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This may be the most provocative article you’ll ever read in a magazine. Try to have an open, searching mind so you can understand the essence of this article.

Many of you have heard me quote one of my favorite wisdoms, “You only LOOK with your EYES, you really SEE with your MIND.” This I believe is not fully understood by the multitude of sportsmen.

For the past 42 years I’ve served the sporting world with our famous sport glasses and believe me, I’ve heard all the excuses for missing a target and then some!!

Here within is my personal observation and analysis of why you’re not one of the champs breaking all the targets.

First let’s take your eyes. They are a unique instrument which channels light rays through a hole (your pupil) and transmits light into brain waves. There’s a lot more technical and medical terminology to explain this process, however, at this moment I’m interested in conveying to you your reaction to this process.

Do you really see what you’re looking at? Think about it!! It’s your turn to shoot…, the target goes out and keeps flying… “Lost Bird”. What do we hear some say?

“Oh that jet stream bothered me” … “Oh those damn kids yelling behind me made me lose my concentration” … “This squad I’m on has lousy timing” … and so on and so on goes the excuses.

What does it all boil down to is Lack of mental discipline and mental vision. Most of you have the finest equipment money can buy and you have the knowledge and experience of the sport. Why are you always an “Also run posting brides maid scores”?

Let’s analyze the mind!! What is the mind? You have a brain but where is the mind? Your mind is your state of consciousness functioning through your brain. Then VISION IS A STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS interpreted by the mind via your brain capacity. Think about it! WHAT YOU ARE IS WHAT YOU THINK!! SO, CONSCIOUSNESS IS WHAT YOU REALLY ARE.

All the champions I have served these past 42 years have all shown me, in their own individual ways — confidence, discipline, and one mindedness. In other words they have a strong conviction within themselves that they are a champion and they “go for it” every time they perform.

First

Without mental discipline our minds wander and out thoughts become interruptions to our concentration. How do we overcome this lack of concentration and become “CAPTAINS OF OUR OWN SHIP … MASTER OF OUR OWN DESTINY”? It’s not easy but it can be done. There are many ways to discipline the self into a higher amd more successful life. First you must have the deep desire and apply the discipline to a search that will unfold within you. Read some biographies of famous people to see the hurdles and problems they overcame to become the champion of their professions. It takes a lot of YOU to get the little you out of the way so the champion can come through. THE ONLY COMPETITOR YOU HAVE TO BEAT IS YOUR UNDISCIPLINED MIND. Your body and mind will serve your mental vision well… if your consciousness transmits concentrated discipline to the NOW of your reactions. Think about it! The last minute is gone forever … the future minute can’t help you until it becomes NOW. NOW is the only moment you can live and react. YOUR CONCENTRATED NOW MOMENT CONTINUALLY ACTIVATED WITH CONFIDENCE AND DISCIPLINE WILL REWARD YOU AS A CHAMPION.

The computer industry has a favorite cliche which can be applied to your MENTAL VISION process. “Garbage in … garbage out”. In other words, entertain positive thoughts or negative thoughts and those we accept in our minds will make or break us as champions. Now you know why I’ve always called you “champ”. I know that deep within you the champion is there, awaiting your personal efforts to yoke it out.

For those of you unfamiliar with my terminology I’d like to give the following definitions, as I use them, so you might better understand the above:

MENTAL VISION: A process of understanding that which you are looking at..

MIND: Consciousness functioning through the brain capacity.

CONSCIOUSNESS: Is your true identity. What you are conscious of is your world of thoughts. Raise your consciousness to your positive self and see positive reaction in your life.

BODY: Is an instrument to use. Without consciousness your body would be a vegetable, unable to function.

BRAIN: Is also an instrument for consciousness to transmit thoughts and store memory. The thoughts you think, good or bad, are yours to accept or reject. The real you (consciousness) can organize and discipline yourself as champion in all your endeavors. MENTAL VISION IS PERFECT VISION WITHIN THE CHAMPION.

In conclusion, I’d suggest re-reading this article many times to grasp the deeper meaning.

Thanks for the pleasure you’ve given me in these years of service and experience. Every customer of mine has been a teacher of life to me.

Good luck champ!

By: Bud Decot (1925-2014)

You might ask; “What does this title mean, ‘Get Out of Your Own Way?’ How does this pertain to my sport? It can really open up a longer and deeper conversation about what and who you are.

Ask yourself, who is mostly responsible for your actions, both good and bad? You are! Who sells you short of being a champion? You do! Who interferes in your progress? You do! Who is the most critical person to correct? You are!

So, if the above is true, then what can we do about the situation? Sure, the easy way out is to blame your parents, former teachers, husband or wife, your government, religion or even your nationality. That could satisfy you to some extent, but it will never solve the ultimate problem.

