New Hampshire IBO State Championship

  Having been extremely busy lately, I knew the weekend would be a grind. Without anyplace nearby having McKenzie targets to practice for London next weekend, I decided to head to northern New Hampshire to their IBO State Championship to get in a little practice on a a foreign range with Rinehart targets.

  When spring hits, it always seems like summer arrives instantly, and before you know it, we are all done shooting 3Ds for the year. After next weekend, half of my national schedule for the year will be done. It will be the fifth event of the 10 national 3Ds that are held. It tends to get away from me before I know it every year, and this year, I haven't been able to shoot hardly anywhere regionally. It really does help to see a lot of courses throughout the year. Every different target you see will be retained somewhere in your memory for future use, and that is whey I've always tried to participate in as many regional events as possible. 

  The four hour trip to northern New Hampshire passed quickly. The tires rolled over the pavement and my lack of sleep didn't seem to have any affect on me. Instead, I took in the beautiful scenery and enjoyed the ride. Although four hours is a long way to go to shoot 30 targets, it seemed like it took about an hour to get there. 

  After signing in and going to the practice range, I was impressed when every arrow I shot landed in the X on the Morrell practice bags. Considering the long drive and my caffeine intake, I was impressed with my hold and execution. I was ready to head onto the course. 

  With a backup on the first half, we decided to start on the second half, where a caribou greeted us as the first target we would shoot for the day. Shooting from a field into the woods at the target, which was down a dark tunnel, it made it difficult to find a solid aiming spot. The bow settled nicely, and I executed a perfect shot. The arrow landed directly under the 11. 

  Moving to the second target, a mountain lion, I felt confident with my number and locked my sight into position. Although the pin never sat down solidly, it floated in the 10-ring and allowed me to work through my shot until it fired. The arrow landed directly next to the 11. After shooting a few more 10s, I began getting a little annoyed that the arrows were oh so close, yet oh so far away from being in the 11s. 

  After finally nailing my first 11, I felt relieved. Although my shot wasn't firing quickly and my hold seemed a little long, I still felt confident. After all, I was shooting my PSE Mach 34, and I can hold the bow a long time without coming undone. Knowing I can over-hold the bow, I feel confident waiting for the shot to happen. As I made my way through the course, there were shadows that were wreaking havoc, and I concentrated extremely hard on picking the exact spots I wanted to aim at. Before I knew it, I had hit six 11s in a row. 

  As I neared the end of the first half, I encountered a handful of shots that were difficult to come up with a number, but I chose numbers that I thought would allow me to stay in the 10-ring. After executing a great shot on a long black bear that was on a bank and leaning forward, I felt good to survive it. Although it was hard to find an aiming spot, my arrow landed an inch to the left of the 11 and had perfect height. 

  Arriving at the second to last target of the first half, I studied it to come up with a number. I bounced back and forth between 46 and 44 on a large mule deer, but when I finally locked the sight in, I felt confident I would smoke it. I had a perfect shadow to aim at, and the arrow magically appeared in the spot ... 11. 

  Moving to the last target of the half, a large deer across the rifle range, it was tricky. There was a lot of open area from the bank I was standing on to where the deer was located between a few small, scraggly evergreen trees. However, the number stuck out to me, and I executed a perfect shot. The arrow appeared inside-out in the 10-ring. 

 Without wasting any time for refreshments, we moved right onto the second half. Since we were making good time and my blood sugar was stable, I wanted to get done as quickly as possible. Moving to Target 1, I saw an elk down a long tunnel. I knew it would be difficult to find a solid aiming spot since the stake was in a small field and the elk was at the end of a dark tunnel. However, there was a dark line that went from the bottom of the 10-ring and ended just to the left of the 11. I held the pin just to the right of the line, and shot one of my best shots of the day. The arrow landed inside-out in the 11.

  Progressing through the course, we came upon some shots that can make you shrivel if you're not mentally prepared. Luckily, I felt confident with my numbers and my aim was good enough to execute solid shots along the way. After smoking a long antelope and a stone sheep, I gained even more confidence with my execution. The arrows seemed to appear exactly behind the pin after almost every shot I fired. Although I've only felt this five to 10 times in my career, I felt like I would be impossible to miss. When that feeling arises, most shooters know they're in the zone. The zone isn't something you can command. Instead, it comes out of nowhere, and everything appears to be effortless. 

  As I approached the last target of the day, I knew I hadn't shot an 8 during the round. Although that was in the back of my mind, I knew I had to focus on the shot, just as I had done the entire day. If I did my part, the arrow would find its mark. 

