Release trigger panic

[txhunter83]

So I have a lot of trouble admitting this, but I've decided I have a problem and the first step is admitting it. When I pull my bow back, I tend to start with my finger behind the trigger, then get my finger around to the tip of the trigger and kind of flick it back. I know what I'm supposed to do, rest my finger fully on the trigger and squeeze, but any time I manage to get my finger on the trigger my natural reaction is to pull it. I think it has to do with the fact that I've probably shot 100,000 shotgun shells in my life, but there is no point in making excuses.

I actually manage to shoot fairly well despite my poor form, but it has definitely caused me to miss before.

Does anyone else have this problem? Is this considered target panic? Any tips for "getting well"?

[JW]

Went thru it. I had an old Golden Key Futura release called the answer. No longer made. My suggestion is get a Bernies cant punch which is made with a Scott. Used it too btw. Or a Scott with a spring trigger. Blind bale shooting and alot of concentration.

[tvc184]

In your case it is probably called muscle memory and not panic.

You are simply accustomed that when your finger touches a trigger, you pull. When I went from carrying a revolver to a semi-auto pistol many years ago, I had to go through a five day transition class. My new at that time pistol was a S&W DA/SA with a decocker/safety. I spent all week drawing and firing hundreds of times both in practice and live fire.

No problem.... but a month later I took my off duty revolver out to qualify with it and kept trying to decock it. I could not make myself stop sweeping the side of the cylinder with my thumb after firing. It was like my thumb was on automatic and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

I think that is what you are doing if you have fired anywhere near as many shotgun shells as you say. You aren't panicking but your trigger finger is responding to the memory. That is what you have to train yourself out of... in my opinion.

[tvc184]

.....and go out with your unloaded shotgun and practice putting your finger on the trigger without shooting.

[Mudslinger]

It will only get worse if you do not nip it quickly. I think I have one of the Bernie's Can't Punch if you are interested in buying it. Also, if you are interested, a back tension is also a way to try and treat TP. The best back tension release I have ever found and I have tried a ton is the Whalen's Hooker. Take it from someone that has fought it for years, do not let it get any worse. You will never get rid of it, you will only be able to control it and hopefully you will. Let me know if you are interested in the Bernie's release and I will shoot you a price. I pray for your deliverance from the deadly TP!

[Split Arrow]

Have you tried solely focusing on squeezing off the release while practicing? I imagine it will take some time, but if you focus on your release and get about 1000 shots under your belt, the problem might not be so bad.... I'm sure a better shooter than me will have some good advice for you. good luck dane!

[txhunter83]

It will only get worse if you do not nip it quickly. I think I have one of the Bernie's Can't Punch if you are interested in buying it. Also, if you are interested, a back tension is also a way to try and treat TP. The best back tension release I have ever found and I have tried a ton is the Whalen's Hooker. Take it from someone that has fought it for years, do not let it get any worse. You will never get rid of it, you will only be able to control it and hopefully you will. Let me know if you are interested in the Bernie's release and I will shoot you a price. I pray for your deliverance from the deadly TP!

I am interested in the Bernie's, please shoot me a price.

Have you tried solely focusing on squeezing off the release while practicing? I imagine it will take some time, but if you focus on your release and get about 1000 shots under your belt, the problem might not be so bad.... I'm sure a better shooter than me will have some good advice for you. good luck dane!

I guess I really havent tried just squeezing the trigger without aiming at the bull, I may have to try that. What's weird is that when I was shooting sporting clays, I rested my finger on the trigger and "picked up the slack". I think the muscle memory is in seeing the target and pulling the trigger, which is the way I was taught to shoot clays.

[muddyfuzzy]

i don't know what kind of release you are using but a hair trigger generally results in punching for a lot of folks. both my tru-fire have heavy trigger pressure with no creep. this allows me to pre-load without the worry of it just going off.
my sequence is:
1. come to full draw anchor with my pin slightly above the point i am aiming at
2. once at full draw i address the trigger and pre-load it and generally acquire the peep vs housing vs target
3. aim, aim, then aim some more
4. once the sight picture is steady i slowly start to pull through the release with my shoulder/back until release

you my also want to try shortening up your release, i have found that if i seat it deep second knuckle i can't punch this forces me to pull through.

idoit proof archery offers some real good instruction on the shot sequence, and is worth the coin imo. however, if you get it don't go crazy working on everything at once. usually it's what leads up to the release that needs work, once that's solid the actual act of the release falls into place.

[gatorgar]

Go over the trigger instead of around. That little change might be enough to get you out of you habit.

[k9trainer]

Do a search in the classifieds, there's an associate sponsor that cures TP. I think his handle is TP Guru or something like that.

[Epack]

please dont use any voodoo magic to cure your TP, and yes you do have a form of TP, take the aiming equation out of the picture for a few hundo arrows or so and just blind blae with that form you know is correct and dont put a target back up till you can do it every time without a mistake. when i couldnt punch out those 60 little x's in a row every time to win tourneys thats what i would do for a week after

[Mudslinger]

What voodo magic are you talking about?

[k9trainer]

here you go

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=295540&highlight=TP

[rjbowmaster]

Go over the trigger instead of around. That little change might be enough to get you out of you habit.

try this, or get a release that you hold trigger down and let it go to release (reverse pressure) then you won't be able to punch the trigger

[Mudslinger]

I will second what K9trainer says about what is represented on the link. I have used it and for me and several others on here that this works. TP is mental and this is what this aid deals with.