Taking the Instinctive Challenge

[GHawk]

I did my first session of instinctive shooting this morning. I’ve always used some type of mechanical sighting system, but decided to try my hand at 100% instinctive.  The indoor range was pretty quiet and I hung my take-down recurve bow at the furthest 20yd lane hoping to be out of the general flux of people at the sales desk.

It was an interesting experience. One sequence of 6 arrows would gather roughly in a six-inch grouping near center target and the next sequence would be all over the map.  I wasn’t using any particular method other than intently focusing on the center of the target while ‘feeling’ and walking my way in. I was amazed at how it would feel right and the arrow would drop in the bull’s-eye and then for no apparent reason I’d be off on the edge of the paper.

Another shooter a few lanes over was also shooting instinctively, but had nice regular groups. He said he was a gap shooter. I’ve heard pros and cons, but it seemed to be serving him quite well. I figure I’ll go once or twice a week for a while to develop a level of comfort and begin to weed out the distractions before trying to decide what shooting method/style might suit me best. It’s hard to say if I’ll consider leaving my sighted bow home for a hunt in the future, but for now it’ll be an interesting challenge to work through the instinctive rough spots and see how far I can take it.

[Stumpkiller]

Gap shooting is very reliable, but you have to have an established object to use: the base of the target frame, The middle of a bale below the target dot, etc.

It takes at least one arrow to "dial in" a target of unusual shape at an unknown yardage - so it isn't as good for hunting where the first shot must be on.  I gap shoot stumps and targets from 30 yards out to 80 yards just for fun and to work on form.  My point on range is 65 yards and that is occasionally handy for vermin.  But I hunt instinctive and under 25 yards.

[nineworlds9]

Many non-trad shooters think there is some voodoo or 'magic' in instinctive shooting, but really it is about constant practice of skills, mental and physical to make the shot and unconscious extension of mind to body to target.  It is definitely magic when you discover that it is a real and effective method.  After getting back into trad 3 months ago and experimenting with things like gap shooting, once I discovered real instinctive it was truly magic and it absolutely sent me over the edge as far as loving trad.  It a joy to practice and practice and then discover the proper techniques and when it all just comes together and you just shoot.  Its awesome.  Keep up the practice as much as you can.

[GHawk]

I appreciate the insight into gap shooting and the words of encouragement. I don't want to get dependant on a system that requires 'dialing in' or some type of conscious distance analysis... I've got that when using sights.

My thought behind trying instinctive is to develop a more natural sense of the bow, arrow flight and posture. So, I guess it's patience and practice. I'll have to inquire at the range I frequent to see if there's a coach who can help me tweak things from time to time and keep me out of the weeds.

[Jake Diebolt]

Flipping between consistent groups and all over the place happens to me a lot when trying to shoot groups at targets. All it means is that your focus is fading a little. Try slowing down your shooting, or shoot just one arrow at a time, and see if you improve.

[bigbadjon]

Gap shooting doesn't require any reference to calculate distance, that is point of aim shooting. If you can estimate yardage you can gap shoot in the field, more accurately and further than any instinctive archer at that.

[Safari Scott]

As a new shooter who has never done anything but instinctive it's pretty amazing when you feel yourself adjusting without even meaning to.

[Thumper Dunker]

Originally posted by Safari Scott:
As a new shooter who has never done anything but instinctive it's pretty amazing when you feel yourself adjusting without even meaning to.

Ditto. Your getting it.  

[Overspined]

Focus, but don't get over anxious, on the target spot. Get a rhythm for draw and anchor, BUT FOLLOW THROUGH!  FOLLOW THROUGH, FOLLOW THROUGH.  just like you do with sights.  Keep that arm up there until the arrow hits.  If your arrow is pointed the right direction, your arrow will be close, even if your release is questionable.  I did a little gap shooting, and it helps for longer ranges, but it did help me visualize the hold instinctively for my normal shooting.