The wisdom books of old all say, in their own way, have dominion (control) over everything outside your own being. Find the ultimate power within your own self. Take control of yourself with positive discipline, then you’ll see the champion come out in your actions. Why…why don’t we give ourselves more credit in life? Who knows? This may be the time in life to look deeper within ourselves to find those hidden potentials. Where can we start? Why not at our chosen recreational sport, such as shotgunning, golf, tennis or the many other friendly competitive sports that are popular?

During the past half century, I have been serving men, women and children in the sporting world of shotgunning. It truly amazes me how tough some people are on themselves and they don’t even realize what they’re doing to themselves. I guess it’s all part of human nature. However, there are those, and plenty of them, that have a great zest for life finding health, happiness and success in the years that roll along.

What does it all boil down to? SELF-HELP in capital letters. Throughout this nation, in every decent bookstore there are shelves of self-help books written by many different authors with equally as many different ways to achieve or motivate your positive drive to success and happiness within.

There’s not just one way to be “captain of your own ship” or “master of your own destiny.” Search for yourself until something moves you in the right direction. You must remember that whatever you hold in your heart and mind becomes a part of your life. Right or wrong, you created it and must live with it. The life outside you is the direct result of where you put yourself and how you think.

Let’s face it! To be a champion you must think like a champion, you must act like a champion with inner confidence. You must believe within yourself that you are a champion.

Read my article, Mental Vision, published a couple years ago in this magazine, for reference.

In closing, I’d like to share with you a poem by an unknown author that lifted yours truly to new heights many years ago.

The Man in the Glass
When you get what you want in your struggle for gain And the world makes you king for the day Go to the mirror and look at yourself and see what That person has to say. For it’s not your father or mother or husband or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass. The one whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back in the glass. Now, you may have been one who got good breaks And you think you’re a wonderful guy. But your final reward is heartaches and tears If you’ve cheated that man in the glass.

By: Bob Allen & Bud Decot

As a tournament clay target shooter and hunter most of my lifetime, I’ve always worried about how my vision affects my shooting. Like most people, I’ve gone through the various stages of vision changes– at about age 40, I suddenly found that a phone booth wasn’t big enough for me to hold the phone book out and be able to read it. My shooting really didn’t vary much because I was able to correct my vision with glasses, but I always worried if I had the right prescription, right color, etc.

There is one outstanding expert in the field of shooting vision, and shooters throughout the world agree that he has the most knowledge, is equipped to make the best suggestions, and, if I may get a bit commercial, offers the finest shooting glasses available. With this information before me, I decided that I would ask Bud Decot of Phoenix, Arizona to do this column with me. I must admit that most of these words are his, but I couldn’t say them as knowledgeably as Bud.

Our shooting careers extended near a half century. Bud, in 1935 at age 10, was taught by his famous eye specialist dad, Dr. Val A. Decot, M.D. Bob Allen started his hunting and shooting experiences back in 1939 and has enjoyed championship scores throughout the years. Bud Decot’s involvement and interest in shooting glass manufacturing forced him to retire from matches in 1964,and he dedicated his time and creativity to the sport glass profession.

Here are some of the “wisdoms of vision” both Bob and Bud have experienced.

Most sportsmen do not completely understand the function of their eyes. A lot of them neglect having their vision checked every couple of years. Due to health reasons, some sportsmen should have an annual eye test. It’s widely known that diabetes and blood pressure problems can hinder and endanger one’s vision. Even those who are lucky enough not to require prescription lenses should wear tempered lenses for eye protection. It’s a fact that some eye injuries cannot be repaired back to perfect vision.

It’s important for the sportsmen to understand vision and what they may do to improve their focus on the target. When you’re looking at a moving target, your mind is deciphering the speed and direction with your peripheral vision. You then use your center vision to direct your aim at the target itself. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Look at the few steady champions, then count the “also runs”. To discipline your center focusing power takes mental and physical practice over and over again.

Many of you have heard Bud quote a famous wisdom, “you only look with your eyes — you really are seeing with your mind.” Exercise your mental vision by looking at two objects — one near, one far. Shift your vision rapidly back and forth on these two objects and mentally know you are concentrating on each object before shifting to the other. This simple eye and mind exercising can improve your performance.

In the past, there has been little about eye exercising. However, in recent years there have been two paperback books published that are worth reading, one by Dr. Wayne Martin, Insight on Sports, and by Dr. Leon Revien, Sport Vision. Each one tells how you can improve your sport vision eyes.

Besides exercising the mind and body for better shooting, we must consider protection measures for our eyes. Decot Hy-Wyd Sport Glasses have developed over the years many different lens shades to enhance the target color and fog out the background foliage. A particular lens shade can really help the sportsman concentrate on the flight of the target. Everyone visualizes colors via their own concept. Again, it’s a mental process, however, throughout the years most gunners have enjoyed Decot’s famous target orange lenses and multi-shades of gold tones and bronze shades.

