Instinctive Archery vs Aiming a Recurve or Longbow

[@jared5862]

Great video Clay. I shot instinctive for years and was pretty good at it. I killed a lot of game that way. Then about 4 or 5 years ago I lost my shot. I have no idea why for sure. I blame it on my aging eyes and perhaps my eye dominance trying to change as my eyes weakened which changed my sight picture. I struggled for about two seasons hunting and then got so frustrated that I hung up my Trad bows and went back to compound. On the 3 rd year I missed trad so much I knew I had to figure something out. So I poured over articles and KZbin looking for answers. I came upon your videos and how you aim and decided to try that. I settled on kind of a form of Gap where I use my tip to aim and instinctively know where to hold for elevation. And I close my left eye (right handed shooting) which leaves no chance for a dominance fight. This has renewed my accuracy, consistency and love for the sport. I’m now back in the woods with my trad bows and loving every minute. I owe a large part of this to your videos. Thank you.

[@troywesterbur706]

I can relate. I shot instinctively for years. I put my bow away for a couple years and then picked it back up. I could barley hit paper. frustrated i looked into how to aim. It pulled my shots back together but it wasn't very good for hunting. It only worked for me at the range. I went back to instinctive and sub-conscientiously was using my arrow tip to aim at the same time. I didn't notice until I shot different arrow lengths. My shot would either be high or low depending on the length. I cut all my arrows to the same length and then it was consistent. I also noticed my broad head size made me shoot different as well. I found I was far more accurate with a larger head. There was something about being able to clearly see it without thinking about it made my shots better. So now field tips don't fly as good for me. I know that doesn't make much sense but its true. I seem to hit high with them.

[@jared5862]

Troy Westerbur I can relate. I use a brass weighted insert that’s slightly larger than the shaft itself. Not much. It’s not even noticeable until you look down the shaft. That way when I aim I’m using that insert. Not the field point or the broad head. So my aiming point of the arrow is the same no matter what is attached to it.

[@troywesterbur706]

@@jared5862 had full length shafts because I was tuning my new arrows. I was shooting low with them. I was shooting high with my old arrows. I cut them to the same length. Then was able to tune them so they all flew the same.

[@oldgoat1890]

@@troywesterbur706 Makes no sense to me. If the arrows are longer you will hold at the same length length anyway.

[@troywesterbur706]

@@oldgoat1890 yes your draw length is always the same. But if your shafts are longer you hold different when holding on target. Yes I know you shouldn't. But your mind makes you compensate without thinking about it. If you aim with your arrow tip you are going to aim lower if you use a site window and shaft it shouldn't effect you. But it does. You just don't realize you are doing it. I by no means am i saying that I am that great. If i don't shoot all the time my bad habits all come right back.

[@Imperator-el4nt]

I'm really pleased that you're talking about instinctive aiming. For years I felt like I had to identify myself as either instinctive or aiming shoter and I never really knew what I was. When I shoot, I pay particular attention to the overall picture. The image of the tip target and bow simply has to look right

[@petarpetalarev8297]

Love the video! I'm really sick of those online comments: "trad archery has to be instinctive"; "it's not instinctive, it's intuitive"; "instinctive is subconscious gap, change my mind"... I'd rather spend more time in shooting arrows, than arguing online about how I shoot them!

[@CERBERUS300ify]

If u can remove your mind from the aiming and shooting process u can hit that target every time.

[@mattfavaloro350]

So you're problem is with nomenclature doesn't matter what it is called as long as we know what we're talkin about. Let's say that we are friends although I doubt we would be and we had agreed can we talk when I say up I mean down when I say left I mean right and vice versa when you talk to me up is down left is right you might sound stupid to others as long as we know we're talking about what does it matter what we call it and yeah you should probably practice more if you're talking about you need to you need to stay ready so you don't have to get ready sound corny until you think about it there are those that need to get ready for a hunting season and there are those that a hunting season has come and that's the only thing that has changed I have not had to practice get in shape I'm in shape I stay practicing

[@mattfavaloro350]

Oh and I responded to your comment before the video while the video had started running but I was reading he's at the part where he is defining what he means when he says certain words so you are a fucking moron

[@petarpetalarev8297]

@@mattfavaloro350 Thanks man! You are polite and kind. Your parents taught you well :)

[@meat-hook]

Practice makes progress. It's exactly like boxing/martial arts. The first punch is crap. The thousandth punch is acceptable. Do it right ten thousand times, and you have the basics down.

