The Draw

[Joshua Lee]

Recently made a change.  I noticed a couple of weeks ago at a 3d shot that some of the archers were drawing a bit different than I was.  The difference was that they began their draw after the bow arm was in position.  So I tried it and my accuracy and score went up (about 50 points this weekend at 3d shot).  I think one of the reasons this helped me is because I'm a little overbowed and by raising my bow arm into position it gave me a little more time to aim before release.  So I was wondering If any one had any thoughts on this for hunting real game.  And what is the "proper" timing for raising the bow arm and drawing the string.
Thanks
Josh

[NBK]

Mostly hunting from trees here in Wisconsin and I prefer to "get set" as a deer approaches.  That means setting my feet in anticipation of where the shot will occur, getting my bow arm up, (not fully extended yet so I don't get fatigue), and fingers on the string.  I do this to minimize movement the closer the deer is and also to "hide" my face behind my bow and quiver.  When the moment comes its simply drawing and extending which is towards the deer and not up and down.  While practicing/stump shooting I'll mentally give myself mock scenarios.

[reddogge]

I always draw with my bow arm in position in most circumstances.  When confronted with game, use your judgement.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

Like anything "Proper" timing and style depend on your method, or "school", of shooting.  I believe there are 3 that are most popular, the way you are talking about where you have your bow arm up and pull all the way back, the swing draw popularized by Howard Hill and company, and a push pull method where you push the bow forward as you pull back on the string.  I am sure many deer have been taken using all 3 and it seems to depend on what is most comfortable for you.

There is a great description of each in G. Fred Asbell book "Instinctive Shooting".

[bowbenderman]

Forming a T is what its all about, whether shooting down or up.  Dont bend at the knees in an elevated stand, I have to draw my bow , then bend at the waist into my target.

[eric-thor]

ihavent found any problen bending at waist and knee tward the target to keep good bow arm elevation as though shooting shoulder level hight.not crouthcing just relaxed and consistant.

[Earthdog]

Be able to do both.
Drawing with the bow arm already set means less movment and can be easier for some reason.
A good swing draw or push pull draw is more or less mandatory as well.
Everything really.

[Mike Vines]

I prefer to have my bow arm set before the draw.

[Joshua Lee]

Thanks for the pointers, I think I might work on my avatar draw as well , just in case.
Josh

[Diamond Paul]

I always draw with my arm already on target, kind of a pre-draw gap method as Asbell calls it.  The swing draw thing ties me in knots!

[Ragnarok Forge]

I always start my draw with the bow hand pointed at the target. It really helps with my alignment and it keeps the animals from seeing you raise the bow at the shot.  I like to get the bow up and ready early to avoid motion detection by the animal.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

I have been trying this for the past couple practice sessions, having my hand in position before I draw.  I am able to get on target faster, as I am aiming the whole time I am drawing.  I am able to ensure proper alignment before release as well, as this method seems to give me more time in back tension.   I might have just been doing my swing draw wrong, but so far I am liking this.

[Joshua Lee]

That's exactly what I'm doing, and I agree, I'm liking it too. Also, I just lowered my brace height a little and the groups tightened up even more. This sure is a fun process.  
Josh

[ncsaknech1ydh]

I've always drawn with my bow hand in position, I never could understand the reasoning for bringing the bow up in a swinging motion in any hunting situation. I agree with Diamond Paul, the less I have to think about the better. Pic a spot, draw, hit my anchor, a few seconds to focus,then expansion, realese.

[tkytrac]

In life timing is everything, and that is true in archery too.  I like the swing arm but things are easier to time if there is less movement.  I switched to a modified push/pull and it helped me quite a bit during the summer shoots and even in the stand. It works especially well for those of us who don't get to practice as much as we would like.