Punxsutawney Phil,
Unlike the Pennsylvania rodent who prognosticates weather, I'm just getting ready for the 2019 trapshooting season to begin. Ol' Phil has a batting average around .500 when it comes to predicting weather. I would rather be 100% certain that I'm ready for the spring season by doing some preparation now!
Planning the shooting year.
I'm fortunate as I'm able to head to Florida for the Bill Jacoblen Shoot in Mid January. This really gives me a head start on the shooting season with some interesting Florida (Silver Dollar) targets. I can get a feel for what I need to be working on for the upcoming season. I take some serious notes during this shoot so I can review my performances and remember any issues when I return home . I concentrate on things like pre-shot routines, visual setup, target acquisition and the all important mental game.
Using a few notes helps me get back to the mental state I was in during the particular event I am mentally reviewing. I make notes of the temperature, wind and lighting conditions. What color lenses I used. The squad I shot with and any other pertinent data which helps me assess my performance...good, bad or mediocre.
After the Dixie Grand, I get out my yearly calander and start choosing the major shooting events I plan on attending for the next 10 months. Some, like the Southern Grand, NC State shoot, the Grand American and the Dixie Grand in Bostic, NC are automatic. Others depend on where the dates fall and our business schedule. I usually make about 7 major shoots a year. I also hit a few local ones to keep my game sharp and support the smaller clubs near my home.
By having the dates for the competitions ahead of time I can schedule my practice time more efficiently. I can work up to a big shoot with increased emphasis on any one or all of the events. I don't generally spend a lot of time on 16 yards...but before a big shoot I might add several rounds of practice into the routine. I spend an extra 15 minutes each day on my Terry Jordan Wall Chart (See blog about the wall chart.) the week prior to a major shoot as well...this can really pay big dividends!
So don't be a groundhog and wait in your burrow for 6 more weeks of winter! Start preparing now for the upcoming year. Get busy on your wall chart with dry fire exercises and plan out your shooting year early. Shoot well and often!
Bob