Hi,
I am new to trad shooting, so I'm hoping that some of you who have been shooting since the last ice age can help out.
Aiming, i.e., sighting down the arrow like a shotgun, versus instinctive shooting...pros and cons?
I can do both almost equally well, but which is better to learn for a newbie? I'm not a great shot, but ever since I started hunting about 12 years ago, animals always seem to die if I want them dead. I think my instincts are good, but maybe I'm training myself totally wrong too...thoughts?
Instinctive shooting is nothing more then training yourself over time and repetition to subconsciously
do the aiming.
I would start with a gapping system you can understand and repeat and then practice to a point it becomes automatic.
Mike
Get your form true, use the same anchor point every time and focus on the smallest point possible where you want your arrow to hit. Then shoot many, many times :thumbsup:
Gapping system??
jlenzo, you seem to be asking about gap shooting. In an overly brief explanation, instinctive shooting emphasizes staring intently solely at the exact spot you want the arrow to hit. Gapping means paying attention to the perceived gap between your arrow point and the desired impact spot. Both methods depend on repetition to train the brain to make the appropriate adjustments to make an accurate shot.
There is a whole lot of better info than this available from members of this forum than I can give. Study and try varying aiming/pointing systems till you find what works best for you. It can be a bit confusing at first, but that is part of the fun of making the journey to competence.
Gapping - knowing where the target needs to be in relation to something constant, usually the tip of your arrow.
I started out gap shooting, after a few months its merely a reference I don't pay much attention to where the tip of my arrow is anymore, because I alreadt know its where it should be.
Let me start by saying that there are a whole lot of fine folks here more qualified to answer your questions than me. My advise is to develop rock steady, unwavering form and alignment early on, before you can develop bad habits. Consult Mr. Terry Greens form clock in the "shooting form" section of the forum. From there experiment and find what works best for you.
Jake
I prefer the Hill/Schulz method of Split Vision aiming. Works for me....I'm not a big fan of "Point and Hope".
I apparently don't have good instincts. Split vision works for me...Most of the time...
When I first started shooting I bought G.Fred Asbel's book, "Instinctive Shooting" and learned from that.
I met Fred at the Hickory NC shoot a few years ago and asked him to sign my copy of his book. He was surprised how old the book was and it was obviously in a heavily used condition.
Find a method that suits you and stick with it. Self doubt is a killer. I like Fred's methods and when I'm well practiced and in shape I only have to think about where the arrow WILL go. Everything else comes automatically.
I shot purely instinctive for many years and took a lot of game. The only problem I had was that if I was off, I had no way to fix it. With an aiming style (gap) you can make the needed adjustments.
We all aim, every time, or we don't hit. With sights and gapping we are using a point of aim, of some sort, be it the sight pin, or the arrow head.
Instinctive, which is just a name, that's all, there is nothing instinctive about it, is a matter of training. You shoot enough and train enough to know what the sight picture should look like. If the deer is this big there should be this much space above or below it etc. We aim using the whole sight picture, or we gap shoot, or we use sight pins or cross hairs.
Pretty obviously, if you are using a sighting device of some sort, the average Joe will likely shoot tighter groups. Why don't we all do that ?
Well, why don't we all shoot magnum rifles instead of sticks and strings ?
We all make choices, based in part by peer pressure, and (hopefully) in larger part by our own wants, needs, and experience. I like shooting what and how I do. I shoot well enough to accomplish my goals and make me smile.
End of story
CHuckC
Get a copy of Byron Fergusons "Become the Arrow" information, either video and/or written book. He does as good a job as anyone at laying out a "Gap to Instinctive" aiming system.
if you want to hit something, you've got to aim, whether it's split vision, gap, instinctive or any other method.... :archer2:
I was going to add my 2 cents worth - but I couldn't say it any better than ChuckC. Couldn't agree more!