However, only two years ago, Decot Hy-Wyd Company discovered a blend of chemicals that produced the most popular lens shade ever! V-Lite Rose — the principle of this V-lite Rose lens is three fold: a) it deadens the green background, b) it highlights the orange target like it’s ultra-fluorescent , and c) it dampens the sky, whether cloudy or clear, which makes the orange target stand out even more. Even the solid black target used in sporting clays and the lime green target stand out due to faded out background shades. Never before has one lens shade been accepted by so many sportsmen. V-lite Rose comes in #1 light, #2 medium, (both are the most popular), and #3 semi-dark for light sensitive eyes.

As our birthdays add up, our reflexes slow down a bit. However, that’s no excuse for giving up on the targets. Good health, simple eye exercises, and a positive attitude can increase our scores and give us more joy.

Whether you are a competitive shooter, a hunter, or just a fun shooter, give yourself a treat and learn more about how you can improve you vision and focus better on the target.

On a slightly different note, we should focus more on our vision of America and what effect new gun laws are going to have on us. In truth, we have not done our homework in numbers!

Interview by Nick Sisley

During the 1982 World Skeet Championships held in Savannah, Georgia, I took advantage of Bud Decot’s presence-or at least tried to. With 33 years in the sport glass business, mainly providing glasses for trap and skeet shooters, Decot has a tremendous amount of knowledge – knowledge that can help shooters in a number of ways. He’s a fixture at every World Skeet Shoot, but he’s so busy all week long that it’s almost difficult to get him by himself for an interview. Clients who want to buy shooting glasses keep interrupting! Consequently, only part of the following interview was conducted in Savannah. The rest took place on the phone recently. The December ’81/ January ’82 issue of the SSR carried my story “Bud Decot on Shooting Glasses.” At the end of that article we promised a follow-up on Bud’s ideas concerning fitting the gun stock optically. Following is the interview with Bud that centers around the subject.

Nick: Bud, exactly what do you mean with the phrase “fitting the gun stock optically”?

Bud: Okay. We have a gun and a sportsman. The gun has fixed measurements. A sportsman has fixed measurements with his eyes. The gun’s measurements and the shooter’s eye measurements should come together perfectly and be as perpendicular as possible for a perfect gift.

Nick: What you’re saying, Bud, is that all shooters who turn their head ‘into’ the gun stock are going to be seeing out of their eyes on an angle. What difference does this make?

Bud: PLenty. Let’s talk about the function of the eyes. They must work together for perfect results. If we turn our head into the gun stock to force our eyes over the barrel and sight, we create an imperfect perception. In other words, we think we see perfect, but the objects are displaced, and judgement of depth perception is off. Many shooters turn their entire body on an angle so they can mount their guns comfortably and see down the rib. Getting back to the eye function, when we turn our heads and look out of our eyes on an angle we can split our vision and see double, which means both eyes are functioning individually.

After more than three decades of association with clay target shooters, Bud Decot is convinced that sportsmen can improve their consistency-and be a winner more often-if they put a little more time into fitting their gun stocks “optically.”

Readers can test this by looking at a small star some night. Stare at it for a moment, then slowly turn your head, at the same time keeping focus on the star. As soon as they turn their head too much they’ll see the star ‘double,’ which means that both eyes are seeing the star individually, not as a team. If readers will turn their head even more they’ll find the star gets dimmer, and may even disappear entirely. What does this all mean? It’s obvious! To see the best we possibly can, we should be looking straight ahead, and our heads shouldn’t be tilted either. In the back of the eye we have the retina, the screen of the eye. As most readers know, light comes into the eye, strikes the retina, and is transmitted into brain waves. There’s only one small spot on that retina where we focus perfectly. This is why it is so important to be facing straight ahead for most of life’s activities, not only shooting.

Nick: Most interesting, Bud. Now, what does the shooter need to know about obtaining a perfect optical fit with his gun stock?

Bud: Each skeet shooter should be aware of his personal eye measurements before he buys a gun. Number one, he or she should know their pupillary distance (P.D.). This is the distance, center to center, between the pupils. Next the shooter should check his cheekbone measurement- the outside measurement of the skull, from jawbone hinge to jawbone hinge – right where he puts the stock on his cheek. The difference between these two measurements could tell him how much ‘off set’ he needs on his stock, or if a thin stock would suit him better. I’m convinced that the average gun stocks on the market today are too thick for the average sportsman. Obviously, the records prove differently for the chosen number of skeet and trap shooters who have honored our great American shotgun sports with fabulous scores and world records. There are a few custom stock makers who have the message of optics in their workshop. Over the years I’ve traveled and dispensed our custom sport glasses, I’ve found many shooters get discouraged about their shooting ability. Time after time I hear stories about victories, then defeats. A lot of shooters run hot and cold. When a shooter can register 100 straight in the morning, then post a 92 several hours later, there’s got to be a reason. I believe if the sportsman put a little more time into his stock fit he would register more regular scores and find himself in the winner’s circle more often.

