Instinctive Archery Explained

[@ttneiltt1]

I think the ‘instinctive’ way of shooting really comes into it’s own with moving targets. I stringwalk for field comps but recently been making and shooting a range of moving targets. There’s pretty much no other way to shoot them but look and shoot. Great fun, really satisfying!

[@jubei6802]

You can also use asiatic thumbring archery to explain this issue... it's all instinctive because there's no way to aim with arrow on the other side of the bow using a thumbring or Slavic release. Just an opinion.

[@mathurinkerbouchard8931]

You are correct, good sir. I shoot Mediterranean, thumb draw, and Slavic draw and there really is no precise, step by step aiming process like gap shooting, etc. with the latter two kinds of draw.

[@antwantuan4040]

Shhhhsh don't tell those American barebow guys that. They get all sensitive. They prefer to call us the term split sighting aimers.

[@doriapriori1004]

I just started shooting thumb release and it's so much fun. 🤟And I also don't aim 🤷🏻‍♀️ However, there is a chapter on aiming in the Arab Archery Manuscript... It's actually very well explained and it makes sense but every time I try to follow it step by step - I miss 😅

[@Habitatti]

You can definitely aim shooting thumb draw.

[@joejennings9769]

Recently picked the bow back up and I wasn’t satisfied at all with my shots from 20 yards or so, thinking I had enough. I anchored back down with both eyes open released and hit the best shot in my life and from there my grouping is fantastic. Archery is truly instinctive and this guy right here is the GOAT

[@huntinglife5202]

Instinctive is the only way I've ever known. 25 years of hunting instinctively. I just look at my target and my arrow just knows where to go.

[@jackdelvo2702]

Firearms replaced archery because to shoot a gun at a reasonable distance took a few hours. To train an archer took a lifetime.

[@brucebotrel2275]

Everything you said is right, people who over analyse dont typicaly experience the FLOW and this applies to any activity, i can remember playing darts as a youngster, the more i concentrated on the throw the poorer my shot, when i relaxed and went with it my shots improved, i was still crap, but better crap

[@andychang5888]

2 Grizzly Jim’s videos in 1 week, is it my birthday?

[@edkovac8978]

Wise words Jim. Good to see that you're in a good nick. Dropped a pound or two?

[@jarridcarter5001]

I've found that most people that are passionately against instinctive archery are people who tried it and it didn't work for them. They seem to think that because they put forth a valiant effort and just couldn't be consistent it's a bad system or impossible. They will say that all the great instinctive archers like you, or Jeff kavenaugh, or wolfie hughes must be "Subconsciously aiming". They are also usually the ones that are "Dicks". Its like they cant except that something that didn't work for them could work for someone else. Kevin from robbin hood archery is great as well! Just my 2 cents.

[@sebastienraymond3648]

I agree with you. It is quite possible that those who argue about the "right" definition to give to this practice of archery, only argue to satisfy a personal psychological need. No matter what name you give to the definition, the fact remains that the majority of archers will experience roughly the same thing and describe it roughly the same way. I also agree on the people you mentioned. Have a nice day and take care.

[@benfarley507]

At the end of the day shoot how u feel comfortable (im instinctive). You r a complete legend and you sold me my first trad bow and cant wait for the book.

[@tedbryer2512]

I just switched to instinctive archery about ten years ago. I found the first thing I learned is it is a lot of fun!!! Compound bows are too technical and always need tuning. Ill never go back. Found a bunch of goofy friends and we are having the time of our lives!!

[@ReinhardvonHolst]

It's nice coming back to this vid after so many years. My skill level is still the same but I'm happy with my form and accuracy. I love what you said about hockey too.

[@96corcho]

Felicitaciones Jim. Explicaste muy bien lo que es el Tiro Instintivo y como se llega a dominar esta tecnica.

[@Andromachine]

Инстинктив и только такой способ стрельбы приносит действительное удовольствие от добытого результата. Собственно о чем ты и говоришь в видео. Спасибо за то что ты делаешь. Всегда качественно и часто с хорошим юмором.

[@joebibble9647]

Jim you said it PERFECTLY! best definition I have ever heard!! could not AGREE more!

