Spirit of '76 Archery Tips

Here are some shooting tips for archers that I've learned and would like to pass along. If you have any of your own that you'd like to share, please e-mail them to Spirit of '76 Greg .

ARCHERY TIPS:

1. Make sure that the bow is set up for you. This means proper draw length and weight, 'kisser' position, release, peep sight / no-peep, etc ... If you have to point up or down to 'crank back' on your bow, it is TOO HEAVY for you. With practice, draw weight will get easier, because you will get stronger. Your draw should be steady and smooth.
2. I use a mechanical release. This really helps my accuracy and ability to practice for longer periods of time. If you want to use your fingers, that's fine -- just be sure to PRACTICE until you're good.
3. DO NOT practice when you're tired. You will just develop some bad habits. I prefer to practice OFTEN a little at a time, rather than try to cram in fewer long practice sessions. Also, practice a lot.
4. DO practice under realistic hunting situations. If you are normally seated, practice shooting from that position - you may find your draw is affected, too. Twist and bend at your waist, and practice from those various positions.
5. Practice at longer distances than you would shoot at game. This will boost your confidence, and make the shorter shots much easier.
6. DO NOT 'grab' your bow when you hold it. Make a "V" with your hand (thumb on one side, fingers on the other). I use only my index finger to loosely hold the front of my bow. I also use a bow sling, so I don't have to worry about dropping my bow. Worrying about dropping the bow causes some people to "snatch" it at the last second. This can DESTROY follow-through.
7. TAKE YOUR TIME when you aim. Let your pin settle on your target.
8. FOLLOW THROUGH. Make believe you are guiding the arrow as it flies through the air. Sound silly? Try it anyway.
9. Make a consistent hold. I have a kisser button for this. ADDITIONALLY, I place my hand on my head by my ear when I draw. This makes my release MUCH steadier.
10. When using a mechanical release, make a smooth "press" release. A gentle press is all it takes. DO NOT try to 'steal the shot' (applies to firearms, too) by jerking when it looks right.
11. AIM SMALL. Do not aim at the whole deer, or 'the lungs' or 'ribcage'. Pick a SMALL spot -- like a crease in the hide, or a tuft of fur, etc ... I have found that this can be very difficult through a peep sight -- especially in low light. All you may see is "brown". My trick is to pick the spot, then first put the pin JUST under the deer at the right horizontal point, then slowly raise it until I'm "ON". With my "no-peep" sight, this is not an issue. I can shoot in very low light conditions with my no-peep. Since I mostly see deer at low light, it makes a world of sense to have this sight on my bow.
12. Put a little lubricant on your arrow rest, if applicable. K-Y Jelly works great but dries out. Unscented Chapstick is excellent. This will quiet your draw and release and probably decrease "drag" on your arrow. Vaseline may work, but will eventually damage the rubber on your rest.