QuoteOriginally posted by jlenzo:
Aiming, i.e., sighting down the arrow like a shotgun, versus instinctive shooting...pros and cons?
I shoot my shotguns instinctively. :thumbsup:
Seriously, I look at the target and pull the gun up and fire when my brain says everything is in line. Often at some imaginary space ahead of a bunny or grouse. Same as I do with my bows. I would notice if I forgot to put an arrow on the string so I can't say I am "unaware" of the arrow.
I was shooting a bow with no sights LONG before I was allowed to use a rifle or gun so I can say I shoot a shotgun "arrowneously" instead of vice versa. :laughing:
The brain - the best ballistic computer in the known universe - works out all the angles from muscle and optic inputs and computes the required firing solutions subconsciously.
Call it what you like as long as it provides vittles.
Instinctive is a 'style'......the name came from the style being 'instinctive like'...basic hand and eye coordination. Subconscious aiming. Like a LOT of sports require. The subconscious knows a lot more about what's going on than you 'think'...pun intended.
I will say that on my shots I don't 'see the arrow' like when I'm driving, I don't 'see' the hood of the car....and on my very best shots, I was so immersed at the spot I wanted to hit I don't even remember drawing the bow.
There is no 'my way is the highway' when it come to shooting or aiming styles. Instinctive is not 'point and hope'.
I shoot instinctive, couldn't gap my way out of a paper bag. :biglaugh:
Again, instinctive is just a style...works great for some, and not so great for others. Gotta find what works best for you. Some are better at figuring out the trajectory to the moon, and others are better suited for flying the rockets...best not to switch them at lift off. :D
This pic might explain what words can't
(http://www.stickbow.com/FEATURES/SHOOTING/gap2.jpg)
If I tried to add words, the "point of aim" is the spot on the target that lines up with the arrow point(in the pic it's at 6 o'clock below the target). The "gap" is the relative distance between that point and the center of the bullseye.
QuoteOriginally posted by DaveV:
This pic might explain what words can't
(http://www.stickbow.com/FEATURES/SHOOTING/gap2.jpg)
If I tried to add words, the "point of aim" is the spot on the target that lines up with the arrow point(in the pic it's at 6 o'clock below the target). The "gap" is the relative distance between that point and the center of the bullseye.
That is a perfect explanation! Thanks!
Thanks for all the great tips and explanations! About ten thousand arrows from now, I might be almost as good as I'd like. Practice practice practice. I have a few neighbor kids that I would like to pin targets on, but my wife says certain authorities frown on such things...
Some good points on a volatile topic. Developing good form is crucial and the best is to dial it in on a blank bale- see "Masters of the Barebow 3"
I've seen some very good instinctive shooters that are lights out at 20 yds, soso at 30 and not consistent past 35- which is about what an avg guy can expect, IMO. The longer shots benefit from a reference system.
Few instinctive guys can hang close to an avg gap shooter at tournament shoots where pinpoint accuracy equates to higher scores.
Dave / John
Remember, that sight picture that you are seeing (above) is for a certain distance. Move closer, or farther, and the gap changes. At some point, the gap is "point on" (no gap at all) and beyond that, the gap is above the intended target.
CHuckC
I don't think there is any "Aiming vs. Instinct." It's sort of like saying "Back Tension vs. Form." Aiming is a part of instinctive shooting, just like back tension is a part of form. Just because you're not lining up a sight (or arrow point) with a target doesn't mean that you aren't aiming. We've all had the experience of missing the target even though we were concentrating on it. The "concentrating" is the aiming, and the missing is because we weren't lined up, or blew our release, or.......
This might be helpful.
The Gap Compromise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAEn5cAS6V4)
Another one that might be useful. Obviously, these are to help you better understand gapping.
Gapping: The Method to the Maddness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgm-oErUEQM)
don't worry about that, develope a great deep hook,develope a great brace arm/follow through.let the rest take it';s natural coarse..i assume you want to enjoy archery and are not a competitive indoor hairsplitter,read byron fergusons book, "become the arrow....best practical advice out there.
