When Wags didn't show up until 7, I knew I was going to have to hurry to get to work in time, even though the boss said I could come in when I wanted to. I gave my co-workers a time to expect me, so I wanted to stay in that time frame.
We didn't head onto the course until about 7:30, and the woods were dark. It made it difficult to see the target and where you were aiming. I started off on a long boar and believe I hit it right where I was aiming. However, the arrow landed directly above the 8-line. After moving to the next target, a medium alert deer, I hit it behind the pin, this time for an 8.
Walking down the road, I dismissed the first two arrows and figured I would just battle through the first half until things got a little lighter in the woods. I was also battling low blood sugar and could 't keep it up. This affected my hold, my mind and my execution.
When I got to the next target, I took a gander at it and shook my head. I knew it was going to be a tough day when I saw a bomb of a bobcat. When I drew the bow back, I instantly knew I didn't have enough number on my sight, so I let down and reevaluated my situation and thought about where I had to hold to stay in the 10-ring. After drawing a second time and settling in, the shot broke and I quickly learned I hadn't held the pin in the right place. The arrow struck directly below the 8-line.
After getting an 8 on a steep uphill black panther, I was beside myself, but I was determined to get the train back on the tracks. That's when I rolled the next three shots, executing some of my shots of the year. During the process, I realized I just wasn't meant to hold the bow well on this day. In my older years, I can hold the bow well some days, and other days I have to battle through what I'm given. It was one of those days.
When we finished the first half, I considered calling it a day. Then, the more I thought about it, I decided to continue on the course so I could get more judging practice. The second half started with a bomb of a leopard before quickly getting shorter with a large deer, then a moose. I started the second half well and kept plugging along with the horrible hold. Although things weren't great, they weren't terrible either. It gave me practice for when I'm struggling with my shot and hold.
About halfway through the second half, I made tow perfect shots in a row on a red fox and a bedded buck. I couldn't have asked for better shots, and both arrows found their mark. As I dashed across the field after finishing, I knew I wouldn't have time to chat. Instead, I had to make the trip to work.
Final Thoughts
This was Fish House's second year of holding an IBO qualifier, and it did not disappoint. This was an ass-kicker of a course and the conditions made it even more difficult. Although it gave us a few breaks with some 25-yard shots, the majority of the targets were long, and the sets were amazing.
Rich and his crew went above and beyond while setting this course. They used every trick in the book to fool people, and they must've done it well because nobody broke 300 in any class. This was a top-notch shoot, even though it was on the extremely difficult side of the scale. This type of shoot challenges us in all areas of 3D shooting. Their grounds are incredible too, with groomed trails, easy walking and all sorts of terrain. Kudos to everyone involved in setting it up. Hopefully, next year we can find a way to get more people to the event. I believe word of mouth should help with that.
My mind was full while shootings and there was no place in it to focus. There's nothing that can compare to losing your childhood friend, and the thoughts that inundate your mind are often mind-boggling. I tried my hardest to focus, but I found it simply impossible. I also knew I had to get to work, and that thought never found a place to hide from the time I woke up.
I'm headed to Kentucky for the ASA on Wednesday after work. Jacob and I will be making the trip, and we will give it our best. Although neither of us has ever shot lights-out while competing in the tournament, there's always a first time, and we are both ready to dance. I haven't spent time with Jacob in a while, so I look forward to some great conversations and learning a little something along the way. I value Jacob's advice, and it tends to help me with some little things along the way. Neither one of us has had any quality practice this spring due to the weather and life, so we will rely on experience and see where we end up. Good luck to anyone else who is headed to Kentucky. The summer is about to get busy. Then, before you know it, the 3D season will be done and hunting season will be rolling in. Put the work in now and see what happens in late July and early August.
Here's the shot of the day. Don't ever let Wags tell you he doesn't have a little luck on his side. After a shot got away from him, the arrow glanced off the tree, broke, then barely stuck in the bear. Atta boy, Wags. You made it look easy,
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