right to left handed

[ejwitman]

I have shoot archery for about 40 years right handed but am left eye dominent.  Since I am going to transition to some traditional equipment, 1) should I consider going left handed, and 2)how difficult is the transition.  Still would plan on shooting my compound right handed.

Also, I am from South Carolina.  Is there any way I can experience some kind of trade show that allows shooting.  I have done this kind of thing in Charlotte, NC for fly fishing.

[jhansen]

There are several threads on here about cross-dominance.  You will get more than one opinion but here's mine.  I'd say to get a right-handed bow and practice until your brain learns what needs to happen.  Some very good trad shooters have overcome cross-dominance without switching hands.  Shooting without sights is all about form.  Get that down and your brain will take care of the rest.

John

[DAC7316]

Joel, I'll let you try both ways since I've got both left and right hand bows. I'll meet you at the club and let you decide.  I also have a story Fred Asbell wrote in Traditional Bowhunter magazine that is right on target.  He says go with your dominant eye.  I shot for 40 years cross eyed and yes you can do it but you will always be fighting your natural instinct.

[rbbhunt]

DAC7316 has a good point.  But food for thought:  My last wife was left eye dominant and shot right handed.  She used a eyepatch on her left eye for a while and it helped.  Even considering this, you might still consider going left hand.

[Grant Young]

If you are in S. Carolina, try to contact Owen Jeffery. Owen hunts right handed but taught himself to shoot ILF style lefthanded because the styles are so different. He's rt. eye dominant but uses a sight for olympic style shooting. He is very good each way, or was in '89 when I last saw him.     Grant

[Big'n]

Mr. Asbell converted me. I shot a compound for 25yrs. right handed and when I switched to Trad Equipment, I went left handed. It was a little awkward at first but I managed to get rid of 25 yrs of bad muscle memory.

Fred said you can teach yourself to shoot cross dominant but you will never see your full potential.

I will caution you to start with light weight though. GOODLUCK!! DAVE

[bowmac]

I'm 53 years old. Until 2 years ago I was a righty with right eye dominance. Due to arthritis in my right shoulder I switched to Left. The first year I shut my right eye when shooting. The second year I started shooting with both eyes open and really focus with my left eye. As of my last eye exam I am now equal dominance. So I guess a person can will or train there eyes also. My hunting and 3D shooting has improved tremendously since switching. It just takes time and patience.