String catching beard

[WindOtter]

I'm still new to my recurve and archery in general, and am still trying to gel my form. I didn't get out over the sweltering summer to practice, and the beard I started growing in the winter has now become quite long & bushy. I find myself anchoring with my thumb just barely brushing my cheek instead of solidly against my jawbone under my ear, as I'm leary of ripping of my fine facial fur.

Does anyone else have this problem, or a solution? Should I just start anchoring on my ear?

[ishoot4thrills]

Seriously, if I were you, I would strongly consider shaving. I try not to let my beard get past short stubble for the simple reason of it changing my anchor ever so slightly.

[TSP]

A way to correct the problem is to cut a narrow (1/4" or so) slot into your beard, just enough to allow the string to enter and clear so you can get to full back tension/a solid anchor.  In reality this will create TWO anchors...one where your finger touches the corner of your mouth, the other at the ragged skin line where the string touches and rips out any straggling beard hairs that happen to get stuck during release.  A little Cool Whip or strawberry jelly worked into the beard slot will help act as a lubricant to minimize hair snags and reduce (or at least hide) blood loss.  You'll scream a little at first but it gets easier as the beard slot naturally enlarges to fit your particular anchor style.  

Or you could shave.        

[Pete McMiller]

My beard isn't big and bushy but is about an inch long.  I haven't had any problems with the string catching it.  If you are catching your beard you may be overdrawing and pulling the string into your cheek instead of the corner of your mouth.

[WindOtter]

I think the best idea so far is the strawberry jelly. For those of you with girly faces, this is what a man looks like:      
   

Seriously though, I think the problem was mostly in my head. I caught some stray hairs a couple of days ago in the string and got gun shy and was focusing too much on the string in relation to my beard. Yesterday I went out and concentrated on my string arm form & back extension, letting my hand find it's natural position, beard be damned. Didn't snag once! Must have ripped out all the offending stragglers.

Should I still apply the jelly?

[champ38]

Thanks for a good laugh guys !

[TSP]

WindOtter, yup I'd still do the jelly in the beard, maybe even add a dollup of peanut butter for extra body.  You never know when you might pull an all-day stand session...and supper's a long ways off.    

[atatarpm]

LOL LOL LOL                      

[Green]

Braid a part in it and pull one side across your chin and duct tape that.  Then pull the other one down under your jaw and tuck it into your hat string.  Seems simple enough to me.     :D

[Opie1974]

My Beard is pretty long, but my anchor point is vane to nose and Index finger to corner of my mouth, knock on wood, I haven't had an issue with my beard.

[Stumpkiller]

Yeow!  I trim mine to 1/4" (with the same Oster razor I trim the dog with).

[petalumapete]

Damm makes my eyes water just thinking about it.
yaweeeee

[57HOP]

There's a fellow in my 300 league that has a veritable ZZ Top beard. Shoota compound, fingers, and doesn't seem to have a problem.

I used to wear my hair in braids and have caught them in the string- no damage was done, but it sure got my attention!

[bow'narrow]

That's a handsome beard.  I'd cherish it.  I'll take your bows off your hands.  Bowling would perhaps preserve that beautiful face hair.