There is no hard fast rule whether you raise or lower your pin to the target when shooting TARGETS. The method you choose for coming on target is an individual choice based on preference and comfort. I always rise to target, and I do so for three primary reasons.

1. I have always found that I have more control on easing up to and floating on my POA because of the resistance caused by muscle tension and gravity. Coming down to the POA, I found that, for me, the rate of drop when lowering the bow is harder to precisely control; because lowering is going with the gravity, and it is natural for muscles to want to over-relax when the brain perceives that a load is being lowered.

2. Raising to the target allows me to keep my eyes on the POA and the pin, unobstructed and through my entire draw.

3. If my release trips as I start my draw as I raise the bow, the arrow will hit the deck. If the release trips when my bow is up, the arrow is going to sail down range, or where a wild arrow should not be going.

4. I am a firm believer that shooting targets at known distances on a range in preparation for bowhunting, is to tune your gear and yourself, and nothing more. Once you have your gear and yourself tuned, the " range" and any shooting methods best suited only for a range, should be history until you need to retune.

For bowhunting purposes, I have always used and recommended practicing and programming the " raise the pin to the POA" and a " level bow push and pull draw" to new bowhunters, or not so new bowhunters open to (some) new ideas and methods.

Why?

Primary rule when preparing to shoot a deer, is minimal movement during the set, draw, and shooting phase. When you are standing, rise to standing, or when preparing to shoot from a sitting position; in what position is your bow usually in? I would wager that most of the time you bow is in a riser down position, and most of the time the arrow is pointed down or angled down.

If your bow is already down, and you raise the bow up and then lower to your POA, you might as well just wave your arms at the deer. In addition, when raising and then lowering to the deer, you may lose momentary sight of the deer. If the deer is moving, the problem could be compounded.

Additionally, by keeping your bow riser down, you can bend at the waist before you draw. This can be an advantage when the deer is close and/or on springs. You can position yourself for your shot, wait for the right opportunity, and still able to draw your bow. Try bending at the waist, and then lifting your bow up and draw to lower your pin to your POA (deer). I believe you may find it awkward to do so; and doing so will tend to force you out of your bent at the waist posture.

I also suggest learning to shoot by having your bow vertical (plumb to your body), and shoving your riser away from you (pin at the POA) and drawing at the same time. I am sure there are others that know what I am describing. I have always practiced and used this method, and it has come in handy more than once. One reason I stay in form using the vertical push and pull method, is to break up my face and my eyes when I have a " sky watcher" on me, or a smart Alpha doe checking the trees for snipers.

I have always operated on the theory; that since predators are usually camouflaged or blend, and that prey know this, prey will try to spot the eyes of the predator. When I have deer coming in or are close, and they are looking around (nervous), and I have not been able to (yet) draw, I pull my bow into my chest to where my face and eyes are not far from my riser and top limb. This helps hide my eyes. I peek slightly past the riser or limb, just enough to watch the deer. When the shot is available, I push the bow straight out and draw at the same time, and have my pin settling in the kill zone as I draw.