Nick: How do you advise skeeters to check their present gun fit – optically?

Bud: One of the simplest and best ways is to stand in front of someone who will observe your test. Close your eyes, then mount the gun firm as if you were on a skeet station. Naturally, checking and double checking to make certain the gun in unloaded is a prerequisite. Now open the eyes to see if they’re straight over the gun’s sights. The observer can help, and perhaps offer a non-biased opinion. You can’t believe how many shooters I see who have ill-fitted stocks, and I’ve been the ‘assistant’ on hundreds of the above suggested tests. It’s hard for me to understand that so much money is spent on guns, without consideration as to how they fir ‘optically.’

Nick: Bud, we haven’t talked about comb height. What’s your thinking in this area?

Bud: There’s so much to take into consideration on this, Nick. Briefly, I believe the sighting eye should be ‘over’ the sight, not ‘behind’ the sight. There are still shooters superimposing the middle and end sights. Stacking the two beads in a figure eight, or slightly wider, gives the shooting eye more vision.

Nick: You feel, then, if a shooter stood straight and could bring the gun up to his eye without turning into the stock, he could shoot better scores?

Bud: That’s correct. The champions are doing just that. The also-rans are mounting their guns, then taking their eyes over the gun. This is putting the cart before the horse. Incidentally, in my career I’ve had the opportunity to check more trap shooters than skeet shooters, and I’ve found skeet guns seem to fit better than trap guns.

Nick: Bud, do you know any stock makers who take optical measurements into consideration when building the custom stock?

Bud: I haven’t researched this, Nick, but there probably are. Reinhart Fajen was in a booth next to me at the 82′ Grand American in Vandalia. They had an adjustable ‘try stock’ that would lend itself very well to trying my theories on fitting the gun to one’s eye measurements. I’d like to talk more about individual faces and stock fit. It’s the ‘stocky face’ versus the ‘inset’ of he eyes that may force a shooter to turn into the stock. Thick stocks can make this impossible. Shooters with plenty of space between the cheekbones but a small pupillary distance need a thin, not a thick stock. Most shooters are built this way, fairly wide in the cheekbones, fairly small pupillary distances. As most everybody is well aware, certain nationalities tend to have similar face structures. Many people of pure German strain, or the Scandinavian or the black man, have ‘wider’ eyes, more distance between the pupils. These people do not have as much difference in the measurement between cheek bones when compared to the P.D. measurement. These people can pick up a ‘thick’ stock and look right down the barrel – without turning the head ‘into’ the stock. If records were checked I’d put my money on the line – there are more ‘wide eyed’ champions shooting fabulous scores than there are ‘narrow eyed’ champs.

Nick: Bud, let’s expand a bit more on the need to put eyes perpendicular to the gun’s sighting plane. You mentioned this earlier. Explain why this is essential. Is it the same theory as turning your head, that a nonperpendicular head will cause the light to miss the one center spot on the retina, the spot where we can see most acutely?

Bud: If you look straight ahead at an object, then tilt your head, you’re going to stretch certain eye muscles, relax others. In doing this, one loses the perfect perception he had when he was looking straight ahead and with his head not tilted. I tell shooters who don’t look perpendicularly over their gubs, “Try driving home form a skeet shoot some day, tilting your head the whole way, like you sight over your gun. You’ll end up in a hospital in an hour or two.” If people sit sideways in the front seat of the car and turn to the side as they look out the windshield it’s a similar effect. You can still see everything, but the perception is not there.

Nick: Now how about expounding on the hot and cold shooter, which you also mentioned previously, the guy or gal who breaks a 100 in the morning, but a 92 in the afternoon. Give an example of what happens physically to this shooter during the course of his competition day.

Bud: It goes back to the average sportsman not having the perfectly fitted gun. However, he can make adjustments to the stock’s error, and shoot pretty good scores, but he can’t do it consistently. Shooters who run hot and cold, I can see what they’re doing wrong. With an imperfectly fitted gun a good shooter can run some good scores, but he can’t always stay in the winner’s circle. Every time he puts an ill fitted gun up he may do it slightly different than he did before. In shooting the 100 straight he may have tucked the gub in close to his cheek, as an example, putting his eyes properly over the gun, without turning it. In the afternoon maybe he didn’t cheek the gun quite as close, due to recoil or whatever other reason, so his score tumbled. The weather didn’t change, the targets didn’t change, he simply wasn’t holding the gun to adjust for stock error as he was in the morning.

*The moral of this article is to find stock that can be fitted optically. Since this article was written back in 1983, there has been great improvement in adjustable stocks. I’m convinced that gun stocks should be custom fitted to the individual, just as a prescription pair of glasses must fit an individual pair of eyes.

