I want to buy a book on instinctive shooting and was wondering what books are you all recomend. Thanks, Garlin. :confused:
I think G.Fred Asbell's Instinctive Shooting is the best. I met Fred this summer and had him autograph my copy and he commented how old a copy it was. I probably bought it in 1989 or '90 and have read and reread it many times.
I liked Instinctive Archery Insights by Jay Kidwell,another god choice.
Jay Kidwell, good one.
Another vote for G. Freds books. I have them both. I too read and re-read them.
kidwell and asbell. after that it's just practice, practice, practice....
yet another vote for G-Fred's book. As a plus, you can also get the video. Nice to get a visual to go along with it.
Here is an email I sent to Fred on his book "Instinctive Shooting II". Pretty much says what I strongly beleive.
Fred,
Welcome as a tradgang sponser. I have been wondering how to contact you for some wool clothing. I also want to thank you for probably giving me the upper hand in traditional shooting. I have been shooting instinctively now for about three years. Never had been in archery before in my life of 56 years. When i do get interested in something, I do read, watch and study (do my homework I call it) on those that do know what they are doing. Right off the bat I was lucky enough to get your book "Instinctive Shooting 2" and shortly following that the VCR tape of the same. I practiced, practiced and practiced what you preached. The advantage I had of being a virgin archery shooter I feel was I hadn't established any bad habits yet. You demonstrated to me, thru your teachings, the proper foundation of archery to build on. Dont get me wrong, I am no Robin Hood, but I can shoot in probably the 90 percentile range of the groups I shoot with. Many of whom have been shooting for over 30 years. Many have told me how surprised they are at how quickly I have come along in traditional archery. I tell them how I learned thru alot of your teachings. How I "did my homework" on traditional archery. Surprisingly enough, as much as my new found friends love traditional archery, what I tell them falls on death ears. Sorta makes me chuckle. Another satisfaction comes from the fact is I am ussually the old guy of the groups I shoot with. People most generally hear about the not so good things they do in life so I just wanted to give you a most deserving pat on the back for what you did for me.
Oh yes, before I forget. It took me 56 years of cotton before I realized the benefits of wool. Now I cant be without it. I learned of those benefits from an article in Traditional Bowhunter Magazine written by a man named G. Fred Asbell.
I would give another vote for Jay Kidwell instictive archery insights.
I have not had much luck getting help from books on instictive shooting. In fact I have found it hurt my shooting more than any thing. That being said years ago Barry Wensel did a video on the topic and I found it to be very helpful, maybe you could find a old one somewhere.
I would also suggest Kidwell for a book, but the single most valuable shooting resource I've seen is the "Masters of the Barebow 3" video. I think you would find it very helpful...
Daryl
Get as many differant books and videos you can.And find what style fits "YOU" the best.Not everyone shoots the same.And there`s good shooters in every style out there.
I have Fred's book and Jay's book. I would get them both if possible.
David
of all the books,video's,ect,that you can watch,or read,you,yourself,are the best author that can teach you how to shoot the way you want to,its called the 4 p system,patience,practice,practice,and practice. :wavey: :campfire: :coffee:
Keep in mind what works for one may not work for another. I read and thoroughly enjoy fred's books, but could never get accurate with his swing draw style. Sure, he is convincing, and ir works well for him and many others. But Fred's books gave me a great starting point.
I also read Byron Fergusons " Become the Arrow" and several others. One book that seemed to really help the mental aspect of archery was Jay Kidwells Instinctive Archery Insights". Now I read Jay's book once early on, and found it overwhelming and confusing. But after getting more accustomed to shooting instinctively and some time under my belt, I re-read Jay's book. It clicked, as I understood the mental aspects of archery much better. It significantly improved my shooting, as well as disproved many well established myths.
Shooting a bow is instinctively is a journey rather than a destination. Use as many tools as you can to take as many bumps out of the road.
Asbell +1
If I had to pick only one, I suppose it would be his second book on the topic.
jay kidwells' best by far, straight forward and honest
I guess it's not a totally instinctive method he uses, but Byron Ferguson's book, "Become the Arrow" was the one book I read that changed my shooting accuracy by leaps and bounds to the good. I had him autograph it at a show he put on in L'ville, KY, several years ago. I highly recommend his methods and his book for great reading. Many people don't realize how much of a hunter Byron is. He has bagged many game animals while shooting barebow. Very much of his book is devoted to hunting the whitetail deer.
I don't own any books but have read gfa' sand They worked well for me.
Thanks for all your opinions on books. I plan on buying 2 of the books that have been mentioned for now. I feel comfortable saying I can hold 4" groups out to 25 yards. My problem is recognizing the difference in the days I'm spot on and the days I shoot decent. I don't think it is a problem with my form. I think it is mental. Some days I seem to focus better than others. Just can't figure out exactly why. Thanks again, Garlin.