# Season 5, Episode 22: Dylan Poulin, Part 2

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-casual-shooter-podcast-3524375/season-5-episode-22-dylan-poulin-part-2
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-casual-shooter-podcast-3524375/season-5-episode-22-dylan-poulin-part-2.md
Podcast: [The Casual Shooter Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-casual-shooter-podcast-3524375)
Published: 2026-04-18T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://casualshooterpodcast.podbean.com/e/season-5-episode-22-dylan-poulin-part-2/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3xqm7bjsrebza2zh/S5E22.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-casual-shooter-podcast-3524375/episodes/season-5-episode-22-dylan-poulin-part-2
Duration seconds: 3896

## Resource

A deep dive into the competitive USPSA lifestyle, focusing on the transition from local matches to high-level national competition. The conversation explores the mental shift required to prioritize skill development over match results.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Transitioning from local matches to a structured practice-heavy training regimen to maximize ammo efficiency
- Practical takeaway: Use local matches for social connection and 'hanging with the boys' rather than high-stress performance testing
- Failure mode: The 'ego trap' of trying to shoot at maximum speed during training, leading to frequent misses and poor habits
- Main idea: The importance of strategic travel planning, such as booking halfway hotels, to manage fatigue during long-distance competition drives
- Practical takeaway: Focus on stacking specific skills during practice instead of just running through full stages

## Topics

USPSA, Competitive Shooting, Match Training, Mental Management, USPSA Nationals, Shooting Sports, Skill Development, Competition Strategy

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Competitive Calendar: A look at upcoming matches in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, including the logistics of long drives to Ohio.
- 6:00 — Travel Logistics and Fatigue: Discussing the pros and cons of booking hotels mid-drive to manage sleep and energy during long-distance travel.
- 20:00 — The Cost of Mistakes: Reflecting on the mental impact of high-point losses during major matches and how to recover.
- 25:00 — Training vs. Competing: The struggle of balancing the desire to win local matches with the need to use them as low-stakes training environments.
- 30:00 — The Evolution of Practice: How a shift from shooting local matches to dedicated skill-based practice can accelerate long-term progress.
- 35:00 — Observing Elite Speed: Analyzing the incredible shooting speeds of top-tier competitors and the inspiration drawn from watching them.
- 59:00 — Life Beyond the Range: A lighthearted conclusion discussing extreme weather, retirement dreams in Panama, and the social side of the sport.

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## Transcript

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