Help!!! Just getting into bow hunting lots of ?'s

[BTAssassin]

Ya I hope so because I am stronger with my right arm. But I am left eye dominant so they suggested a lefty bow was best so it should be interesting

[bronko22000]

BT I am exactly like you. I am left eye dominant. But I shoot a bow right handed. Its just the way I've always done it. I shoot a gun lefty, throw righty, lefty. I've shot bows left handed but it just doesn't seem natural to me.

[BTAssassin]

Well I figure that since I have never done any archery before and I'm a bit ambidextrous like you bronko. That I should go with the suggested left hand model and train my self to become proficient in it. My old lady is a physical therapist so we have been doing sme shoulder and back strengthening to get on track. And since I've had almost an 8 week wait from bowtech and still counting hopefully the extra effort will be worth it

-- on a side note I'm surprised no one has responded with a great book for archery. Seems like a gap in the market.

[HDMontana]

Most books I have seen lately were written years ago and while the concept is the same, the technology of the new bows have changed. PSE has put out a few dvds that do have decent how to explanations. Not sure if they are for sale or only provided to the bow shops.

[bronko22000]

BT - That's what reputable archery shops are for. Don't worry yourself about all the technical aspects. A good acrchery shop will set you up with proper arrows for your draw length/weight, give you advice on rests, sights, releases and other essentials. They should even assist you with your shooting form if you ask. Archery is a passion where you can continually improve. I often go down in my basement and let a couple arrows fly into my bag target just to keep my form and muscles in tune.

[halfbakedi420]

Originally Posted by HDMontana

Shoot every chance you get. Also your muscles will build up quickly allowing you to increase poundage and hold bow steadier for longer periods.

or dont!!!!
a beginner hittin the bow all the time can snap ligaments and tear muscles. take it slow. few shots every other day at 1st, then ease into a lil more after a month er so.

[HDMontana]

OK, assuming the bow is set at the proper poundage for you to start out at and you can point it straight ahead and draw it back comfortably (not pointing at sky or ceiling to draw it) you will not tear any ligaments or muscles. You also do not want to shoot so much that you start getting to tired and the bow starts waving around while holding at full draw. This will cause bad habits and poor groups that will discourage you. Do start slow, shoot every few days if possible but don't overdo it to where you get to tired and you will start building up muscles. Also if you hold bow to long at full draw and it starts moving around to much then let it down and rest for a minute and start over rather than forcing the shot. I have been helping people and working at archery shops for close to 20 years and have never had a customer injure themselves or pull ligaments or muscles. I'm sorry I was not specific enough in my previous post on practicing with bow. It is hard to give detailed advice on line and I agree that you need to find a good archery shop so that they can help you one on one and answer any questions you have. And yes if the bow is set at to high of a poundage at first and you shoot it, you do risk the possibility of doing muscle damage which could affect you future with archery.