How to Shoot a Compound Bow & Arrow
The compound bow is modern piece of archery equipment. The bow is the choice of many hunters because it requires less energy to shoot a high-velocity arrow. The bow uses a cam and cable system to release tension for the archer towards the end of the draw. The let-off allows the archer to hold the position while lining up the perfect shot. Compound bows are also equipped to attach a quiver, sights and other accessories that improve accuracy.
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Instructions
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Strap a mechanical release to the wrist of your dominant hand wrist. The release will either use a Velcro strap or a belt-style strap. Adjust the strap so it stays in place but is not incredibly tight. The metal release will sit beneath your forefinger with the trigger at the tip of your finger.
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2
Nock the arrow by pushing the nock against the bow string at the shooting loop. The nock is the small slot on the back of the arrow and the shooting loop is the small loop that is centered on the string. Push fairly hard to lock the arrow in place and allow the arrow shaft to sit on the arrow rest. Slide the arrow through the rest for circular whisker biscuit style rests.
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3
Pull the release lever to open the mechanical jaws on the release strapped to your wrist. Push the lever forward to lock the jaws on the shooting loop. The release will be positioned immediately behind the arrow nock on the bow string. Assume a comfortable shooting position with either a square or staggered foot stance. You want to practice shooting from different positions to prepare for realistic hunting and archery competition situations.
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Place your forefinger behind the release lever to prevent accidental firing. Loosely hold the handle in the hand without a release and push the bow forward as you pull back the string with the mechanical release. Pull the string all the way back and settle into your firing position, with the release positioned against your jaw and your head turned to look directly down the sights.
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Focus one eye to look through the small peep sight located on the bow string. Adjust the level of the bow to focus the sights on your target. Use your forefinger to tap the release lever and fire the arrow. Follow through by allowing the bow to dip forward after firing.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice firing the bow in an open area with a padded target and a backstop. Fire several rounds to gauge accuracy and make adjustments in your sights to compensate. Also practice at variable distances and from different positions to prepare for hunting and competition.
Do not dry fire the bow as it will damage the bow string. Dry firing will also snap the string against your hand and cause a severe lashing. Only fire the bow with an arrow nocked and a safe target in sight.
References
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