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

I totally agree about shooting instinctively being the most satisfactory aspect of archery ( for me anyway 🙂)

[@julianw5075]

It’s ok. We’ll rename it. New name is ‘Unconsciously Aimed’ Archery. I’m with you Jim. I’d rather hit a paper cup at 20m 5/10 times ‘Instinctively’ than a coin at 40m 8/10 times with sights, pins, and a rangefinder.

[@DarxusC]

I think it's fascinating how many people won't disagree that instinctive archery tends to make people happier, but still they choose to use a different method, because they "need" something easier. For what?

[@professorgryphonsmuseumofb5380]

And then here I am....trying to.follow the Zen of archery where the arrow shoots itself.😌😌 and finding out the non-monks call it intuitive". Hoorah!!!😉😉🎯🎯

[@Kova_xo]

I started out on an olympic recurve platform and I enjoyed the living heck out of competition and tuning. I then visited some friends who had been doing things like Barebow, Gundo, Kyudo, Clout Archery and such and It got me curious about dropping my sights and trying it out. I love it, I feel like its more relaxing and I find that switching to Instinctive also has helped me improve 10x as an Archer.

[@stoke127]

So as a kid and teenager I was self taught (with books) and made my own bows, but when I joined a club I moved onto sights etc and while I was decent, I found that I was fighting the aids rather than working with them. Ten years later, last week I decided to go back to "instinctive", and I have never been happier shooting. I'm rubbish again, but happy. Thanks for the video, even if I found it a touch late!

[@michaelmitchell5045]

Hello Jim, very much enjoy your videos. They calm me. I'm retired law enforcement in the states and started shooting compound bows in the 80s when introduced to them. Over the years I went over to recurve. Then experimented with sighting systems etc. But now I'm exclusively bare bow recurve. I've gotten pretty good at it (for a backyard archer). I've owned some nice expensive bows but have found some of the cheaper configurations shoot really well. You are right about about those who just don't get it. As a former firearms instructor I do understand form and technique. But to take arguably one of man's first weapons and hit a target with lethal capability without having to think about it....well, nothing feels so good. Keep up the good work. Finally, what traditional bow do you recommend regardless of price. Quality, longevity and performance. Take care. Mike

[@danielweston5893]

I use this method with catapults/slingshots. It's the same as what you're saying. When trying to explain it to someone, I now say, "target focused Shooting" instead of instinctive. Also called "Point shooting" with guns. I tell them that you don't aim down your Johnson when having a pee, but you tend to hit your target, and can even write your name in the snow, unless you're smashed. same idea. We just take it for granted because we have done it every day since we were toilet trained. That usually helps them see what I'm getting at. LOL. Great content on your channel!

[@dalesearcy5734]

Perhaps the work Instinctive could be replaced with intuitive. I totally understand instinctive shooting and it is my favorite way to shoot. It is me and the bow. No mechanical devices to aid in accuracy. I'm old school and have stayed with split finger and a tab. LOL! I just watched one of your 9 year old videos titled Instinctive Archery, The Basics and saw where you also suggested that Intuitive may be a better name.

[@turboeddy]

Hi, Thank you for the Video. Im new to archery ...well apart from using a geologic Initech Bow from Decathlon for a few months. what beginners bow would you recommend to buy so I can take Archery up properly? Thanks James

[@waleeda2769]

100% agree with you Jim. I've found I really enjoy shooting when I'm doing it instinctively. Forget all the mental calculations, distractions and simply.......shoot! BEAUTIFUL.

[@luisuribe104]

