I was the same way when I was younger, my son is that way also. My dad taught me to go rightie, cheaper to buy guns and what not, also when were out shooting most people are right handed, so you can shoot their stuff too!!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

I am right handed and right eye dominant but can not shoot with both eyes open without the use of a blinder over the left eye.

With a compound, using a peep, I don't have a problem. It might even actually be a little of an advantage, because it forces me to concentrate.

With a recurve/longbow, there might be something to it, but with a compound, I don't think there is.

My brother is the same way, he shoots left handed. damn fine shot too!

Hunting soothes the soul

I had the same problem.
The answer was a PEEP sight!!!!

I have the same problem. I shoot right handed, had to close the left eye at first but am getting better at using both with a peep. I would recomend that he go to a pro shop and try it left handed first.

I made the switch 2 years ago. I don't think you will find a professional archer that will tell you NOT to shoot left handed if you are left eye dominant. I asked lots of folks and this is why I say it. I talked to several folks at the pro shops around here and sent e-mail's in to Dave Holt, Norb Mullaney, and Len Cardinale(sp) asking this question and got 2 outa 3 responses from these guys. My question ended up in Bowhunter magazine and everyone said SWITCH! Oh,...I also talked to a couple gun shops and was told that I would be hard pressed to find a top skeet shooter that doesn't shoot off the dominant eye. I REALLY did my homework on this one because it was a big decision,...AND I was buying Matthews ($$$$) and wanted to be certain!!

This was after 15 years of shooting right handed and I shot pretty well by most standards. My experience with switching started shaky the first few sessions, and I initially actually had some anxiety because it felt so strange that I was thinking my body was outa whack or something and it wouldn't work. I had to change my anchor point from under my chin to the back part of my jaw.

It will be a win win for your friend!:
1. An open stance will feel more natural.
2. He will be shooting from his dominant eye which is just plain correct!
3. He will also have a added advantage in that since he is left eye dominant and right handed,...he will be using his dominant right hand(usually strongest arm)as the bow arm.....AND that is a plus.

Get him started correctly and he won't have to make the switch if he really gets into this sport and is searching for every little thing to improve his game!!

I believe that he should go south paw all the way. I work at an archery shop and believe me it's more frustrating that ever to get someone started in archery and then get them excited over shooting or improving their shooting when they can't. It's hard to get them to the next level of shooting. The complications of form come into play which is the foundation of archery. I discussed this with a good friend who is the Olympic Shooting Coach. He agrees.

Just as many of the others stated - start him off lefty. I'm in the same boat as your friend and have always shot left handed.