Noob questions

[TNFrog]

Hello All,
I'm getting into tradition bow shooting and had a few questions:

1) I've been experimenting with split fingers and 3 under. On the 3 under, I noticed that if i leave 1/8th of space between my finger and the nock , i don't crowd the arrow at draw. Is this a viable way or is my grip screwed up?

2) As for the split fingers vs 3 under, while most archers say to go with what feel right for you, in hunting application (specifically birds on the wing), split may be faster. Any thoughts on that?

3) Right now, I'm stuck inside, so my target is only 22ft away. I'm really trying to get the form spot on so that's OK for the time being. In the learning process, is it better to start shooting at the max distance you wish to shoot (ie 20 yds for me) or am i better off increasing the distance incrementally (10-15-20 yards) ? If the latter, what would be consider a good 5 arrow grouping at 10 yards?  4", 3", 2", 1"? How about at 20 yards? 5", 3", 2"?

4) If i have two bows of the same weight/draw (#50lbs/28) can use the same arrows for both both bows even if one bow lis longer than the other 60" vs 52"

thanks all

[Gordon Jabben]

#2.  Yes for most archers, I would think split finger would be faster if a bird got up unexpectedly.  Still a very tough shot. 
#3.  I have taken some game but I can't shoot five arrow 5" groups at 20 yards.  Maybe at ten yards. 

[McDave]

1.  Provided you have a nock both under and over the arrow nock, I agree that 1/8” clearance between your forefinger and the nock is a good idea when shooting 3 under.  Unfortunately, the rules of some tournaments would disqualify you for doing this.  However, if you don't plan on shooting in any high level tournaments where they would care about this, go for it.

2.  Split allows for more control of the arrow with your fingers, so probably split is better than 3 under for birds on the wing.  But certainly you can shoot at birds either way, with about the same chance of hitting one, unless you are very good at it.

3.  Shoot at whatever distance you can, and don't worry about what sized groups you “should” get.  Practice at any distance is beneficial.  Just be aware of the kill area of whatever animal you want to hunt, and make sure you can shoot inside that sized circle at whatever distance you plan to hunt.  6” diameter is about the right size for the kill zone of a deer.

4.  I doubt if the same arrow would be optimal for a 60” bow and a 52” bow, unless they are both recurves and both cut to the same centershot.  But certainly close enough to shoot for fun until you know enough to pick out optimal arrows for each one.