Target Excitement

[Mengle]

I have a problem when I shoot at animals...significant crosshair movement with my heartbeat. I believe that my excitement with the event leads to a hyperdynamic heartbeat. Using a 4x scope at 100 yards, the crosshair movement is approximately the height of a deer chest. The movement is only vertical. This year, I have shot about 300 rounds at the range preparing for the season. When I practice at the range, I do not have this issue since I do not have the same excitement. At the range, I can consistently shoot 2 inch groups seated with a bipod. I have tried slowing my breathing, deep breathing, carotid massage, and valsalva maneuvers...without much help. My trigger pull is still good and smooth. Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[Trigger50]

Learn to hold your breath right before you pull the trigger.

 

[Sawtooth]

Aim small, miss small. Once you identify the animal as the one you want to take, I no longer look at the animal as a whole, but concentrate on a spot the size of a quarter in the center of the kill zone.

 

[Deleted member 20812]

Read up on combat breathing.

Work on adjusting your position to your natural point of aim.

Pick a spot on the animal and quit focusing on your crosshairs.

Sounds like good old fashioned buck fevers to me.