*Written 6/96 Bud Decot

By: Decot Optician Sam Cherry

If you have reached that benchmark age of 40 years, you may have noticed a change in your ability to see your front sight clearly. If this hasn’t happened to you yet, just wait, it won’t be too long before it catches up with you. As we age the ability of the eyes to focus up close is diminished and we need help seeing at close and intermediate distances. For the pistol shooter it is the inability to focus at the intermediate range that creates the biggest problem. The solution for this problem can be handled in a variety of ways.

The most common direction Decot takes is to make a lens with your normal distance Rx in the major portion of the lens and the power needed to bring your sight into focus is put in the bifocal portion of the lens. The bifocal is inverted so you are looking under the bifocal for your distance vision. At this point you can drop your chin a little and you have a wide bifocal area to see your sight with. This allows you to see the sight as well as have your normal distance vision as you walk around and do things between your shooting stations. The non aiming lens can be single vision distance or have the normal bifocal lens put in it to facilitate loading or scoring. At this time this has been the most popular method of solving the problem, and most shooters find it comfortable and convenient. 

If you are a Practical shooter this is not the best option for you.  The next option will provide a better solution for the front sight problem.
This option, the easiest and least expensive, is to make a single vision Rx lens for the aiming eye that will bring the front sight into focus. This method lets you see the front sight clearly no matter which area of the lens you look through. Acquiring the front sight is quick and easy no matter where you hold the gun or position your head. The down side to this is that when you look at anything that is closer or farther than the same distance of your sight, most things will be a bit blurry for you.

Keep in mind that these options are offered in the context of using Decot shooting glasses that have the interchangeable lenses. Most shooters will have a pair of glasses for shotgun and/or scoped rifle/pistol.  They will also get one extra lens to use for the pistol or open sight rifle. Depending on your needs, Decot can customize glasses for your shooting situation and give you the best advantage possible.

By: Bob Decot (1948-1994)

As we get older we experience a condition known as presbyopia, meaning “old eyes”. This is the time in our life most commonly described as “our arms not being long enough to read a newspaper or menu”. Simply put, we are not able to focus on objects close up as well as in the past. To focus on objects closer than optical infinity, we use a process known as accommodation. When we accommodate, the ciliary muscles connected to the crystalline lens inside our eye contract, thereby making the lens thicker and more curved. This increases the dioptric power of the eye and enables us to focus on closer objects.

When we are young this lens is very flexible. However after about 10 years of age there is a gradual loss of this flexibility that usually goes unnoticed until about age 40. At this point our accommodation decreases rapidly. This is the point at which we require glasses or perhaps bifocals with prescription called “plus lens power” for close work and reading. Plus lens power enables you to focus on objects closer to your eye.

Also at this time, you notice the sights on your rifle or pistol are becoming increasingly blurred. Rifle and pistol shooters need a clear sight picture. If you look at the sights through your bifocals, you notice that the sights are now sharp, however everything down range is out of focus.

It is not possible to have clear vision at both near and far simultaneously. When you were young you could look at the target and then fixate on the sights. As you age and lose accommodation this becomes more difficult. You must now substitute an optical system, i.e., a lens to make up for your lack of accommodation.

The answer to your dilemma is simple. You now require additional ‘plus lens power’ in relation to your distance prescription, the same type of power that is present in your bifocal, only less because the sights being farther than reading material. How much less? The answer is dependent on many factors: the type of shooting you are doing, the type of sights you are using, your barrel length, the range of your targets and your distance correction. Keep in mind that the more plus lens power added, the more the targets down range will be out of focus. While you have lost some of your accommodation, you still have some accommodation available.

You should make an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam and refraction. Whether you wear glasses all day long or not, you can benefit from this practice. With a proper explanation of your needs the doctor will be able to give you a “shooting prescription.” This will be a prescription for a shooting and should not be used as everyday wear.

So you don’t necessarily need a second pair, Decot glasses are available with interchangeable lenses. This frame is appropriate for normal wear, and with the insertion of a single lens, your glasses may then be used for shooting. This is a very practical solution. You will have a pair of bifocal glasses for distance and reading, and with the insertion of the shooting lens for proper sight picture, the non shooting eye with your reading bifocal correction, provides you with the ability to see closer up for reloading.

Dependent on your shooting sport, some generalities can be stated. Pistol and rifle shooters require some additional plus power. Remember, plus power is the same type of power that is in your bifocals or reading glasses. For shooting you will require less power than for reading. Rifle shooters will require less additional plus power than pistol shooters, because of the rifle sights being farther from the eye than pistol sights. Younger shooters will require less plus power than the more mature shooter because they still have much of their accommodation available. Pistol shooters normally require less than half the power that is prescribed for reading. It is important to explain to your doctor that you don’t want the target to be too blurred. The more plus power added, the clearer things up close become. You don’t want to be totally corrected at arms length because the target will be excessively out of focus.