[@Jwrll]

This is probably the best explanation of this that I've heard. This is how I've felt forever, just hard to put into words. Good work Clay

[@peterlewis3038]

Great video. How refreshing to hear someone describing the similarities of aiming and Instinctive. Good form and repeatability. Can't say any clearer than that. Thanks.

[@adamredden587]

I'm just getting into this and my ego tells me that instinctive seems like the best and purest way to go. My practicality tells me that I need to use what's effective and less time consuming....we have a 2 year old 😄. Either way I'm watching all of your videos and appreciate your effort, Clay. Thank you...

[@caseysmith544]

If you do not like his version of split vison, try the more standard anchor points.

[@guidodominguez2423]

Are you aware that this might be the best video about this subject? As someone who tried the most instinctive way of shooting and now moving to something like gap I couldn't agree more with you. Great video!

[@jean-micheltanguay8664]

I was new to archery, never shot a bow in my life, and bought a compound bow 3 years ago. Now I’m a week away from picking up a traditional longbow and I’m very excited about it. Thank you for all your helpful videos

[@dennishein2812]

I always shot instinctively. Haven’t shot for several years due to spine problems and haven’t been able to string my bows. Been working on getting strength back. These are informative types of videos. I will tell someone how I shoot but one way doesn’t work for everyone. Gonna try it if I can get back to shooting.

[@justdoinmything]

Use a crossbow

[@JohnSmith-mk2bw]

I wanted to ask you about your back problem.. I was having major problems with my neck and upper back.. Then I had to accept it but I couldn't shoot for like a month or two and my neck was better.. As soon as I could I started shooting again.. And there was the major net pain again... Now it's kind of often on but I know it has to do with shooting..were You experiencing upper back at neck pains?

[@dennishein2812]

@@JohnSmith-mk2bw my pain was from injury (I was a diesel mechanic), I also had too much calcium in my system and it kept pinching my spinal cord. I ended up with 100% nerve block on my neck and lower back and had a double emergency surgery. I lucked out and ended up a paraplegic instead of a quadriplegic. I’ve had 9 surgeries total with 2 fusions in my neck and 2 in my lower back. They went in and chiseled most of my spine out to relieve the stenosis. With the surgeries, rehab and work I could use a walker and eventually crutches. I started going to a gym and over did it and ended up paralyzed a 2nd time. Surgery and hard work got me back to a walker around the house but a wheelchair everywhere else. I could still shoot a bow at that time but then I got nerve pain in my legs and feet that gets progressively worse. Now I am also having nerve pain in my hands and arms. They can’t find what’s causing it. The nerve pain in the arms has taken my strength and I can’t even string my #50 bows. I know my arm problems are from my neck because the worse it hurts the more my arms hurt. I would go to a doctor and see if there is anything wrong first. If not, I used to study the martial arts and the warm ups and exercises helped but I also grew up buckin bales. Good luck!

[@ratchet_hoe]

I think this advice applies to all sorts of fields like sports, videogames, or even art. "Aiming" with intention rather than instinction. You describe it very well.

[@adamboone5472]

I thought I was an instinctive only. Turns out I use a combination of both instinct and aiming. I also do a simple check in my mind during the shooting process that adds consistency. Step one orient my shoulders and feet. step two proper anchor for consistent sight picture. Step three check peripheral for arrow tip (I simply make sure it’s in my peripheral vision and close to the target, not necessarily aiming with it) and back tension (thanks Mr Hayes). Step four good follow thru, during and after the shot. I also cannot shoot in the dark. Lol

[@senseipaans]

Great video. It explains the different ways of shooting in a LOGICAL way

[@wangdu9]

"You may not be focusing on these things, but you can see them." That is a brilliant way to explain how instinctive and aiming are inherently integrated. It's more of a choice about what you explicitly, consciously, bring into your awareness. Bravo, Clay. For a rank beginner like me, this video is incredibly helpful. But judging by the comments, it's great for many experienced archers as well.

[@autopeep24]

Good video, I'm over 60, started traditional. Watched a Vid on the Push that explained gap and fixed crawl and split vision. That's when I learned I didn't no squat about archery after 40 yrs of compound shooting. Traditional is so cool, wish I would have started much earlier.

[@craigphillips-1]

You do a GREAT job with your videos. I've watched HUNDREDS of archery videos but just found yours and subscribed. I've watched a few so far and learned something new in each! Thanks.

[@cindycindy4536]

Had the bow set up at a pro shop. It performed just fine kzbin.infoUgkxQEKUoxLWwayEDZR0NKB-5limn4MBU-2L . And I would say this is a good starting now that I could pass down to my son when he is older.But the package was missing the release and a nock was missing from one arrow.Dealing with customer support was terrible. They suggested I buy a new release rather than correct their own quality control issue because it’s to expensive for the. to ship it out from China.Update: manufacturer got back to me and resolved the issue. I retract the above statement.

