I've been shooting Trad gear for about 2 weeks now (a 40# 64" Hoyt Expert).  When my form and concentration are working together, my groupings are 1 1/2--2" at 7YDS.  I'm going to move back to 10 or 12 YDS tommorrow.  Just out of curiousity, what is considered accurate.  I'm I on the right track?

I wouldnt even be concerned with accuracy just yet. Make sure you got that form locked in before you worry about accuracy. Keep at it and you will be fine. Accuracy starts with good form

You must "focus" on a small spot to hit. Rememer to aim small, miss small...
I would consider 4" groups very good shooting at 20 yards...


JDS III

I have really been trying to focus on form as I agree with everyone here that is the key to accuracy and consistancy.  Theres always that urge to shoot were you look.

It seems to me if I focus on the spot before I draw, thru the draw, hold, checking my back tension and anchor, release...I am consitant at hiting the mark.

I was just curious as to what was considered accurate.  I will stay at for sure.  I can't remember having this much fun shooting.

Thanks Gang

I dont think there is a standard for what is accurate, each hunter has to find there own compfort level.  Also depending on the game your hunting, on deer sized game i can shoot a constant 6 or 7 in group out to 25 yards, while i can shoot at gr8ter distance ill get alot of flyers and am not as constant,  When shooting small game ill shoot at greater distance and often hit the mark or come real close I think the smaller target allows me to focus more.  
Some guys are more constant closer other's at much greater distances, find a zone that works and try to expand it from there. we all arent going to be able to shoot like howard hill but we can have funn tryin.

I don't mean to steal your thread, Want2no, but my question is very similar to this.  If I can hit paper plates out 25 or 30 yards consistently is this considered "good"?  Also, would a 7" paper plate approximate the vitals of an animal (deer and up) pretty well?

aim for the middle of the middle of what ever your shooting at. If you are hitting 7"paper plate every shot- out to 25-30 yards that is good.
I would like to be able to hit exactly where I aim - exactly- at whatever range though.
If you know you have the perfect shot in you; you can better hit a target than if not...
yep aim small hit small...

Sounds like you on the right track, give the longer shots a try but if your form or groups fall apart move back in, it takes awhile but the rewards are worth the effort. There is not much more pleasing that hunting and shooting with trad.

i don't worry about groups to much. have you ever shoot a group at an animal? i try to concentrate on each arrow as if it was the 1 and only arrow that i'll get at the beast of your dreams.

QuoteOriginally posted by ozy clint:
i don't worry about groups to much. have you ever shoot a group at an animal? i try to concentrate on each arrow as if it was the 1 and only arrow that i'll get at the beast of your dreams.

i agree.i often practice with only one arrow.Each shot from a different distance or different position to the target.Trying to simulate "Hunting Conditions"

Jeremy,

In the 'old days' of Japanese and Korean archery, the instructor wouldn't even put a target face on the backstop for the first six months.  The student was expected to perfect his shooting form first!!!

Ok alot of good info so far. But as a 4H archery instructor I figure I'll put my 2 cents in.

Sounds like you have a good start on focusing on form. If your confedent with your form go ahead and move back. And still focus on form over acuracy. It will pay off in the long run. In fact everyone should move in close sometimes and focus on form.

Once your pretty confedent and want to take some longer shots... go ahead. You will not hurt yourself to shot longer shots if you want. I'm not saying give up on the form practice close but challenge yourself at longer shots. It will show you when you have form problems or when you got lazy.

For example if you get realy good at 20 yards 1-2 inch group etc and thats all you shoot you'll probably never get better. or it will take alot of time. Back up to 25-30-35, whatever just don't loose to many arrows, and fling some  long range. It will show you your problems and you'll learn to bring the groups smaller and smaller.

Now you have to have fun over all otherwise your waisting your time. Never forget your form practice but have fun just flinging arrows. Flu Flu's are fun for this too.

Your well on your way if your shooting groups like that at 7 yards. Back up to 10 and see what your groups look like.

In a hunting situation 15-20 yards, groups in the couple inch range and you should be fine. once there I suggest striving for 30 yards and 2 inch groups (in practice) or whatever to push
yourself to get better and better.

I keep myself 15 yards and under while hunting, although in practice I shoot longer than that usualy.

I agree with Ozy, try and make every arrow feel like it's the only arrow. That will help your confidence build, and if you retrieve each arrow between shots, you'll get in better shape too!

Thanks for the info Gang.  These are the responses I was hoping for.  All good advice. I will strive to be as accurate as I can.

I hope to be hunting Trad this time next year.

Good luck this season.

For me I decided that I was OK to hunt when I could hit within a couple of inches over a period of 5 days.  I would shoot one arrow each day and leave it in the target.  At the end of 5 days I would have a 5 arrow group.  When they were all together at 10 yards I said yep, time to go.  I am now working on being able to do that out to 15 yards.  Once I have that then 20.