So I'm new to using a compound bow. I just got a mission craze 2 for Christmas. I'm obviously not good yet and, yes I know it will take time and lots of practice. But does anybody know any tips and techniques for shooting a bow?
A good place to look would be on Youtube. There's lots of videos that show proper form and tips. Being able to see what to do is better than just reading about it. There are a lot of variables that can vary from archer to archer (such as one or two eyes open) but the basics are always the same. Work on them first. Stance, anchor point, bow grip are probably the top three. Most of all, have fun and enjoy it.
Visit your Pro shop and ask them to show you what are the basics. As was said, You Tube is a great resource too but mostly do it having fun.
Shoot a bit closer to your target, say 10-15 yrds, instead of farther out, until you start getting some consistency with your shots.
Also, forget and/or ignore what you've seen in movies and on tv regarding archery. All those fantastic shots and shooting skills are done via CGI.
Practice. Once you get tired. Rest if you get tired. If continue to shoot while tired you can develop bad habits. Those are hard to break. Most of all enjoy!
Find a local bow shop, I was going to suggest finding a mentor but that can backfire if you make the wrong choice.
Look around for a club that offers a JOAD program. It is usually very inexpensive ($25.00 for 10 weeks at my old club) and there is no upper limit on age.
If you are a hands on learner then it would be best if you got lessons at your local shop or find someone who knows what they're doing.
Lots of good advice here, but don't think you have to have somebody over your shoulder showing/telling you how it's done. That would a nice option, but just not a realistic option for some. Do a bit of research on proper form/stance, YouTube should make this easy, then take it from there. Practice is most important. When I first started bowhunting (before the internet) I didn't have anybody to teach me, I did a lot of reading and learned through trial and error. That was a lot of deer ago!
you mentioned being new to compound bow but are you new to archery? if you are new to archery I would cut the poundage on the craze way back to where pulling was easy and concentrate on developing good shooting form. then as you develop the muscle memory and confidence, start cranking up the weight. that's how I approached it when I had to learn to shoot left handed.
Roger that. but crossbow hunting is not really like shooting a bow. if you've not shot a regular bow, in my experience you'll pick it up quicker at light poundage vice heavy poundage. doesn't take long to develop the muscle memory when you can concentrate on it. good luck with it.