[@midnightmodder]

Hah! I discovered on my own, shooting at targets in the dark a couple years ago! Also from a crouched position with one knee on the ground! I thought it was something that would sound crazy to most people! Really enjoyed this video! Fantastic!

[@openrangelivestockguarddog4041]

Brilliant, no effective conversation is possible, without a definition of terms.

[@fallrut2010]

I have been shooting a coumpond bow for 30 years and recently brought bear break down bow. This was a terrific Vedic to watch before I start shooting. Thanks!

[@codywilber6885]

Took me 2 yrs to convert from compound to recurve, totally did the ‘rip it’ method for the first year. Significant accuracy improvement thanks to ur channel.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good to hear Cody

[@Smitty_76]

Good video Clay. I found myself doing split vision on longer shots almost by accident. I kind of embraced it and it works well for me. For shots within 30 yards I pretty much just focus on the spot. I'm pretty sure Paul Shafer pretty much did split vision as well for longer distances and was known as being an incredible shot.

[@offthearrowshelf]

Have to say this is one of the best breakdowns and description of instinctive and aimed differences or rather similarities. As a coach and trainer of future archery coaches I think I'm going to reference this in the future. Also going to link to it from my archery site. Thanks for producing it.

[@efxanim8tor]

Clay - great topic! Whooo-hooo, glad someone is giving a proper perspective to the notion of instinctive vs aiming. I think you broke it down well, it's really defining what "Instinctive is" and what your brain needs to process to properly make consistent shots with tight groupings at any yardage. I would love to see a more in-depth discussion on "training our brains" to operate with "subconscious effectiveness" I think some good parallels might be found in things like martial arts and/or ball room dancing. I am an artist and one of the most basic things you learn in art school is training your hand to do what your eye sees. I find this parallel in archery to be much the same. I focus on ~ letting my brain, train my body, doing what my eye sees. Looking forward to the Howard Hill split vision video!

[@danilocova1054]

Highly accurate video for all young or experienced archers from Italian arche

[@carmelaonofrietti7297]

Forse è vero! i migliori restano i pellerossa!Almeno originali!Regards dad

[@levisweet979]

I'm with you, when I was a boy, my dad saw I was left handed, and couldn't figure out why I couldn't hit anything and was holding the rifle funny until he figured out I'm right eye dominant.

[@levisweet979]

I shoot instinctively, I'll use sights if there there, I'd lay money my groups would be better with no sights.

[@NZCLUB_reals]

wow, another factor to consider.. I just aim using the arrow tip to adjust, shoot and hope I'm holding the bow as steady as possible during and after the arrow leaves my bow 😂😂

[@americanpatriot661]

I feel your analogy of instinctive shooting is spot on. When training your mind to shoot instinctively, you are just tapping into your natural abilities and it will come to you naturally the more you practice. It's fun and also relaxing to shoot this way. We're not thinking of distance bc we know the flight of our arrow from practice. Another excellent example of instinctive shooting is demonstrated by Paul Brunner in a old video of his. A must see to really grasp the fundamentals of instinctive shooting from a snap shooters point of view. Snap shooting takes much practice to become proficient but once mastered it's taking instinctive shooting to the next level. I don't like to use the word aiming but rather pointing like you would point your finger and raise the bow subconsciously while keeping your eye on the spot and arrow in your peripheral view. Which can be done in a fraction of a second and is called snap shooting.

[@GrammarGal1]

These videos are really helpful. One of the things I love about traditional archery is it's not an exact science. I shot sighted recurve for years, and it was exact, but since moving to instinctive horsebow I'm realising that it's all about what works for the individual. No use people commenting about the right and wrong way. A lot of the competitions I go to have set rules and guidelines, but when you're just shooting for your own enjoyment as far as I care, if the arrows are going where you want them to go and you're consistent, that's the right way to do it.

[@sedulousdabbler5468]

As a former firearms instructor, there are so many parallels with what you say here. This video, and your explanations, are truly superb. Thanks

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@lylekurth4142]

Thank you Clay. I have been shooting a recurve for 46 years. I shoot in a similar fashion to what you described. I see my arrow in my peripheral vision and use that for windage. My sight picture never changes - ever. At less than 10 yards or beyond about 20 yards, I "aim" by moving my eyes up or down the target and because my sight picture is ingrained after hundreds of thousands of arrows, the arrow follows my eyes. I know I can alter my shot placement by string walking and if I want to shoot at 40 or 50 yards for the fun of it, I can use the tip of the arrow to help. But in the heat of the moment when shooting at a deer 25 yards or closer, things like string walking or face walking don't ever enter my mind. I am totally focused on the spot I want to hit and everything else becomes a blur.

