Don’t shoot unsupported- Public Service Announcement.

[Speedwell-Hunter]

Right on . Staring down the barrel at a nice buck will even excite seasoned hunters. Practicing your breathing is also important. A hunter needs his best to calm down and exhale slowly once he has his target in sight and ready to pull the trigger. If your breathing is heavy it can throw your shot off some . I know it's easier to say than do but you could miss an easy shot if your not steady .

this. cannot get too excited

 

[DeerCamp]

this. cannot get too excited

When I spotted that Mule deer across the canyon after 4 days of seeing 0 deer, I almost did this.

I used my spotting scope sideways as a shooting rest. No way to lay down in 15 inches of snow. The first time I started the process of pulling the trigger, I was still way too amped up. Felt the crosshairs pull left. Stopped, took a deep breath and made a good shot. (328y).

Knowing myself behind the trigger allowed me to recognize that I wasn't ready.

 

[Speedwell-Hunter]

When I spotted that Mule deer across the canyon after 4 days of seeing 0 deer, I almost did this.

I used my spotting scope sideways as a shooting rest. No way to lay down in 15 inches of snow. The first time I started the process of pulling the trigger, I was still way too amped up. Felt the crosshairs pull left. Stopped, took a deep breath and made a good shot. (328y).

Knowing myself behind the trigger allowed me to recognize that I wasn't ready.

Thats insane! You must really be a good shot wow congratulations

 

[fairchaser]

With all this said I think you should practice freehand shooting . Why ? Because your not always going to have the perfect shooting rest. Yes...those in the shooting houses do but those of us hunting otherwise don't. These deer don't always come in like we expect them to . Certain muscles need to be toned for off hand shooting ...that don't mean you have to shoot thousands of times but you can throw your gun up and hold it for a few minutes every day you can in your home .

A heavy trigger (over 3lbs) is usually what throws off a freehand shot. If you are gonna have to take that shot, practice dry firing a few times once you get set up. Then take your gun to a gunsmith and clean up that trigger. You won't be able to hold the crosshairs steady on the target. But practice breaking the trigger just as it's about to cross the mark. Your correct that you also need the strength to hold the rifle easily.