The videos by Ranger B are the best I have seen to explain gap shooting.
In the end it's up to each person to decide what 'pointing method' works for them. If your current method produces good results (based on your personal objectives, not someone else's) then you have found a good method. It's really that simple, no need to overcomplicate it.
from what i've been reading, and based on my study of psychology - "aiming" whether split vision, gap etc - is a conscious calculation, whereas instinctive, is where you relax your conscious brain ( assuming good form has become a motor engram that it happens at an unconscious-competency level of function) and let your brain work out the "aiming Process". it's just a switch from conscious to unconscious method of getting the arrow to your target.
A good analogy in aiming would be likened unto Bowling - you consciously line up your arm going backward, then as it moves forward, you focus on it lining up with whichever arrow lines up the ball to the pins - where instinctive would be likened to throwing a baseball or football. you never look at the ball while it's in your hand, you don't focus on any gap etc. you simply look at the person, and the ball goes there.
In the end, it boils down to what kind of personality you have. some people like calculated, logically thought out processes, and I would say gap shooting or any other "aiming" style would fit them better. Me, I like listening to my body (even in the gym, I don't have a "routine", I do what feels natural). I like the feeling of trusting in the unknown, and getting great results.
hope I'm not beating a dead horse here :)
Most instinctive shooters I know and hunt with are proficient way beyond 20 yards. Its all in how each individual is programed by God....again, some are better at gap (conscious) and some are better at instinctive(subconscious).
You have to decide what works best for you, but there is no limitation to instinctive at 20 yards.
Your first post mentioned sighting down the arrow or instinctive. If you are shooting 3 under that is an easy way to start. But I might add you can sight down the arrow AND shoot instinctive too. A lot of people do that.
I agree with ChuckC. Well said.
I use a form of gap style or "gun-barrelling" as well, until I shoot at aerial targets. Then all gap aiming goes out the window and my "instincts" kick in.
They are completely different, from a target rule of thumb, meaning.
When using sights/aiming, you never take your eyes off the back sights/down the arrow,(the target is blurry, if no scope is used), or you are shooting blind.
Instinctive is, you never take your eyes off the target(your sights are blurry/the arrow), or you are shooting blind.
If that makes sense.
Sorry tomato, common theory for using sights is to focus on the target too. The sight/pin is blurry.
NOT saying some don't focus on the sight, but most coaches will advise focus on the spot to be hit and the sight to be blurry and floating.
Arne
QuoteOriginally posted by moebow:
Sorry tomato, common theory for using sights is to focus on the target too. The sight/pin is blurry.
NOT saying some don't focus on the sight, but most coaches will advise focus on the spot to be hit and the sight to be blurry and floating.
Arne
Then I would for sure have to disagree.
If you take your eys off the sights, then you are not using the sights, not matter what is taught.
just saying.
The worlds top shooters will tell you the same thing.
If you remove your eyes from the sights you are shooting blind.
QuoteOriginally posted by TomatoLane:
QuoteOriginally posted by moebow:
Sorry tomato, common theory for using sights is to focus on the target too. The sight/pin is blurry.
NOT saying some don't focus on the sight, but most coaches will advise focus on the spot to be hit and the sight to be blurry and floating.
Arne
Then I would for sure have to disagree.
If you take your eys off the sights, then you are not using the sights, not matter what is taught.
just saying.
The worlds top shooters will tell you the same thing.
If you remove your eyes from the sights you are shooting blind. [/b]
If the shooter in this pic,was looking at the deers head,and not his sights I guarantee he will miss his target.
(http://www.archerybowsights.com/i/Deer.JPG)
Do some homework before you get too far out on that limb there tomato. First, the deer's head is NOT the target so...
"The worlds top shooters will tell you the same thing." Are you really sure about that??
