New to bow, missing left

[cmccauley1]

Hello All,
I am new to hunting and new to a bow. I consistantly miss to the left. I am right handed and shoot a compound bow. I think I am pulling the bow to the left as I release, but I can't seem to keep myself from doing it.My friend says it looks like I am leaning into the bow instead of standing up straight, yet it feels like I am standing up straight. Sorry no pics yet. Any advice?

Also my draw weight is set at about 40 lbs and I get fatigued after just 3 shots. I am a woman. Is there a particular exercise I can do to strengthen my arms? I was thinking of using dumbbells and a lat chest pull/raise motion. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[walks with a gimp]

If you're hitting to the left while shooting right handed, you might be coming off your anchor and "peeking" or pulling your hand away from your face at the shot. Are you shooting with a wrist strap style release?

[walks with a gimp]

Your best exercise is to shoot your bow at a lower draw weight until you can work up to your reasonable goal. Don't hurt yourself trying too hard, it's not worth it and it negitevly impacts accuracy.

[cmccauley1]

Now that you mention it, I do think I may be pulling my release hand away from my face after the shot. I just use my fingers for the release. I tried the trigger type, but didn't like it. I felt like I had no control when I drew back.I will focus on keeping my hand still after the shot tonight.

[walks with a gimp]

Not many people shoot fingers anymore. You really don't "need" control over your bow with a release. It's just a means to release the arrow after a steady aim is achieved. Controlling the bow is done with the shooting hand, arm, shoulder and back muscles. With a release, you achieve a solid anchor of your release hand against your cheek/jaw bone and align your eye with the string and sight pin. Next is to aim carefully and squeeze the release trigger slowly while concentrating on the bullseye untill the shot goes off, this should suprise you on each shot when done correctly

[cmccauley1]

Well, I guess the "control" I was referring to is the fact that the trigger release slides up and down as I try to draw back. I am sure it is a matter of my lack of experience and upper body strength.I also found it very noisy, but again maybe that is just my technique.

One guy at the local hunting shop also had this sage advice....he said, it is a good idea to learn to shoot fingers because he has never been hunting, ready to take a shot, and then realized he left his fingers at home.

I am certainly open minded though and will try it again in the future.

As for the draw weight....I have it set at the lowest weight possible i.e. 40 lbs.My bow is designed for 40-50 lbs. Can I set it lower without messing up the bow or my facewhen the darn thing explodes?

[walks with a gimp]

Ask your dealer about the bow, some makes CAN go lower than 10 pounds. Shooting with a release is an aquired feeling, maybe 100 shots or less. Release fitment is very important and there are many different releases out there with different features. Yes you can loose your release and it's a great idea to have a back up for that reason. Try shooting fingers with a cut on your middle finger too

Advantages to all types of releases.

[nwthunderstick]

It sounds like you need a D loop on your string. That way it won't slide up and down the string. As far a missing left goes if you are pulling too much weight you are going to make many errors in technique. If you use a release larger muscles will be doing most of the work and you should be able to draw your bow with more control, oncea loop is put on the string. Good luck........

[djkiller]

Yeah sounds like your looking for the arrow. and where it hits. Try practicing at close range like at 10 yds. dont use a target just practice form. I teach kids to not to move until they fear the arrow hit the target. Focus on the target and nothing else. Shoot a few rounds at a blank target. After you comfortable not looking or peeking. Put a target up. Canting your bow or improper hand placement will cause you to torque your bow. A sight w/ a level on it or adding on can help. And have an experienced archer watch you shoot. They will be able to pick up on small things that can alter you shot. A peep or kisser button will help you get a stable anchor point every time. Good luck!!!

[killzonearchery]

The best thing to get stronger with a bow is just practice every day so you will get stronger. About the pulling, the only thing i can sugest is just stay for about 10 secs after you shoot in the same spot to make sure you do not pull.