[MNOutdoorsman1]

I bought my 1st hunting bow last Wednesday and have been practicing with it daily. But there is one thing that I'm struggling with: shooting good groups. I can hit the target every time from 10-60 yards no problem, but I can't shoot a group to save my life! My 10 yard groupings are about 5-9 inches while my 60 yard group is 7-12 inches. I'm just looking for tips on how to improve my groups to be consistent so when the time comes this fall I can make a quick, clean shot and drop a deer with minimal suffering to the animal.

 

[onthespoke]

i'm no expert, but if your group is only opening up 2-3 inches 40 yards further, you could be looking at good consistency but poor tuning? maybe your arrows aren't spined well to match your bow so after they stabilize they don't drift too much further off course? are they all spreading out on the same plane? i.e. the group looks like a consistent line across the target? do you feel like your sight picture is shaky when you're at full draw?
the whisker biscuit is a mixed feeling thing for me. i shot one for a year then switched to a drop-away and noticed my groups tighten significantly.
like i said, i'm no pro, but there's a lot that could be going. more information could definitely better serve the question.

 

[BLan]

I've always felt that the key to grouping was consistency in your shot. Bringing the string back the same way, anchoring in the same spot, sighting through the peep the same, arm position the same, touching off the trigger the same each and every shot. I suspect, at some point you're not doing the same thing each and every time. Maybe, just maybe because you're not saying, your shooting weight is too high with just starting out. Work through a checklist with each shot, if you're not shooting a peep get one; if you're not shooting a kisser button get one or learn the feel on a shot that pinwheels the dot.

I have three points of contact with each shot, kisser, peep, and I know where my hand is positioned on my jaw. Also make sure you're not choking the rider with your grip. Let the bow rest in the web of your hand and don't grab it when you release.

 

[bowhunter2007]

All of these are good things to look at. Consistency in your arrow groups starts with consistency in your shot. Form, anchor points, release, and grip are a good place to start. I go a little overboard with my anchor points, but I know if all 3 of my anchors line up, I know i'm doing the exact same thing every time. Your follow through and your grip will also make a huge difference. Also, if your bow is not tuned and your arrows are not the correct spine you wont get consistent flight and you'll get frustrated quickly.

 

[turkeyhunter60]

What spine, length. arrows are you shooting...

 

[25ft-up]

I'd guess your bow tuning is OK since your groups don't change much between distances. Practice form as stated above. It takes time to build up strength and form to hold it steady. Be patient, it's only your first week, and don't tire or strain by overshooting.
You could also be leaning the bow differently with each shot. If you don't already have one, getting a sight with a level on it will help you keep the bow plumb.

 

[MNOutdoorsman1]

I've been using the same anchor point every time now. Scheels set me up with some 400 spine arrows and they cut them down to fit my draw lenght, no clue how long though. My sight does have a level in the bottom but as people said the next thing I'm buying for my bow is a QAD drop away rest. I did look at what you guys said and practice a little using those tips. My groups have gotten a little better so I'm hoping if I keep practicing consistency they will continue to improve. Thanks for all the help!

 

[MNOutdoorsman1]

Here are a few groups I shot today. I'd like to see if I can get a video of me shooting so you guys could tell me if my form and anchor are correct.