Here's my take but it's a bit long winded. Firstly some definitions. Instinctive: relating to or prompted by instinct; apparently unconscious or automatic. Intuitive: using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning. Intellectual: conscious reasoning, rational calculation and evaluation informed by education. Now some function definitions of these words as they apply to instinctive archery. Instinctive: subconscious wisdom of the body. Intuitive: subconscious wisdom of the mind. Intellect: conscious reasoning informed by education Subtentional: unconsciously intentional, (instinct × intuition) + intellect Subtentional Archery: instinct informed and modified thru intuition managed by the intellect. Contrary to popular belief instinct and intuition are both learned. An animal (yes, I mean humans too) taken from its parents and isolated from others of its kind won’t know how to act like its kind. The higher on the sentience ladder the more it’s true. So, humans and dogs need to learn more than snakes and spiders. Monkeys and squirrels need to learn how to jump and they need to practice to gain muscle memory. That’s how they develop instinctual jumping. Additionally, they need to experience a variety of situations that call for jumping, that’s how they develop intuition that modifies each jump for a given situation. So, when a mature monkey or squirrel is faced with a necessary jump from one swaying branch of a particular size to another swaying branch of a different size it uses its instinct (muscle memory) informed by intuition (mind memory) managed by intellect (conscious choice of the optimal moment) to make the successful jump. Monkeys and squirrels that master this escape predators more often, have more offspring, and have come to populate their species. Predators that have learned these skills catch more prey. So, it’s an arms race to master instinct+intuition managed by the intellect. Subtentional Archers are the same. They develop instinct by repeating good form over and over developing muscle memory. They develop instinct by shooting at different ranges, from different positions, in different weather, at different rates of fire, with different equipment, and different distractions. They develop intellect by reading about safety procedures, equipment, flight paths, trajectories, dangers, and the like. When you put it all together you get subtentional archery; instinct informed by intuition managed by the intellect.

[@knifesharpeningnorway]

I am more accurate standing there aiming thinking etc etc but it sucks out the fun for me. I want to Nock the arrow and stand ready. Look at my target draw anchor shoot and have fun fun and more fun i love it

[@darrylpatterson1091]

Have tried compound with a sight, just couldn't get it all to really work for me. Got a trad bow really enjoy it, tried gap, string walking, you name it but only instinctive seems to work for me. The big thing was to find the right form to suit me. Having found a form that works for me shooting is much more fun. Enjoyable when you have some sort of consistency. I don't shoot enough to be a good archer, but enough to have a bit of fun. I shoot a hybrid longbow and shoot with a Howard Hill kind of style. Good shooting everyone and enjoy yourselves.

[@Habitatti]

I think this whole topic is so petty. I mean, if you have a bow and an arrow, no sights or range finders. Just straight up traditional archery, it's instinctive/intuitive. Claiming that you (not you) aren't aiming is just plain horse shit. If you are looking at what you are shooting, you're aiming, thus you are training a sight picture at a particular distance. What you note in it is irrelevant. However you aim, you should still concentrate on improving your form and building tension on the string, via back tension. Building a solid repeatable form is the key to hitting things. Aiming is subconscious and it should be, because the subconscious is fantastic at its job, just watch it to keep it. If aiming is not subconscious, your form will fail and you will miss. You can truly concentrate on one thing at a time, I'd rather go with form than trying desperately to burn a hole in the spot. When I figured out this, my accuracy got better, my target panic flew out of the window and I can even shoot target now. It's still boring as fuck, but very useful, lol. I shoot "instinctive". Some people would say I don't gap or string-walk. I shoot both thumb and mediterranean, most recently three-under. I look at the target, but my peripheral vision registers the line of the arrow relative to the target, the point's distance to the target and the cant of the bow. All those things help me asses my form and correct it if needed, e.g. if the line of the arrow looks odd, my draw might inconsistent, solution: increase back tension. They also help my subconscious asses the next shot, incase I shoot high or low, e.g. the gap, yet I don't focus on it. In the same way I know that if I torque the bow my hits will go left and if I pluck they'll go right. So why does it matter if you have that soft focus on the gap or you string-walk and the point is on target? You're still using the same tools. People just use them in different ways to achieve the same objective. Is the next step shitting on shelves and nocking points? Some times I feel that real hardcore purists think that instinctive archery means sloppy form and hasty shooting. Don't get me wrong, I also speed shoot occasionally. Fast does not mean sloppy, but the fact is that I have less time to assess the shot and my accuracy suffers because of that. The bottom line is that aimers win and others donate. Also, don't be dicks. Support each other and have fun shooting. Go and shit on compound shooters instead, lol. Jk. Be nice, persuade them to the dark side. Off topic: Getting one of your Hybrid G-strings in the mail tomorrow. First one, really looking forward to it.

[@ReinhardvonHolst]

Brilliant explanation. Peace from Berkshire.

