New Trad Guy Needs Some Advice

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Hello,

My name is Paul, and I am just getting started with trad bows. I started this thread because of the "Why do we shoot until we are so tired?" thread.

Here is what I experienced so far:

I just got my first recurve yesterday, and this is what my first day shooting was like.

I went down to the archery store and got 6 arrows, came home and started shooting at my 3-D target. I made some good shots, then a bad shot or two or three, so I had to start again, then I'd do good then bad. This cycle went on until my arm was wore out. I knew I shouldn't have done that my first day out, but I couldn't stop.

Each time I did good, it was gratifying, each time I did bad it was frustrating. This back and forth behavior was like a small adrenalin rush each time I let the arrow fly.

There seems to be an anticipation of your next shot, which is an excitement, I just don't get with my compound.

I went out today to shoot a few times and within 6 arrows I realized, I need to take a break for atleast one more day, and then I need to be careful how many I shoot.

I think I need to build up bit by bit. Maybe set a limit of 24 arrows every other day, and move up by 6 arrows a week until I am shooting 10 sets of 6. Kind of like lifting weights or something.

Any advice for this Newbie?

Thanks,

Paul

[JL]

Welcome aboard Paul!

It may be that you more focused early on and loose it towards the end. It will take time to get your groove on. If your just starting out, keep your distance close (10 yrds or so) and keep focused on every shot. It will take some time to build your form and your form is the most important factor in consistant shooting. When you start hitting your mark close in, take a few steps back and reload! Also get out and stump shoot! It can get boring sticking arrows in a backstop and you need to mix it up a bit. Get a judo point and rove the woods looking for stumps. This will give you good pratice at different distances. Take some time between shots and relax and enjoy the walk in the woods chasing after your arrow. Sure beats golf anyday...

JL

[Bowferd]

Yes, and I love being the first or second on this post because it gives me answers to my failures.
Shoot a 100 a day, enjoy yourself, and most specially have fun.
Take an hour a day to study, Take an hour a day to practice, Take an hour a day to your spouse and 2 hours a day to your children.
You have to understand that this is unqualified advice. Take it anyway.
Frede

[TRB]

Try shooting just two or three arrows at a time. Gives you a chance to rest in between.

[Dick in Seattle]

Paul... you didn't say what poundage you were shooting on the compound or what the poundage was on your recurve.   Overbowing yourself when going from compound to recurve is a very, very common problem.   Folks used to the letoff of compounds don't really understand the implications of holding the full poundage at draw.    Hopefully, your recurve is much lighter, like maybe half, of your compound weight.  If not, pick up an older used lightweight target bow and start with that for a few weeks.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Dick,

I took the over bow element into consideration. I shoot a 62# Hoyt Ultratech.

I have a Blacktail Elite VL that is 52# at 30", and I am shooting at 27 1/4, so I should be right at 43# to 44#'s.

I have another bow that should be here on Monday that is a Bear Kodiak Magnum 40# at 28" I bought for the purpose you mentioned, but I got the Blacktail in the mail first, and couldn't wait to shoot.

I was advised that 40# to 45# should be okay. I really just shot way too many arrows. It could have been 25#'s and I would have shot a lot more and would still have a sore arm.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

JL,

I plan on doing some stump shooting. I was wishing I had my bow on Thursday, because I got off of work early and went scouting turkeys, I saw a few stumps that I would have liked to wacked with a judo.

Tomorrow, there is a 3-D shoot and I am going to take the recurve and compound. If my arm is still sore, I'll walk the course with my step sone and just shoot every other target or less. There will be 40 targets, and I will get a rest in between.

Thanks to all of you for your advice.

[Killdeer]

I did (and do) the same thing. Yes, it is exactly like weight training, only incredibly more interesting and fun!

I have a 3D shoot today too, the first of the year. It is raining and I don't care! Sounds like you started off with a couple of great bows. I have Blacktail envy, and truly love my Kodiak Magnums. You are off on the right feet. Are your arrows spined correctly?

Oh, I have Oregon envy, too.    
Killdeer  

[John3]

Archery is all about good, consistent correct shooting form. Practice great form first. Stand two or three steps from your target and DO NOT aim. I close my eyes so nothing will upset my concentration.
Shoot for form only. Building muscle memory is very important.

When your ready step back and start to focus on your target. When you start to get tired (getting tired builds bad habits) put the bow away for a few hours.

JDS III

[Bonebuster]

I have found that by shooting one arrow at a time, I am able to keep my concentration at its best, and it completely prevents fatigue.

I can shoot arrow after arrow without getting worn out physically, but the mind power it requires is something I simply do not have.

I shoot one arrow(sometimes two or three) and go retrieve it. I try to reach a level of concentration on each shot as if I am shooting at a big, fat, doe... and my freezer is empty.

By doing this I minimize sloppy shooting and reinforcing bad habits. I still have bad habits, but because I`m shooting slowly, I am able to recognize when I AM getting sloppy.

I remember shooting until I was sore, but I don`t remember noticeable improvements in ability, until I started shooting wisely. Endurance came along the way somewhere, because I can shoot 60+ arrows with little to no fatigue.

Looking back, when I first went back to a traditional bow, I don`t think I could have refrained from shooting until I was sore. Even when it was bad, it was still good.

There is alot of truth to the saying that "nothing worthwhile is easy".

Keep it fun, and soon there will be no soreness, and there will be way more good shots than bad.  

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Thank you for all of the input. This thread has given me some great advice.

I shot a 3-D today. Course A 20 targets with the compound and Course B 20 targets with my Blacktail. I did fairly well with the recurve. I missed 4 targets all together with the recurve and the targets that I did hit about 50% were in the kill zone,and the others ranged from the head to the gut, to the nose, so I have a long way to go, but I thought it was decent for only having the bow for less than 72 hours.

A couple of the misses were after I made a couple good close shots and decided to shoot out at 18 and 20 yards, too far for now. 10 to 15 yards was working pretty good.

It was funner to shoot the recurve than the compound. Looking forward to shooting some stumps this week.

Thanks again,

Paul

[snufer]

Paul, your whole problem is that Blacktail, you should dump it as soon as possible, being the nice guy that I am, I will take it off of your hands for a reasonable price! Seriously, work on your form and keep shooting, it will all come together.