Please help a beginning archer

[BuckShot14]

Ok, Im 14. I shoot a Parker Buck Shot, 26" draw, 50#. When I first got it and some news arrows, it would put arrows touching each other into the target all day, now after some 150+ shots, it's accuracy is failing. My peep has also slightly turned to the left. I noticed my vanes are a little wavy, is it because of the vanes being bent and wavy? Thanks in advance!

[jason03]

it sounds like your string and cable have settled in and your bow may need put back into spec. i would take it back to the shop where you bought it and have the numbers checked,let us know what you find out!!

[bfisher]

Jason has it nailed down. Your string and cables have crept (elongated) and the bow is out of specs and not in tune the way it initially was. I say, as he did, to take it back to the shop where it was bought to be adjusted. While it's being done, ask questions and learn all you can. Someday you'll be doing all your own work and even telling others how to do things. Good luck.

[BuckShot14]

I just got it august 13 though, but I do shoot a lot everyday to get the feel of it and get ready for deer season since I am a beginning archer. I was wondering if my bent/wavy vanes were causing the inconsistency.

[ralphy670]

I also agree that the string/cable have settled. Have the shop put it back in spec for you and it will be shooting great again. Most strings will settle on a new bow and go slightly out of spec.
Oh ya, I forgot to mention. Welcome to the addiction.

[wblackfin]

Most likely as others have said now that your string has "broken in" it has crept some. Unless you are shooting long distances a little waviness probably would not affect your accuracy that much. You can try gently heating your vanes with a hair drier to straighten them out. Once they are straight again, if you are still have trouble with accuracy take the advice and check your bows tune. It is not uncommon for the factory strings to creep after shoot'n them in.

[Seattlepop]

I shoot a Cougar III with fingers and was getting a wavy bottom vane from a Golden Key Huntmaster 2000 rest that I couldn't quite get good clearance. Now use a GK (model?) wrap-around wire model with no problem.

Try rotating your nocks to make sure you have clearance and also check your string nock to make sure it isn't too low.

2c

[BuckShot14]

ok thanks! But once I have my shop reset the string, I should have to do it again until its time for a new string, right? Thanks for all the help!

[practice-more]

Every new string stretches a little, no matter what kind it is. Once they are "broke in" and you get it re-tuned it should be good for a quite a while, but it still never hurts to check the specs every 1000 shots or so.

Also talk to your tech about any regular maintenance he would suggest, waxing ...etc. Like someone else said, ask lots of questions, it is the only way you will learn. A good tech will be more than happy to answer them.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Mitch

[BuckShot14]

ok thanks!!!

[bfisher]

Buckshot,

When you have your bow in to the shop and being adjusted ask questions about what he is dooing and how he's doing it? Be inquisitive. This is your cahnce to see what's done to corect problems when they arise. And believe me, the strings are usually that cause most problems with bows.

Ask him about how to set the bow to specs and how these measurements are taken and where. If things are measured then write them down for future reference. The reason I say this is because you asked. You asked whether the strings will creep again. With most factory strings it's quite likely.

Now that you know how to take those measurements and where, then check them once in a while. Maybe once a month if you shoot a lot. The more you do the more ingrained it's gets into your noggin. This knowledge will come in handy down the road. Believe me.

[BuckShot14]

I've got to hand it to you guys, out of all the forums I have even been part of, for anything, you guys are the best! You all answer my question, and don't go blabbing about something else, you all say the same thing, so I know that I'm getting the right info, and you guys are extremely HELPFUL!!!!! Thanks A LOT!!!!!

[practice-more]

I've got to hand it to you guys, out of all the forums I have even been part of, for anything, you guys are the best! You all answer my question, and don't go blabbing about something else, you all say the same thing, so I know that I'm getting the right info, and you guys are extremely HELPFUL!!!!! Thanks A LOT!!!!!

No problem bud, we're glad to help!

Mitch

[bfisher]

I've got to hand it to you guys, out of all the forums I have even been part of, for anything, you guys are the best! You all answer my question, and don't go blabbing about something else, you all say the same thing, so I know that I'm getting the right info, and you guys are extremely HELPFUL!!!!! Thanks A LOT!!!!!

Due to recent spinal surgery I'm not able to shoot so the least I can do is help someone who can. Besides, that's how the sport goes on as do most things in life.

Enjoy----------and get educated.

