How many arrows per day?

[bobcat]

For you archery experts out there, how many arrows do I need to shoot per day to be ready for hunting season 5 months from now? I'm not a real experienced archer, hunted archery for a couple years but that was over 10 years ago now. Then I gave it up and traded off my bow, due to shoulder issues I was having at the time.

So now I've got a new bow that I bought 2 years ago, a 60 pound bow this time instead of the 70 pound bow I had before. I've been shooting it sporadically the last couple years, but now I've got to get serious since I've decided to go with an archery elk tag this year.

I'm finding that I can only shoot 20 arrows before my arms get tired. I don't want to overdo it since that's how I messed up my shoulder before. Will I be okay with only 20 shots per day for a while until I can gradually increase that? Or should I drop the poundage down to about 50 so can take more shots before I get tired?

[jackelope]

I think you'd be better off shooting less at the same weight than more at a lighter weight. 10-12 shots a day is good I've heard. It will be interesting to see these responses as I'm in the same boat.

[Alan K]

You certainly don't want to over do it.  When you get tired, the only thing you're doing is building your strength, not improving accuracy.  Stick with the draw weight you plan to hunt with IMO.

I wouldn't get stressed about about having the strength to pull your bow back for the 100th time in a day and make an accurate shot.  You'll rarely take more than a couple shots a day during hunting situations.

When I go out and shoot, my first shot of the session is the one that I put most stock in and believe is most telling.  When hunting you won't have 10 practice shots right before the real deal to get warmed up.

Quite honestly, you're the only one who can answer the question as far as how many shots per day to be 'ready'. When you're satisfied with your groups, you're ready. For some, that's a 5 inch group at 30 yards, others it's a 3 inch group at 60 yards.  (Let's skip the ethics arguement on this thread!)

If you've got a good back yard or some timbered property, I'd be more concerned with shooting from different positions and from different angles (up/down).  That'll prepare you for what you'll experience in a real situation more than sitting back and shooting a target in an open yard standing comfortably.

[jburkett]

You certainly don't want to over do it.  When you get tired, the only thing you're doing is building your strength, not improving accuracy.  Stick with the draw weight you plan to hunt with IMO.

I wouldn't get stressed about about having the strength to pull your bow back for the 100th time in a day and make an accurate shot.  You'll rarely take more than a couple shots a day during hunting situations.

When I go out and shoot, my first shot of the session is the one that I put most stock in and believe is most telling.  When hunting you won't have 10 practice shots right before the real deal to get warmed up.

Quite honestly, you're the only one who can answer the question as far as how many shots per day to be 'ready'. When you're satisfied with your groups, you're ready. For some, that's a 5 inch group at 30 yards, others it's a 3 inch group at 60 yards.  (Let's skip the ethics arguement on this thread!)

If you've got a good back yard or some timbered property, I'd be more concerned with shooting from different positions and from different angles (up/down).  That'll prepare you for what you'll experience in a real situation more than sitting back and shooting a target in an open yard standing comfortably.

You nailed it!    The first shot of your practice is the one that matters. In may and June I shoot till I can't draw my bow in one fluid motion then I take it easy for the rest of the day, and I repeat this process every day and the spend the rest of the summer shooting from farther then my max hunting range, usually 60-70 yards.  If your shooting good groups at those yardages then your 50 and under shots will come easy.

[hughjorgan]

IMO quality over quantity. I would drop weight to around 50 pounds and get the proper spined arrow for the poundage and work on your form and execution. Over time you will build endurance. Do that for a couple months then crank it up to the weight you want to hunt with and build your strength and endurance.

[JLS]

A lot of that depends on the quality of the arrows you're shooting.  20 perfect shot sequences is worth a lot more than 40 garbage shots to try and build strength.

Can you draw your bow while sitting flat on your butt on the ground, without pointing at the sky and "dropping in" to the draw?  I.e. can you hold your bow out straight and smoothly draw it back from the sitting position?  If you can't, then your draw weight is probably too high.

FWIW, I may only shoot 5-10 arrows on a lot of days.  Some days it's 20.  Some days it's 40, but I can't just shoot all 8, retrieve them, and repeat 5 times.   Take a few rest breaks.

