The Mental Edge: Perfect Practice
Posted by Bryan on February 28, 2008
During these cold months of February, I can often be found in my den, next to the fireplace in an early 1900’s rocking chair smoking my pipe, staring at the monster hanging above the mantel. Well, okay, I don’t really have a den, or a fireplace; I don’t smoke, and I also don’t have a rocking chair. Come to think of it, I don’t have a wall-hanger yet (some could qualify, but never got them mounted!). But, this time of year I frequently recollect my successful hunts. Fortunately, I landed a nice Ohio 8-point on October 12, but I’ve chot him repeatedly in my mind since then.
Thinking like this gets me itching to get back out to the woods, but season is still far off. So what’s a hunter to do? Nothing like a visit to a local shooting range to alleviate some of the tension! Which brings me to today’s mental tip - practice hunting while at the range - not just shooting.
What’s the difference? Shooters (now I’m not talking well-trained competition shooters — just your average joe/jane) might take a few shots, then BS with their friends, then maybe take a few more, with no real intention behind each shot. Yes, this is fun, but in my opinion it won’t help you land the buck of your dreams.
You can practice hunting by simulating a hunting environment at the target range? I know its indoors and the target is a bullseye - but you can visualize a deer behind that bull with each shot. I also like to draw my bow as if I’m hunting - not just shooting. By this, I mean I raise my arm and draw slowly - trying to stay quiet. I also might try to hold my draw for extended periods of time to simulate a situation in which the buck just won’t take that last step.
My Point: Your mind is very creative - use this creativity to get more out of your winter shooting outings!
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Visualization and practicing muscle movements are two very effective things to do if you want to get good at something. When I sang a lot we did a lot of breathing exercises so we could learn to feel what a good breathing pattern felt like. We wouldn’t sing, we’d just make weird noises as we breathed in and out. It probably looked very odd, but it was invaluable when it came time to actually sing. Since we’d practiced breathing, we knew how our bodies should feel when we were breathing properly.
I also did a lot of visualization before solos. You run through the music in your head, where you’ll stand, what gestures you’ll make, when you’ll smile. That way, when you’re actually doing it, you have a plan for how it will go. Performances tend to go much more smoothly that way.
February 28th, 2008 at 9:48 am
We have 3-d targets that we shoot at so you have a “vitals” area to look at that is visually similar to what you will encounter in the field.
We also have competitions and only get to shoot at the target once. This puts the pressure on and helps imitate the actual pressure you might feel with a nice buck under your stand at 15yds.
We also will do scenarios: One where we have to hold at full draw for a number of seconds before taking the shot. Then we have others that consist of leaning, kneeling, and sitting. All of these trying to imitate what might actually happen in the field.
A great post Bryan. Preparation definitely pays off.
February 28th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Kristine - didn’t know you were a singer?!?!?! Really cool applications of some of these techniques. I always say, “Olympians do it for a reason.”
Arthur - sounds like quite an array of options you have in that league of yours. My guess is you all are well-equipped come season-opener!
February 28th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
W-H-to-tha-izzen I am straight trippin’ saggin’ deer I like ta makes it as rizzy as possible.
Whizzay gat d-ya baller ta shoot deer wit?
February 28th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Well said Bryan. “Perfect Practice” is exactly what hunters not only need to know, but need to instill in their practice routine. I learned this a number of years ago the hard way.
March 1st, 2008 at 2:21 pm