[@erichinkle5299]

Darryl is the type of guy that I love. To admit that they were wrong and just seems like someone searching for truth that was awesome and I hope that I will be more like that. 👍

[@KDOG9720]

I’ve found that a combo works best for me. I focus really hard on making sure my string blur is in line, then I put the arrow tip in the middle of the target and then burn a hole in the bullseye. The arrow tip blurs out of focus or even disappear from my conscious vision. When it feels good. It goes. Thanks Clay. You got me going a few years ago and traditional archery has become the passion of my life. The challenge never ends. You start with pie plate groups at 15 yards, progress to hitting the ten ring almost every time out to twenty five then start figuring out how your going to do that with the twelve ring. Your never going to shoot a perfect score with a single piece wooden bow, so the challenge never ends.Beautiful!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Excellent

[@leonardcontarino7940]

Thank you Clay for the clarification. I am looking to start shooting again this is going to help me out a lot. I will be watching more of you videos

[@CleaveMountaineering]

Great points. I'd always thought instinctive meant "grip it and rip it" but this makes more sense that you still have to use consistent form.

[@drrejimathew3919]

Thanks Clay,you have explained it very well.Totally agree with you.

[@marks8437]

OMG, this, sir, is one fine video. It is a true pleasure to hear your insights. You are a great teacher, thanks for the channel.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Mark

[@Guy-ky9mc]

Today was my second day ever shooting a bow and I was thrilled with how it turned out. Although I grew up hunting and have harvested many squirrels, rabbits, deer, fill in the blank, I've never gotten into bow hunting. Muzzleloader was my go-to for deer. But I surprised myself. I'm not a big dude but I can comfortably draw, hold, and shoot a 55lb recurve and today I probably launched 100 arrows with surprising accuracy all the way back to 40 yards. I hold three fingers under the nock and bring it right to my eye and aim under the target. By the end of the day I had a pie plate group at 40 yards.. I couldn't believe it! My biggest issue is an injury to my bow arm elbow. Feels like a tendon. No pain in drawing arm or back.. just in that bow arm elbow. I also had 3 totally different arrows so I had to learn each one. I'll have to recover.. I think this elbow is an older injury.

[@effortlesschange]

What a shot man, and the follow proves your mastery. Impressed me!

[@kennypringle4580]

Thanks for the good info. I’m just now getting back into traditional archery. I bought a new Bear Montana longbow (45#) and yesterday shot my first time in 25 years. I’m paying close attention to your words of wisdom my friend. At 20 yards my first groups were relatively acceptable at 10 inches with 6 arrows. I’ll narrow that down my next time out.

[@drewswan695]

My uncle just got me into shooting longbow, and told me to check out your videos. Iv been a subscriber for a few months and your videos are just perfrct for me as a beginner! From the videos you do with your boys teaching them about nature and respecting what awesome resources we have to videos like this that really help build my foundation of shooting early on creating good habbits for shooting! Thanks Clay and keep up the awesome quality videos!

[@clear_image_photos5477]

Check out nusensei as well, I'm not one to like advertising in other channels but I love both channels and think you can learn alot from it as well, some Info I found on his channel that's not on here

[@drewswan695]

@@clear_image_photos5477 i appreciate the info! Thanks!

[@clear_image_photos5477]

Something else to check out are shortbows( horsebows) idk if your a hunter or not but these have less vibration in the limbs, alot lighter and smaller, making it great for hiking around with. And they look awesome lol

[@VladimirSaldes]

Thank you. This explains a lot to me about my shooting. Great work. Nice video.

[@JimAckermanmarketingspeaker]

Great content Clay. You explain things better than just about anybody. I'm left handed and bought a left handed recurve bow. Then found out I was right-eyed. Rather than go buy another bow, I decided to "go instinctive". But your explanation of the split vision method makes a lot of sense. I'll be trying it out today. Thanks

[@caseysmith544]

There is two styles of split vison, one up near the eye where the split is less or the one I use that is more in traditional anchor spots of the corner of mouth to the front of ear with top finger or corner of jaw hinge with lowest finger. I do the arrow as main and target secondary, this being due to how for me at least it is easier to focus on the arrow needing to be clear to aim with better and then have the further target/object as being blurry with my eyes. I am doing split finger with one or two brass/metal nocks below arrow to help find easier by feel in low light or different sized nocks on arrows. I never liked using one above as then I feel you are locked into a specific arrow nock size.

