4 Bow And Arrow Tips
Bow And Arrow Fit
The main factor in maintaining accuracy and consistency from bow and arrows is making sure that each are correctly fitted to the individual archer.
The best practice in obtaining this goal is to visit a professional archery shop. There, one can be measured for draw length which is the key ingredient for proper fit.
Once the draw length is determined, make sure the bow to be used or purchased matches this measurement. A very common mistake is to buy a bow with a draw length that is too long.
The arrows need to be cut to proper lengths according to draw measurements. The arrow weights and stiffness should be matched to bow poundage.
Bow Speed And Poundage
It is very easy to get caught up in all the speed hype of bows. This can also be a problem with bow poundage. The reality is that accuracy, form, and shooter performance will always trump speed and poundage.
It is not necessary to have the fastest shooting bow on the market nor to have a bow with an eighty pound pull weight. It is better to have a bow that can easily be drawn under all conditions. For the average hunter this falls in the 50-65 pound range.
Shooting Consistency
The key to consistent accuracy is repetition of proper shooting form. This can be broken down into shooter stance, holding the bow correctly, a smooth draw, consistent anchor point, proper aiming, a smooth release, and follow through.
These are all learned habits. Done correctly they will make any archer more proficient. Most all shooting errors are related to improper shooter form.
Bow Practice
The only way to become proficient with the bow is through continued practice. Shooting three times a week is a good goal to meet. This can be done by shooting 25 arrows or so every other day. This keeps the archer in shape as well as helps maintain consistency.
Those that practice all year long will have an edge, but at the very least begin 4-5 months before the hunting season.
Simple Bow and Arrow Tuning Checklist
- Check the bow string for nicks and cuts.
- Check cable and string for proper alignment in grooves.
- Check all screws, bolts, nuts to make sure of tightness.
- Check cams, wheels for proper function.
- Check peep site to make sure its secure and still works properly.
- Check quiver to make sure it is securely attached.
- Check site for tightness.
- Check site pins for tightness and accuracy.
- Check rest for tightness and proper alignment.
- Check nocking point for accuracy.
- Check silencers to make sure they are secure and still work properly.
- Check release for imperfections.
- Check arrows for straightness, dents etc.
- Check fletching to make sure its attached properly to arrow.
- Check arrow when nocked to make sure fletching doesn’t touch any part of cable, rest, or bow.
- Check for noises, squeaks, rattles when shooting bow.
Make sure you at least check on these at a minimum. You don’t want to be in the middle of crunch time and have a problem with your equipment.
Bow Hunting Preparation
When I was younger I used to shoot my bow all year round. I injured my shoulder a few years back and had to miss the bow season for a few years. Since then I haven’t been getting started shooting until about June. This year will be only my second season since the injury, although last year was only on a limited basis.
I need to get my target set up properly. I normally shoot into a sand pile which works well for me. I need to clean up the weeds around it and loosen up the sand a bit and I’ll be ready. The sand pile is easy on the arrows and on me while removing them. I’ve been using this method for about ten years now. It saves on targets and arrows.
I’ll start tuning the bow up getting it ready. Since my injury, I have been turning the poundage down to about fifty-five pounds and working my way back up to about sixty-five. I Used to shoot heavier but this weight works best for me now. Hopefully this will work again this season.
Anyway, if you haven’t gotten into the mood yet you might want to get started too. We’re burning daylight.
Oh and by the way, I ‘ve been watching several deer in the area already. I’m over saturated with deer where I live but I do still see an occasional nice buck