Second, check out any book that deals with archery and sight shooting (one suggestion is Larry Wise's "Core Archery" page 50) and MOST others.
You are certainly free to believe what you want, but it isn't "mainstream" OR commonly taught.
Arne
QuoteOriginally posted by moebow:
Sorry tomato, common theory for using sights is to focus on the target too. The sight/pin is blurry.
NOT saying some don't focus on the sight, but most coaches will advise focus on the spot to be hit and the sight to be blurry and floating.
Arne
This is what you are talking about arne.
the target is still in the sight ring.If I looked at the target outside that sight ring I would miss.
(http://shootingtime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/archery%20sight/sight3.jpg)
(http://shootingtime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/archery%20sight/sight1.jpg)
Well this is what I would call floating.
The sight ring is part of the sights is it not?
I wouldnt aim my compound bow without looking through the sight ring would I?
Or have I been doing it wrong?
And just compensated?
Should I look outside my sight ring when aiming my Bow?
You are missing the point! I never said you don't look through the sight!! I tried to say, you visually focus ON the pace to be hit and THEN your sight is blurry in your secondary vision. OF COURSE you are looking through the sight but your clear focus is ON the pace to be hit and the pins are blurry.
We've probably derailed this thread enough. The original question was about instinctive aiming I believe, not sights.
Arne
QuoteOriginally posted by moebow:
You are missing the point! I never said you don't look through the sight!! I tried to say, you visually focus ON the pace to be hit and THEN your sight is blurry in your secondary vision. OF COURSE you are looking through the sight but your clear focus is ON the pace to be hit and the pins are blurry.
We've probably derailed this thread enough. The original question was about instinctive aiming I believe, not sights.
Arne
Yes sorry for derailing.
QuoteOriginally posted by DaveV:
This pic might explain what words can't
(http://www.stickbow.com/FEATURES/SHOOTING/gap2.jpg)
If I tried to add words, the "point of aim" is the spot on the target that lines up with the arrow point(in the pic it's at 6 o'clock below the target). The "gap" is the relative distance between that point and the center of the bullseye.
Good image.
Here is another good one
(http://charlesarcheryblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/splitvision.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/str8shooter/Instinctive.jpg)
That "split vision" definition in the above post is exactly what I do on stationary targets.
What I can't seem to grasp from the pictures above, how does an instinctive shoot not see the bow or arrow, it's in their vision, I find it impossible to believe that anyone can block out what is right in front of them. Point a finger at something in the distance and focus on that spot, you still see your finger no matter how hard you try to not see it.
You will see your finger but in that scenario the finger should be a blur.
it's an acquired skill longstick. it's kind of the opposite from crossing your eyes. you see two of something even though there's only one, and with the instinctive skill i'm referring to you don't see something that is there.
Ok I agree it's a blur but you are conscious that it is there. So I believe in your subconscious you gap.
It is called tunnel vision.
Your vision comes to a tunnel,where your peripheral vision becomes dark,and all you see is a lit up target.
The Zone....If you will,the racing line .
Add.
Thats why if you practice shooting at night with just a light shinning, on just the target,that is what you should see.
You can train yourself to see that tunnel,with the imaginary line,strait to the target.
You see it. it is kinda like being married for 40 years. . the wife is yelling, but you don't "hear it"
OK not quite.
In instinctive. . again, that is only a name, it is not instinct, you aim, but differently.
After doing it over and over, your mind knows that to hit a certain target requires a certain sight picture.
Unlike the various aiming techniques, you are not consciously aiming, but rest assured, you see it and your mind is aiming it. You just aren't conscious that you are doing all of that.
We do a lot of things like that. Put a glass down on the table (BEFORE you drink all the beer out of it and make it tougher), how did you know how to do that, to use certain muscles, in certain ways.
Have you ever picked up a "full" gallon of milk and find out it was almost empty. . as you about throw it through the ceiling.
