Life Outdoors Magazine (Jan/Feb 2020)

Know Your Bows
Find Your Fit
Traditional Bow
The traditional bow delivers real challenge and is often
used in archery competitions. Also referred to as a
longbow or a straight bow, this particular bow has been
used for thousands of years to hunt small to mediumsized
animals. The bow is made up of only two simple
pieces (a string and the bow itself) and can actually be
made at home, or purchased from an outfitter. However,
as simple as the general construction might be, this bow
takes some serious practice to master the art. The draw of
the bow is by far less difficult, meaning less power, and
there are no accessories like sights to assist with aiming,
drawing, or firing. They take some practice to learn to
shoot properly, but once you learn, you never forget!
Recurve Bow
Although the recurve bow is typically used for target
practice and competitive shooting, it also can be used
for hunting. This type of bow is popularly known today
from The Hunger Games movie, as well as with Olympic
archers, being the only bow allowed in the Olympic
games. A simple bow, especially for beginners, these
are highly popular with hunters due to their quiet,
straightforward design. However, there is very little room
to adjust the bows performance since the draw weight
can’t be changed because the bow can’t be altered.
Compound Bow
This particular bow is quick and effective, despite the
many moving parts. The compound bow is used in many
different forms of archery competitions, just not at the
Olympic level. The growing adoration of the compound
bow is attributed to the fun and challenging qualities it
takes to fire and connect with the target accurately.
Crossbow
The crossbow is very different from the other members
of the bow family. More like a firearm, the crossbow has
a fire trigger that releases the string and arrow, making
crossbows the easiest and most accurate bows to shoot.
The barrel, stock, and trigger make shooting a crossbow
very similar to shooting a rifle. They are generally
smaller, lightweight, and also very quiet, also making
them easier to precisely fire at the target without scaring
it away.
Finding the perfect bow fit is one of the most important tasks to take in order ensure accuracy and skill, as well
as decreasing changes for missing your target and accidents. According to the NRA American Hunter Organization,
bows and arrows are similar to guns and bullets: If a bullet is perfectly placed, power matters little. And those that
are slightly less powerful are generally easier to place perfectly. When determining the proper fitting of a bow, the
weight of your draw and your draw length is even more important for hunters than target shooters because targets
can’t run off with you struggling to draw back to shoot them. When looking for the bow that’s right for you, follow
these essential steps to ensure you make the right choice!
Determine Your Dominant Side
If you are new to hunting, you need to determine which eye is dominant and whether you are a right or left-handed
shooter. Just because you write with your right hand, doesn’t always mean that your dominant side and eye are the
same.
Determine Your Draw Length
Since everyone is built differently, it’s important to make sure you find a bow that you can handle well. It’s not
an extreme scientific formula, and can easily be determined by simply measuring your “wingspan.” To measure
your wingspan, extend your arms out to your sides and have someone measure your outstretched arms from your
fingertip on your left arm to your fingertip on your right arm. Take the total measurement and divide the distance
by 2.5.
Longer Draw Advantage = longer power stroke that draws more speed out of a bow.
Longer Draw Disadvantage = the arrow is in contact with the sting longer, making the bow less forgiving.
Therefore, bowhunters with a shorter draw are able to handle more aggressive bows with shorter brace heights
better than those with a longer draw.
Test Your Draw Length
After you’ve estimated your draw length, it’s time to test your skill! Before you attempt to shoot, make sure holding
the bow feels natural and comfortable. Unlike recurve bows, compound bows have what’s called “distinct back
walls,” which is the farthest point the string can be drawn. If you’re testing out a bow and your arm doesn’t hit that
back wall, try another bow. Not having a firm back wall behind your draw will consume your accuracy, causing your
draw length to change from one shot to the next.
Attach your release aid to the string and draw the bow until you hit the back wall. If you’re right-handed, your left
arm should be just slightly bent at your elbow. You’ll know your draw is too short if your arm is bent too much, or
your draw is too long if your elbow is locked straight, which opens the door for string slapping. It’s always a good
idea to have someone stand behind you to judge the angle of the arm with which you draw. Line your right forearm
with the arrow, keeping your elbow back straight. Your draw is too short if your forearm is angled out, and your draw
is too long if it’s pointing inward. Everything should come together in a manner that is comfortable, natural, and
unforced, with the proper draw length.
Establish Your Anchor Point
Check and establish your reference points from the beginning. Your reference points become crucial components of
your routine anchor points. Keep your face pointing forward, note where the knuckle on your draw hand grazes your
ear or cheek, and if the bowstring hits the end of your nose or the corner of your mouth. These vital reference points
are what establishes your anchor point. Keeping this consistent is an intricate part of continuous shot accuracy.
Pick the Proper Pounds
Don’t be fascinated with speed, power, or desire to shoot a heavy bow. Struggling to draw a bow that is too heavy
will affect your abilities as a hunter. Remember that your muscles tend to stiffen in cold weather, and your nerves
are easily wrecked by the excitement of a big buck lurking around the bend! Definitely not a time you want to
struggle to be able to pull the weight and aim accurately!
Whether you are new to archery or a seasoned bow hunting aficionado, always make sure to ever so often look
closely at how your bow fits. With practice, a calm, constant disposition, and the perfect fit of the archer to his bow,
the target on the other end of the arrow is never unobtainable.
30 Life Outdoors Magazine LifeOutdoorsMagazine.com 31