What is instinct in the context of archery?

As an instinctive archer, I've given this question much thought. Dissatisfied, as an instinctive archer, I've given this question much thought. Dissatisfied with previous attempts at a definition and those given elsewhere in the archery community, here is my perspective.

You watch an archer lifting the bow and instantly hitting the target; it doesn't matter what type of bow—it could be a gun. You ask him how he does it, and he hesitates for a moment, then tries to give a rough step-by-step process on how to copy and shoot like him. You pick up the weapon, and you follow the steps to perfection, and you still can't shoot like him. You're not as fast, not as accurate.

Instinct is the space between actually hitting the target with idealized precision and speed and doing this act based on the verbal or written steps needed to execute it. In other words, the space between the ideal hidden within and the concrete we can touch and consciously understand.

So, a compound bow, with all the bells and whistles, will hit a dime on your first shot, with a high likelihood, if you follow the verbal steps—a stick and string will not. Compound bows immensely reduce "instinct." All said, this is why the gun is a popular hunting tool. Instinct is an investment too few are willing to make.

Instinctive archery is still a conscious calculation; however, the more you do it, the faster and more accurate the calculation. If you aren't thinking about what you are doing, which I have done for many years, you're just guessing and moving and hoping and nonsensing.

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