Barry

[dworz1]

Welcome to Archery Talk! And you can find alot of info on here as well, I have learned alot just by reading and doing searches on things i want to know, This site is by far the best there is alot of Great guys and Gals as well, And like someone said ask the tech qustion and maybe if he's not real busy he will show you as well, hands on is by far the best way to learn for me? Again welcome to the Addiction and Enjoy the the world of Archery its the best thing going (I Think).......

daworz

[NEVADAPRO]

Just another thought. If you are shooting a release, make sure that you are not getting used to it and punching the trigger! This takes the "surprise" out of the shot and I have seen it slam arrows into the rest and cause the "wavy" vanes you are describing! Is the bow still grouping or are the arrows all over the target? Just a thought! P.S. The guys are right about the string stretch! Especially with "stock" strings. Good luck and God bless, Todd:)

[BuckShot14]

What is "punching" the trigger? Yes, I shoot a release.

[wblackfin]

What is "punching" the trigger? Yes, I shoot a release.

I guess I would describe punching the trigger like pulling the trigger on a hand gun.
When pulling the trigger on your release the shot should come almost as a surprise. Slowly increase the pressure on the trigger till it fires. It is best if you can use muscle tension rather than a pulling action.

[practice-more]

I guess I will try to add a little more.

You don't want to just jerk the trigger when the pin is in the bullseye. Instead once you get anchored lay your finger over the trigger. Now without consciously pulling on the trigger you need to tighten the muscles in your shoulders . Think of it like trying to touch your shoulder blades together (pushing your chest out). This will automatically pull your finger into the trigger without you knowing it. Having the release short so the trigger lays in the crease of the fist knuckle will help a lot.

If you do it right the release will be a complete surprise and your release hand will have a follow through that ends up going back and over your shoulder.

The purpose of this is to allow you to focus on the target and not on firing the release. Eventually you will get used to the fact that the pins will not be exactly still, the will "wobble" a little, but thats OK. Your subconscious mind will take care of that.

Some tips. The first time you try practicing this make sure your are close (5 yds) and it is usually not a good idea to have a target face on the backstop that way you will concentrate on how the shot FEELS, not where it is going. Also, if you are using a wrist strap release, don't wrap your other fingers around it, just relax them so you are not gripping the release.
Some people describe that when using back muscles they feel like they are pulling the bow apart. In other words they have a good pressure forward on the bow and they continue to pull into the wall of where the bow will no longer draw back any father.

Other than that I would say it is best to try and learn from someone. If you fill out your profile there may be someone near you that would meet you at a shop and give you some help. My other suggestion would be to join a local archery club, most guys there are more than willing to help the next generation of archers.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions on what I said. I'd be more than happy to try and explain it in another way.

Best of luck,

Mitch

[bfisher]

I guess I will try to add a little more.

You don't want to just jerk the trigger when the pin is in the bullseye. Instead once you get anchored lay your finger over the trigger. Now without consciously pulling on the trigger you need to tighten the muscles in your shoulders . Think of it like trying to touch your shoulder blades together (pushing your chest out). This will automatically pull your finger into the trigger without you knowing it. Having the release short so the trigger lays in the crease of the fist knuckle will help a lot.

If you do it right the release will be a complete surprise and your release hand will have a follow through that ends up going back and over your shoulder.

The purpose of this is to allow you to focus on the target and not on firing the release. Eventually you will get used to the fact that the pins will not be exactly still, the will "wobble" a little, but thats OK. Your subconscious mind will take care of that.

Some tips. The first time you try practicing this make sure your are close (5 yds) and it is usually not a good idea to have a target face on the backstop that way you will concentrate on how the shot FEELS, not where it is going. Also, if you are using a wrist strap release, don't wrap your other fingers around it, just relax them so you are not gripping the release.
Some people describe that when using back muscles they feel like they are pulling the bow apart. In other words they have a good pressure forward on the bow and they continue to pull into the wall of where the bow will no longer draw back any father.

Other than that I would say it is best to try and learn from someone. If you fill out your profile there may be someone near you that would meet you at a shop and give you some help. My other suggestion would be to join a local archery club, most guys there are more than willing to help the next generation of archers.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions on what I said. I'd be more than happy to try and explain it in another way.

Best of luck,

Mitch

Spot on---100%. The only thing your mind should be thinking is "aim the bow". You'll learn that often times the arrow wil go in the spot even when the pin is somewhere else. The arrow will go where you are looking.

[OklaArcher]

Quick thought...Yes the string creep theory is correct. On the wavy vane issue, are you shooting a whisker biscuit by any chance? They are notorious for making 4 inch duravanes wavy. You can usually heat them up with a hair dryer and they will straighten back out some, shouldn't affect accuracy to much though, especially at close range. Good luck with your new bow!

[BuckShot14]

Thanks for explaining the punching trigger, I was in fact doing that, will try using back muscles tomorrow. And yes I am using a Whisker Biscuit and 4" vanes!

[neo71665]

With softer vanes a WB will tend to make them wavey.