| Shooting a bow
There are seven basic steps involved in becoming a good archer. The following steps are for right- handed shooters, reverse directions for left-handed shooters. Also you must put into consideration that these directions are for compound bows (excluding those in the "Unlimited" class) or sighted recurves... These steps will change dramatically if you shoot instinctive. |
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Position or Stance
- Position your body at a 90 degree angle to the target. Spread feet confortably apart with your body weight equal on both legs. Your shoulders should line up with an imaginary line drawn from the center of the target.
Holding the Bow
- The bow should be able to move freely after an arrow is released. Proper bow grip is achieved by forming a "V" by the thumb and forefinger. To get a relaxed grip, many archers use a bow sling to prevent the bow from falling out of their hand upon release.
Nocking the Arrow
- Hold the bow in the left hand with the arrow rest up, and the bowstring against the inside of the left arm. Lay the arrow shaft across the arrow rest with the "cock" feather at right angles tot he bowstring. Draw the arrow toward the bowstring until the string sits firmly in the arrow nock.
Drawing the Bow
- The bowstring is drawn back by the first three fingers of the right hand, with the arrow nock held lightly between the first two fingers. Draw the string back until the index fingers on the right hand is "anchored". The same anchor point is used each time you draw the bow. Using different anchor points will result in poor shooting.
Aiming
- Either the instinctive aim or the bow sight aim can be used. With the instinctive aim, an archer views the target with both eyes open and releases. Using a bow sight, the shooter aligns the sight on the target and releases.
Release
- The bow is held at full draw long enough to achieve accurate aim. After taking a deep breath and holding it, the three draw fingers are relaxed, allowing the bowstring to be released smoothly. Again, to ensure consistency, the same form of release must be used at all times. Try to picture in your mind where you want the arrow to strike before you release it.
Follow Through
- As in any other sport, follow through is important. To become accurate, the bow hand and string hand must remain where they are until the arrows hits the target. Practice this discipline to shoot well.
- NOTE: These methods may vary slightly depending on the equipment you shoot. Please consult a experienced archer of visit a "Pro-Shop" for more detailed information on the equipment.
Do - Clearly identify your target and what is beyond. An arrow can travel quite a distance if it misses the target.
Do -
Use
a safety line when hunting from a tree stand, and haul line to raise and
lower equipment (e.g. raising a
bow from the ground to the tree stand).
Do - Conduct yourself in a responsible and ethical manner at all times while bow hunting.
Don’t - Nock an arrow, or draw a bow when facing someone.
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