Help...Stance and clothing interference!

[NYRON]

During this past winter I changed my shooting style a bit and am very pleased with the results. However, along the way I seem to have developed a clothing interference issue.

An increased draw length has created interference between my bowstring and shirt/jacket. When shooting from a stance that feels comfortable and natural, my string catches my shirt or jacket in the area of the left breast pocket. It's really bad on shirts with a flap over the pocket, but even without a pocket flap, the string seems to get caught in the folds of my shirt or jacket. The snagging of my shirt causes me to shoot several inches to the left. As expected, the heavier the clothes, the worse the problem. It's very frustrating...especially with a bear hunt coming up in a few weeks.

I can make the problem go away by bending fairly hard at the waist and twisting my hips, but this causes alignment problems and prevents me from using my back muscles as I should. I've tried everything from the classic archer's stance to facing the target and squatting, as G. Fred suggests.

Does anyone else have this problem? Is this issue indicative of some larger problem with my form. Any suggestions?

By the way, I don't think I'm over drawing, as I'm about 5'10" and drawing about 27 1/2"

I've considered one of those uni-bra looking chest protectors, but don't know if I can take the ridicule I'll surely face from my hunting buddies!

Thanks for your suggestions

Ron

[Anvil]

I had the same problemwhen wearing loose clothes, I wear a back quiver. The strap gets the loose clothes out of the way.
Just a thought.

[jacobsladder]

IMO... i doubt your over drawing... im only 5.7 and draw 27.5.... id guess your correct draw length is probably around 28"... try putting your back foot forward some that should open up your stance and help with interference.....an arm guard does wonders on the sleeves, and if your clothes are too loose you may just have to change..I typically dont wear loose fitting clothes when i shoot because i hate catching my sleeves... hope this helps and good luck...!!

[joe skipp]

Years ago I copied the shooting style of Jim Dougherty. My stance is similiar to a baseball player in the batters box with one foot in the bucket. (I'm Right Handed)....

By shooting this way, I don't need an arm guard and since I bowhunt from the ground, I can stand in one spot and cover a wider range of shooting angles. If I try to over draw and keep a stiff arm, you may slap your clothes or forearm.

Generally, my arm takes a natural bend and I achieve full draw every time. My arrows are all cut 28 1/2" to the end of the point taper, I draw a true 27". The ONLY TIME I wear an arm guard is in very cold weather when my insulated jacket sleeve is a bit "puffed out".

Even when kneeling down, I always "open up" my position. Keep the faith.....Joe

[Friends call me Pac]

I had the same problem with my sleeve when wearing a coat.  I quit wearing the coat and layered up with wool sweaters that I got from goodwill store.  No more loose sleeve.

I know it doesn't get as cold here but I did hunt in 13 degree weather last season.  I had on 3 sweaters and a vest and was very comfortable in my treestand.  

When walking I have worn 2 sweaters but only rarely.  Usually 1 does the trick.  Just have to remember to get a few sweaters that are too big to go over the others when layering up.

My last visit to goodwill they had a bag sale.  $3 for whatever you could stuff in the bag.  I walked out with 11 100% wool sweaters for $3.  Can't beat that.

[NYRON]

Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions. I worked on it a bit last night using a lightweight bow and I belive I have found the problem. It's not my stance, it's the amount of bow cant. When I can't my bow fairly hard, like I had been shooting, the string comes into direct contact with my chest. If I hold the bow more vertically, the string passes in front of my chest.

My natural inclination is to cant, but I think if I train myself to straighten it up a bit I will be fine.

Again, thank for your replies.

[Daddy Bear]

If you open your stance a bit, you'll see a tad more clearance. But, make sure you avoid using too much arm with an open stance.

If you are rolling your bow arm shoulder up and over, and locking out, or if excess weight is dirving your bow shoulder up and over, this will reduce clearance a huge amount. I like to keep my shoulder down and in a natural position.

Best,
DB

[Orion]

Changes in form as others have suggested will reduce the string contact with your body.  However, if you don't want to change your form, you might want to change your bow length.  A shorter bow creates a more acute string angle that is less likely to contact your body.  Also, if you're conscious about your draw, you can position the string to hold down your shirt pocket as you come to full draw.  Then it will just spring off of it when you release rather than rip across it.  A chest protector, quiver strap and/or a full length arm guard will also solve the problem.

[Bird Dog]

If you open your stance even an exaggerated cant shouldn't be a problem.