[kentrek]

like most things quality is the key,not quantity....i like to shoot one or two arrows at a time....make every shot count...

practice doesn't makes perfect...perfect practice makes perfect

id shoot one or two arrows at a time until you notice any amount of fatigue

leave on a great shot,not a good one...after your done you want to focus on what you did perfectly and not be kicking your self in the rear for a sloppy shot (even if it hit its mark)

shoot with your eyes closed,feel the shot




also practice like a hunter and not an archer,unless your wanting to be a target shooter


just some thoughts

[kentrek]

sorry bout the redundancy of my post compared to whats said above but it prolly cant be said enough


have fun 

[norsepeak]

I usually try for around 50 a day now and don't worry too much about group size in an effort to get the muscles in shape and ready for action, then as the season gets closer, I shoot less arrows, but put much more emphasis on accuracy.  Like was said before, I think the first group and the last group are the most important for accuracy.  I try to make my best groups in those two sets.  That being said though it should be fun, so when you get to the point of not having fun, stop, go grab a beer and relax on the back porch and dream about that big bull.

[JPhelps]

When I go out and shoot, my first shot of the session is the one that I put most stock in and believe is most telling.  When hunting you won't have 10 practice shots right before the real deal to get warmed up.

   I only shoot until I become tired. Fatigue can form bad habits quickly.

In the same note you want to shoot enough so that it becomes instinctive.  There is no way to simulate your nerves with a live animal in your sights and you want that shot to be automatic.

[jrebel]

Shoot quite a bit early to biuld up your muscles, then start working on accuracy regimen with fewer shots.  I like doing drills like pulling my bow back and holding it for 30, 60, 90 seconds before shooting and sometimes longer.  I like shooting from different stances and absolutely love taking my target camping with me and shooting through brush, up and down steep angles and using real life scenarios as the season gets closer.  Remember.....you will be hunting not shooting competitions so a perfect stance is not always possible.   

[SniperDanWA]

When I go out and shoot, my first shot of the session is the one that I put most stock in and believe is most telling.  When hunting you won't have 10 practice shots right before the real deal to get warmed up.

   I only shoot until I become tired. Fatigue can form bad habits quickly.

In the same note you want to shoot enough so that it becomes instinctive.  There is no way to simulate your nerves with a live animal in your sights and you want that shot to be automatic.

I shoot about 20 arrows at 20-45 yes with 60lbs.  I'm with these guys, less is more.  Don't stress out the muscles too much or you will mess up your form.  That said, I'm good at targets but yet to get an animal with the bow.  Keep it up.

[dreamunelk]

Not about shooting lots of arrow.  Go 6 - 12 for perfection than try some holding the draw longer.  Unless you are shooting competition you don't need to be able to whip out 50 shots.  If you can drill your first few arrow every time you are in the money.   As mentioned above think hunting shots.  Sometimes you have to hold the bow at full draw for a long time.  So practice it.  Switch it up.  Throw a ladder on the roof and shoot your 6 - 12.   Shoot while kneeling.  Just think what may I run into hunting.   In 5 months you will be deadly.

[Fowlweather25]

Getting a lot of good advice from this thread!

[jrebel]

I think I need to prefice the muscle building comment made earlier.  You don't need to build muscle to be accurate, but you definitely want to be able to pull your bow without any struggle in any situation.   I have watched many of people struggle to pull their bow in cold weather or in a sitting position.  I have also watched people spook animals while attempting to pull their bows.   You should not struggle to pull your bow....ever.  If this is the case you need to shoot more till it is easy in all different situations. 

[dreamunelk]

Bingo!  Well said.

[demontang]

I shoot a lot over the years ill put about 100 down range on a day that I have time to. I shoot everything at my hunting draw. Im still able to shoot when im tired and hold a good group at 65-67yds. Which is what I want to beable to do after a long hard hike. I think you need to beable to slowly draw and stop drawing before the wall if an animal moves to where it might see you not just barly get it back.

[Jellymon]

When I go out and shoot, my first shot of the session is the one that I put most stock in and believe is most telling.  When hunting you won't have 10 practice shots right before the real deal to get warmed up.