[@dennisweaver5485]

I'm 71, and really miss my old instinctive shooting. I believe it was pure instinct. I started to shoot in 1962 and could not find a mentor, so I read Fred Bear stuff, and he became my archery mentor. I got some good advise from a non- Archer, but good athlete. He was watching me shoot, and was surprised I was upset that I was hitting to the left a bit. He said he thought the shooting was good. I said I'll shoot to the right of the bull to correct it. He said no, why don't you shoot and shoot till that arrows moved over there for you. After a lot of days, those arrows started doing just that. I think it was real instinct because I used to hit a lot of thrown targets, swinging targets, etc. In minimal light as well. The real give away was on probably 4 or 5 deer I got, I actually don't remember drawing or releasing except the sound of the string and arrow separating. I only knew I shot when the deer displayed a problem or I looked on bow shelf and arrow was gone. That was the ZONE. It's all gone, but I still love to shoot, but I seem to experiment a lot, and can't get that 100% release form where it needs to be. Target panic as opposed to letting go and watching that arrow find the target. Two different things.

[@joshuahindle1392]

Clay Hayes I gotta thank you. Your videos have taught me how to make an awesome bow and I practiced shooting for months and when you said to put the nock of the arrow under your pupil that hit the nail on the head now I've doubled my distance and can hit the target consistently you might not even read this but thanks bro

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’m glad I could help Joshua

[@GunCollector007]

As a very new archer I can’t thank you enough for this video.

[@ShootingUtah]

I've always felt I get my best accuracy and precision in shooting when I've put in a bit of practice where I do aim for both left, right, and elevation. But as I get warmed up I start letting all that aiming happen in the background where I'm just a little bit conscious of it, mostly lining up left and right at the beginning of the shot cycle. Then I very much focus on the smallest thing I can on the target and my anchor and finally back tension and bam the shot goes off and it's usually pretty good. It sounds like a lot to have in your mind at once maybe to someone new but a lot of this becomes a lot like driving a car where you kind of forget that your actually driving. Things start happening in the background leaving your mind open to focus on what's needed. Yes I aim, yes a lot of my shot cycle and specific aiming is instinctive. So I've always kind of wondered how people really thought these methods were completely different. There's no way to do something without your mind automatically making reference points while doing it. I think it confuses people who are new including myself.

[@muleskinner485]

When i check my archery gear before i hunt i go and instinctively aim to make sure i'm on target using my mind to accomplish this, but when i am stalking in a hunt situation instinct takes precedents, or should i say over-rides my mind, there is no time to think, I am not conscious of mind, but am an ( instinctive-being ) programed to arrow the fleeing target, you must trust your instincts over your mind, and this is where i believe most shooters fail, I instinctively am aware of my arrow in my periffial vision. Instinctive shooting is nothing more than the data that the mind has stored over a period of years of practice, the inner man can draw on this data in a 1000th of a sec., because you truely trust...........

[@larryreese6146]

Yep, I think you're right. Either consciously or subconsciously good archers aim their bow. Consistency comes with doing everything the same way every time. If I start throwing arrows everywhere, I slow down. Mentally I put a pin point in the middle of my target. I draw the bow, concentrate on the target and close my eyes. I want to feel the release. Then i go through what i did. Did i pluck the string? Did i drop my bow arm? Did i weave left or right? Did i grip the bow too tight? Then I open my eyes and look at the target. A lot of times I know where that arrow hit before I open my eyes by analyzing my release. When everything comes together it's great. Kind of like magic, head, eye, hand, and muscle coordination driving a projectile at a distance to exactly where you want it. So much the better if it's a cane arrow from a self bow.

[@donniewillis2926]

Wow, what an insight. I can't wait until you do a more in-depth look at split vision. This made a lot of sense to me and I am sure to watch it several times in the coming days.

[@vfc1860]

Instinctive shooting is equivilent to throwing a baseball. Same thing. Very good video exploring the crossovers between methods. Well done.

[@nwprimate6416]

Very interesting, and very well presented. Thanks for making these types of videos for us.

[@RunnerThin]

I want to learn more on instinctive archery ... I learned from hours a day as a kid of throwing and also archery

[@chriscarignan8571]

I believe all the points you brought up are extreamly valid...always called out the ones who claim they are purely instinctive...the how to shoot instinctively books always messed me up bad...Nice selfie, love the arrows too, great video!

