Hitting a wall in accuracy...help!

[Michael Arnette]

Hello Gang,

I have really enjoyed practicing every day for the last three months using my TallTines 60# 58" recurve.
Just a little background: I've shot recurves and longbows for 10 years this season and have had good success but I'm kind of at a standstill, really I've been there for several years now. Each year it seems like I can get my accuracy to a certain level and then it just seems like I just keep hitting a wall. Basically I can hit the vitals of a Whitetail every time inside 20 yards but outside that it gets ugly real quick. I'd say my groups inside 20 yards are always within the 6" mark and pretty close to this out to 25.

 I've been thinking this year and last about the number of shots at mature whitetail that I've had between 20 and 30 yards. Realistically the 20-30 mark have represent about 60 to 70% of my opportunities at mature whitetail. To be sure I've taken plenty of hunting shots at this range and so far I have let's just say, gotten lucky. I'm really trying to get deadly out to 30 and just can't seem to do it. Also, I would like to see my 3d shooting scores to get better too.

I've been using a Rick Welch style anchor with three fingers under. I have tried 1, 2, and 3 anchor points off and on and can't decide which to settle on. Third finger corner of the mouth, nose to the fletch, and knuckle against the cheek. My point on is at 45 yards with 600 grain arrows.

My question is twofold, should I give up and just stay inside 20? Should I seek in person training? What methods or actions would you recommend?

[AZ_Longbow]

Aim smaller, start closer again but make your target the size of a quarter. nothing else matter but that quarter size, not close but that quarter. Then work your way back out.
if you have had the vitals of a deer as your goal you are meeting that goal. Now just make that goal smaller in size. We went out grasshopper hunting earlier this year. at first it was close by the end of the day we were hitting most of them.

[jess stuart]

Sometimes if you shoot farther, it will help you on closer shots.  If you can learn to shoot decent at 35-40 yards you will be deadly at the shorter ranges.  The longer range forces you to have better form and more attention to the little things, that added together really add to the group size.

[longbow fanatic 1]

For me, traditional means getting close. At my personal skill level, that means shots at deer within 15 yards. At times, I have had really good groups at 30 yards, however, I choose not to shoot at deer at anything beyond 15 yards, even though I may, or may not be, capable of making the shot at that moment, e.g. is it Oct. 1st in warm weather at 30 yards or is it Dec. 30th and -10 degrees with bulky clothing at 30 yards...

Don't get me wrong, I am not judging you. Every archer must make their own decisions and evaluate their own abilities. There are a lot of archers who are much better shots than me, but these are my parameters for my abilities.

As far as becoming a better archer, I would suggest setting up a Rod Jenkins class. I, along with Kevin Winkler, set up a class this summer and quite frankly, I found his training exceptional. It may help you eclipse your shooting standstill.

[macbow]

You mentioned Rick Welch's style.
I personally know 4 people that were,decent shots at 3D.
After taking Rick Welch's class there,was,a,remarkable increase especially out to 40 yards.

[Tradcat]

I agree with Longbow Fanatic 1...I'm NOT judging either. FOR ME, It's all bout how close can I get to the game that I'm hunting. That pursuit FORCES me to become a better hunter...and that's the ultimate goal. I do agree that shooting at longer distances (25-40 yards) will make you deadly inside 20 yards. Good shooting will always follow discipline and hard work...Hang in there buddy !

[ChuckC]

Hang in there.  

Be careful of setting goals that are not really attainable.  Not everybody can jump like Jordan, throw like Favre, hit like da Babe , fling arrows like Hill etc.

Maybe you can, maybe you can't but do your best and don't get upset.  You gotta enjoy it too or it won't be fun.
ChuckC

[drewsbow]

follow through , follow through  , follow through , thats  all I have to say

[PaulDeadringer29]

Tune your setup for a point of aim to 30yds.

[Michael Arnette]

Dang that would be a heavy arrow!

[9 Shocks]

My point on distance is around 32 yards.  It really helps with the 30 yard shot and lining everything up.

I spent about a week shooting only 30 and 40 yards.  probably shot 50 shots a day.  It helped and I videoed my self and noticed my form flaws.  Helped tight up my groups.  I'm still not stacking them into a tight touching group but they all hit the vitals.

[Stump73]

My point on is 25yds and point on for my hunting setup is 20yds.

[babs]

If you would shoot full length arrows and move your nocking point up a little you would be close to 30 yards point on.Check out some youtube videos by jimmy blackmon. Good advice and tips from him

[Jakeemt]

I had the same issue. I started shooting out to 40 yards on a regular basis. You really have to start focusing on little details the more you extend your range. Back tension, grip, bow arm, finger tension. All these things really come into play. If I had to choose any one thing it would be a rock steady bow arm. Also start shooting out to longer ranges when you are fresh. this should begin not end your practice sessions.

[TSP]

"My question is twofold, should I give up and just stay inside 20?"

It's bowhunting.  Why not?

[LBR]

Take Rod Jenkins' clinic.  Worth 10 times the cost.

[newhouse114]

I think hunting tactics vary, I hunt coastal Oregon blacktails, mule deer, and elk. All spot and stalk. Ranges vary, terrain varies, and shooting position varies. I try and practice from 10-50 yards. Under super special conditions I would take the 50 yard shot on an elk. Hasn't happened yet and all my elk have been under thirty.I did whack a WOUNDED (by another hunter) running muley last year at 40 yards. The practice came in very handy that time.

[Possum Head]

I'm with you Michael. Over the past 5 years my shooting hasn't improved at all.

[overbo]

Once your shooting form becomes second nature, it's all about what's going on between the ears. I shot 3under gap style for many years but never felt comfortable in hunting situations. For me, I've come to realize the shooting system I was using had my brain doing too many things at the moment of truth. I've since, simplified my shooting style(for my brain). I know it sounds so simple to do but I just try to keep my bow arm into the shot till arrow impact.
IMO, shooting a gap style is more suited for shooting bows of much lighter draw than the 60lbs you shoot. Being able to hold w/ less effort at fulldraw is a huge benefit w/ point aiming system.