[@nikolacvetkovic2276]

Yes there is an issue, but it is due to bad naming of categories in archery as a sport. If the category called Instinctive bow is called unsighted wooden recurve (which could be aimed using gap shooting, string walking or by eye assessment). Of course in that manner there should be also sighted target recurve, unsighted target recurve (today called just recurve and barebow, which is even more confusing then instinctive bow). Right now I am shooting in Instinctive bow category by WA, and I use gap shooting method with free assessment of a distance (I am pretty positive I use experience in judging distance, not instinct)

[@jamescooper2618]

"Instinctive" may not be the correct term for it but that is the name we use for shooting without a recognized aiming system. Shooting instinctive well requires practice and work. You cant just pickup a bow and expect to shoot well right off. You train your body and your brain to work together to make the shot. Right on Jim!

[@larryhill1192]

Something I said the scope of bow hunting but inside the scope of Life as a human... I personally love offending people and it's one of the great joys of being alive so fun so so fun. Anyway thank you instinct of archery which thanks for trying but you don't have to explain it it's instinctive and some people just aren't very good at it instinct that is lol

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

I find it works OK for me up to about 30 yards, then its all goes wrong

[@CoensScaleModelling]

I'm, admittedly, newly returned to archery. So what I have to say about things is mostly just ignorant and unacquainted crap. However, because of that, I'm unbiased by what other archers think, say, say, and do. I don't have a coach or a range available to me. I have to work at it all on my own. So... coming from that background, I'd have to say that calling it "instinctive" is where all the problems come from. There's nothing instinctive about it. It's also how I happen to prefer shooting. As you mentioned in your video, "intuitive" is a far more accurate and less knicker twisting word. Maybe a campaign to change the name would settle the twisted knickers of the armchair warriors out there? For myself... I'll just keep shooting... intuitively ;) Keep yer stick on the ice Jim. :)

[@matthewyu3531]

Thank you very much. Would you kindly tell me how long it takes to become an instinctive archer?

[@kentonward97]

Why in the world is this an issue? Do people aim to throw a ball ? Or do they practice to get good at throwing a ball! The same is true with archery, some can aim but I cannot I just look at the target perceiving the distance then letting your body do it’s job. Instinctive is more like feeling the shot , it’s an actual feeling that’s how you figure it out.

[@FitzgeraldStudios]

Good video mate 🤟🏻

[@keithsphone5712]

my biggest mistake was over thining things, don't get me wrong you have to think about what you might be doing a bit wrong etc but not to overthink it and mess your own style up. There are the basics and then what is best for you , and what is compfortable for you . IMHO Oh and i need more practice

[@larryhill1192]

I think what it is some people are just stuck in this analytical purview of mind and they have a difficult time just letting go and doing it that concept is difficult for them to embrace that perhaps not thinking not overthinking might actually get you a better answer or a better outcome. This is a difficult thing for a lot of people who have been told what to do their whole life and would like a pill or a button or a correct answer sometimes the correct answer is already there and you don't have to try in the traditional fashion you have to just do...and do and do...until it's natural.

[@jaimeleondelaparra3877]

There's this great book, "Instinctive Archery Insights" by Jay Kidwell, Ph.D. I highly recommend it for those needing a more analytical and scientific look into instinctive archery, (aka: subconscious aiming).

[@daveware4117]

How far can you accurately shoot instinctively? Is there a distance that you switch over to gap? Like if you were going to take a 50 yard shot?

[@davidryan9189]

Training? What's that? I just started shooting and the trainers at my range called me an instinctive shooter. I thought they were just making an excuse not to teach me but I guess it is a real thing. Now I'm not so upset with them. Thanks

[@Testacabeza]

Eyeballing archery, that's another name for it.

[@MrDankozi]

I see instinctive archery a subconscious auto aim. Its just your brain using d.o.p.e data of previous engagements, Making the calculation and telling what your body to do.

[@michaelwilson4643]

hi bud i think well said iv been shooting nearly three months now my instructor tells me i am a reasonable archer for this time and i love instinctive its the only natural way for me, i just want to say to you dont let the pillocks that think they know but actually know didly squat dictate to you who actually does know what you are talking about iv watched you shoot so the proof is in the pudding just let them ramble on and waste their time and breath as they will never ever progress as they are too narrow minded too many of them on our planet im afraid, kind regards mike in lancashire.

