There are a lot of factors that make shooting archery efficient. Accuracy is paramount when shooting or hunting. Nothing bothers hunters more than missed shots. Tournament archers have many sleepless nights over one bad shot. But there are ways to improve accuracy, and ways to make your shooting more consistent. Here are some things you can try to make your shooting so accurate you will have full confidence when you step to the line, or draw on that buck that the arrow will hit exactly where you intend.
1. Get the best bow you can afford.
While this may seem obvious to many, I am constantly surprised at how many shooters and hunters are shopping sales rather than quality. There really is a difference between the top bow manufacturers and the "other" brands. Recently while attending the ATA in Nashville, TN. I had to opportunity to shoot every new bow hitting the market this year. I was astonished at the difference between the top brands and everyone else. Granted when you got to the top brands there was not as much of a difference. But just as in automobile, there is a big difference between a Chevrolet Impala and a Cadillac. But the difference between a Bentley and Rolls Royce is not as great. When you are into the top brands you are splitting hairs and choosing between options and design. However, when you get into the same price point, there are really only two bows to consider. The Hoyt Spyder and the Prime Alloy. These two are light years above and beyond the rest. For my money I chose the PRIME because of two factors - the Parallel Cam technology inherently increases accuracy, and the smooth draw. (
www.g5prime.com)
2. Quality Arrows
I am always amazed at the number of people shooting thousand dollar bows and $2.00 arrows. The bow can only shoot as accurate as the arrow will fly. When it comes to arrows for accuracy nothing beats carbon. Aluminum is as archaic as stone points. Leave it behind, buy the carbon. The three brands to consider for accuracy, Easton (including Beaman), Carbon Express, and Gold Tip. But when you want to really compete and want the most confidence you can have in your arrow, Gold Tip stands heads and shoulders above the rest. Their target arrows are so precise and accurate you cannot shoot at the same spot because you will have too many "Robin hood" shots destroying arrows. Personally I shoot the Pro Series 22 by Gold Tip for tournaments. it's a medium diameter shaft and with the Gold Tip FACT system I can balance the arrow to the gram giving me precise balance arrow to arrow. This is similar to hunters who reload their ammo to get accurate consistency between shots. Gold Tip gives you this option. (
www.goldtip.com)
3. Stabilization
Target archers understand the importance of good stabilizer for their equipment, this has not yet made it way into the hunting industry. Hunters use short heavy stabilizers that really do little more than add weight to the bow. But to achieve true stabilization you need a system similar to target archers. Granted a 36" stabilizer isn't practical for hunting situations, but neither is a 5" stabilizer doing you any good at all. Fortunately Bee Stinger has come up with the best solution to accommodate the hunter. (
www.beestinger.com)
Think about it, do you want the shot of your life to hinge on your ability to hold steady with your heart pounding, gasping for breath? Or would you rather have your bow fall into its normal location because of great stabilization? The Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme Kit allows hunters to get the same benefit of tournament archers. The front bar and back bar allow for almost instant alignment to your target. Do not hunt or shoot without great stabilization.
4. Release aids
There is a lot of discussion when it comes to release aids. Caliper, thumb release, back tension, etc. It really comes to preference. Personally, I really like the wrist strap finger release caliper system. It works for me. But learning the system and getting a good feel for the system is critical to getting good accurate shots.
5. Good and Efficient Practice
You cannot shoot well, if you do not practice. And by practice, I mean not just shooting a few arrows before season, or the day before a tournament. I mean a lot of practice. Case in point, I am currently training for a couple of 900 rounds coming up in a few weeks. One is a state shoot and the other is part of the South Carolina Senior Sports Classic. To get ready for these, I am shooting between 50 and 150 arrows a day. Every day - These tournaments consist of 90 arrows shot in a specific time frame. Fatigue will be the issue for many who have not practiced. By shooting over 100 arrows a day every day - my muscles will be in shape for the tournaments. Plus I am shooting every tournament I can between now and then. Every 3D tournament, the Rinehart 100, all of them.
This practice will completely translate into the hunting world when I head to Colorado in September for Elk, or when I climb a tree in October and that buck walks out.
I recently incorporated a new step in practice, that is getting my heart rate up, to shoot one arrow. By walking fast or jogging over a 50 yard area, grabbing my bow and making one 60 yard shot. This forces me to get everything under control and making that one great shot.
In summary, even the average archer can achieve top level accuracy with excellent equipment and great practice. Similar to top gun shooters who purchase top scopes, best brand rifles and hand load their ammo. Archers who want to compete and feel confidence in the stand can do so by following these simple steps.
