One other thing occurred to me this morning (I'm getting old and senile
). I made the transition to saddle hunting after 40+ years of hunting from fixed platforms. I know I didn't maintain my form well in those fixed stands and over time I developed an unconscious correction factor for shots inside 15 yards. I just always aimed low because I had shot over the backs of many "chip shots" in my early days.
Along comes saddle hunting. I take my block out in the woods and practice from the tree. . . a lot. I find shooting is easier and I'm noticeably maintaining that "T" form since I can lean my whole body, not just bend at the hips. Wow, I thought, this rocks. I'm a way better shot from the saddle those deer don't have a chance. That season along comes my first opportunity at a decent buck . . . he walks right up inside 10 yards. I get the draw, I'm undetected. I settle my sight and launch the arrow . . . . right underneath him. I'm devastated. How the heck could I miss inside of 10 yards?
Back to camp, get out the block. Set it at 10 yds and climb a tree. First shot doesn't even hit the block. It lands in the ground two inches in front of it. Next few shots I hit the block but low every time. Dang, I must have bumped my sight. Move the block to 20 . . . dead center no problem. What I eventually discovered is that my shot routine was so ingrained in me that I was still aiming low for the those shots inside 15yds and not even realizing it. With the natural improvement in my form from leaning in the saddle I didn't need to shoot low anymore. It actually took me several rounds of shooting to discover my error. Of course, I had never practiced the "chip shot" distance from the saddle during my practice sessions so I didn't discover the problem until it was too late.