Why, because you practiced it and knew it takes a certain amount of muscle and movement to pick up a full gallon. But it got fooled. Shoot a gun and flinch at the misfire.... (unfortunately) you practiced that too.
Sure. . you see it. But it is not what you are focusing on.
ChuckC
Also remember Your bow set up, and your anchor point,will also,semi dictate how you shoot your bow.
Most all world cup recurve bow shooters,anchor point, puts the string in front of the eye,so they can aim/line everything up(lots and lots of reference points)sights/peep holes, string nocks,marks on the back of the bow.ect ect.
And instinctive shooting, the shooter for the most part, uses just the target,and natural eye hand coordination,and muscle memory as reference points.
Instinctive shooters,bow hand,and anchor point are the most important things,that creates your,weapons,front sight(bow hand) and the rear sight(anchor point).
If those 2 things are solid you will hit your target,but may not hit the bulls eye.
That takes focus!, burn a hole in your target.
I am in in the process of moving away from instinctive only shooting (seeing arrow, etc in periphery vision, unconscious) after 15 yrs of shooting this way.
At least for a while that is!
I have been practicing the past few months "split vision" like in Byrons book. I am much more precise now. It did take a number of weeks to be able to "see" the out of focus arrow tip.
And, after doing it for a while Im moving back to being more instinctive. BUT, anytime I want I can choose to use split vision as a reference.
Man, if my arrows are off I just make sure my form is good and shoot split vision and the arrows tighten up.
Once I'm shooting well for the day I don't need to "reference" the out of focus arrow tip (split vision).
This has worked so well I may try some longer arrows and attempt gapping for the first time, only to unlearn it again.
Like Byron talks about in his book, "Become the Arrow".
Also, I think it's generally accepted that only "burning a hole" is the easiest way to Target Panic, which is a breakdown in form.
And no, I'm not trying to start any debate with my TP comment...
QuoteOriginally posted by Firstlight:
I am in in the process of moving away from instinctive only shooting (seeing arrow, etc in periphery vision, unconscious) after 15 yrs of shooting this way.
At least for a while that is!
I have been practicing the past few months "split vision" like in Byrons book. I am much more precise now. It did take a number of weeks to be able to "see" the out of focus arrow tip.
And, after doing it for a while Im moving back to being more instinctive. BUT, anytime I want I can choose to use split vision as a reference.
Man, if my arrows are off I just make sure my form is good and shoot split vision and the arrows tighten up.
Once I'm shooting well for the day I don't need to "reference" the out of focus arrow tip (split vision).
This has worked so well I may try some longer arrows and attempt gapping for the first time, only to unlearn it again.
Like Byron talks about in his book, "Become the Arrow".
Also, I think it's generally accepted that only "burning a hole" is the easiest way to Target Panic, which is a breakdown in form.
And no, I'm not trying to start any debate with my TP comment...
Yeah, not everyone can learn to throw strikes,thats why they are first basemen and not pitchers :)
QuoteOriginally posted by jlenzo:
Hi,
I am new to trad shooting, so I'm hoping that some of you who have been shooting since the last ice age can help out.
Aiming, i.e., sighting down the arrow like a shotgun, versus instinctive shooting...pros and cons?
I can do both almost equally well, but which is better to learn for a newbie? I'm not a great shot, but ever since I started hunting about 12 years ago, animals always seem to die if I want them dead. I think my instincts are good, but maybe I'm training myself totally wrong too...thoughts?
The bottom line is,nothing works the same for everyone.So learn as many ways/styles,from whom ever you can.
Try them all I say.
You will find a style of your own, that will resemble,all of ours,It may even be a hybrid,of a bunch of techniques.
Just be consistent,with your form. And shoot alot of arrows each way. And choose the one that,your mind seems to clique with.
