This is my 3rd year bowhunting, and I am really begining to take it seriously(more so then my dad[8D]) as far ad tuning and equipment goes. My question is how am I able to tell if my bow is out of tune. I got my dads bow when he upgraded, and the bow I got is from '00, and I think that was the last time it was really worked on. My dad doesnt abuse his equipment, but I am afraid he didnt take the necessary steps to keep the bow in tuned condition. How can I tell if the bow is out of tune, what should I look for? Thanks for helping me out, I'm new to this tuning stuff

Some of it you may be able to see without shooting it. Nock an arrow and eyeball it.....Is the arrow in line w/ the string? Is the arrow level when on the rest? If the answer to either of those is "No" it is out of tune.

Ok, now shoot it. Do your arrows fishtail or pourpoise? If the answer to either of those is "Yes" it is out of tune.

If that looks good, head to the shop. Shoot some. How are they stuck in the wall? Straight? Pointed up, down, left, right? Keep in mind here that depending on what material your shop uses for the wall that may be NO indicator what so ever. The arrow will take the path of least resistance which may cause it to be cockeyed in the wall.

Shoot through paper. Do you have a perfect bullet hole? If not, something is wrong. It may be your form, your grip, the bow or both.

First off, I want to say good for you in taking more time with your equipment. Too many "bowhunters" don't take the time to properly tune a bow and shoot enough to be proficient. Welcome to the world of the tuning freak.

Mobo is right, first eyeball everything until it looks close. This will get you in the ball park. If you don't have a paper tuning jig, find a shop that does. Shooting through paper will let you know how the arrow is leaving the bow. If its correct, you will get a perfect bullet hole in the paper from 6ft. Keep in mind when you do this to pay close attention to your form and make a "perfect form" shot each time.

One you do that, its time to group tune. Shoot a good 3 shot group from about 10 yards, move back to 20. Using the same pin and same aiming point, shoot another 3 shot group. Look to see which way the group is leaning at 20. If its to the left, move the rest slightly to the right and shoot again. If they're inline with your 10 yard group, move back to 30 and do it all over again. You're basically just lining your groups up from short range to your longest comfortable range. Once you get that finished, you should be in pretty good shape. You'll find better groups and more confidence.

And, you'll outshoot your ol' man.

What type of bow is it? You could also go to the manufacturers website and get the specs on the bow. Axel to Axel, suggested brace height etc. That will also tell you if the string is too stretch which could cause it to be out of tune.