   I only shoot until I become tired. Fatigue can form bad habits quickly.

In the same note you want to shoot enough so that it becomes instinctive.  There is no way to simulate your nerves with a live animal in your sights and you want that shot to be automatic.

This is true. On my first elk I was so focused on his vitals that I dont even remember choosing my 35yd pin gap, a perfect shot just automatically happened. If I didnt practice a lot like I do the outcome may have been different.
Set the poundage where its comfortable, be honest with yourself, dont worry about speed and poundage numbers, and just have fun.

[earlmarne]

im not any kind of expert but i let my shooting tell me when ive shot enough.
sometimes i will shoot for an hour,sometimes more,and often less.
if i start pulling shots i pack it up.

[pianoman9701]

I shoot 100+ arrows per day, three times a week. I let my muscles recover with a day in between just like weight lifting. If I were just starting out, I would shoot three arrows at a time until I start to feel that I'm getting tired and then take a break for 15 minutes and do it again for two more sets. After about 2-4 weeks, I would shoot groups of four arrows and start doing 4 shooting sets. After two months, 5 arrows per group and 4 sets.

If you don't have access to a range with targets up to 60 yards or so, take your bow target to a field and use a range finder or pace off marked distances to get used to different yardages and make sure your bow is sighted for the correct yardages. To gain proficiency in judging distances in the woods, do as many 3-D shoots as possible before the season - at least 2 or 3. Be prepared to lose some arrows. You can also use a Judo tip to stump shoot while scouting.

Although I agree that shooting tired doesn't accomplish much if you're losing control, I also believe that you gain muscle memory and consistency through repetitious training. The more arrows you can shoot by the time the season comes around, the easier and more instinctive the shot will be when it's time to drop the string on an animal.

[boneaddict]

im not any kind of expert but i let my shooting tell me when ive shot enough.
sometimes i will shoot for an hour,sometimes more,and often less.
if i start pulling shots i pack it up.

   

[JamesK.]

What seems to be working well for me is shooting ballpark 25 arrows a day. I shoot 5 days a week and rely on shooting often to build muscle and good technique. I shoot 4 arrows from each 20,30,40,50, and 60 yards and focus on making every one count. If I'm having a day where everything is perfect and I can't do wrong I will shoot more but once I'm tired I stop. I hate shooing fatigued and making bad shots that lower my confidence. If I'm having an off day I always make sure to step up to 20 to slam a few in the bulls eye just to end on a good note. That's my two cents.

[Bean Counter]

20 to 30 arrows myself. I'm a good archery shot but for some reason not a good bow hunter 

I'd rather do 10 shots five times a week than 50 shots once a week. 

[bobcat]

Thanks for all the great advice. You all gave me a lot to think about. I think I will lighten the poundage up by a bit. I'd like to be able to shoot at least 40 arrows in a session. I've been shooting 5 at a time, and I do that 4 times, and I'm done. I don't feel like I'm getting enough practice that way.

I can shoot in my back yard, up to about 100 yards if I wanted. But I've only been shooting at 20 yards for now. I'll move it out to 40 yards max. Any further and I'll need a bigger target. Otherwise I'm afraid I'll lose some arrows.

Another question- what's a good, but cheap, broadhead target? I only have a target for field points. I've seen Cabelas has one fairly cheap. I think it's yellow and it was around $40. Is that one worth the money?

[h20hunter]

Here is a tip that I recently learned from D-Rock......I've had some lower back issues and I swear pulling arrows out of the target takes more energy out of me than shooting. D-Rock had an extra puck style arrow puller that basically allows me to grip the arrow over a larger surface area on both the arrow shaft and my palm. The result is I can expend much less energy, and strain, on the lower back pulling arrows out. I will never visit the practice range again without it.

[bobcat]

I've been using a can of "tire shine" on my arrows. I spray some on a rag and wipe my arrows down with it. They pull out of the target so much easier. When it wears off, wow! Pulling those arrows out an be really hard on the back! (It sucks getting old)

[Smossy]

I've been using a can of "tire shine" on my arrows. I spray some on a rag and wipe my arrows down with it. They pull out of the target so much easier. When it wears off, wow! Pulling those arrows out an be really hard on the back! (It sucks getting old)

I use a rubber arrow puller. It makes it muuuch easier. I have a hard time myself being able to grip arrows without bending them.