  I drew the bow and locked the shot in my back while staying solid on the front end. I maintained pressure on both ends until the shot broke free as if someone cut the loop loose from my release. The arrow instantly appeared inside-out in the 11. My day was done. I cleaned the course with 10s and happened to be lucky enough to shoot 18 11s in the process while barely missing about seven others. 

                                                    Thoughts on the Day

  Going into the day, I had a primary objective and that was to run my mental program on every single shot. I wanted to accomplish a 100% on amount of time I ran my mental program. I accomplished my goal. 

  With that in mind, I think it's only right to look at the final result. Although the shoot was a little on the soft side for what I'm used to, there were also some back-breakers along the way that easily could've derailed a good day. I got all the ones I should've gotten, and I survived the ones that are set to make a difference. 

  Although I can't say my shooting was effortless today, I can say that I was relaxed. I aimed well, and I executed well. I learned that you can shoot a really good score when you don't have your best stuff. It's all a matter of trusting your shot and being confident with your estimations and aiming. I found that my pin was a little busy today, but it wasn't busy as far as going too terribly far from the center. Instead, it would be similar to a quick, jittery hold that has a very small circle. 

  I focused on the process today and what I need to do to perform at a high level. I've been working hard on this recently, and I've seen results in my practice over the last month. I feel good about the results I've been seeing. I have gotten away from worrying about any results. Instead, I know if I master the process, especially the mental part of it, the results will be there after I shoot my last arrow of the round. 

  This was a very nice place to shoot. The walking was really easy and short. I appreciated the variety. The course was set up to grab you out of nowhere. It forced me to pay attention and not take anything for granted. It also tested every yardage estimation from 20 to 50. My yardage has been pretty good lately, and I'm looking forward to using all of the things I've improved on to keep marching up the mountain ... on to London. See y'all soon. 

First Leg of IBO National Triple Crown

  I can say that I haven't been more prepared for an event in a long time. I was ready both mentally and physically. My shot has been really good, and my mental approach has been solid. Although I never go to an event with expectations, I knew the sky was the limit, and I really did't see anything preventing me from getting the job done. 

  We arrived in Pipestem around midnight on Thursday night and settled in to see what the next day would bring. We met the clan at the target butts and hung out while waiting for the fog to lift so they could go to their ranges and try to get half of their tournament completed. 

  When everyone headed out, Wags and I went to the defense course to get used to the setting and see if we could become accustomed to the look of things. It always takes a bit to become accustomed to the setting wherever the tournament might be held. All pieces of woods seem to be different. 

  The practice range didn't treat me the best, as I was seeing everything short. I knew I was in trouble when I shot a downhill 50-yard wolverine for 43 and the arrow stuck in the dirt in front of the target. That's not great for a confidence builder, but I just laughed and moved on. You have to be able to laugh at yourself a little and realize the focus isn't quite the same as when you're in live action on tournament day. 

  I made the adjustment for the second loop we shot, which was all in the woods, and felt really good about the next day. I pounded every target on the second loop, and my shot was smooth and fluid. When the guys came back after finishing 20 targets, they felt good about their performances. 

                                                             Day 1

  After marching down to the meeting before the tournament, I was glad to see I would be shooting with Glenn Meadows and Jeff Hopkins. I like both of those guys a lot and knew we would have a pretty stress-free day. They both make it easy to shoot and are encouraging. It's always good to have guys who cheer you on, even when you're competing against them. I value my friendship with both of them, and I appreciate the sportsmanship they have always shown while shooting with me. That goes a long way in this sport, which can bring some heated arguments at times. 

  When we got the signal to start, it was a sense of relief to know we would be shooting a boar that was pretty close to us. We made quick work of it, but none of us managed to 11 it. Moving to the second target, an alert deer, I felt good about my number. I settled in nicely, and my shot broke effortlessly. The arrow appeared directly next to the 11. 

  Moving along to the third target, an impala, I felt conflicted when setting my sight. Glenn had hit it a little bit high, and that concerned me, but I didn't adjust me sight. I executed another great shot, and my arrow hit directly above the 10-ring. I just could't convince myself the three targets we shot were as close as they were. It caught me off guard and I just didn't listen to my gut on the impala. 

  Moving from the impala out into the field to shoot a Hogzilla target down a long, mowed path, The number kind of jumped out at me. I set me sight, pulled my bow back, anchored, and shot yet another effortless shot. The arrow hit directly behind the pin, and I thought I had my first 11 of the day. However, after stepping away from the stake and looking at it with my binoculars, I learned I had just missed it. I couldn't complain. 

