Well I just got in to bow hunting got my first bow last year, I've practiced hard and got my shots down to a science, but on my first hunt by myself i had 4 large hogs come within 15 yards i was so excited i was shaking so bad i couldn't pull my bow back and haven't had a nice open shot since and wana be ready for the next one any suggestions on how I can calm down and stop shaking so i can take a shot??

Keep going and keep shooting. Turn your bow down helps too, I only shoot 63 pounds because on cold winter mornings at day break and times when you get a little excited or your weak from a stalk you can't always get heavy poundage back with minimal movement. Its all about experience you'll figure it out the more you go.

I missed my first buck with a bow last year. Then my buddy shot it the next weekend. So just practice and think it is your target you shoot all the time. But them again we will see how good my advice is opening weekend

Thanks ive never got that excited over any animal while rifle hunting i gess cause they were so close, ill turn down my bow a little and see if that helps i try to practice with my bow up and hunt with it down so it will be easier to hold while shooting, and you can count on me going back out for another shot thanks yall

That's the greatest feeling in the world, when you stop feeling that way, hang it up. Time in the field and practice over time will help clam the nerves. Just keep at it.

I know nerves can get the best of us! Last year I was in the stand on a really cold day (Texas cold, 32 or so). I tried to draw on a doe after sitting for a few hours and physically couldn't do it. I've always shot my bow at 70#, but at that moment I decided that I wouldn't miss another opportunity and lowered my draw weight. What I'm getting at is that your draw weight should be one that you can handle in any circumstance.

I'll keep that in mind I'm just gonna practice and continue going out, by myself and with my dad who exclusively bow hunts and try to learn a much as I can and put some more experience under my belt before i try to set up in that particular area again, thanks

That's why we bowhunt. If you focus on one animal, one spot, doing all the things to prepare for the shot and all of your fundamentals and form it should help you handle the adrenaline rush.

The best thing I've found is to do a intense functional workout 5-6 days a week, shoot year round, and hunt year round. I purposely shoot my bow as soon as finish my workout. This is due to my body being in a fatigued state( having the shakes) and having a elevated heart rate. It might sound crazy but once it gets cold I'll wake up, grab my boots/bow, and start shooting my target. Using this technique will condition you to deal w/drawing your bow when your muscles are cold and stiff. Once I fully committed myself to the previous statements, I've had zero issues w/getting it done when it counts. It's all between your ears. Tell yourself you can do it and make it happen. Best of luck to you!

great aint it

Thanks ill try to practice after workouts and shoot with lower drawl weight than I practice with

Ill try to keep this in mind next time

Never loose that feeling. That is why I climb up in those trees every fall. You know just how alive you are when that moment comes!

breathe and try not to think until you make the shot... My goal is to try and keep heart rate low until I see the arrow hit... after that all bets are off I shake like a leaf

take a deep breath...it helps reduce the adreneline

Deep breaths. Don't hold it, just breath in and out slow. Instead of concentrating on what your about to shoot, think about the process. It's the best feeling in the world and I hope that I never lose it.

Haha I love post like this, I know I still have that problem and what I try to do is just wait, breath, watch what the animal is doing and if it works out it works out, for me it helps to think that I will let him walk if I can’t take the shot, I force that into my head and for some reason it settles me down enough to where I can stop shaking and focus

I have been bowhunting 18 years now and i have killed lots of critters, i still get tore up when im about to get a shot! I remember several years ago I missed opening day due to work, i finally got in my stand a week or so into season. My brother and some friends had already killed a few deer and some hogs so i was jacked up to say the least. About an hour after sun up i saw a good 8 point with some does, i was shaking so bad at just the sight of him i almost wiggled out the tree! For what ever reason he left the does and dissapeared but the does walked right down the pipe. It took me 4 times to finally get my bow drawn, after i made the shot i felt like i was going to throw up (all over a doe) THATS BOWHUNTING!!!! Now i shoot tradtional archery so it was like starting bowhunting all over 3 years ago, the nerves are just part of it, you will find what works for you but you will never get over that feeling!

Clay

go running then come back and shoot with the same adrenaline and youll learn to shoot under pumped up stress does it make sence

my first bow hunting experience was a doe about 20 yards out and I was shaking like a leaf and could only get about half draw, then had to use my chin and cheek to finish the pullback. still laid the smackdown! But if the buck fever of bow hunting is the same feeling people get when on drugs- I know why they are addicted!

I have been bow hunting 40 years and still get excited. It's a good thing. Start out by consciously taking a deep breath and going through a checklist. Pick the spot to focus on then relax and let her fly.

My first time shooting at a deer with a bow I was shaking so bad I shot 3 arrows at a doe before it ran off. I was well practiced in the back yard and could hit a pie plate 12 out of 12 shots!