You have lost some of your accommodation, but not all. You must impress upon your doctor that you are aiming for short periods of time and wish to be able to use most of the accommodation you still have available, while keeping enough in reserve to avoid eye fatigue.

Different types of shooting will have different requirements, therefore it is important the person dispensing your glasses is knowledgeable of the various options available to you. In shooting sports where movement is required, the simplest solution is putting the shooting prescription in single vision in the lens of the aiming eye only and the normal distance correction in the lens of the non aiming eye. This will allow you to move from station to station easily and acquire the front sight quickly as well.

In shooting sports. where movement is not required, the best solution is an upside down bifocal lens, with the additional power required for shooting in the bifocal, placed slightly above the pupil. Now you have clear vision down range while moving, and need only drop your head slightly to have a clear sight picture. You must tell your optician that an important consideration here is the type of bifocal you choose. The optician can show you the types available. Bifocals have different amounts of image jump.

This means that when you move from the distance portion of the lens into the shooting correction you get a prismatic effect. This makes objects seem to be displaced or jump. To minimize this optical phenomenon it is advisable that you choose a flat top 35 style bifocal. This bifocal has a straight line dividing the distance prescription from the reading or shooting prescription. The reason for this is the optical centers on these lenses are ground close or on the bifocal segment line, minimizing image jump. Another reason for choosing one of these lenses is the wide field of view. Choosing a smaller bifocal will result in your having to search for it while trying to find a good sight picture. Bifocals of this type are available in powers from +0.75 diopters to +3.00. The requirements for a clear sight picture should be only from +0.75 to +1.25 depending upon your age, sport, and distance correction.

Our opticians at Decot Hy-Wyd will be able to fabricate a lens according to the doctors prescription to meet your needs and provide you with a frame appropriate to your needs. Frame styles and lens colors available for specific use are readily available and your Decot optician can demonstrate these options.

While some above information is technical, your optical professionals will be happy to explain any of the ideas provided here. This should provide a starting point in the quest for a good pair of shooting glasses.

For any additional information call Decot Hy-Wyd Sport Glasses Inc. 1-800-528-1901.s selecting the lens color that will give me that extra edge to make my hunt even more successful. Colors such as Gold-15 and yellow may be utilized in a multitude of different hunting applications. As well as proving useful in low light situations, I find that a yellow tint is extremely effective when hunting Quail in the high deserts of Arizona. Its’ light gathering properties illuminate those areas under trees and bushes that quail like to use to for cover. Over the years I have found my Light Target Orange and Light Medium Target Orange lenses extremely effective when hunting deer and even elk. I use these colors in the minutes just before sunrise and immediately following sunset for increased amounts of light and to offer contrast.

Other lens colors such as bronze can be very instrumental when hunting in the higher elevations and vast open wilderness of Alaska. Bronze lenses provide superior contrast between the lavish green surroundings and such large game animals as the caribou. I have found many people that prefer using a V-Lite Rose lens for hunting quail and pheasant in the mid-west. And, whether I’m fishing or just driving, there is no substitute for a pair of polarized lenses. Bronze and Target Sun Polarized lenses are a favorite for those hunters who are extremely sensitive to glare.

The professionals at Decot Hy-Wyd can answer any of your questions regarding the right lens for your hunting needs. Call 800-528-1901.

By: Bud Decot (1925-2014)

What effect does radiation, (i.e. visible light and ultraviolet radiation), have on the human eyes? How can the damaging effects of light on the eyes be minimized?

There are a few questions all of us should be concerned about and know the answers to.

First, let’s define light, for the purpose of this article, using the “wave length theory”. In this theory, light is defined as energy coming out of atoms in timy bursts called “photons” which travel in wavy motions. Light is classified according to wave length as measured between crests. The shortest and most energetic is violet. If you were to shine a beam of light through a prism, you would produce the rainbow spectrum of visible light which is always in the same sequential order: violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. This band of light rays, measuring from 400 to 700, nanometers produces every color and shade visible to the human eye.

What about wavelengths shorter than 400nm and those longer than 700nm? Wavelengths shorter than 400 nm are called Ultraviolet Rays and are not visible to the human eye. Wave longer than 700 nm are called Infrared Rays and are also not visible. It is important to understand to understand that just because these rays are invisible does not mean that they do not effect, strain, or damage the eyes. On the contrary, there are profound effects upon the eyes.

Let’s consider some of the effects of Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) on our eyes. The high energy photons of UV cause sunburn, snow blindness, and the “welder’s flash”. Prolonged exposure of the eye to UV can cause damage to the cells of the cornea (front protective covering of the eye) resulting in corneal ulcers.