  When we ducked inside the woods for the next target, I was highly disappointed when I saw an alligator strapped to a tree as if it were climbing the tree. The head was up the tree and the tail was on the ground. Although many people praise Larry Kade courses, I'm not a big fan of going to a national event and shooting novelty shots that you find at local clubs. While everyone does have to shoot the same targets, the novelty shots sometime leave the first person shooting them at a disadvantage. This was definitely the case on the wolverine that we shot in the tree on Day 2. It was very difficult to see in the dark and hard to aim at. However, after getting an arrow in it, all of the other shooters had a defined aiming spot. By the end of the weekend, we shot three targets in or on trees. One year I shot an upside down boar, set as if it were roasting over a fire. Another year, I shot a standing bear that was strapped upside down to a tree. Yeah, it's cool and funny and all that, but there really isn't a need for it. It's a national event, not a novelty shoot. While the ranges are well set with a lot of mixed yardage, that type of stuff has a place.

  After getting my first 11 of the day on the gator in the tree, I made my way through the rest of the range and stayed consistent. Although I shot another 8 on the new mule deer, I made it all up by the time I got to the black panther after coming out of the field. When we arrived at the target, it was backed up three groups, so we had a considerable wait. I was exhausted from the night before when I hadn't gotten any sleep and the nonstop waiting we encountered after getting halfway through the course began  eating at my focus. 

  After a long wait, it was finally our turn to shoot the panther. I had a hard time getting a number, so I tried using one that I thought would keep me in the 10-ring. Unfortunately, I estimated the yardage incorrectly and my arrow pierced the 8-line above the 10-ring. 

  Moving to the next target, a Dahl sheep that was downhill, I felt confident about my number. My hold went a little long and got a little bouncy when it fired. I got the dreaded dip/bang and landed directly under the 8-ring. My solid day had disappeared quickly. I did the best I could to hold on for the last few targets and got off the course at 7 down. It wasn't where I had planned, but that's what was on the card. I ended the day with two good shots on a long bedded stone sheep and a long snarling wolf. I could walk away with that in my pocket for the next day. Although I had shot myself in the foot, I wasn't done fighting. I stood in 12th place when the day ended. 

                                                                      Day 2

  Going into Day 2, I felt confident. After getting a good night's rest and recovering from the day before, I was determined to stay focused throughout the round and make the best shots I could. When we got our target assignments, I was glad to see I would be shooting with Jeff Hopkins, Tony Tazza and a new guy to our class, Curtis Wiley. I felt good about the group. I like shooting with Tony, and I would be Jeff for the second day in a row. Anytime you're in a peer group with two of the best guys in the business, you know the first day definitely could've been worse, even though it wasn't the best. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm competing against professionals, the best people who play the game -- and I'm one of them. 

  Day two was pretty uneventful. While the course was a little soft as far as yardage goes, it was difficult to come up with the numbers. I think the hardest shot of the day for me was the grazing doe across the pond and up the hill. I had to lead it off, and the number was hard to get. I knew it was a bomb, but I didn't know if it was the full boat. After going back and forth with my thoughts on it, I set my sight in a spot that I hoped would secure a 10. I broke one of the cleanest shots of the day, and my arrow appeared less than an inch to the left of the 11. I was happy with that. 

  When we got to a stretch with five little targets in a row, I questioned the thought process on the setting of the targets. Would it be better to start in that area, get them in the middle of your round, or finish there. Well, I would be finishing with the coyote on a tree, javelina, lynx, wolverine in a tree, and a turkey. I figured if I could get through them with 50 points, I would have a shot at possible getting into the top 5. 

  I executed some of my best shots of the day throughout that stretch of targets and scored 51 points. However, when the cards were added up, I hadn't gained ground on anyone in my group, as they basically scored the same as me with exception of one 8 on the wolverine. Once again, the best of the best don't budge when you're standing toe to toe with them and exchanging blows. It's all a matter of limiting the damage and making as few mistakes as possible. 

  When we had finished the day, I was satisfied but highly disappointed. I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish in the tournament. I ran my mental program regularly, and I made great, relaxed shots. I didn't struggle with my shot, and I gained more trust in it as the day progressed on Sunday. I could easily beat myself up, but there's no need in doing that. I know what kept me out of the shootdown round, and that was the few dip-bangs I had, which led to two fives. I finished at 391and in 8th place, 8 points from being in the shootdown round. I've had two decent showings in a row, and I'm gaining confidence in my shooting and performances. I'll keep plugging along and working in silence because I don't know any other way. There might be all sorts of guys who are more talented than me, but I can guarantee you that nobody works harder. 

