How to Shoot a Compound Hunting Bow 

Compound bows are a popular choice for many archers, from backyard hobbyists to professional bowhunters. They’re easier to shoot than traditional bows, which have a steep learning curve and can be hard to master. 

(Searching for “bow hunting season in Namibia“? Visit our website!)

How to Shoot a Compound Hunting Bow 

The key to shooting a compound hunting bow is accuracy. In order to shoot a compound bow accurately, you must be able to release the string at exactly the same time each and every time. That is impossible to do with just your fingers, which is why most archers and hunters use a mechanical release aid. 

How to Use a Compound Hunting Bow 

The first thing you should do when shooting your new compound bow is set up and get accustomed to the draw length. The best compound bows are typically between 6 and 7 inches long, but the right length for you will depend on your height and weight. 

You should also consider your stance and how you hold the bow. A good stance gives you stability and allows you to repeat shots accurately. It’s important to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, not leaning forward or backward. 

A good stance can be hard to achieve at first, but with patience and practice, it’s possible. It’s important to keep your body in a neutral position, with your shoulders and hips in the center of your body and your knees slightly bent. This way, you can focus on aiming without worrying about your bow tilting you forward or backward, or adjusting your body position to compensate for the bow’s weight. 

It’s also important to have good form when you’re shooting your bow, and this includes holding the limbs firmly but gently. It’s common for beginners to grip the bow too tightly, which can cause torque (twist) when the arrow is released. 

You should be able to feel the limbs with your fingertips when you’re holding the bow, and this is a good indicator of how well you’re gripping it. A good grip evenly distributes the weight of the bow across your wrist, fingers, and palm. Gripping too tightly can cause your knuckles to rub together when you’re holding the bow, which can also make it harder to shoot. 

When you’re drawing your bow, it’s a good idea to keep the arrow close to your chest and draw the arrow straight, keeping the arrow at a 45-degree angle with your hand. This will reduce the amount of energy you have to expend on each shot and allow you to maintain a consistent arrow speed. 

As you’re drawing, the arrow is held between your thumb and index finger, with your ring and pinky fingers on the arrow’s rest. You’re then able to move your arrow up, down, left, and right on the arrow rest until it’s at an aiming point. 

Aiming is a critical component of shooting your compound bow, and it’s the same whether you’re hunting or target shooting. You’ll see a line of vertical dots on your aiming sight, which helps you determine the distance between your bow and your target. The top dot is where you aim for an arrow if your target is 20 yards away, and the other dots represent distances up to 50 yards.