Archery is a sensitive skill. When it comes to bowhunting, it requires maximum accuracy and a high level of expertise. It does not take much to miss a shot. Any small reason can affect your aiming accuracy. Be it a twist in your wrist or an inconsistent anchor point, the target will run out of your aim easily. It is essential to know these reasons to rectify them beforehand. Choosing the right bow hunting camo is essential but there are other mistakes that you need to avoid. You can hone your bowhunting skills by avoiding these 6 basic accuracy mistakes:
Incorrect Draw Length
This is the most common issue among bowhunters. If you shoot a bow with the incorrect draw length, you will miss the shot because the bow is either too long or too short. In order to improve accuracy, stand against the wall and stretch your arm against it. Measure distanced from one middle finger end to the end of the other middle finger. Now you have to subtract 15 from your measurement and divide this by 2. This will be your perfect draw length.
Inconsistent Grip
Grip plays a key role in bow hunting because it is the only connection between your bow and you. Your hand placement should be very consistent. Try holding the bow grip parallel to the lifeline in your palm where the muscle mass is less. Avoid contact with fingers in the front of the riser, so that your accuracy is not affected. This way, you can take accurate shots at your prey.
Punching the Trigger
Punching the trigger is a mistake that can be caused by a bowhunter when he takes a quick shot. When your target is near, your body has a boost of adrenaline which increases pressure. This results in a rushed shot that misses the target. To overcome trigger punching, tune it out and do the maximum practice.
Going for a Low-Percentage Shot
Some bowhunters just enter the field to target every deer they see. This also includes their taking a low-percentage shot. If you see a target running away from the aim or there are obstacles in your way, leave the shot instead of taking it. That is because if it misses, chances are that you will not see that deer there again. This is deemed unethical and impermissible, as it portrays a poor image of the hunter.
Inconsistent Anchor Point
Inconsistent anchor point disturbs accuracy when novice bow hunters change the angle and form of the shot. If they shoot from an elevated point and bend or raise their arm, their anchor point becomes inconsistent. For this, bend forward at the waist without dropping the bow arm and adjust the anchor point when the target is in sight. This will improve accuracy.
Bowstring Contact
Bowstring contact happens when you change bow hunting clothes as per season. During winter, due to cold, you wear thick clothes that can interfere with the bowstring path. Know this issue beforehand and fix it by purchasing an arm guard that tightens your sleeve. It is advisable to purchase a form-fitting jacket so that your accuracy is not affected by the bowstring contact.
These mistakes can be avoided if you follow the abovementioned tips to improve accuracy in your bowhunting. The more you practice, the more you will understand where you lack as an archer.