[@jeffjackson5331]

Very true Jim. I shoot instinctive myself, i’m not real good at it yet but i don’t care. I watch you, Greg(3D Archery) and Jeff Krug(i probably spelled it wrong lol) videos all the time. I have learned alot from all three of you. Thank you for all you do! Becareful, be safe, have fun and God Bless you and your family.

[@colinrobertson7580]

I shoot a turkish short bow with a thumb ring and I'm cross dominant. The fact that I can hit a target proves that instinctive shooting is an effect and valid way of shoot because I couldn't aim if I wanted to.

[@Samuel-eo2tq]

This was really good until you said it’s not magic lol it is , it’s pure sorcery 🧙‍♂️

[@kart9857]

I'm an instinctive archer and I couldn't agree with you more!

[@malditomigue]

I'm a simple man , I see a new Archery Aventures vídeo and hit the like button before I see it...

[@opportunity-kfpairlines6716]

I'm really glad I found this channel! Great content

[@brucekelleher7666]

It is a valid aiming system that is a learnt response , learnt by repetition . In my opinion the only instinctive shot you make is the first shot you make after the first shot , it’s a learnt response in my opinion . I will support all forms of archery and hope you all have a great day

[@lesterdumm6477]

Hello from Wyoming. Good video! Keep up the good work.

[@robertrawlinson7412]

So what we are really saying is practice a lot get the sight picture in your brain and the memory in your muscles and shoot!

[@bowman321123]

Great explanation, I like the tent analogy, I've usually used the baseball to try to explain it. I wonder why it is that trad archers get their 'knickers in a twist' so easily, I shoot because I enjoy it, to me it really doesn't matter how others do it. Good to see you out, not sure what you're cooking up, maybe the afternoon coffee?

[@MONKLJ]

I love instinctive bow shooting, string walking and all the other so called tactics to shoot an arrow, I do not enjoy at all.

[@adilbajrai3036]

By far the best explanation I've heard

[@dennisoosterbaan6872]

Well said Jim. However each of us chooses to shoot ... enjoy it enough to practice, practice, practice and enjoy archery enough to allow others to enjoy walking their own shooting path.

[@Geminoduro]

You seem to be criminally undersubscribed.

[@kennethlunn8656]

Well said .I understand .but find it difficult .Will try harder .all the best .

[@michaelhandy1439]

Your ice hockey analogy was perfect! I am new to archery and my approach has been the same as throwing a ball. I played lacrosse when I was younger, and to me, shooting arrows is like winding up with the lacrosse stick behind my head while looking at the net, and then letting one rip towards the target. Instinctive, split vision and gap shooting are all new terms to me. I added a sight to my bow recently and now split vision makes sense to me but I don't see myself ever applying it while shooting without a sight. I can't imagine throwing a ball (baseball or lacrosse) any other way than 'instinctively' so I don't really understand the 'misunderstanding' of this way to shoot arrows...Thanks for the fabulous and informative videos!!!

[@BradleyJohnHunt]

When did Ray Mears take over Archery Adventures?

[@bushfalke]

Totally agree Jim,i love to shoot intuitiv. Greetings from Germany 👍

[@Testacabeza]

What about natural archery instead?

[@erickocovsky1826]

This is the best video about this topic I've seen. Thank you Jim!

[@flyfishbrad]

I'm just getting started. Have been trying to figure all of this out. Being a revolver shooter I have sights to focus on so I've had a hard time trying to figure out what to look at while practicing with my bow. Growing up a hockey player myself the slap shot analogy just clicked in my head. Thank you!

[@DarxusC]

I think there's some argument for calling it instinctive. Humans throw better than any other animal. That's evolution, and instinct. And I think instinctive archery is adapting that evolved throwing ability to a bow. And I wonder if that's part of why it's so enjoyable.

[@DarxusC]

Origins of human throwing: www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-23061016

[@irieJstar]

Very nice, thanks for the video!

[@samsmith4597]

When I shoot with iron sights or sling shot I use instinctive

[@drecthellsing4680]

I've learned a few good points from you and I appreciate the way you think. Therefore, I would like to use your video as a source to tell basically same things in my native language on a KZbin video with your link in the description, I just wanted to get your consent before I do it.

