Looking for some advice on improving distance accuracy

overbo · June 09, 2015, 06:00:00 PM

Mental sequence check list!

From beginning of your draw all the way to the arrows impact,

I'll do a mental check off list in my head. It starts at finger placement on the string then to concentrate on the target, to my anchor position of my draw hand, to pulling my draw elbow back into lock position, and finally a slight push towards the target w/ my bow hand and release holding my body position till the arrow impacts.

Find your ''check list'' and adhere to it no matter the target's distance and once it's mentally locked in. The other pieces will fall into place.

Hud · June 10, 2015, 01:29:00 AM

Get a few small targets, egg cartons, milk jugs, ballons etc, dangle on a string in front of your bale, or backstop. Pick a spot, smaller the better. it is important to use targets other than a bullseye. Then use Cardboard cutouts of antelope on stakes, in front of a hill, or bank. Pick a spot,force yourself to concentrate on a spot. Try some bamboo stakes, stuck in the ground if you have an open area. Use Judo points on a few arrows so they don't get lost easily.

**DONOTDELETE** · June 10, 2015, 02:37:00 AM

Every time you go out to practice start out at 30 -40 yards... then work your way in as you start to get tired.... too many guys spend all their good shots on short range stuff, then by the time they get out further they are getting tired.....

i'd recommend finding your point on first, then learn to use a gap aiming method for tall yardage.

J. Holden · June 10, 2015, 06:37:00 AM

Many people have suggested this "gap" method. Up to this point I just assumed it was like throwing a baseball. Over time/practice my brain would figure out where to stop my bow arm. Is there a place to read up on the gap method?

-Jeremy

fnshtr · June 10, 2015, 07:29:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by J. Holden:
Many people have suggested this "gap" method. Up to this point I just assumed it was like throwing a baseball. Over time/practice my brain would figure out where to stop my bow arm. Is there a place to read up on the gap method?

-Jeremy

Jeremy...
I would suggest looking up Jimmy Blackmon's video on-line. It is exceptional. Explains gapping.

Good luck!

Pete McMiller · June 10, 2015, 07:44:00 AM

I think one of the most important things is to have the confidence that you can make the shot - at whatever distance you choose. I usually start at 12 for a couple of arrows, move to 18, then 25 and then 30 or more. If I blow it at one range I go back to the previous yardage to gain my confidence and then back to the longer distance. There are times that a change of 3 yards will throw my arrows way out of the target in greater proportion than the increased distance warrants because I don't have the confidence at that yardage yet. It's all about confidence and what you tell yourself. If I put one arrow on target at any distance I tell myself that there is no reason the next three can't be there as well.

tracker12 · June 10, 2015, 08:18:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by huskyarcher:
I was exactly the same until I decided to change it. The main key is to shoot, ALOT. I shoot every single day, sometimes 2 arras, sometimes 200 arras. It has dramatically helped me.

Specifically on longer distance-I have to gap shoot past 30. (inside 30 I shoot instinctive) 30 is my point on, and using the end of the arra as an aiming devise, I have gotten quite deadly plum out to 40,45 yards.

Just practice, and really focus on your form, your anchor points, and your release. Even the slightest error at 40 can throw you feet off target.

The main key is just to shoot, shoot, shoot, then after you do all that, shoot some more.

This pretty much says it all for me also. I am off to WY this fall for an antelope hunt. I have extended my practice distance to 35 yards and a few shots at 45. Not saying I would shoot at an animal at that range but under certain conditions I might consider 35. I did move to a point on method at the longer distances and on a known distance I am getting pretty effective. Shooting longer does build the confidence on the short shots.

ChuckC · June 10, 2015, 09:00:00 AM

Dang. . . I agree with Orion. . again.

Actually, what he said is very true. Practice the longer shots and see if you can gain in ability, but don't let that keep you home. Just keep your shots close ( in your range). I am gonna add, when in open areas, twenty yards looks like ten, so practice guessing yardage too or be sure to put out some markers to help guide you on estimates.

Last. . using your arrow point, or a sight, can quickly aid in longer shooting, again, with practice, but you STILL need to be able to tell if the animal is within your range or not.

Good luck
ChuckC

longbowman · June 10, 2015, 09:10:00 AM

A million years ago Paul Shaffer had an article in a bowhunter magazine where he talked about his practice style. He said most of his practice was at long 40yd.+ ranges with a few closer ones thrown in. Any error at those ranges is magnified compared to 10-20 yds. This got his form in line. Taking his advice, 99% of the shots I take while stump shooting are beyond 30 yds and out to 60-70. I always shoot a few closer ones and they are slam dunks. I don't gap, point of arrow or anything, I just look at my spot and shoot. Just practice it. Once you begin getting it in at 30 you will be amazed at the closer ones.

fnshtr · June 10, 2015, 10:48:00 AM

Here is the link to Jimmy Blackmon's video on gap shooting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgm-oErUEQM

fnshtr · June 10, 2015, 10:56:00 AM

And another excellent video by Jimmy on gapping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAEn5cAS6V4

June 10, 2015, 11:34:00 AM

I take net length blunt cedar arrows go out to a dirt bank and shoot point on until things get under control and then work in.

Burnsie · June 10, 2015, 03:01:00 PM

Go to the Cloverdale or Compton shoots the next two weekends. That will give you close to real life animal shots at varying distances. You will be with good people who will probably be happy to help you out .

mahantango · June 10, 2015, 04:53:00 PM

I'll second the recommendation of Jimmy Blackmon's videos. Best I've ever seen.

drewsbow · June 10, 2015, 05:57:00 PM

the biggest thing for me is follow through , hold till the arrow hits and you will get better

FoCoBlackWidow · June 11, 2015, 12:35:00 PM

Definitely don't worry about your groups at first. You'll drive yourself nuts and take the fun out of it if you expect perfection right out of the gates.

When I'm not shooting well I often "blank bale" right next to the target. I do this in the middle of a poor round or at the end of the night to walk away with a positive feeling. It helps form tremendously, which you're likely finding is so important at long distances.

Good luck.

two4hooking · June 11, 2015, 03:59:00 PM

"if your form's right, you won't be too far off at 50 yards"

Howard Hill

Scott E · June 11, 2015, 08:16:00 PM

If you are serious about improving your accuracy at any distance you need to commit yourself to perfecting your form. Perfect form equals perfect shots equals hits.

If you need help PM me and we can talk more about it