[@isaactyson4618]

Thank you Clay! This is an important concept. Great job breaking it down.

[@kto9030]

If you understand basketball, you'd definitely know what instinctive shooting is.

[@Bogie770]

well this is not basketball this is archery.....when basketball will be an aiming sport than this should be an example...

[@PatchedRoundBall]

@@Bogie770 You DO aim in basketball... And baseball.... And football.... And INSTINCTIVE archery.... You subconsciously aim with all of them....Just no sights

[@jeremylong6229]

Jason G that is basically right your not using anything for reference and aiming with body position

[@seakadventurer1330]

@@Bogie770 you can't "shoot" a basketball without aiming. Its about sight picture and form...

[@Bogie770]

@@seakadventurer1330 you can shoot anything without of some sort of aiming ..this is my point :)

[@gregdavis7766]

Those 80 yard shots were absolutely beautiful

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Greg

[@brucekelleher7666]

totally agree with you Clay , I like to call it a learnt response rather than instinctive , and once I explain it to people they mostly agree with me , greetings from Down under keep up the great work looks like I am going to have time to check out more of your Videos as we go into this lock down best regards Bruce

[@rossbielema8863]

One of the best videos I've ever seen on shooting a traditional bow! I've shot recurves since age 6 (I'm 61) and have been moderately good at it but never had much confidence when hunting (killed many deer with a compound/sights, but never with a traditional bow). The bottom line is you want to make a quick, humane kill and don't let pride get in the way of that goal! Many traditional shooters are opposed to any method of aiming, even though many hunters in the 50s and 60s put sights on their recurves! We owe accurate, humane shooting to our quarry and for the sake of bowhunting's future, which will be decided by non-hunters!

[@jerryleiisme]

I love bows and u love bows, since we both love bows ,I think u might be my best unknown friend, and thanks for this lovely video.

[@clayhayeshunter]

😜

[@johnnemec2077]

Excellent video...You explained in a very straightforward way the key concepts to consistent shooting. I’ve been down the path you described of instinctive, gap and even sight pins. I ended up with my arrow point and an instinctive “gap” much like you describe....my accuracy has never been better! We all continue to learn Thank you!

[@eddiep7444]

Excellent video and very thought provoking. I've been shooting "barebow" stickbows for nearly 60 years. I debated aiming vrs. "instinctive" for years. Like you, my shooting didn't improve until I practiced perfect form, especially from the shoulders up. Holding the bow hand on target WITHOUT FAIL is critical also. I think you ended the importance of debating "aiming vrs. shooting"

[@scottsanders9090]

Very nice approach in addressing an often times sensitive subject.

[@FrogDad556]

Excellent! I'd highly recommend Howard Hills Shooting Method by his nephew Jerry Hill for some great 'secrets' he left out of Hunting the Hard Way. Awesome job Clay!

[@MrRourk]

The Book of Books

[@grejen711]

As a beginner archer and bowyer I really found this helpful. Thank you. Probably not the best idea to try to learn how to shoot a bow and how to build them at the same time but it is fun! I did purchase an inexpensive bow (Black Hunter varient from OMP) to work on my form and confidence.

[@digitaldogs233]

Why not, you're learning two different thing's, your actual shooting is learned from a coach, while you're doing that you can build bows. I've learned the hard way about trying to learn from KZbin, all you're doing is trying to replicate, but there's no one with you to say what you're replicating is correct. Most coaches use touch to show you the muscles you engage, you can't learn that from film, it has to be done in real life. Its why so many archers who tried to self learn ended up with injury down the line. Take a course and build bows.

[@digitaldogs233]

All these guys on youtube was once coached by a coach, if not then 20 years down the line injury comes, sorry but that's just fact. He's been coached, but then learned his own style, but his form is the same no matter if he's instinctive or not, form comes from learning from someone who was also learned by someone and it goes on. No real archer teaches themselves and if they say they did they are lying.

[@apriliaric]

Thanks Clay.... For yet another great video... Your teaching has really helped me a lot.....

[@johnminnitt8101]

Hello Clay, from the UK. Thanks for your interesting videos. I've done 30+years of field and 3D archery, mostly with elb, and I'd like to agree with pretty much all you say, including the definitions at the beginning. I think we shoot in much the same way, a sort of split vision with a bit of instinct. I see the point in peripheral vision, but don't really calculate where to put it, just where feels right for that distance. Though at longer range, getting near to point on, it does become more consciously calculated. I'm working my way through your videos, and enjoying them all, so thanks again.