Until recently, the medical profession believed that most UV, not already absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer, was absorbed by the cornea before entering the eye and the optical eyeglasses had little effect on this process. It has been determined that only a portion of the UV is absorbed by the cornea. Research has demonstrated that the human cornea absorbs UV measuring 286-320 nm (UVB). However, the part of the UV spectrum measuring 320-400 nm (UVA) is the most damaging type of UV radiation, and it is the UVA that travels directly to the crystalline lens of the human eye. UVA can cause extensive damage to our eyes when we are exposed to hours of sunlight.

Prolonged bombardment of the eyes by UVA radiation results in photochemical eye damage and as the eye ages, penetration of UVA increases. Over a period of time UVA exposure causes the generation of large amounts of pigments which results in Brown or Sun Shine cataracts. A cataract is evidenced by the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye resulting in an inability of the lens to pass light through to the retina. It might be mentioned here that after cataract surgery the eye has no lens to absorb UVA radiation and the damaging rays can then travel directly to the retina and cause extensive damage.

The results of the research outlined here have been brought forth technical advances in the optical industry to further protect our eyes. Decot-Hy-Wyd, Inc. has all the necessary equipment to service its customers with protection against Ultraviolet Radiation.  All Decot lenses sold since 1986 have Ultraviolet protection, which eliminates 95% -99% of the UV rays entering the eyes.  

I might add here that the sun is not the only source of damaging UV. UV is also emitted from florescent lights and computer terminals. Virtually all persons wearing glasses could do themselves a favor and have the UV protection process put on their lenses.

For the 44 years I have been selling sport glasses most of you know that I have personally advised my customers to use “the lightest lens shade you can wear on a bright day.” This advice has been reinforced by the aforementioned discoveries that determined UV to be damaging to the eyes. When you wear a light shade of lens you are forcing your pupil to constrict, which decreases the amount of UV entering the eyes. I have long disapproved the promotion of dark glasses by the optical industry. It has been determined that dark lenses which allow the pupil to dilate, consequently permit more UV to enter the inner part of the eye where extended damage can occur. In other words, dark glasses do not protect your eyes. Light to medium tinted lenses with the new UV protection process is the ultimate answer for those who cherish their vision.

By: Bud Decot (1925-2014)

What happens when you look at something? Do you really see that something with your eyes? Let’s examine vision a little deeper.

When an object, such as a target, is in view, what activates our system to “go for it?” Light reflected off a target enters the pupil of our eye and is carried back to the retina (interior screen of our eye). There the optic nerve activates the light vibrations and transmits them to the back of our brain which is the visual cortex. It is then relayed through the internal structure to the forebrain where area of thought occurs. From there it goes to the mid-brain where you have gross matter movement and fine matter movement. From this area it sends stimuli to the Nuclei of Cranial Nerves #3, 4 and 6 to move your eyes. What you now have is a visual cycle set up that joins the eyes, mind, and body into a synchronized system of receptors.

By: Bud Decot (1925-2014)

Think about it!! Who are we? Where are we? What are we?

If we could find the answers to the above question we’d be living a life of completeness….without fear, without opposition….without lack of anything.

First let’s take the question, “Who are we?” Are we this body? NO!! This body I call me is MINE-to use as I wish. I can make this body strong and healthy by continuous exercise programs and filling it with nutritious foods or I can abuse it in many different ways.

If this body is just an instrument for my use then where am I? I must admit my body functions through my mind. Isn’t it true we can think good healthy thoughts or slip into depressing thoughts!! It’s really our choice what thoughts we entertain.

So that leads me to believe i AM NOT the mind! My mind is an instrument, just as my body is to use as I choose. Think about it!! The action of my daily life depends on how I use my mind and body.

The question then arises, who and where am I? The real ME has got to be CONSCIOUSNESS. Where is CONSCIOUSNESS?? CONSCIOUSNESS has no form, no physical identity, CONSCIOUSNESS is indefinable. No doctor can cut you open and find the real you. They can find and repair your heart, liver, lungs and brain but they still can’t find the real you.

Can you understand the real you is invisible, incorporeal (without form)? For lack of a better word our true identity is CONSCIOUSNESS!!

Our so called limitations in life are our beliefs we entertain that we are struggling mortals-confined in the human body. Think about it!! Let yourself out of the finite limitations you believe in and start exercising a belief in that unknown HIGHER SELF who is not confined or limited to body or mind. This greater YOU has unlimited possibilities!!

The REAL YOU is the master of your life IF and WHEN you learn to communicate with IT!! Listen within for guidance.

This whole understanding has nothing to do with ordinary religious beliefs or psychology It is the wisdom of old, “Being in the world but not it”….Meaning, your life patterns begin with WITHING YOU. Think about it. We have blamed our parents, nationality, education (or lack of it)….we blame everyone and everything for our lack and limitations in our life. There’s an old bit of wisdom that fits in here, “Nothing outside us defileth or make the a lie”. The decisions of your life begins “WITHIN YOU”.