[h20hunter]

Yep.....probably similiar to what I have now. It is a little puck with a + cut out......just palm, grip, and pull.

[JLS]

wipe your arrows with silicon lube

[dreamingbig]

Another amen for quality over quantity.  Spend time to develop a repeatable shot sequence, be able to shoot from different positions, to shoot fast when needed and stop gripping that bow handle so hard!

[et1702]

Another question- what's a good, but cheap, broadhead target? I only have a target for field points. I've seen Cabelas has one fairly cheap. I think it's yellow and it was around $40. Is that one worth the money?

BUY some of the expandable insulating foam (i.e., two part mix).  I have a refrigerator box that I lined with visqueen and filled w/foam.  that thing has lasted me over 5 years and thousands of arrows of mine and my buddies all shooting it.  Both BH's and field points.  It's just now getting to the point of being loose in the center and my arrows will bury to the fletches.  time to find another refrigerator box!

As many have already said, shooting with good form is MOST IMPORTANT right now.  You want to build muscles that you use for drawing and holding steady.  You will also build muscle MEMORY, which will help with instinctive shooting while in the field.  If you drop poundage to start, muscles will build rapidly and you can just give the bow limbs 1/2 a crank each week or two and you will be back up to hunting weight long before the season arrives.  Once you are at hunting weight, tuning is important too.  make sure you shoot w/somone who knows how to tune bow, arrows, etc. and you will see a big increase in accuracy.  Properly tuned bow means that your field points and BHs will have same point of impact.  I've been doing this for 33+ years.  If you fling 20 arrows a night with proper form, quality is much better than quantity.  As you probably already noticed, once you get tired, your form suffers, which greatly reduces accuracy.

If you are ever in the Duvall, WA area, let me know.  I have a big horse pasture and we can shoot any distance you like.  I can also help you w/any tuning issues.

Above all, have fun!

ET

[Bean Counter]

Another question- what's a good, but cheap, broadhead target? I only have a target for field points. I've seen Cabelas has one fairly cheap. I think it's yellow and it was around $40. Is that one worth the money?

I have used my Block target for mostly field points but broadheads as well.  I have the older model that uses the layered white friction foam. I haven't tried out the now more prevalent black, foamy type targets. I don't know if it fits the cheap part of your requirement costing $100 but I've been using mine for four years and I still haven't gotten a pass through yet. Seems cheaper to me than the thought of spending $30 every year.

[shorbino]

6 at your normal poundage.  That's my rule.

[sakoshooter]

IMO quality over quantity. I would drop weight to around 50 pounds and get the proper spined arrow for the poundage and work on your form and execution. Over time you will build endurance. Do that for a couple months then crank it up to the weight you want to hunt with and build your strength and endurance.

Agreed. Only I like to shoot a lot of arrows. 100 every other day is pretty easy to do. 200 on some tourney days and days I'm just having a good time shootin w/buddies. I agree with the first shot theory but it's hard to make that first shot count when you don't have good form and shooting technique because of too little practice. Practice will increase your strength and accuracy. Don't be afraid of it.

[sakoshooter]

Last weekends weather and so far, this weekends weather are cutting into my practicing.

[pianoman9701]

If your bow matches your strength and if you can shoot 100 arrows a day four times a week, shooting becomes instinctive. Being over bowed can hamper this. I think that if you're shooting a bow that will match to your strengths, this technique of muscle memory is extremely effective.

[sakoshooter]

If your bow matches your strength and if you can shoot 100 arrows a day four times a week, shooting becomes instinctive. Being over bowed can hamper this. I think that if you're shooting a bow that will match to your strengths, this technique of muscle memory is extremely effective.

Looking at it from a mostly hunting standpoint you're right on pianoman. I like to shoot the highest poundage I can accurately shoot. Accuracy is key. Heavy clothes, backpacks, cold weather, sitting/kneeling and steep hills affect what you can draw smoothly. Practicing with your hunting draw weight often makes all of the above much easier.