[@clayhayeshunter]

well said John

[@artyharhar7710]

When I was 14 I got a 50 lb Bear Whitetail for my birthday. No sights or silencer. No one to show me how to shoot. So I learned by shooting over and over. I drifted into holding the bow at around 45 degree angle and in line with corner of my mouth. I eventually was spot on. Enough repetition and consistency was the trick. Just like bowling, golf, darts, horseshoes etc... Repetition and consistent form.

[@HuntGuy101]

Working on a hickory stave right now thank you for the inspiration 👌👌👌👍

[@nas4free]

Thanks for the referral to - Vol 3 Masters of the bare bow. I really needed a method to teach myself shooting. Awesome.

[@clayhayeshunter]

it's a great resorce.

[@Ron-ku2vy]

Using the arrow tip to aim is called gap shooting. You are correct about instinctive shooting, it is more of a feel, not a conscious effort to aim.

[@TheCapthof]

Clay as always you are right on the money IMO. Greg from Archery 101 talks about Gap-tuative kind of a cross between Gap and instinctive, the more I practice gap the more the instinctive or the intuative part takes over. Truth is practice , practice practice and sooner or later you will become more proficient.

[@tanieluidaho9052]

Very nice video. You explained exactly what I have been thinking with different aiming types.

[@smaloneytuba85]

Good stuff man. I’ve been arguing this with my father in law for years (he’s a way better shot than me) but now I can see how we’re both saying the same thing!

[@DrGeorgeAntonios]

Tempered, diligent video. Good work.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@miguelbinha]

Even though you were brilliant in everything you said, I still disagree because I didn't kill a wild boar tonight and I'm salty...

[@1CT1]

John 3:16 King James Version 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."(share the good news of the gospel around the world!) islamic truth channels: christian prince, light for all nations, light shineth in darkness Matthew 7:7-8 King James Version 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. www.gotquestions.org/ask-and-you-shall-receive.html John 9:31 King James Bible Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Matthew 6:19-21 King James Version 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:32 King James Version (KJV) 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Philippians 4:8 King James Version 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ..././/../././/,,.//.

[@brandtbuchanan5526]

Well, why didn't you kill a wild boar tonight?

[@timbushnell8964]

😂

[@sixfourlonley]

I believe your Indian name would be starving squirrel. It's ok though, even the Indians needed members of the tribe to cut firewood and wash clothes.

[@miguelbinha]

@@sixfourlonley Wow, that was such an adequate comment...

[@kalebward1644]

I just want to say I totally agree. On another note, I believe that people should just shoot the way that works best for them, and instead of criticizing how another shoots they should instead take a moment to acknowledge how they actually perform when they do, because if they do they might realize that how they shoot works. The reason why is because that's the way they found that they themselves perform the best. What I am trying to say is that for those of you that really want to get into a sport do not let others try to totally dissuade you from trying a different way of going about something, because their way of completing a task will be different than how you complete the same one, so instead just focus on doing what you find that might help you to become successful.

[@kalebward1644]

For example I shoot a right handed bow and I draw it with my left, and I've been told so many times that it is just impossible, however the points they bring up supporting this claim can be easily contradicted and overall it is just the way that I have found to have the most success so I will continue to do it no matter the words anyone compiles together to try to turn me away from my method of shooting simply because it works for me.🙂

[@steveinkent9843]

Well done Clay for getting the 500,000!

[@clayhayeshunter]

thanks!

[@jimwalkerarchery]

Instinctive guy - "I should be able to consistently hit a quarter at 10 yards with three arrows within a couple of years practice. Gap guy - "I learned how to shoot a quarter at 10 yards with three arrows within my first couple of months shooting. I'm working on my 20 yards accuracy now." I always recommend folks start with a "Gap" technique to get more accurate with fewer arrows (time on the range). Then "Get Instinctive" to learn your outdoor ranging skills for 3D. Keeping archery fun!

[@scotthoffman3179]

Jim, Always ask people you teach, what do you want to accomplish! Also study the person, then try a way that Matches them. I start with Instinctive and if they can't do that, you can easily work in Gap Shooting!

[@chrishanna4094]

Thanks for the video, great info and explanation

[@Willy_Tepes]

When I used a slingshot I was always shooting instinctively as I had no idea you could aim with one. I still could hit a squirrel at 30 yards. Muscle memory has a lot to do with it and I can still hit a beer can with a air rifle from the hip at quite long distances.

