the same. Few minutes, I'm done. I'm constantly serious with a Stikbow, past time to head home! Every shot is worth it!

Well I've enjoyed a great opening week for me, although our season here in KY opened labor day weekend. There's several great threads I've enjoyed immensely, that's got me thinking about my success! I've hunted 3 days,and on Tuesday the 13th, I got into a great opportunity, but passed on my shot, it just wasn't mine.i was in one my natural blinds, and a big fat doe, slowly cruised by, and right in the middle of it, she was head down to the ground, slightly quartering away, the shot you dream of, but there was one broken tree directly where I needed to focus, and it turned out 25-26yds. I drew twice, the 2nd time full draw, but let her walk! I did the right thing! I'm just getting it back, my confidence in my shooting, and, before I left, I focused on the exact same shot, aiming at a leaf behind it, and my shot was true, but would've fell just under her! But I've done plenty stumping while I hunt, and am doing well, when I'm totally focused=confidence growing! But I congratulate several on here, it's inspiring me to hang tough! Had I been with my compound, I'd be cutting meat right now! But to see opening day successes, with an old Bear Grizzly, a homemade bow and wooden arrows, and the peep of an old Red Wing Hunter! Thanks, it reminds me of what I really consider one of two of my personal lifelong loves? Traditional Archery, and I love fly-fishing for trout! They both came to me in about 1969, and now I literally walk out my door, and they're not far away! And another thread, I'm not yet in true need of a lighter bow, although I think I will in the future? But I'm shooting my 52# Kodiak Hunter ad good as I possibly can yet! Best yet to come, and I'm shooting it strong, handling it well now, many shots all day! Working it all out! It's great we can enjoy God's wonderful creation, and see the pics of successes! My day will come!

I hope you have a safe, blessed and memorable season!

Glad to hear you have your confidence back. Good luck this season, I’m looking forward to seeing pics of you with a deer next.

Very much! I tried posting some stumping pics, I'm unsuccessful 98% the time. Says internal error, which all I have is my phone

Good luck.

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