Who Makes This Shooting Mistake?

[BarnesX.308]

Looking over the scope to see the impact? I've done it in the field and missed deer completely. At the range, I always shoot perfectly unless we're blowing up watermelons or water jugs. :D

One of my greatest hunting fears is that I will do this when the buck of a life time shows up. I have to just concentrate on following through with the shot. However, the temptation of seeing the hit is always pretty great.

[MattG]

Can't say I've ever done that with the rifle bud, at 3,000 fps i think you'd have a much better chance of seeing the point of impact if you followed thru correctly...looking thru the scope concentrating on the pt. of aim. I'd think by the time you throw your head up, impact...or lack thereof would likely have occurred already, no?

However, I certainly have made that mistake before with the bow, last year most recently, skimped on my practice..that's what happens. It was low light, it was a dumb mistake..I pulled my head out instead of following thru, looked up and to the left to see impact, and that's where my arrow went, high and left staight into the middle of a 4" diameter striped maple :o Must discipline self to follow thru the same way shooting at fur as I do shooting at paper.

[black talon]

man thats one BAD habit you have there. try doing this, no matter were you are shooting in the field or at the rang count to three after each shot. after you count too three, then you can look or be ready for a follow up shot.:shoot:

[BarnesX.308]

I'd think by the time you throw your head up, impact...or lack thereof would likely have occurred already, no?

I think the problem is not looking up after the shot. It's more like pulling the trigger and looking up as you're doing it.

It's only happened to me twice in the field. Same day. And once on the range when trying to see the imapct of a magnum round into a watermelon. :D

All my other rifle shots have been true. I was just thinking that, it would suck to make that mistake on a big buck.:eek::(

[JC333]

similar to shooting a bow, pick a spot on the animal and try to burn a whole thru it with your eyes while pulling the trigger. Stay focused and watch the impact thru the scope. sounds a little weird but just think that the scope is your only line of site, it is your eyes.

[Dave Burlinson]

I was taught to shoot with both eyes open as if I was shooting a shotgun. With a little practice it's easier than you think. You get a full field of view and can see the reaction of the deer to the shot. Great for a deer that is on the move.

[IMR]

Hey Scot, it's quite evident you have the patience it takes. I used to get very nervous about the buck, then "other training" helpem realize- it's a TARGET. Be cool, once a hunbter has identified and comfirmed, keep your focus on the SPOT, and press that trigger, then --- and I can't emphasize this enought --- FOLLOW THROUGH THE WHOLE SHOT.
My 2-centz.

[BarnesX.308]

Exactly. Gotta' follow through. I've been working on that. The two archery deer this year have proven that. ;):D

I also have a pumpkin and a watermelon that will agree I've been following through with my shots. :D

It's all anxiety. Wanting to see the impact on the deer. Problem is, there is no impact to see if you miss :eek::D

[Setterman]

Follow-through is very important. Start by practicing at the range.

[Perazzi]

I think every time I have missed a routine shot at anything it is because I lifted my head to see it hit.When I keep saying to myself,keep your head down,keep your head down,keep you head down,it fix's 99% of my shooting.It has to be one of the most common mistakes.

[H&R slugger]

try shooting with a blanket over your head. if sitting at a bench. put the blanket over your head and about almost to the end of your scope. tuck the blank basically under your elbows and under the gun. sounds goofy i know. you'll find a comfy postion. its not about hitting the target ,its about keeping that noggin down. try it. when i first started shooting a rifle with scopes down in va. (i was always a shot gunner here in jersey) i was at the range doing the exact same thing as you. and a guy came over with a blanket. takes getting used to, but it helped me

[baydog]

only way to break it is to practice

[BarnesX.308]

Shot a deer with my rifle at 100 yards the other day. Didn't look to see the shot. Caught myself getting anxious. Settled down on the stock and followed through. Kept looking through the scope the whole time. After the recoil, the deer was already on its back so no need to look. ;):D

One thing I noticed. The shot was louder than it usually is. Usually I'm so worked up that I don't notice it. This time, as I was calm and collected, I heard the shot. :thup: It was loud :eek::D.