[@hjuha19010]

Thank you for this video. I am a new archer and just transitioned to "aiming". It is working better for me but I was confused as I saw a lot of cross-over from instinctive shooting.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’re most welcome

[@stevearttus8164]

Great explanation. If I we're to simplify my explanation of how I shot a barebow, I would equate it to learning to throw a ball or shoot a basketball into the hoop. You practice until it becomes second nature, even though your mind is using all of the images you're eyes are sending it, and telling your muscles how hard to toss the ball to make it through the hoop.

[@nextlevelarchery9903]

wow Clay,i don't have words,well done,well explain to me

[@jmac6973]

just spent a lot of time searching info about this... finally found yours. thanks. awsome content

[@bowhuntznj]

Clay great video and an excellent definition of the two methods and great job explaining how they parallel each other. I think that the difference between the two methods, in my opinion, is what you pointed out with the Howard Hill example of being able to adjust based on a visual reference. A truly instinctive shooter needs to learn and it takes more than one shot to readjust, it may take a couple for the instinctive to get it dialed in. I think all things being equal, the person shooting the aiming method has a slight advantage, especially at longer distances, given the visual reference. As you pointed out consistency in form is important no matter what style of aiming you choose. Thanks for the video I really enjoyed it!

[@miguelcanoe6774]

Hey, you got a tripod! Yes! I watched the dry fire video and just had to stop because my eyes. I did like your presentation so I gave a second chance and found this video. Good luck to you. you get professional at this rate you will be big.

[@johannstauffenburg9904]

Something for you to try out in utter darkness: Left hand open palm, index finger straight. Feel the bow. Aim with that fingertip.

[@oldaccountplsignore]

If you've shot trap, you know what instinctive shooting is. No sights, no aiming, just target focus and letting your hands do what they already know to do.

[@LukePighetti]

No offense but that's not how professionals shoot trap

[@coyoteslings]

I feel like I learn more in literary every one of your videos😁

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good deal!

[@Wingman115]

Well done Clay. I tell folks to use what works best for them.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Me too!

[@eddiealvarez5493]

Outstanding job Clay! In comprehensive aiming.

[@fire_x_friction8820]

Now that was a great video on the confusion most new trad archers have. Split vision is deffinetly my method and totally agree with what you discussed here. I just don't hold or anchor up as long as you do. For some reason when I do I lose accuracy. Not only that when practicing if I try to force it my accuracy goes to the garbage dump. Frustrating. So I go back to being me. If that all makes sense.

[@cmissinspections]

Thanks for doing such a great job articulating the subtle differences in some of the more common approaches to barebow shooting. Your definitions, at least from my perspective, are spot on. i have used the term "gap-stinctive" for years when questioned by others about my aiming method. I am excited to see your upcoming video on split vision. keep up the good work.

[@gescodental6404]

Great video. Learned a lot #engraving #customengraving #customgunengraving #customknifeengraving #knifehandleinlay #knifeengraving #handknifeengraving

[@lubossoltes321]

One of the best videos on Instinctive archery I have seen ... maybe because I fully agree with all that's been said :-)

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@philipholman9898]

Shot at a club outside Philly, I started with a pse compound. Of course I had to have all the latest and greatest gadgets. These old timers would show up every Sunday with their stick, long, and recurve bows. Shooting cedar sticks. I thought to myself how inefficient it must be to be shooting relics instead of my carbon high 80% letoff now that slung carbon arrows at blistering speeds. These guys would try and succeed to shoot each other's knocks off. That's when I got the bug. All my gadgets and crap were holding me back from stepping in the shoes of the "art" of bow shooting Imo. There something about the simplicity of a traditional set up. Anybody and I mean anybody can get proficient in a weekend shooting pins through a peep. I wanted to shed the new and embrace the old. It's been a long time since I shot but I'm getting a recurve and going traditional. Maybe it's just me but there's a romance with the old gear . Instinctive shooting is for me and I can't wait to start up again. I'm 55 I shot in my twenties wish me luck

[@kaylamarie8309]

Very interesting video. I think I'm pretty well just using both styles subconsciously.

[@carsonpete]

I shot instinctive with my compound and when I use a wiser biscuit it’s almost impossible for me, I found I use tip subconsciously.. nice video!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@richardanderson4916]

Thank you. I am a new archer and your explanation really helped me out. Thanks again!

[@clayhayeshunter]

No problem

[@therealtinytalk1009]

The two greatest archers in modern times that we know about and have film of, Howard Hill and Byron Ferguson have many things in common but one of the most important things they have in common is that there from our great state of Alabama!! Roll Tide Roll!

[@nordattack]

When I was a kid I shot a slingshot and got super good with it. I could hit pretty much anything. I never even thought about aiming. I just looked at my target and pulled back and hit it.