My shooting is coming around. Finally!

[longbow fanatic 1]

As with many of you, I have been shooting all summer. For me, I usually get out once per week and shoot as many arrows as I can before I fatigue. Well lately, my shooting is beginning to improve. Here is a group I shot today at 15 yards. I have shot similar groups like this recently, so that's how I know my shooting is getting better.

I wish I could shoot this well at 20 yards. I can't believe how much worse my groups became at 20 yards. Oh well. Little victories, right?

 

[toby]

Nice shooting

[longbow fanatic 1]

Thanks, toby. I have really struggled over the years with consistency, so it feels good to getting a little closer to that goal.

[Tajue17]

that is some good shootig but try throwing a cover or blanket over that target and get rid of those little targets which might work for sights but not for instinctive archery.

its really too much to think about looking at those tiny things that look inches apart at 20yds,,,, I like a plain solid color brown target face so I can focus on a certain spot or shaded section I see and not worry about some bright dot drawing my eye or forcing me to shoot at it,,

there won't be any dots on the deers.... because you've struggled a bit give this a try and let me know what you think,, at first its strange but eventually its a real confidence booster trust me....

[NittanyRider]

Originally posted by Tajue17:
I like a plain solid color brown target face so I can focus on a certain spot or shaded section I see and not worry about some bright dot drawing my eye or forcing me to shoot at it

I'm new to archery, so my experience is limited, but in my case, I couldn't agree more with this statement.  I've been doing "bridging drills" lately where I cover the face of the target with butcher paper and shoot at varying distances from the target.  My only goal is to focus on my form and make sure I execute a perfect shot every time.  When I focus on my form and not the bullseye, I generally put the arrows right where I want to. However, when I take the paper off and "aim" for one of the dots, half the time I rush or forget a step in the shot sequence and that always results in a bad shot.  Eventually, I hope that I can burn the shot sequence in so deep that a dot on a target doesn't act like a wrench in the spokes.  I went to a shooting clinic with Rod Jenkins in March and he told me that putting it all together is kind of like rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time.  Come to think of it, I can't do that yet, either!    

[toby]

Longbow, I see you have a Dwyer and a Toelke,  which do you prefer?
Toby

[longbow fanatic 1]

Toby, They are both great bows and both are great Bowyers. I prefer my Toelke though. The next bow I buy will be a Toelke Whip.

Thanks for the shooting advice. I actually aim for the dots because I'm a gap shooter. I will give it a try though, Tajue & NittanyRider.

[VictoryHunter]

Great shooting!

[longbow fanatic 1]

Thanks, Victory.

[dougedwards]

Good shooting.  I have been shooting for almost three months now and still have trouble finding day to day consistency but it is all fun.

 Doug

[longbow fanatic 1]

So true, Doug. I've been shooting for 4 1/2 years. I guess I'm a slow learner.  

[Caughtandhobble]

Your shooting looks good to me. Traditional is really a simple thing, just be consistent. Well it sounds easy enough, lol...

Keep up the good work  

[dougedwards]

This is quite a transition from the compound bow world.  When I now shoot 6 arrows within a 7" group of the dot at 20 yards I consider it a triumph.  Used to be that I was very disappointed to do that at 40 yards.  But I sure did have a whole lot of contraptions on my compound and it did take some time even with all that accessory help to develop consistent accuracy.

Now, instead of shooting something that feels like a piece of furniture in my hand it feels like I am handling a fly rod and at 58 yrs old I am learning new tricks.  How cool is that?

I agree. Little victories are what is it all about!

 Doug

[NBK]

Toby, I agree with fanatic in that they're both great bows.  I'm currently shooting a whip and it's raised my standard of how a one piece longbow can shoot.  That said I've got a new dwyer coming any day now and I'm selling my whip for no better reason than I need the money to fund the new bow.  Personally I think the whip might have an edge in shooting qualities, but the customization and options and shooting qualities of the dwyer make it a horse apiece.  I'd be happy with either and probably happiest with both!

[Hawkeye]

When you decide you have it COMPLETELY figured out...

... just shoot o-n-e more arrow!   :rolleyes:  


Keep after it.  It's great when things start coming together.

[tradarcher816]

Good shooting, keep it up

[pcg]

Great thread. All about constant, consistent practice.

[Sam McMichael]

Don't you just love it when a plan stumbles together?

[longbow fanatic 1]

Thanks, tradarcher. So true,pcg! LOL, Sam!

[Sirius Black]

Great job! My biggest thing now is slowing down my shot. I tend to shoot to fast, regardless of draw weight.