Has anyone here attended the instinctive shooting clinic at Black Widow Custom Bows before? I saw the advertisement for it and it looks like it may be helpful. G. Fred Asbell and Ken Beck will teach the clinic and it's in May of 2006. I think they've had this clinic before and was wondering if anyone has been to it and what there impressions are. Thanks

I've never been to one, but I have one of G. Fred's videos and have tried to read his books. I couldn't get through the books because it was too draw out--in my opinion, he often took you around the block to get you across the street. The same with the video in some instances. There is some good information in the video, but a lot of misinformation also--such as you can't shoot a bow 3-under accurately and you should get the arrow as close to your eye as you can, but not too close.

It might work for you, but I personally have never seen a consistently good shot that uses the Asbell method. I have talked to some folks that tried it, and struggled for a long time with the bad habits they developed fromit.

I'm very skeptical of anyone that says you have to shoot a certain way or you are wrong, period. Although the basics remain pretty much the same (consistent draw, anchor, release, and follow through), different things work for different people.

I've been fortunate enough to share a range with some of the top shooters in the country, and watch a few others shoot--none of them shoot exactly the same.

I like Byron Ferguson's "Become the Arrow" (book--haven't seen the video yet) and Ricky Welch's "Instinctive Archery, Volume II" video. I don't agree with everything either of them says, I don't try to copy either one exactly (couldn't if I wanted to--they have completely different styles), but both have good information, and both will tell you that there is no one perfect method for everyone.

Chad

I've heard that G. Fred's seminars are entertaining at least, and you can pick up some good information. I don't buy into his methodology, but he does have some good stuff to offer as far as technique.

However, I must admit that I'm one of those who is still struggling with bad habits developed by giving his method an honest try over a 2 year period. I shot good before, but wanted to get better. Lost it all.

I'd go see the guy, if it didn't cost much and if I didn't have to drive over 50 miles.

Having seen Fred shoot I can honestly say that he's a great self promoter. He's made the money from his seminars and books and videos but is an average shot at best. I really like him as a person and admire him for all that he has done for archery but to say right and wrong when it comes to instincts doesn't seem quite right to me. Save your money for a good hunt.

been shooting 40 years instinctively..3 fingers under..read all you can from the so called experts ,then shoot all you can when it feels right and you start hitting where your looking you will come into your style that suits your body..have fun learning..like throwing a baseball,you dont have to think about

i.d love to go to a clinic like that. don't seem to have the time thou. write back if u go and let us all know how it was. good luck hunting

THE FOOT