What's the most difficult shot for a hunter to make? Probably that shot you need to make right after you have just run 50 meters to get into position before your animal disappears into the brush.
Stress shoots can be simulated during practice to increase the heart rate to a point where shooting becomes difficult. This allows you to train for these shots, where you can calm down your breathing quickly before talking that shot.
It is best to do what biathletes do to settle yourself down before shooting. Take three deep controlled breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth, getting those lungs to their full capacity. This will rapidly control your heart rate and steady your aim. You are now able to take your shot when your breathing cycle reaches your natural respiratory pause after that third exhale.
Our Advanced Marksmanship manual teaches you ways and techniques that you can practice taking shots not only on your natural respiratory pause, but on half full and three quarter full lung capacity. This is useful to maintain accuracy during those shots when your target must be engaged at that very moment, and there is no time for your shot to be released on your natural pause. Breathing is one of the most important marksmanship fundamentals.
Train to shoot under stress and with a rapid pulse. Always prepare for the unexpected.