Just remember, you are no more responsible,for the micro structure of your brain,and how it interacts,with the natural world, than you are responsible, for your own height. :)
Some of my best shots I've were made with me not even remembering drawing the bow...I was so immersed in the shot window opening and then the exact spot I wanted to hit. All I remember is the arrow entering the animal exactly where I wanted it to.
I know many other successful hunters that have said the same. But again, you have to find what works for you and your hunting style and the game you hunt.
I'm not much for static targets faces, but much better at stumping,...i'e'...pine cones, mushrooms, small grass clumps, leaves, spiders in webs. But that's what work for me.
Find your own way. Use what works for you and leave the rest on the table. That's what I did, and got several tips from old timers along the way earlier in my journey that helped me find what worked for me.
Don't rule out 'Olympic' style, but don't rule out your own abilities to find your on style for actual hunting. Sometimes it comes in handy to 'manufacture' a shot.
There is no broad brush or my way is the highway. Best of luck on your quest to be the most accurate you can be in the field of play.
:campfire:
I like that we all have a passion for archery.
As I attempt to be the best instinctive archer I can be, the past few months I have been trying a different style of shooting / aiming.
In a few more months I may be trying something different.
Having had bad TP and also having hit a level of archery where I wasn't seeing a lot of improvement I decided to try something different. Kind of a test...
I prefer to just "burn a hole" but am working on form and trying out Howard Hill / Byron F's style of shooting (splint vision.)
And I'm seeing improvement.
And for those who like to read a little, this is what I'm working on...
A quote from Howard Hill:
There is, however, one fault with the pure instinctive style
of shooting and that is, that after shooting and missing with the
first arrow, you have nothing tangible to compare with for correcting your second shot. To explain further, a man throwing
a stone ·or shooting a slingshot will only do it accurately after
many, many hours of practise and being able to FEEL his shot.
Now the Instinctive archer draws, concentrates on the object
to be shot, intensely, then releases. Now if he shoots high as
I said before he will continue to shoot high unless he has prac-.
tised a great deal in order to get that FEEL, in order to ad just
a slight bit on his elevation. Instinctive Archery was used by
Chief Compton with great success and twO of his most apt
pupils, Art Young and Dr. Saxton Pope used this method in
killing some of the biggest game on the American continent.
Advocates of Instinctive archery as in any other spOrt must devote
a lot of hours to practice if they expect to become at all proficient.
InstinCtive shooting cannot be mastered to its full limits
without the proper fundamentals. These can be found in almost
any book on archery. I want
First we come up to the target. Our object is to hit the center.
Say we have a pie-plate up against a soft bank. You take your
stance and come to full draw, concentrate on the center of the
pie-plate and release. This is Instinctive shooting and as I said
before you can hit and kill with this method but supposing the
first shot is high by 12 inches. How can you correct this small
variance? Here is one way. Before coming ro full draw we
will have to make a few decisions. Where is the center of the
pie-plate in relation ro my indirect imaginary point. Come ro
full draw and again concentrate on the center of the pie-plate.
Is that all you see? NO. Indirectly and secondarily you see the
tip of your arrow. For that matter you see directly a lot of your
arrow projecting from under your eyes but it is indirect or better
to say indistinct. Keep concentration on the pie-plate but be
conscious of your indirect view of the arrow Now, before releasing,
you pick an imaginary point where the tip of the arrow is to be,
then release. If you shoot high you know your imaginary point
was that much too high.
When I started my journey in 2007 I decided to only look at the target and that's all I have done. I have not related the arrow to a different spot as Ferguson does. Over time the brain, what's left of it, made the adjustments. For me it works. Doing it differently in a hunting situation would be impossible for me. Often you here that you are always subconsciously using the arrow, for some that may be true but I don't psyco analyze what might be happening, I look at what I want to hit and sometimes I hit it.
"smoke" I think you made an important distinction. For example, my goal, like your's is to, "only look at the target." That is all I have ever done until recently.
When reading Ferguson, etc my understanding with split vision or gapping for that matter is it becomes subconscious, over time.
