Bow shooting techniques
Depending on the type of bow being used, hunters will generally use one of two shooting techniques.
- Bare bow shooting, where there is no sight attached to the bow.
- Sighted shooting, where a mechanical sight is attached to the bow and allows the hunter to accurately shoot at pre-set ranges.
Bare bow shooting
This technique requires very regular practice, often daily, to reach and maintain an acceptable level of accuracy. It involves becoming familiar with the equipment and trajectory of the arrow that it becomes an extension of your body. Many traditional bowhunters practice this style of shooting.
Sighted shooting
A sight is fixed to the bow’s riser and, in some instances, the bowstring as well. The sight pins are adjusted to pre-set distances for each bow. Once the distance to the target is estimated, the bow is drawn, and the correct sight pin is placed on the target before the arrow is released.
Generally, these sights come with one to five coloured fibre optic pins that the hunter can set at distances they are comfortable shooting at. Each pin is adjusted in the same way a rifle scope is sighted in. The hunter will need to shoot three to five arrows to confirm acceptable groupings.
