More and more archers are turning back to traditional archery. It makes them feel more accomplished as an archer and adds the feeling of being a medieval archer.
To do this, they shoot a bow without a stabilizer, sights, scopes, or any other modern gear. To achieve this, you can adopt one of two main styles: Gap Shooting, or Instinctive Archery (also as known as “see it and shoot it”. Gap shooting is more about conscious aiming. The “see and shoot” method is about sub-conscious, natural aiming.
Some archers believe that gap shooting is not instinctive, while others say it is just a different type of instinctive archery, with alternative applications. Irrespective of the name, any form of shooting without sights is wholly fulfilling and natural.
Ask a child to shoot a bow, and they will close one eye while instinctively aiming for the target. So if that’s what you naturally do, you have a head start on instinctive archery. If you tend to shoot in a straight line, with a few obstacles if any, this means you will have a tendency for gap shooting. If you shoot up or down inclines with bushes or trees obscuring your target, “see and shoot” will be easier for you to pick up.
Over time gap shooting will make you great at discerning range by sight. With practice, “see and shoot” improves your shooting in challenging situations. Irrespective of which method you ultimately choose, start with this guide on shooting more accurately without sights.
Becoming More Accurate Without Sights
Step #1
You must ensure that the bow is set up correctly. It will need the right draw weight. Both are important for accuracy and to ensure that your bow is functioning optimally. Additionally, this is essential if you want to pull the bow back properly.
Step #2
You need to spend time selecting arrows. The bottom line is that they will be hitting your target, so think about the material, spine, length, and all other factors before you buy. Tip: If you have been using carbon arrows, flex them after a session to check whether they have been damaged.
Step #3
Hold the bow gently across the handle, not hard. The bow should be on the pad of your hand between your index finger and thumb. Your knuckles should be at about 45-degrees.
Step #4
When you are ready to start shooting, stand about 10 yards away from your target. This will prevent you from losing arrows. When you can shoot an end (6 arrows) in perhaps a dinner plate-sized grouping, step back another 5 or 10 yards.
Step #5
Now stand with your feet facing the target but perpendicular to it. Then turn your head to also face the target. Stand with a square stance (with your feet straight) or use an open stance (where the foot nearest the target points towards it). The open stance is a little more challenging to repeat consistently, but you may find it feels more comfortable for you. If you are shooting somewhere that has a shooting line, then stand with one foot on either side of it.
Step #6
One of the fletchings (the index vane) should be a different color to the others. This points between the bow-holding arm and the riser. Place the arrow under your nocking point. If you have two nocking points, place the arrow in between them.
Step #7
Without drawing back the string, raise your bow. Continue to lift your arm until it reaches shoulder height. Keep your shoulder down as you do this. Your stance and grip must not change for this step or those that follow. To prevent any string slap, turn your elbow inwards.
Step #8
Using your preferred grasp, grip the string. If you are not sure which draw to use we suggest using the one where your index finger is above the middle finger, but below the ring finger. This is known as the Mediterranean draw.
Alternatively, another draw we like is the “three fingers under” draw. This is where the index, middle, and ring fingers are all under the nock.
Step #9
Pull to your anchor point. What we mean by this is that you need to draw the string to the corner of your mouth. Usually, archers using a sight, draw to their jaw as the anchor point. Your index or middle finger should touch the corner of your mouth.
The reason we do this is it brings the arrow nearer to your eye. This will ensure that you aim with more accuracy. Be sure your head is kept straight. You must not move your head towards the string, but instead, bring the string towards your face.
Tips:
- Do not chew gum while doing this as it will change your anchor point.
- A common error is to fear the string. The string is not a hazard, so it will not harm you at all. There is no be to be extra cautious when pressing it against your face.
- The elbow of your string hand needs to be parallel to the ground. It is easy to allow it to drop but refrain from doing this.
Step #10
Aim instinctively, without conscious effort. Do this in various ways, perhaps like during gap-shooting, string-walking, or just with no deliberate aim at all. Basically, you are adopting a trial and error approach with this step.
So, if your first shot is too high up, all you need to do is aim lower the next time. Tip: Figure out which eye is the dominant one. You might want to close the other eye while you are aiming.
Step #11
Slowly relax the draw hand and allow the string to slip out of it. It would be tempting to watch your arrow, but this will cause you to move your head. Do not move a muscle. It is vital that your stance is captured, so you learn how to adapt it with your next shot. So, remain totally still until the arrow reaches your target.
Once you are sure that the arrow has left, simply let the bow fall forward naturally. Never move your body. The bow should be held in place by your wrist/finger sling. Tip: Don’t move your feet at all as you nock the next arrow.
Conclusion
Patience is key. Accuracy with instinctive archery does not happen overnight. The continual practicing will feel tiresome, annoying, and you will have many low moments. You could also try gap shooting to see if that works out better for you and to mix things up a bit.
Lastly, it is essential that whatever aiming method you use, you must have some knowledge on arrow trajectory. The secret of becoming more accurate is understanding what your arrow does at different ranges.