For example, the other day I spent a full hour at my point on (about 45 yards) and just put the out of focus arrow on the bull.
My groups became pretty tight after a bit. Then I went to roving at targets and stumps at hunting distance and my shooting was much much tighter. But For the hunting shots I was mostly just looking at the spot, not aware of the arrow. Sometimes I did pause in my hold / anchor to see the "alignment" of arrow to target (windage only, not vertical).
I had some interesting observations and my shooting was improved, that day.
But if shooting poorly it's easy to do a form check and then choose to see the out of focus arrow point as a part of a form check.
Anyways, I don't want to hijack this thread so I'll bow out on this one.
PS: I by no means am trying to say my way is the right way. Just sharing a little of my path as I try and become a better archer. Thus my trying something new after reading up more on H. Hill, etc...
I sometimes don't say things well on the net. I like what Terry wrote a couple of post above mine.
Take care.
QuoteOriginally posted by LongStick64:
What I can't seem to grasp from the pictures above, how does an instinctive shoot not see the bow or arrow, it's in their vision, I find it impossible to believe that anyone can block out what is right in front of them. Point a finger at something in the distance and focus on that spot, you still see your finger no matter how hard you try to not see it.
That's a sticking point for me as well. You never hear of an instinctive shooter dry firing a bow because they didn't notice the arrow was missing . . . so they must be aware it is there. ;)
A fine line between conscious, sub-conscious, unconcious and consciously ignored.
I thik a lot of us blend methods.
think of "not seeing the arrow" similar to spacing out, if you've ever done that. some call it zoning out. where you're either focusing onsomething in your mind, or day dreaming, to where someone could wave their hand in front of your face and you wouldn't respond until they shout your name. or if you've ever been in a car accident and you or them "didn't see it". blocking out the arrow is relatively easy when you put your imagination and focus to work in painting a future reality in your mind of your arrow hitting the mark, that all else fades away. it's one of the reasons Archery, for me, is a form of mediation.
so to wrap this up - think of peter pan in Hook, with Robin Williams. or a mentally ill patient who sees things that are not there for you or me. our minds create our realities. just because it seems impossible for you, does not mean it is impossible for someone else. :) cheers
QuoteOriginally posted by Terry Green:
Some of my best shots I've were made with me not even remembering drawing the bow...I was so immersed in the shot window opening and then the exact spot I wanted to hit. All I remember is the arrow entering the animal exactly where I wanted it to.
I know many other successful hunters that have said the same. But again, you have to find what works for you and your hunting style and the game you hunt.
I'm not much for static targets faces, but much better at stumping,...i'e'...pine cones, mushrooms, small grass clumps, leaves, spiders in webs. But that's what work for me.
Find your own way. Use what works for you and leave the rest on the table. That's what I did, and got several tips from old timers along the way earlier in my journey that helped me find what worked for me.
Don't rule out 'Olympic' style, but don't rule out your own abilities to find your on style for actual hunting. Sometimes it comes in handy to 'manufacture' a shot.
There is no broad brush or my way is the highway. Best of luck on your quest to be the most accurate you can be in the field of play.
:campfire:
I totally agree.
Since I have got my staghorn tempest, With its tiller, and its almost up right riser,It really really, likes split finger, and a shooting style very similar to Brady Ellison's.
It really likes to be treated, like an Olympic bow.
Its way more consistent,if I shoot it that way.
If I shoot it more canted and anchor,middle finger ,at the corner of my mouth, like I shoot when instinctive/traditional, style.
It is way way more less forgiving.
Instinctive seems to like a more of deflex style riser.
I know what I see and don't see. Not sure why others cant grasp that and continue to claim what other see. I don't claim to know what they see or don't.
Its a never ending argument for no dang good reason.
Find what works for you and what you see or don't see is what you see or don't see.
Best of luck to everyone on obtaining the best accuracy they can for hunting purposes.
:campfire: