I focus on the pin and nothing else, I almost seem to look through it though. I imagine looking right at the spot on the deer.

c903,

You can do just that by reading some books on the subject. There will be quotes from many of the predominent target archers as well as sections devoted to the subject. It makes for some interesting reading. Let me know what you find out. Also, I would like to hear from you on my "how many have you killed thread".

An excellent and concise explanation.

Allow me to add:

Average shooters and shooters not thoroughly familiar with understanding, acquiring, and retaining a correct "sight picture" for the particular sighting/aiming method throughout the shot; visual, unconscious, and subconscious sighting errors can occur that can cause the shooter to miss the mark, or completely miss the target or game, if they bring the POA into sharp focus and visually and mentally concentrate on the POA.

One common sighting phenomenon that often happens with some average and unskilled shooters that sharply focus on a "spot" on live game, especially large game, is they become so psychologically wrapped up in clearly seeing the animal -especially when their heart is wildly pumping, they will actually stop seeing and referencing the pin. They will unconsciously and totally cease using the sight(s) and end up just pointing the arrow in the direction of the animal and pulling the pin. Ever have a post-shot situation, whether you hit or miss the game, where upon critiquing your shot you cannot clearly recall your sighting process or seeing the pin throughout the shot?

Another sighting error that can occur for some shooters that focus on the spot, is a (visual) sight alignment error that can easily occur as they intently concentrate and focus on the POA. Although they are aware of their (fuzzy) sight pin, they do not realize that they have unconsciously shifted out of the path of their eye to target what their subconscious has perceived to be obstructing a clear view of the spot or the entire animal. This phenomenon results in the shooter being mentally tricked into visually believing their sight alignment is correct, when in fact their pin is being referenced on the spot too high or low, or too far right or left, or all of the above.

Silent:

A book is a book, and is usually biased in accordance with the writer's personal opinions and experience. I suspect that there are as many books that recommend sharply focusing on the pin.

Although I said that I accept that bow shooters can use either method, and I do; there is a long- established and correct "sight picture," and there are adaptations.

Considering that it is an incontestable fact the sights on a weapon is what actually references the barrel or arrow to the POA and establishes the path that the projectile will follow, I would class the method of focusing on the "spot" to be an adaptation, a sighting method that certain bow shooters successfully use.

c903,

While I am not an archery expert by any means. I did long ago realize that I am not. In this case as in many others I realized that while I am not an expert that I could still obtain advise from people that were. I respect that you are solid in your conviction however, many people on these boards profess to be experts on certain topics, however the only person that regards them as an expert is themselves. Therefore, when I start looking for opinions I go to published and documented experts in the field and start there. So when I read books published by expert coaches that have helped thousands of people go on to accomplish goals that they were previously unable to attend, then you will forgive me if I lend more credence to their opinion than I do to yours. The thousands just out weigh the one, with me. From your perspective it could be said that every book is biased if you don't agree with what it has to say and while some may be, I have a hard time being that cynical. It's just hard to argue with thousands of archers that go on to be more successful after being taught this way. JMO

When I started shooting sights, I'd already shot 'instinctive' for many years. I don't know whether it was the right way or wrong way, but I always looked through the pin (which remained pretty clear, even though I didn't focus on it) and kept my concentration on the target.

Now, I can't see the pins any more whether I try to concentrate on them or not, without reading glasses anyway, so I took the things off. I don't have the precision accuracy I had with them, but I still do good enough to beat most sights shooters on the 3D course.

I guess it mostly depends on whether you use the pin as a hard sighting point or merely as an elevation reference. As long as your form and anchor are correct, you should shoot down the middle whether you've got sights or not.

I try to focus on the target but with my shootin eye being extrememly nearsighted I guess I see more pin than target...both are out of focus for me. I still get my share....[8D]

One can also debate on whether it's proper to shoot 1 eye open or both![:@]

Cyclone, being a new shooter and all, I've tried both ways, and for me, in practice anyway, I've found I do much better with both eyes open. When I try with my dominat eye I always seem to be off one way or the other, with both eyes open I have a good grouping 4 out of 5 with at least one always to the right lol.

Whether a person uses one or both eyes to align and reference a sighting system on a weapon is strictly dictated by the individual's visual ability and limitations, personal comfort, the weapon, and the shooting conditions.

Some shooters just cannot use both eyes to sight with, without seeing double pins and/or having the sight greatly blurred and off the POA. Especially, when they have but a second to aim before firing. Additionally, right-hand shooters whose dominant eye is their left eye, or left-hand shooters whose dominant eye is their right eye, generally cannot shoot with both eyes open.

I do not personally have access to factual and verifiable data, but I suspect that most shooters, which includes expert shooters, sight with one eye when using most sighting systems.

This is interesting to me, because I've never even thought about it before.

I guess I look at the target, because I shoot off the tip of my pins. I don't like any obstruction of the target. I don't shoot competitivly, I shoot to kill.