Catching nose with bowstring

[tobowhunt]

It had been 19 years since I had shot a recurve.I am getting back into the fun of Traditional archery but have a nagging problem. I have had a Hoyt Tiburon for a year and just recently purchased a Black widow (PMAX). The Hoyt is 55#/30" and the Widow is 52#/30". I shoot split finger (one above/two below) and anchor with my index finger in the corner of my mouth. My trouble is that I catch the end of my nose with the bowstring upon release. Any ideas as to what I am doing or could do differently? Please be kind, a nose job is not an option!!

Thanks.  

[longstick]

I do that every now and then and my fix is turn my body a hair more square with the target. It appeared when I was too out of square it would cause me to have to turn my face more into the shot and therefore catching my nose

[RC]

Your "overdrawing" your bow. turning your head like Longstick said.Keep your face a little more square to the target.RC

[Archie]

I had the same problem until a couple of months ago.  I always anchor in the corner of my mouth, and touch the same top tooth.  After a day of gopher hunting, I noticed that my nose (already calloused from my string) was bleeding pretty good.  I moved my anchor point to the next tooth forward and noticed no real change to my shooting or aim.  Those extra few millimeters have saved my nose ever since.  No more callous, no more problems.

[elkbreath]

Its genetic....

[Swamp Pygmy]

even your stance out. (place toes and heels evenly and aimed at your target, feet seperated same distance as your arrow.

[elkbreath]

just so you know, just a joke!  I agree with above.  have a solid anchor, and don't "pull" with your head in order to follow through.  Pull only with your back. I too think you're overdrawing. Good luck!

[Bowman0202]

Is your last name Durante? LOL. Couldn't resist - mine's the same also.

Good advice above.  Try moving your anchor point a bit forward and maybe upward. Might try anchoring on or just behind your eye tooth with your second finger - as long as that places the arrow under your eye.

[Tom Anderson]

...stop telling lies...  :D

[katman]

Overdrawing as mentioned was the culprit for me. Changed my anchor and no more bleeding nose after a practice session.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

lift your chin a little... Your dropping your head....

[Daddy Bear]

Just a thought, is there a chance you may be weak eye dominant causing you to turn your head and nose into the string to get your off side eye over the arrow? I can see that catching your nose regardless of overdrawing.

Daddy Bear

[aromakr]

Several of the above post got it correct, the problem is caused when you try to pull a longer arrow than necessary. Check your draw length by placing a shaft on your breast bone about shoulder height and extend both arms without over stretching and mark the shaft at the end of your longest finger, that should be your correct draw length.
Bob

[NDTerminator]

I do this when I shoot a bow that's too long for me, as I turn my face into the string slightly...

[AllenR]

Great responses above.  Another solution is to cant you bow a little more.

[beachbowhunter]

Originally posted by Daddy Bear:
Just a thought, is there a chance you may be weak eye dominant causing you to turn your head and nose into the string to get your off side eye over the arrow? I can see that catching your nose regardless of overdrawing.

Daddy Bear

Yup. If you are right eye dominant and shoot right handed, turn your head and concentrate on the target with your right eye. That solved it for me and helped my accuracy too.

[VA Bowbender]

I feel your pain my friend.   :eek:  
I had the same problem and it haunted me for probably a year.  I would go and shoot trying to figure out what I was doing wrong other than the obvious.  I tried several different bows, no luck, I tried 3 fingers under and split, no luck.  I finally went to a range and shot all day trying to adjust my anchor point.  I found that I was still hitting my old anchor point but not turning my head to look straight at the target I was in a matter of speaking "side looking" at the target from the corner of my eye.  It took a lot of concentration and work to break the bad habit.  Good luck with yours, I hope you work it out soon. I know it hurts.