Learning to Shoot

[cbushee]

I'm shopping for a bow right now but that's off topic. I have a few questions about technique. When I shot my kid bow, I shot instinctive and the 3-split finger. I think I will use the same method because I've heard of the other methods but the instinctive seems "natural" and the correct way to learn. Now for the questions since you have my background. Is it alright to learn to shoot by yourself and take a few lessons from the "masters" at intervals and build upon their advice? For shooting and hunting, what are the pros and cons of the side quiver and back quiver? Should I consider the bow quiver? If I chose the bow quiver, do I learn to shoot with it on from the start or can I just add it later? Thank you for your time and patience with a young archer with many questions.

[McDave]

I would guess that most traditional archers have never had a lesson from a "master."  Whether you can reach your potential this way depends on how much of a natural athelete you are.  Rick Welch, a "master," has never had lessons from anyone else.  Dave McReynolds, "not a master," has had lessons from several masters which have improved my shooting immeasurably.  When you're trying to teach yourself, you just have to be in touch with your body and see what works and what doesn't.  The biggest problem most of us have is that we guess the wrong solution for a problem, and then we end up with two problems rather than one problem.

Most traditional archers use a bow quiver when hunting.  It is quiet and the arrows are easily accessable without making much movement to get one.  The problem is, most people don't practice with a bow quiver because it is not as convenient to use on the target range, and repeated withdrawals of arrows will eventually wear the arrow holders and they will become sloppy.  If you don't practice with a bow quiver, your bow will definitely have a different balance when you put one on to hunt, and will take a while to get used to.

I have solved this problem by using an Arrowmaster quiver by Safari Tuff.  It is very convenient on the target range, and is also easily accessable when hunting and quiet (if you stuff a sock in the top to keep the arrows from rattling around).  Rod Jenkins, who owns this company, is also one of the "Masters" you might want to take a lesson from one of these days.

[cbushee]

When I mean "masters" I mean very experienced archers who I know who own stores and are very involved in archery. Thank you for the advice.

[Hedge Apple]

Growing up I did not have the resources available that we have today. I would do a search for traditional clubs in your area for starters, so much can learned from birds of the same feather. Be careful of the archery shop masters for shooting instruction, most are geared for compounds. Professional lessons are one thing, advise is another. A far as quiver goes, that will be a personal choice that fits your needs.

[zetabow]

When I started out (24 years ago in UK) my best friend taught me, he was a very good shot and over the years has won several medals in IFAA International tourneys and was 05 IBO Longbow champ. I also belonged to a club which had two great longbow shooters one won IFAA European champs 5 times and the other won 7 times, learnt a lot from all these guys but they can only guide you on the right path, most of the work you have to do yourself.

With Archery Forums, DVD's like Masters of Barebow series and Ricky's DVD's and lot of good reading material, you can find plenty of info to get you on the right track.

[waiting4fall]

Here are 2 things for you to consider. Best of luck.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/DAKOTAENTERPRISES#p/u/11/aVeKKtdqHM8

 http://shop.dakotabows.com/product.sc?productId=26&categoryId=2

[waiting4fall]

Originally posted by waiting4fall:
Here are 2 things for you to consider. Best of luck.

     http://www.youtube.com/user/DAKOTAENTERPRISES#p/u/11/aVeKKtdqHM8    

     http://shop.dakotabows.com/product.sc?productId=26&categoryId=2    

How This information helps others.

    http://www.youtube.com/user/DAKOTAENTERPRISES#p/u/6/h5TcPR2Lz78

 

[greykilt]

Hello and welcome to a lifelong journey. May the Bow be as fullfilling to you as it has been to me these past 50 years. Let's address a couple of queries you initiated. 1. Let me gently suggest that Bow Shop ownership and Archery Trophies do not in and of themselves necessarily constitute a "Master". To my knowledge there is no recognized apprenticeship archery program but there are some phenomenal archers out there who are kind enough to share thier experiences and advice with the rest of us and many are on this forum. You are at the right place.
2. 3 Finger split, two below one over, is the most common form of release and is a good place to start. It will be hard to find instructional books that endorse or describe in detail how to us other finger positions so begin with this release to become proficient. 3. Quiver choice depends on type of bow, shooting style, and form and where you plan to shoot, Tree Stand? Ground Blind? Wheat Field? Archery Range? For instance it might be hard to pull an arrow over your shoulder perched in  a tree and raising a shaft in a wheat field tells all four legged watchers "Here I am!". Main point: If you go for a bow mounted quiver then practice with it on. In fact practice with the arrows and bow and all accessories you plan on actually hunting with. If you hunt with a parka on then practice with a parka on. I have seen some archers practice with shorts and tee shirt, do very well, put on full gear and coat and consistently miss shots. Regardless of lessons taken you MUST practice often and consistently to become proficient in the art. Best wishes! Shoot well, shoot often.

[mahantango]

Where in Pa. are you?

[Chuck Hoopes]

Ive always watched good shooters-- They all seem to have their own little idiosyncracies-- they often differ signifcantly in their technique  BUT--one thing they all have in common  is that you can draw a straight line starting from the pt. of arrow and ending at their elbow.   Ever notice how we basically learn to dance by watching others dance--this is a valid way to learn to shoot also.- You can experiment w/ what you see "Good shooters doing  until you find one that  jives well w/ your physical particulars-don't be afraid to try anything-- it could be something outside the norm suits you better-- for example a small percentage of shooters are more effective as snap shooters, whatever, there are alot of variables to try-- anchor pts., wrist positions,bow cants etc. Just keep experimenting-- you'll find your way-- the journey's fun anyway-- Alot of exp. goes on for most archers durning the first 2yrs. -- then it tapers off has they find their personal "groove."  Theres alot of diff golf swings that get the job done, Likewise, theres lots of shooting styles--The "straight line" thing, I refered to at the beginning is a constant,you'll find in all the good ones.