[@ArcheryAdventures]

If it helps other archers then by all means

[@jefferyhernandez4222]

Another great video Jim!

[@jcapp1698]

Nice Jim great video

[@justinskinner7483]

Amen brother ! 🙏🏻

[@110adventures7]

I quick thank you for the new flemish twist Grizzly string for my flat bow it arrived yesterday. I managed to get out for a couple of hours today with it, what a difference to the standard string that came with the bow. It's so much quieter and the hand shock has been greatly reduced probably down to the correct brace height which I couldn't get near with the standard string, go figure. Keep up the great work with the string and the video's. I've been doing archery for about 18 months now and have always enjoyed gap shooting my barebow apart from the odd rubbish day I've been really happy with my progress. My technique has improved and I'm think about giving instinctive a go. I realise there is going to be a hill to climb but if somethings easy everyone would do it.

[@sebastienraymond3648]

When I try to explain instinctive archery to neophytes, I use the example of the Pitcher in a Baseball game. Generally, they understand the analogy fairly well. It's not a perfect image of instinctive archery, but the Pitcher does almost the same thing as an instinctive shooter, in my opinion.

[@mortenjacobsen5673]

How? Explain it, how does a highly complex kinetic chain with twist, change in mass, direction and balanse involving contraction and eksentrisk work load where several limbs are in motion, when archery required just the twitch of a singel muscle to execute. Tell us how this can be the same, feel free to use science... Biology, anatomi, fysiologi, physics...

[@robertmason7397]

@@mortenjacobsen5673 Stupid troll.

[@3DArchery]

@@mortenjacobsen5673 I seriously doubt that you have much practical experience throwing a baseball.

[@hkruithof]

@@3DArchery Or shooting an arrow for that matter...

[@sebastienraymond3648]

@@hkruithof Honestly, this individual also harasses other users on the @NuSensei channel just to name another one. I had written a answer here that I admit was rather insulting that I withdrew afterward, but anyway I'm tired of remaining polite with this rude person for obvious reasons. A nice day to all who read this.

[@ivan_t9n]

It's been a long times since I last saw a video of yours. Even longer since I last shoot a bow. Really miss it. Anyway, great video, as usual. A bit long, to be honest, but worth it. Great locations too! You got my vote for the term "intuitive archery" also. Just checked, and the social media links for FB and IG at your (UK) web grizzlyjim don't work. Maybe they are outdated. And I could not access the grizzlystrings site either. Cheers!

[@HandyL]

I watched this video over a year ago when I was very new to archery and it made a lot of sense to me. Since then I have gone from instinctive to gap to stringwalking to fixed gap back to instinctive then Asiatic/horse bows which have kinda cemented the instinctive shooting into me. What instinctive shooting was/is to me has changed over the past year and have tried to form my own ideology on the subject matter. Now watching this video again with a better idea of what instinctive archery is, I must say, you nailed it! Absolutely and utterly nailed it when it comes to defining instinctive archery, bravo. Cheers!

[@theuniqueoutdoorsman8952]

Well said.

[@lokkstoff]

Hi Jim, ich mag deine Art zu schiessen, wie du über den Bogensport sprichst, sehr! Denn jeder Bogenschütze möchte das Gefühl haben, sein Ziel zu treffen. Mach bitte weiter! Grüsse aus Südtirol! Sven

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Vielen Dank, Sven!

[@muzza6007]

Yes thanks to all you guys that give such very good information, on Archery especially instinctive Archery. Funny you know about 40 years ago I was introduced to target Archery in Far North Queensland Australia and they guy that showed me we used a pin sight and believe it or not I always closed one eye and worked reasonably well for me once I had the sight set in those days. The old bow back about 20 odd years ago snapped the limbs not sure why as I had left it not stringed for for at least 20 years, I then found a most magnificent 1967 Bear Kodiak Magnum back then so 20 years ago for $80 haha in top condition is 52" @ 55 pounds. Now this bow had a sight attached so I played with it in those day had fun but using the sight. I have not done again any Archery for at least another 20 years and now at age 67 I found the old Kodiak still in really top condition, but I was having trouble drawing it fully a month or so ago, so after seeing all this info from you amazing people on KZbin I purchased a 40 pound Samick Sage and have been having so much fun doing it instinctively with both eyes open. Yesterday I tried the Kodiak and now can almost full draw and hold it, feel so great. So after the history of me and Archery I can now say that I do not need nor do I ever want a sight again, I just love hitting the target and what I am aiming at best feeling in the world hitting the spot at 15 or 20 meters, mind you I do have a miss here and there and can say at this point at these distances I still have a way to go to hit the bulls eye more than 3 consecutive arrows. Thank you mate for all your great videos and to all the others as well you have made me feel the spirit of Archery once again especially instinctive archery, just picking a very small point and drawing to anchor holding for a few seconds and if I get the follow thorough etc the magic happens....Thanks and Thanks