                                                             Thoughts on the Weekend

  I went to the event with my Mach 34 because I felt the most confident with that bow. It was going 298 and it groups better than all of my bows. I knew I made the best choice for the bow, even if people looked at me funny when they saw the carbon hunting bow in my hands. I'll tell everyone to use the bow that brings you the most confidence. Now that we've been outside for a few weeks, I feel like I'm competitive again, unlike the first couple of ASAs this year when we were kept inside due to the weather. 

  Sometimes we beat ourselves up when we don't do as well as we would've liked. However, we need to step back and realize that all classes have monsters in them -- a lot of them. Instead of trying so hard to be perfect, you'll find it easier to succeed if you go out and have the most fun you can and let things play out as they're supposed to play out. Instead of creating self-induced pressure, the best results always come when you don't try too hard. Instead, let your skills speak for themselves. They'll find a way to the forefront if you trust your abilities. 

  I'd like to congratulate a few people whom I really respect, then touch on something about all of them. Dave Ferguson, from central New York, has been at this game a long time. He grinds like the rest of us, and he puts his time in. He's always a great competitor, and he leaves it all out there. Sometimes he does awesome, and sometimes he lays an egg. He's just like the rest of us. I respect him and his game. I admire him. Well, Dave won the first leg of the National Triple Crown, and I'm really happy for him. Congratulations, Dave. That win is well deserved. 

  I remember the first time I met Christine Bushey a few years ago. I admired the fire in her belly and the competitiveness she showed to be great. Not many people, especially women, have that kind of determination and desire to be great. She showed it that day and continues showing it every time she shows up to shoot. She might get her ass kicked and she might bring the boots and do the ass-kicking. Whatever happens, when she shows up, you had better be ready. She brings the combat gear and is going to go down fighting. She will never give up until the end. Well, after some coaching in the winter and a check in the mental bank, she's ready and she's laying it down. She won the event, and I'm psyched to see what she does from here. I look forward to watching her growth. 

  Lastly, I could never not mention the man who has no filter, Tom Thygesen. It's not often that we like people like ourselves, but I love Tom. He has no filter, just like me, and I think it's pretty funny. You never have to know what he is thinking. If you are wondering, just ask him. He won't let you down with the reply. Just be ready for what comes out. Well, anyhow, Tom showed up and finished in 2nd place. He has put the work in, and it's showing. His last two events have brought his name to the top of his class at the national level, and I know firsthand that it is no easy fete to accomplish that. Congratulations, Tom. I love ya buddy, and I couldn't be happier to watch you succeed. It's pretty awesome to watch from afar. Hopefully, I can live up to my end of the bargain before the year's done. 

  Now, I know all three of the people mentioned have received coaching from two different local coaches. I've sent many people to both coaches, and I try to send people to coaches that fit what they need. I think sometimes people tend to forget that or get lost in things to which they give their own lives to. 

  Mike Price and Mark Myers have helped a lot of people, and I've always been comfortable sending people to both of them. I can only hope both of them are able to step back and be thankful for that. When you seek a coach, just like a therapist, sometimes two people can say the same exact thing, but you understand it better from one or the other. It's all about finding the person who works for you. If you  are looking to improve your game and want some instruction, you might want to ask people who have seen different coaches and why they ended up choosing the one they chose. It's all about what works for you. It's not about what this person says or what that person says. I went to see multiple endocrinologists for my type 1 diabetes. In the end, I found one I really gelled with, and that's the one I chose. Do what's best for you and ignore the noise. 

  I'm going to keep my head down and grind. I'm gettin closer and closer. My process is being refined at every event, and I'm gaining ground every time. It's not about the outcome, it's about perfecting the process, and I had a winning performance with that over the weekend. The results don't always show what else is going on in the pursuit of perfection, so pay attention to improving the process. When it all comes together, the results will show up. 

  And one last shout-out to the Yamins. Zach got himself a podium finish and his big sister, Haylee took a leap and joined the female pro class. Congrats to both of you. Haylee, I hope you work hard and improve throughout the year. The sky is the limit. You have a baseline now, so you can move forward now and find the things you need to work on. Good luck. 

Here's Mikey wishing he was a kid again.