Post by: DeKuma on February 20, 2008, 06:07:30 PM
They are all in the "kill" zone, but I am not happy with the size of the group. Did better yesterday shooting the black hole alone (it is behind paper), and managed to shoot the fletching off two arrows.
Just thought I would share and if anyone has any good advice for a rookie archer like me, fire away!
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on February 20, 2008, 08:26:28 PM
A few tips:
1) tighten your limb bolts all the way down; if it's too hard to draw, back them out evenly - 1/2 turn top, 1/2 turn bottom, etc.. Most compounds shoot best at the upper end of the draw weight.
2) A couple of sources of potential error are addressed with your equipment: the drop-away rest and peep sight help with consistency. Make sure the peep is properly aligned, if you have to shift at all at full draw to see through it - it needs to be properly aligned. Here's a link, there's lots of them out there: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/sm-how-to-tune-a-bow--bg-698554.html
3) What is your draw length? Is the bow properly adjusted for your draw length? Those Hoyts have a wide range of draw length adjustment.
4) Are you shooting the right spine arrows for your draw length/draw weight (you can check that online w/ Cabelas or another vendors chart for selling arrows, if you know your draw length and weight)
5) I can't see what your nock arrangement is; are you using a string loop with a mechanical release, a mechanical release clipped directly on the bow string, or are you using fingers to draw the bow? If your axle-to-axle length is less than 34", odds are you need to use a mechanical release to shoot consistently. If you are using a mechanical release, I strongly recommend using a loop rather than clipping directly to the string.
6) Is your nock point set properly with a bow square? If your nock point is not perpendicular to the string on the release, you will have accuracy issues.
7) DON"T grip the bow tightly; you will be much more accurate shooting from an open hand. Use the bow leash to keep from dropping the bow; if that doesn't feel right, try just encircling the grip with your thumb and forefinger.
8) Once you know your bow is properly set up, it's time to paper tune.
I know from experience that by shooting a poorly tuned bow every day for months, you can learn to shoot pretty accurately to moderate distances. Or, you can invest 1/2 a day at a competent bow shop with a range, and for a small fee and a few cheap component sales, you can be shooting 6" 50 yard groups within a couple of days.
Good luck - it is truly addicting. I enjoy all hunting, rifle to bow, but the bow most of all.
Post by: DeKuma on February 20, 2008, 08:57:23 PM
I had the bow set up at the Nock Point in Edmonds. They selected my arrow and point weight accordingly and timed and tuned the bow for me.
I appreciate the link. I will review it and maybe find something I have missed.
The nock is perp to string, and I am using a mechanical release with a string loop. I am getting used to not gripping the bow and just resting it in the crook between my thumb and index finger, taking some getting used to.
I am not sure if it was paper tuned or not, now that I think of it........ I know it is a bullet hole at 20 yards, but up closer, who knows.
Post by: jake on February 20, 2008, 09:01:20 PM
Post by: dbllunger on February 20, 2008, 09:22:56 PM
Post by: rooselk on February 20, 2008, 09:29:10 PM
Post by: robb92 on February 20, 2008, 09:31:59 PM
Post by: WAcoueshunter on February 20, 2008, 09:40:46 PM
You might also be dropping the bowhand right before or during the shot (like a flinch), or "punching" the trigger rather than squeezing through the shot.
Post by: Slider on February 20, 2008, 09:44:19 PM
Post by: griz272000 on February 20, 2008, 09:47:39 PM
Post by: huntingnut on February 20, 2008, 10:01:13 PM
Post by: DeKuma on February 20, 2008, 10:15:48 PM
I have a black hole target behind the picture with multiple spots on it, so I can shoot those, but I was trying to get my shots to group, I have had to refletch two arrows in the last 3 days, so I guess I am groupling well, when everything goes correctly........
Thanks for all the tips. I will keep you posted.
Post by: tlbradford on February 21, 2008, 02:13:54 PM
Post by: DeKuma on February 21, 2008, 05:40:47 PM
Thanks for all the advice you guys have given, it is all valuable and is helping a lot.
Post by: bankwalker on February 21, 2008, 06:22:48 PM
after that you will start shooting tighter groups and shooting alot more fletchings off lol
Post by: DeKuma on February 21, 2008, 07:32:05 PM
Post by: griz272000 on February 21, 2008, 08:41:09 PM
Post by: bankwalker on February 21, 2008, 08:45:55 PM
i also speed shoot on my first five arrows and then take my time on my second five it supprises me that i shoot better speed shooting
so do i. i draw, anchor, release. if i have to take the time to make sure im dead on...thats when i shoot bad. its all instinct for me, i get it from shooting a recurve the first 10 years of shooting bows.
Post by: KillBilly on February 24, 2008, 07:59:57 PM
Post by: jackelope on February 24, 2008, 08:12:54 PM
Post by: archery288 on February 24, 2008, 08:31:34 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on February 24, 2008, 09:04:57 PM
Post by: coonhound on February 24, 2008, 09:40:39 PM
Coon
Post by: DeKuma on February 25, 2008, 07:34:22 AM
Post by: KillBilly on February 25, 2008, 08:18:55 AM
Post by: DeKuma on February 25, 2008, 09:09:45 AM
I would buy some of everything if my wife would let me............
Post by: rougheye on February 25, 2008, 09:14:52 AM
Post by: DeKuma on February 25, 2008, 11:02:12 AM
Post by: dbllunger on February 25, 2008, 11:46:45 AM
Post by: rooselk on February 26, 2008, 06:18:59 AM
I also noticed, like you, that I was punching the trigger as I moved over the bullseye. To compensate for this, I started counting when I held on target. This is very difficult for a shotgunner to get used to. Time and practice have taught me to pull the trigger on the way by and my finger seemed to have a life of its own. I tried counting to 10, didn't work, then to 5, didn't work. I manaded to get to 3 and have worked my way up from there. Now I can get to 5 and my accuracy has improved tremendously.
-Sean
That sounds like a great idea. I've never tried that personally, but I think I will give it a go and see what happens. Thanks.
Post by: DeKuma on March 19, 2008, 05:44:55 PM
Been using a stuffed turkey decoy and pounding the crap out of it everyday. I am comfortable with shooting a turkey out to 30-35 yards now. Still practice everyday.
Thanks for asking! Cannot wait to actually use it on an animal! (my son is such a ham!)
Post by: DeKuma on March 20, 2008, 07:06:53 AM