[@ARANDOMGENT]

I got taught instinctive with split finger, but could never get it down and just felt deflated. Switched to 3 under and started sighting down the arrow in my peripheral (split vision) and had way more fun. I don't know the gap or measure it, that's the instinctive part for me, in time my eyes and arms will work together. Some will say it's not instinctive and that's fine and their opinion but if my body measures the gap without conscious thought, then that sound pretty instinctive/intuitive to me. Shoot how you want to shoot and do what feels best for you, too many try to conform to what the internet tells is the "proper" 🤮 way to shoot and just lose love for the sport/hobby.

[@mikekupetsky6879]

Thank you Jim. It's good to have a public figure who agrees with my shooting style. So many archers try to explain it away and Say your aiming, or gaping in some way

[@stevejames2600]

Instinctive Archery. I do it, not very good at it, but I LOVE IT. Another great video. Stay safe ...

[@johncom1971]

YES. Thanks for a great explanation. Been shooting instinctively as you’ve described since I was a 5 yrs old (near 45yrs) ago,and I’ve used throwing a baseball analogy for years to describe it, but I love the slap shot example as well. I’ve tried to explain why I prefer this method, but I’ve never explained it as well as you just did... I simply find it more satisfying and enjoyable. Love the videos. All the best from Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@karlhagen960]

Jim, Fully enjoy the many videos that I have watched with your content. I have been shooting traditional archery for 50 years. I, like many lost focus and commitment and took the easy road for a while with a compound bow. It was interesting learning the tuning and amazing accuracy capabilities but it was too easy and I could pick up the bow a week before hunting season and shoot well with no effort. I always had that thought in the back of my head of the need to get back to traditional archery. When I was young I started shooting a recurve because my father shot a recurve and it came naturally and I was able to shoot very well. I realize that my success was mainly do to the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed shooting and that was the only reason I shot. No thinking about missing or what someone else thought of my shooting. Just the pure and simple enjoyment of shooting a traditional bow. About two years ago with the kids out on their own I decided to purchase a inexpensive takedown recurve and start shooting again. I was amazed at that feeling, once again of the satisfaction of the simplicity of a traditional bow, and have been shooting almost every day for the last two years even if is is extremely cold if only shooting a dozen arrows before having to go inside to warm up. I has also been amazing that even though I shot very well when I was younger how poorly I shot when starting to shoot traditional again. Luckily today there is much information readily available through the amazing brotherhood of traditional archers. I watched "The Push" archery film with Matt Zirnsak and he made one statement that I had to rewind and watch several times. It is the overall support that makes this sport/hobbie so great, longbow, recurve, compound, crossbow, it doesn't matter we are all different. Enjoy the camaraderie, enjoy the people, enjoy the experience. I have thought quite a bit about Instinctive shooting and the definition "relating to or prompted by instinct; apparently unconscious or automatic", also how it relates to my shooting style. I have been trying string walking, but I catch myself aiming with my point below or above the point that I am shooting at, as I get a mental subconscious feeling of relaxation when certain things align and I just feel that is where the point should be and the shot hits the mark when it should be high or low. So is this "Instrinctive String Walking" ? If and Olympic recurve archer uses a sight but everything else in their shot cycle has been performed so many times that they don't even think about the majority of their shot cycle is that mainly "Instinctive"? I would say that when I started shooting I was an instinctive archer, but is the argument that you don't rely on the arrow for any part of the aiming process? If so, and you are a instinctive archer, if the arrow were completely invisible could you still make an accurate archery shot? I would say the pure form of instinctive archery can involve a longbow, hybrid recurve, recurve, and a compound that is shot without a sight and without a crawl. You just use the alignment of the arrow with the intended mark, and instinctively adjust the angle to match the trajectory of the arrow to the distance to achieve the proper height. Regardless, if you shoot for the right reason, that is the for pure enjoyment of shooting, it doesn't make any difference to me how you shoot, what you shoot, whether you hunt or just shoot targets, in competition or in your backyard. Take a deep breath, enjoy archery and enjoy this life that allows us to partake in such simple enjoyment with a stick and a string, "flemish" in your case :). I hope someday our paths cross and we can just smile and nod in the understanding of the joy of archery. Shoot straight. "Archery is a sport that is played on a 6" wide shooting lane between your ears".

