Brand new...help me out with practice

[Savate]

I've been working with my Samick 40# longbow in the yard but I'm shooting very inconsistent.

Is there a video/book (or clip here?) that can help me with some good pointers?

My goal is to be ready by next bow season (here in NC).

Any bros here from the Western NC area that could help me out (advice on gear, hunting spots, scouting...y'know, everything    )

[Dirty Bill]

Fred Asbell has a really good book.I think he also has a video.  

[Oliverstacy]

Started just like you last year...got into it in Feb and shot 4-5 times a week.

Read Beginner's Guide to Traditional Archery by Brian Sorrells.  Other good ones are books by G Fred Asbell and Byron Ferguson.

Don't over do it in a single night.  Shot only three arrows at a time and I'd not shoot more than 10 to 15 sets in an evening.  Heck there were times when I was shooting good that I would shoot 18 arrows and call it a night, others I would shoot 50. If you get tired...quit for the evening. If you can't focus...quit for the evening.  If you get frustrated...walk away it will do you more good in the long run.

Practice like when you can concentrate on nothing more than the task at hand...if you have children (I have two small children) shoot when they're not around...it's a distraction.

I would shoot at night when I got out of work at night around midnight with my floodlight.  Don't have a sight so I didn't need to see my pins because there wasn't one.  

A smaller dot on the target seemed to work the best for me because it made me focus that much more.

Remember it is going to be humbling and a definite challenge.

Above all else have fun.

Josh

[macbow]

If you start doing this now it will help you through your shooting life.
First warm up your muscles, stretching etc.
When you are ready to shoot get real close to the target so you can't miss with your eyes closed.
Shoot several arrows closing your eyes before getting to anchor, concentrate on the anchor and release. You will experience your best release this way. If you start each session this way you'll develope a better release when your eyes add the distraction of aiming.

Next move back to maybe 5 to 10 yards and work on the realease with eyes open.
Then back farther is it is going good.
Anytime you experience bad groups move close and work it out.

The traditional DVD's sold through here are also good seeing other good shooters form.
Ron

[snapper1d]

Get masters of the Bare Bow Vol.I &II.You will learn a lot by watching these.

[Savate]

Lots of good stuff guys...

I just came in from practicing and noticed a lot of my shots are pulling to the right (I actually broke two arrows today; one shattered shaft when my target pad fell over and another lost the nock...argh!)

I will take y'all's advice and try from a little closer (I've been working at 16yds).

[Pat B]

I live in Brevard. Where are you?
   G Fred Asbell's book, Instinctive Shooting is a great lesson in instinctive shooting.
 Are you using arrows that are correctly spined for your bow?     Pat

[Savate]

I'm not far from you (in fact, my wrestling team is coming out to wrestle Brevard on Saturday).  

I'm in the Waynesville area (Cold Mountain).  Maybe you could show a newbie a think or two?

[Killdeer]

Savate, you are one lucky human to live close to Pat B. He is one of the good guys!

Killdeer  

[Savate]

Very cool....I hope he and I can connect at some point.  I'm already using the tips from OliverStacy and MacBow (until I broke my arrows)

Question on release: I'm noticing that my shots are really bad when my release is bad (I use a glove, not tabs).  I think that sometimes the strings is "rolling" of my fingertips, instead of a smooth release.  Not sure if this is the way I'm anchoring or what....any advice?