Buck Fever.

[jindydiver]

Went out on the weekend and had a ball. Twice, sat' morning and then again Sun' morning I snuck right into the center of a big fallows lek. I had to use all my grasshopper walking on the rice paper skills and it was a ball. One small thing to piss me off though, I missed both bloody times!!!

And sat' arvo I shot at a doe and hit a branch in the way :shock:

Sat arvo I had a practice and I could hit the end of a coke can 4 times out of 5 from 25 metres, but when the crunch time came I choked.

I am not new to bowhunting, and I have shot dozens of deer with my rifle (all at under 70 mtrs) but for the life of me I can't seem to get this guy. Maybe he is just blessed :wink:

I think I will be getting some pointers on my form if we get to do this hunt and a beer thing that coach is organising.

[jindydiver]

Yes coach, it is one of the attractions of the pursuit of deer. When you see the deer first start to become aware that there is something not quite right in his world you can't help but get that rush of adrenaline that comes when you know you will soon be having to make the decision to shoot or not.

I shot 3 deer with my rifle on the w/e to put in my freezer and the hunts aren't exactly difficult. When you know you can drop them at any time the thrill isn't half of what you get bowhunting.
The bucks on the place are safe for now (if you don't count ******** poacher) because I just don't see the thrill in knocking over a buck (with my rifle) who , even when he becomes aware of you, won't run any more than 50 mtrs or so because he is full of hormones and thinking fight or f*^k, rather than fight or flight.

Maybe next time I will win :wink:

[Warlocke]

I have missed many easy shots at Deer because of "Buck Fever"

What I "try" to do is imagine I am shooting at my target butt.

I keep saying to myself "shot sequence" as I take the shot using the same set of checks as I use when I shoot targets.

At the same time I remind myself if I don't take my time I will not only miss the Deer, but also my arrow.

It has been working for me recently, but it may all fall to pieces when the right animal presents itself :wink:

[jason]

i love the rush as well but have found that i control it once i start my shot sequence cause i have trained myself to say it to myself and i concentrate on that. I pull back level the sight,place the pin , slowly breath out to give myself time to settle and then squeeze off the shot. i have not got the brain power to concentrate on more than 1 thing at a time so i find if i concentrate on the shot i am less inclined to worry about missing, and i have missed my far share from 10 - 30m but touch wood the last few trips doing this i have taken all i have shot at.

[Howling Dog]

Dont think about missing caused by (buck fever) if you do you will only convince yourself you have it. Be positive! I read an article about target panic once and I had every bloody symptom the next day when I shot. Burnt the book! Enjoy the rush and believe in yourself be positive and try not to think too much

[Barry]

Jindy,

Thats the joy of bowhunting. Almost a catch 22; because its such a hit and miss thing our adrenalin pumps but its such a hit and miss thing cause of that adrenalin rush.....

Wouldnt swap it!!!!

[Guff]

I can't advise on shooting deer as I am yet to experience it,however,as someone has already suggested stay POSITIVE.The more you worry and discuss "buck fever"the more it will afflict you.Your mind is your most powerful weapon and as soon as you adjust your mindset your arrow will follow.Sorry this sounds like a psychology lesson I'm just passionate about it as I know it works.Looking forward to hearing of your success.
Cheers Guff

[jindydiver]

Well, I have bought a new set or arrows and I got all anal and matched the heads to the shafts so they are all the same attitude on the bow, and I have been practicing as much as my sorry old body will allow.

I am off again tomorrow to see what I can do, and hopefully (if the poachers haven't had a go first) I will get my first deer with my bow.

Thanks for all the positive comments guys.

[tracker]

Good luck Jindy.

I really hope you get your deer matey.

Mick.

[HOOD]

Yeah best of luck Jindy

Hood 8)

[Mozza]

good luck jindy, make sure you get some pics

[Scott]

Good luck Jindy! Try and keep it in your head its just like shooting an old billy goat, works for me!