[@thomas.bill92]

Really excited for your book and glad that you're still at it. I have seen so many great archers on KZbin that have either disappeared or given up on archery.

[@JasonV8S550]

Just rewatching some of my favourite videos and some new on instinctive shooting, as I am coming back to the fold. I look forward to any seminars you are running this year Jim. Will Jarn be there?

[@darrenboocker]

Great video, Jim. I like the 'intuitive' label as an alternate way to describe the discipline, make sense to me. Just have fun practicing I say. Hope you and the family are doing well during lock down. All the best.

[@humphrey7079]

With instinctive archery it's less learning a point on the bow and more learning the bow. You subconsciously kinda predict the path of the arrow and then adjust based on where it goes

[@Billythebassist]

The only way I know how to shoot is instinctive...I have experimented with gap but without a doubt my best results come from just looking at the target. I'm looking forward to that book.

[@CluthaDubh]

Thanks for that. Pretty much how I've been trying to explain it to the sights and string walkers in our club. But done in a better way. For a while when I lost my confidence I gave up on the usual target face and hung a beer mat at 18 metres. Then finding something smaller to shoot at to get back to focus small and miss small.

[@jonathanstaley3883]

I completely agree. I’m FAIRLY new to archery and consider my eye to hand coordination very good. I am training with IA and so far so good. I get a great amount of satisfaction out of getting it right.

[@demharsh]

Yeah! You’re back inspiring us again! Thank you. / another guy with a beard named Jim

[@sjohnson4882]

Well said. The other methods I've tried seem a little stiff to me. Perhaps you can be more accurate using those methods, I don't know. The magic of look, see, hit gives me joy.

[@Gundolf300]

Under my 12 years of slinging arrows whether it has been with a compound, recurve or bent stick (yes I've gone through most systems) it has allways been the same, which is one of the reasons I quit archery. There is a group in just about any class completely hellbent of don't wanting to understand, approve or even show the slightest respect of people choosing different classes and outright, even if it's not intentionally, destroy the experience for others. Since putting others and their life decisions down simply because they don't match one's own is nothing but insecurity that's allmost incurable I'm afraid that things aren't gonna change in that front for a good while yet. However. People with certain amount of reach pointing to, that the behaivour isn't acceptable is a really good thing 😉

[@DamonHowattHunter]

Hard aiming systems are prone to target panic, at least that's what my experience with gap shooting was. I had to get away from it. By consensus I really wonder how many people develop target panic when they adopted gap, fixed crawl or string walking into their shooting.

[@nosystem1098]

Hi, Jim. Really good video and, again, you're right. Being good at this happens quickly for no one. I did quite a bit of shooting back in high school and college, but I wasn't "regular" about it. Through 30 years of professional life and making a living, I did almost no shooting at all. I retired about eight years ago. I found an archery club nearby with indoor, 3D, and field ranges and started shooting again (a succession of hybrid longbows) to help keep myself busy. I've never had an actual instructor. My learning has been through trial and error, the occasional tip from more experienced shooters, books, and videos. (Many of yours have played a big part on my education, and I thank you.) Through those eight years I have been shooting an hour and a half every other day, on average. I struggled through a long period of target panic and, at some point just this past winter something finally "clicked" and I am shooting well on a predictable basis. I am not the new Howard Hill, but my decent shots are progressively outnumbering my shit shots. It certainly helps if you love the sport, but persistence and patience is all.

[@jordanrich4850]

Was just looking through your channel for a video like this! Cheers Jim! Love the channel, and the strings!