Shooting practice is an essential component of becoming an effective bowhunter. With regular practice, you can hone your skills as you build up your confidence and accuracy levels. Taking the time to practice your form, aim, and shooting techniques can help you be prepared to take that perfect shot on your next hunt.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Bow
Before you begin shooting practice, it’s important to make sure you are properly outfitted with the right equipment. Review all the features of your bow to get familiar with its capabilities and limitations. Understanding your bow’s draw length and draw weight is critical to your shooting form. Take the time to get comfortable shooting with your bow before entering the field.
Safety First
Take the proper safety precautions when engaging in shooting practice. Always wear protective eye and ear gear, and use a quiver to store arrows between shots. Be sure to plan and practice in a safe, secure, and isolated area to avoid accidentally injuring yourself or anyone around you.
Stance and Anchoring
One of the most important shooting fundamentals is finding a consistent stance and anchoring position. Most archers prefer to stand perpendicular to the target with their feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your bow hand in front of your chin while stabilizing your bow arm against your chest. Your draw arm should be parallel to the ground and your elbow should be in line with the target. As you draw your bow, ensure that your draw arm stays close to your chest and your shoulders remain level.
Nocking Your Arrow
Holding your bow and arrow properly gives you the best control and accuracy. Start by nocking the arrow onto the bowstring and aligning your peg and nock with the strings. Check to make sure the arrow is level, with the cock feather or vane facing away from the bow. Finally, grasp the bowstring below the arrow and slightly pull back to ensure the arrow is secure before drawing your bow.
Draw and Aim
Once you have your arrow nocked, practice drawing your bow back smoothly and slowly until your anchor point and back muscles are locked into place. This will provide you with a consistent draw every time you shoot. You should come to full draw with minimal side-to-side movement for consistent aiming. Finally, take a deep breath, adjust your aim, and slowly release your arrow.
Shooting practice is fundamental to becoming a successful bowhunter. With enough time and dedication to purposeful practice, you can become an accurate and confident archer. Get fitted with the right equipment, establish a consistent stance and shooting form, safely nock an arrow, and complete your draw and aim before releasing. Being comfortable and consistent with your shooting routine will ensure you make the most of your time in the field.
Bowhunting How-to: Shooting Practice
PJ demonstrates some shooting techniques to practice before hunting season that go beyond the normal standing position.
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Last update 2021-01-05. Price and product availability may change.