How to Aim a Compound Bow
So you have your compound bow and you know the basics of how to shoot it. Now it's time to start practicing your aim. This can be tricky for beginners, but with a little bit of practice, you'll be able to hit your target every time.
Check Draw Length and Draw Weight
Before focusing on your aim, it's a good idea to check the comfort of your draw length and draw weight as these can both affect your ability to stay steady resulting in decreased accuracy. More information on adjusting draw weight is provided here.
Getting Into Stance
Once you've checked the draw weight and draw length of your bow, it's time to adjust your stance and grip. The first step is to find your anchor point. This is the spot on your face where the string will sit when you are at full draw. For most people, the anchor point is somewhere between the chin and the corner of your mouth. A kisser button can help maintain a consistent anchor point. Once you have found your anchor point, you will need to align your body with the bow. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your hips and shoulders should be squared toward the target. This will help you to maintain a steady aim throughout the shot. Don't try to muscle the bow toward the target; instead, use your shoulder and back muscles to maintain a solid stance. Finally, make sure that you have a firm but comfortable grip on the bow. Relax your hand so that your fingers are not clenched, but make sure that you are still holding the bow securely. This video has a great walkthrough to guide you through stance and grip.
How to Aim a Compound Bow Using a Peep Sight
A peep sight is a small ring in your bow string to improve your line of sight to your target. If your bow is equipped with a peep sight, you will first want to look through the peep sight, and bring the bow sight and target into view. If your forward sight has multiple pins, you'll want to now align the correct pin with your target and use the bubble level (if your sight has one) to verify that your shot is level. Finally, shift your visual focus back to the target and allow your pin to float around your target. Now take your shot while maintaining your aim until your arrow hits your target!
Trouble-Shooting Compound Bow Aim
If you're consistently missing your target, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your aim. First, check to make sure that your arrow is properly aligned with the string. If the arrow is even slightly off-center, it will cause your aim to be off. Second, take a look at your release aid. If it's not positioned correctly on the string, it can throw off your aim. Finally, make sure you're not gripping the bow too tightly. A death grip will cause your hand to shake, making it difficult to aim accurately. Most importantly, relax and have fun! And when you're not shooting arrows at a target, make sure your compound bow is protected with a high-quality case from Bow Case Store.