So our journey through life is SELF INDUCED, SELF MAINTAINED, SELF SUSTAINED!! A simple answer to our life can be concluded as: I am a reflection of my own state of consciousness!! Choose ye who you will serve….the little finite you imprisoned within the mental sensual self or the REAL YOU who lives above and beyond the opposites of this human sense world!!

Seek first the champion within you then all else will unfold into harmony and successful living.

By: Bud Decot (1925-2014)

So you want to be a champion!! Unmistakably and surprisingly enough you really are a champion!! Where? How? Why am I a champion?

Within you is the REAL CHAMPION. Everyone has the indwelling champion deep within his REAL SELF. What and where is the INFINITE REAL SELF? Nearer than your fingertips – closer than your very breath is the CHAMPION SELF.

In our human expression of life most everyone is seeking a successful self on the outside – in products or situations. Education, good products and training are all necessary for success but what about attitude and knowing the real self? It is unfortunately so common to hear one say, “If only I had a little more I could do it. — If only I had that guys money and experience I could be a champ. — If I only had more time to devote to this or that I could accomplish what I want.”

This human attitude is the mental self in our “mind computer” – full of limited negative concepts.

Now this article calls for some definitions and deeper understandings.

What and who are we? BODY – MIND – SPIRIT!! In this human experience of life we largely function in mind and body. The body in and of itself is a vegetable with no intelligence of its own. Our body functions are controlled by mind.

What really is mind? We have a brain, yes!! So mind functions through the brain…..our storehouse of knowledge and concepts, right or wrong. Mind, therefore, is CONSCIOUSNESS. We are conscious of our body and all its activities. We are conscious of concepts of this life – how we accept or negate them. Just imagine all the concepts you have accepted throughout your lifetime which are contrary (negative) to the REAL YOU, the CHAMPION SELF!!

We humans seem to accept and store a lot of negative concepts in out “computer mind” unknowing blocking out the positive CHAMPION SELF. In the modern computer world there is a cliché that is most appropriate to mind control: “garbage in – garbage out.” In other words, what we accept in our minds as truth or denial is what will come out in our lives as success or failure. Arent’s we supposed to be CAPTAINS OF OUR OWN SHIPS – MASTERS OF OUR OWN DESTINY?

How does one lift himself to his higher consciousness? Can we all achieve greater things/ That, my friend, depends on YOU. Your SPIRIT SELF ( or SOUL SELF), call it what you like — your CHAMPION SELF can not be defined in words. Your CHAMPION SELF is an experience WITHIN YOU. Only you can communicate with your REAL SELF. Go within your deeper self and meet the REAL CHAMPION. Remember, there’s no competition to beat out there in life but your own ‘little finite limited self.’ This ‘little limited self’ is only your collection of negative concepts that can be disposed of and will disappear when you become aware of your REAL SELF. Lastly, but moat importantly, “It is done unto you as you believe.”

By: Decot Optician Robert L. Lewis

When planning any hunting trip whether it is for a day or an entire week there is always one looming question: Do I have the right equipment to get the job done? Besides my gun of choice, clothing, boots, hat, and camp equipment, I make certain that I have the best eyewear for the hunt. In doing so there are always three things to consider.

First and foremost, I choose a shooting glass frame that is lightweight, durable, and comfortable such as the Decot Hy-Wyd Sport Glasses. Just as important are my lens selections. Deciding on the best shade of whatever color it is that I will be wearing is crucial. I find that it’s a good rule of thumb to wear the lightest possible shade and at the same time still have my eyes feel relaxed. By doing so, I avoid robbing my eyes of much needed light.

Sometimes the hardest decision, but always the most important, is selecting the lens color that will give me that extra edge to make my hunt even more successful. Colors such as Gold-15 and yellow may be utilized in a multitude of different hunting applications. As well as proving useful in low light situations, I find that a yellow tint is extremely effective when hunting Quail in the high deserts of Arizona. Its’ light gathering properties illuminate those areas under trees and bushes that quail like to use to for cover. Over the years I have found my Light Target Orange and Light Medium Target Orange lenses extremely effective when hunting deer and even elk. I use these colors in the minutes just before sunrise and immediately following sunset for increased amounts of light and to offer contrast.

Other lens colors such as bronze can be very instrumental when hunting in the higher elevations and vast open wilderness of Alaska. Bronze lenses provide superior contrast between the lavish green surroundings and such large game animals as the caribou. I have found many people that prefer using a V-Lite Rose lens for hunting quail and pheasant in the mid-west. And, whether I’m fishing or just driving, there is no substitute for a pair of polarized lenses. Bronze and Target Sun Polarized lenses are a favorite for those hunters who are extremely sensitive to glare.

The professionals at Decot Hy-Wyd can answer any of your questions regarding the right lens for your hunting needs. Call 800-528-1901.