gap shooting

spevin · 01-08-2012, 05:19 PM

Hello , today I was learning to gap shoot. I was getting consistent groups but am shooting with my left eye closed(I'm right handed) I tried with both eyes open but had a harder time at it. Is it o.k. to shoot with eye closed?

Night Wing · 01-08-2012, 07:10 PM

Some people shoot with one eye open while others shoot with both eyes open.

I'm not a gap shooter. I'm an instinctive shooter. I shoot with both eyes open and never see the tip of my arrow. I just look at a spot on a target or live animal I want to the arrow to impact and the arrow goes there when I release the arrow.

Of course, most of my shots at live game are between 12-15 yards.

Bernie P. · 01-09-2012, 05:42 AM

IMO It might take a little time to get comfortable shooting with both eyes open but it's well worth it.

LBR · 01-09-2012, 11:07 AM

I shot with one eye closed for years, but it can mess up your depth perception. IMO it's better to learn to shoot with both eyes open if you can.

Chad

Rednef · 01-22-2012, 02:31 PM

As a gap shooter, shooting with both eyes open screws with my left/right. Since I do consciously see the arrow, having both eyes open gives me two images of the arrow. I haven't trained myself to ignore the left eye image. And there really is no good reason to go through that. Depth perception? So what? I know how I'm going to take the shot before I draw the bow.
You see the reality of it is, which method gives YOU the greatest accuracy? Make a solid objective decision for yourself. Go out and on one day shoot a target with one eye closed. Keep that target. Go out the next day and shoot a new target with the same face pattern but with both eyes open. Same number of shots. (Make your own targets if necessary, paper plate with a spot, whatever.) Compare the results. There ya go.

spevin · 01-23-2012, 05:58 PM

I have been shooting with both eyes open and it took a while to get used too but now it isnt bothering me. My routine of practice is I have cedar stakes that go from 10 yrds to 35 yrds in 5yrd incruments, in front of haybales with a burlap deer target.I carved the yardage in each one. I take a shot starting at 10 and if it's a good one I move to the next stake.If I miss or am not happy with the shot I sling another arrow or two and move on.It is becoming more of a instinctive kind of Howard Hill style.I then do a little roving and shoot at stumps with judo points.This helps me with up and downhill shots and estimating range in the field.I practice every day weather permitting.