Bonding Over Bows

Justin was home last weekend and brought a surprise with him - a new bow. When I decided I wanted to try archery he loaned me his recurve bow and six arrows. I bought new 35-pound limbs for it (since I couldn't pull it back with his 55-pound limbs) and it's kind of become "my bow" by default. He decided that he needed a new recurve, so bought himself a new, fancier bow. Since we both have recurves now, I was thrilled when he asked me if I wanted to go shoot with him.

We hopped in his truck and went over to my mother-in-law's house where there is plenty of room. I told him I haven't really shot much since last fall, but he promised to observe and help me.

And I did. I needed to be reminded about drawing all the way back, but not overdrawing.

And then there is my issue of keeping a consistent anchor.

My groups were much better when he showed me how to shoot three-fingered (three fingers under the arrow and nock) instead of my sloppier split-fingered shooting. My arrow no longer fell off the rest, it just felt better, and that bullseye is proof!

This is one of Justin's targets showing what it looks like when you're really a good shot.

See that second arrow from the left, stuck into the end of another arrow? That's called a Robin Hood. They're rare, and only happen when you have practiced for hundreds of hours and can shoot consistently and accurately. I haven't managed this yet, but maybe someday because I am very lucky to have a great archery teacher who is patient, kind, and willing to pass along all of his knowledge. Thanks, Justin!