What does it take to be clutch?

[Alpineelk]

Been thinking of the upcoming elk season which has led me to remember my past failures every year I get incredibly close and every time I just think if something would have happened slightly different I could have punched my tag but almost has never won any trophies. I have definitely choked away my fair share a opportunities on good bulls so wat does it take to be clutch and get it done? Are some people just natural born killers or does everyone have to learn it. Wat do u guys think? Archery elk im talking

 

[Skerhunter]

I think some people naturally make good decisions vs others who have to learn the hard way! I am amazed at the stuff I see every September (poor hunting)!

For archery I’m a firm believer that it takes reps (animals) before someone becomes proficient enough not to not choke in the moment.

The thing that has helped me the most is listening closely to ppl who consistently shoot elk no matter what state they go to.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Mindset, practice, and gear setup.

 

[Beendare]

I've seen guys fall apart on an animal and done it myself. Thankfully it's been many decades for me.

@ResearchinStuff's comment is dead on...but as the saying goes it's 90% mental.

I think having a shot mantra is the key. A mental checklist or sequence you do in practice to consciously control the shot. Then on game, you have that mental shot sequence to fall back on and calm you down.

If you don't have that, then other thoughts can creep in and screw you up.

 

[Deerhunter6250]

Determination, persistence, research, a plan A,B,C,D, ability to adapt to what mother nature throw at you. Good gear and being mentally and physically prepared.

 

[JohnnyB]

The key that has made me clutch, perhaps more clutch than most is twofold:

No witnesses
An internet connection to post of my prowess

 

[spike camp]

You gotta know how to move when near elk.
My WT buddy from Illinois thought I was crazy, but I showed him the difference.
That difference equals success, at least for me.

 

[feanor]

 

[Swamp Fox]

[...] every year I get incredibly close and every time I just think if something would have happened slightly different I could have punched my tag but almost has never won any trophies. [...]

There's "if something would have have happened slightly different" and "MAKE something happen slightly different."

That's the other secret they didn't tell you in City Slickers ...

 

[svivian]

I’ve seen a lot of guys shit their pants when a bull finally comes in. They lose all sense of patience, calm and good decision making.

Taking the time to make sure you are setup well when a bull is screaming and busting brush to get to you is tough for alot of people.

 

[Alpineelk]

Yep it seems like most of the time I can get close but then I feel I need to make something happen before the wind switches and they end up slipping away. Also I hunt super thick country so just being in range is only half the battle. Trying to find a shooting lane is tough and with brush makes it hard to move

 

[PredatoronthePrairie]

Kill enough and eventually it comes second nature.

 

[Ross]

Having enough and many encounters goes along ways to negating errors and making the right move and execution in crunch time. Ie Experience

 

[Cfriend]

Great question. I'm trying to work on the same thing. I would say there are two phases to the "critical moment". Getting the shot, and then executing the shot. Experience is obviously very helpful for both, but I feel like getting the shot is harder to improve at since you can really only practice on animals. I'm trying to focus on learning from my mistakes and figure I'll get better eventually.

Executing the shot is something I can practice. I've been trying to do primarily "real world" practice with my bow. Practicing fast shots, slow shots, different footing, different angles, and trying to find ways to simulate pressured shots. Saw a quote from Kobe Bryant: “If practice is harder than a game 7 would be — then a game 7 will be easy.” Trying to apply the same thing to hunting practice.

 

[112Savage]

Don’t want it too much.
Don’t lust for an animal.
The more you want it, the more you will screw up.
Stick to the plan.

 

[Mr.Ktm]

Get excited after the shot not before…. I am trying to perfect this one myself

 

[cnelk]

Drown kittens as a kid.

You’ll be clutch.

 

[Mikido]

natural

 

[trophyhill]

Practice, confidence and ice in the veins. You have to control your emotions when the "moment of truth" is at hand. Good luck!

 

[35WhelenAI]

Kill enough and eventually it comes second nature.

There's no substitute for experience. You're going to get nervous the first time you come down on a bull or even a cow for that matter. Just like a deer, you have to get through the first one.

After my first one in 1998, whenever I see the elk I want to take, I tell myself "I'm going to get my elk unless I do something to screw this up".