Thanks for the affirmation,FrankenMauser.
I'll add a # 3.
The focus ,the concentration on the reticle on the target,so you can call the shot, gives your mind a job to do. It occupies you mind with something else besides "hearing footsteps" . Its a little bit like if you are a pass receiver in a football game. He is going to get hit as he catches the ball. He needs to watch the ball into his hands.
The Human does not really like muzzle blast and recoil. Its natural to anticipate it cringe a little. Its UN natural to ignore all that ,keep your eyes open,and release the shot without dropping your face,or ?
Its the focus on calling the shot that will replace your anticipation of the shot.
There is a "follow through" also.let the rifle return to natural point of aim,and acquire the sights.. You don't have to hold it long, maybe 1/2 second is enough. But you need to do it.
Natural point of aim...whatever your position is,you want it to "settle in" so your sights are on target. It may require body shifts to get there. You don't want to rely on muscles pushing the gun to the target.
The gun needs to be on the target. Then all you have to do is not move it off the target.
Maybe if you pour a bunch of rice in a sock and tie the top shut it will give you a little bag you can put under your buttstock and squeeze with your left hand . That might stabilize the rear end of your rifle.
If you will do as I have suggested,I have a high degree of confidence you will be able to get 2 in,+ or -,groups at 100 yds. Generally,a good bolt gun and good ammo will do that if you do your part.
Once you get that,check and correct your zero ,and your targets at 200 and 300 yds.
I'm not crazy about your targets. They are a vague point of aim. I suggest you get some of the orange diamonds on white paper with a grid.
The diamonds points give you a precise location for your crosshairs.
The center diamond is about 4 inches. If,at 100 yds,you aim at the center of the diamond,and your bullets cluster around the upper tip of the diamond,you will be very close to sighted in to hit dead on at 200 yds.Don't go too high,though. I would not go higher than the point of the diamond.
Then maybe say goodby to the bench. Shoot over your back pack laying on the ground. Shoot sitting . If you can flat foot a catcher's squat,shoot some that way. Hunting,I'm generally using concealment. Rock,tree,etc. You just adapt to what you have to steady. Never rest your barrel on anything. Always have something soft,even your hand,between the stock and anything you may use for support.
On youtube you can find old military marksmanship training films to remind you of what you already know. Like how to use a sling.
Figure out how far away you can hit a paper plate...not a huge one,but medium,near every time.
Some of this you do at the range,shooting,BUT...paying attention to rules of safety,you can DRY FIRE without spending any money. Don't get the SWAT team after you, but the excersize of acquiring your target,finding your support and steadiness in a field position,practicing your breathing and trigger squeeze,and calling the shot,does not require ammunition.
You can even use a tiny dot indoors. You can do 10 perfect ones in the morning,when you get home and before bed. Don't just go through the motions,make 10 perfect shots.
Stick up a little elk picture someplace. Shoot the elk a few times a day.
Everything you do to fire a dry fire shot is the same as shooting your elk.You might be breathing harder...but everything is the same. The only difference is,shooting at your elk there will be a round in the chamber. Don't forget to call your shot
And the day you shoot your elk is no different than a dry fire shot..
You will be able to see your reticle on the elk. You can see if its steady enough to place the shot with confidence,or not. From calling you shots and sighting in,you know the bullet will hit where the crosshais rest.
If you can keep the crosshairs on the heart/lung target area,you can be confident and squeeze off. If you can't,don't "poke and hope". Wounding an elk is not good for your soul.
Adjust you position and find a steadier hold,or sneaky pete closer. Actually,getting closer is the most quivery,alive,exciting part of a hunt.
And if you do not find the reticle steady enough to make the shot with confidence,you will never regret passing up the shot. We owe the critter a clean kill.
Dry fire! Once again,do it safe. Clear the gun and point in a safe direction