How to approach the aim point: It really doesn't matter how you move your pin to the proper aim point. If you're executing the shot correctly, you should never feel the urge to shoot too soon--the slow squeeze will force you to stay on the spot for a while before the bow fires. However, not everyone shoots correctly. Some archery hunters punch the trigger as soon as they see brown on the other side of the pin.

If you tend to release too quickly, (often resulting in a high hit or high miss) consider approaching your aiming point from below. That way, you will be on or near the vitals soon after your pin reaches the animal. Though I don't advocate a quick shot, you can still make clean kills when you bring your pin in from below.

How long to aim: Don't reinvent your shooting form just because a buck or bull is near. Strive to make the same shot you typically make on the range. For most archery hunters, this means aiming with the pin floating on, or near, the aim point for about two to five seconds before the bow fires. Don't try to break in a new shooting routine while hunting; save that for the backyard.

When timing is critical: Punching the trigger is never an option, but that shouldn't imply that you can never speed up your trigger pull if the conditions call for it. For example, if the animal is walking past at close range and you decide to take the moving shot, timing is critical. The circumstances won't tolerate a five-second trigger squeeze. When you have to shoot quickly, do everything the same as you normally would (including selecting a small aim point), but pull the trigger in one smooth motion.

While targets will never be the same as live game, you should still strive to use the same form when shooting both. That requires a commitment to ignore the urge to rush the shot. Stick with your normal routine. Over the long run, it will produce the best results.