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10 Steps To Better Shooting

By Josh HoneycuttJuly 14, 20143 Comments

LAST UPDATED: May 1st, 2015

I like to be good. You like to be good. Everybody likes to be good. But just like learning how to ride a bike – it takes understanding a few simple components to get the results you want. I could go on for days talking about proper mechanics when shooting your bow. Instead, here you will find ten very informative tidbits of information that will make you a much more accurate and consistent archer.

1. Have a Consistent Anchor Point

Having a consistent anchor point is paramount if you want your arrows to fly true. The last thing you want is to draw back and anchor at different points from shot to shot. Make a conscious effort to anchor is the same spot each time you draw your bow.

A Hunter with an Anchored Shot

There are numerous ways to better your shot. Having a consistent anchor point is one of those.

I have five points of reference when I draw back and anchor. I use a kisser button. When I draw back it comes to rest at the corner of my mouth. My nose touches the string just above the kisser button. The fletching on the arrow rests between my bottom lip and chin. The big knuckle of my pointer finger touches my ear lobe. And my outstretched thumb runs along my jawbone. This exact method may not work for everyone. But the process will. Once you draw back and anchor in a mechanically sound way, make note of different reference points that you can use each time you draw. You will shoot tighter groups on a more consistent basis if you do.

2. Keep Draw Weight Down

Everybody and their brother would like to shoot eighty-pound elk bows. Why? It isn’t necessary. Sure, if you look like the guys on the movie 300 and can whip a Brahma bull – go for it. More power to you. But if you can’t comfortably pull a certain weight do your arm a favor and don’t pull it.

A Bow drawn Comfortably

It is important to keep draw weight at a comfortable level. Don’t crank it up higher than you can comfortably draw just to show your buddy you can.

Fifty to 60 pounds of draw weight is plenty enough for most big game animals. If you are hunting elk, moose and the biggest of big game it will be better to have more weight. But for deer, antelope and other similarly-sized animals it isn’t necessary. Whether you are hunting, or just shooting, a smooth draw is a must. Too much weight will only cause excessive motion and decreased accuracy.

3. Monitor the Peep Sight

This is a problem with a simple solution. But it can cause havoc and frustration if you don’t have it just right. Make sure the peep sight is in the right location to begin with. Too high or low on the string will interrupt the flow of your shot. It’s in the wrong spot if you have to move your head to see through your peep after you’ve anchored. Your peep should work in unison with your anchor point.

Once you have it in the right spot it’s time to tie that bad boy down….tight. Do whatever is necessary to keep the peep sight from sliding up and down on the string. Even the slightest shift can throw off your shot.

4. Shoot the Right Arrows

This is often overlooked. It is very important to shoot the right arrows. Most arrow manufacturers’ websites will have selection charts available. It will ask you a series of questions about your bow and then recommend the best shaft for you. Follow this advice. It will make for a better working system. Something else to consider is why you are shooting. Whether it is hunting, competition or just to be out in the back yard, have the right arrow for the job.

The Right Arrows

Make sure you are shooting the right arrows for your bow. Simply shooting what your buddies are shooting may not be the best option for you and can ultimately kill your accuracy.

5. Use Forgiving Releases

Releases have come a long way in the last few years. In the past, about the only option was a hard shaft running from the wrist strap to the release. Now we have better options. Numerous companies now sell releases with nylon straps connecting the release and wrist strap. This style is much more forgiving and will allow shooters to get away with a little more error in shooting form.

6. Control Breathing

Breathing is a huge part of archery. You have to control breathing in order to make an accurate shot. I take slightly-deeper-than-normal breaths before releasing the arrow. This allows for relaxation of the mind and muscles. More control over breathing will lead to more accurate shooting.

7. Shoot Longer Distances

It is good to push yourself. It makes you better. The same holds true in archery. Let’s say you are comfortable shooting a target out to thirty or forty yards. Now back up and shoot at fifty and sixty to lengthen your range. That doesn’t mean you have to shoot an animal at those distances. However, shooting longer distances on the practice range that are outside of your comfort zone will make you a better archer. For example, the more you practice at longer distances, the better your form and shot execution will become.

Practicing Far Shots

Shooting at distances outside of your comfort zone will make those shots within your comfort zone seem much easier than before.

8. Paper Tune Your Bow

Paper tuning is a great way to see how well your entire rig is functioning. Try this effective remedy if you notice your arrows not flying as well as they should. You may need to make a few adjustments if arrows aren’t flying straight. Paper tuning your bow will tell you exactly what adjustments you need to make.

9. Follow Through Correctly

The follow through is just as important as the rest of the shot process. The first step in correctly following through is to keep an open grip. Don’t clench the bow in your hand. Keep your fingers open and relaxed. Allow the pressure from the draw weight to seat it firmly in your palm. Use a wrist strap if you aren’t comfortable keeping your fingers open.

Having Good Follow through

A good follow through will leave you shooting groups that will make you proud.

Once you release the arrow, it is important to keep your arm steady. Don’t drop the bow downward as soon as you shoot. Dropping the bow will drag your shot and cause you to miss your target. Keep your arm outstretched and allow the bow to tip forward instead. Then drop your bow once the arrow has reached its destination.

10. Practice Practicing

Practice practicing might sound a little redundant. But it has meaning. Make sure you are putting in time at the range. Make sure you are mechanically sound in your stance, draw, anchor, shot and follow through. Shoot enough that you allow yourself to get better. But don’t shoot so much that you burn yourself out.

It is also important to know your limits. Don’t shoot longer than your endurance will allow. Quit for the day once you start getting fatigued. Shooting while tired or sore will only create bad habits. It won’t improve good ones. Bad mechanics develop when you are too tired to execute good ones. Keep that in mind while at the practice range this summer.

Archery is fun. And today it is one of America’s fastest growing sports. Practice shooting your bow, master your craft and share it with others. Archery and bowhunting is something to be appreciated and respected. The more we understand it, the more we can help others to. Have fun shooting at the range this summer.

How do you prepare for fall hunting season? Do you take any special steps not mentioned here?

Josh Honeycutt
Josh Honeycutt is an avid deer hunter. He's hunted whitetails from South Carolina to South Dakota but spends most of his time hunting in Kentucky. Honeycutt has written and created other forms of media for more than 60 media companies in the outdoor industry, including: North American Whitetail, Whitetail Journal, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Deer & Deer Hunting, Rack Magazine, Inside Archery, Game & Fish, Fur-Fish-Game, and others. He's also very active in digital content, specializing in writing, editing, photography, videography, podcasting, and more. You can see how his deer season unfolds each year on Midwest Whitetail and Chasing November.
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