tips for getting elevation right

[thp]

After a couple of 3d shoots I've discovered that getting elevation correct is a bit of a problem for me.  Though I have, for the most part, the windage right on.  I'm missing a lot of 3d targets by shooting slightly above or below the target.  I know I need to go back and review Kidwell's comments in his Instinctive Archery Insight book.  But I was wondering if anyone had a tip on practicing so I get the correct elevation?  Wondering how some of you old pro's got that part of your shooting right on.  

Thanks in advance!    

[NDTerminator]

I'm not an old pro, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn once...

There was an article by Asbell in the recent Traditional Bowhunter in regard to elevated rests vs off the shelf shooting.  It had a good explanation on POI (Point Of Impact)and how it's directly related to your first finger/knuckle thereof when you hold the bow.  Nicely illustrated too.  The article is more enlightening than my description of it...

Seems to me it has a lot to do with how your bow's grip is designed and how it fits you.  Example; I shoot two bows off the shelf, a Kota Prairie Swift and a CM Hunter 56.  The Kota is designed with the arrow extremely close to the hand, the CM somewhat higher.

The CM has a more natural feel in regard to elevation to me than the Kota.  In fact, I have to conciously raise my hand slightly higher when shooting the Kota.

If I only shot the Kota, I would adjust quickly, but the hold just doesn't feel as natural. I primarily shoot off an elevated rest, so this hold/sight picture may be related to that.  

Both the 56 and Swift shoot extremely well, each simply requires a different hold/sight picture to
put the arrow on target.  If I miss with the 56 I tend to shoot over, while a miss with the Swift is invariably low...

[thp]

Thanks Jon,

I'll have to check out that article.  

other ideas folks?

[Hardhed]

I think elevation is one those things that you just get a better feel for over time and practice.  I can tell you that if I'm shooting the same bow and same weight arrows over a period of time, elevation comes naturally, if I'm switching around equipment, it takes a while to get tuned in, and I'm over and under more.

[thp]

I'm pretty much using the same equipment all of the time now.  I think I'm going to have to do a lot more arra flingin' just to get the old brain programmed right.

[Terry Green]

If your windage is on....then your form is on....

The only variable is elevation.

Gotta shoot lots of un-known distances to learn elevation.  Stump shooting from close to long distances will help your brain learn the trajectory.  

Stay after it!

[thp]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[dan ferguson]

Shoot the same bow same arrows use bright fletching or maribou in frount of nock and then just focus on elev. Rope across the face of the target. Learn the path of the arrow, PS been shooting for over 45 years still working on it so keep the faith.

[awishanew]

Make sure you are not peeking. That is raising your eyes after the shot to see how you did. It'll make you shoot high. Also 100 arrows for a 100 days and your brain will be programed if your shots are is at various distances.

[thp]

100 arrows for a 100 days!  great idea!

[digicon]

Terry,s right on.  If your windage is constant only high and low misses.  Keep shooting.  Learn the trajectory of your arrow.

Dan brought up the most important factor in my opinion....Shoot bright white fletching.....something very visible, so your brain can learn the trajectory and etch that visualization into your memory..... very important.

I tell people shooting dark fletching would be like shooting a basketball that would disappear the minute you let go of it......and the only way you knew if you made the shot was if someone told you.

You would probably eventually see modest results but you are severly hamstringing yourself and it would take twice the practice to get half the results.

And don't forget...sometimes you just miss.

Mike