The Insane Accuracy of Traditional Bows

[@nickgironda8932]

Hey Josh, I shot trad since the ‘80’s. Killed my share. ALL within 15-18yds. Howard Hill shot EVERYDAY! For MANY YEARS! That’s the only way to be consistently accurate. My whole focus was TO GET AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE; see there eyelashes, hear them breath and everything. Many kills were 5-10yds. I’ve had to give up traditional archery due to failing eyesight which was never great to begin with. Now I fill my freezer with a .457 cal Air Rifle and a crossbow AND I moved to SC where there are TONS of deer! LOVE your content and watch amap I do miss you and Dan😊 God Bless you and yours 🙏

[@ozziejim8472]

Interesting, what was your most successful hunting method regard trad bow hunting? Cheers

[@toddcotterman8477]

I've been a Clay Hayes fan for many years. If it wasn't for his KZbin videos I don't think I would have ever shot good enough to kill anything.

[@mikewolfe6496]

Also a Clay fan for years! He’s awesome

[@Deadsmple]

Very nicely done. Your ability to articulate your thoughts is refreshing. I believe your aiming method is probably the most accurate for hunting. I look forward to enjoying more of your content. Shoot straight. God Bless.

[@matthewsnyder4053]

Great explanations on gap and point on. Thanks.

[@markdederick1953]

I’ve shot with both eyes open for most of my trad bow journey..I could see the blur of the arrow out of my right eye..sometimes I’d be good and other times bad. So recently trying to learn gap shooting I started closing my left eye which helped tremendously with seeing the arrow better and placing it below the target ..I’m much more consistent now.. great vid..

[@gediminasmorkys3589]

It's great that you mention the real challenge in accurate shooting - it is definitely about doing everything consistently :D

[@mikewolfe6496]

I do the same. I shoot instinctively to 20 and aim past 20. However, my aiming hasn’t been going well lately. Target panic is killing me! But, like you, my stands are set up close for whitetail. Really only need to get good at aiming for going out West and shooting 3D. Great video, loved it.

[@DamonHowattHunter]

When you address the string with a "C" shaped hand like you demonstrated your hand naturally straightens out in great alignment when pulling through tension and hitting full draw. It's a great minuscule detail that helps tremendously.

[@ericbulich9812]

Great video, I shoot instinctive and if I gap shoot I string walk, keep lookin up🙏🏻

[@TRAZ4004]

I only subscribed because of Rosie. Your video was informative. Rosie deserves a treat.

[@beforetheecho]

Hahah I don't blame you

[@cdp50359]

Looks like we shot a lot alike. I'm not sure if you're doing this, but it helped me tremendously. Raise your nock set up 1/8" then lower were you grip the string 1/8". Essentially giving you 1/4" between your arrow and your index finger, so your finger never makes contact with the arrow. Now make sure your arrow still flies true, but this seems to work for me. I actually tied a small nock point that I place between my middle finger and index finger when I draw my bow, it seems to be very consistent.

[@lestroyer2415]

elaborate on your arrow set up and pound bow your shooting great video!

[@gunslingersymphony5015]

I recently switched to lining up my eye with my arrow, with my middle finger on the corner of my mouth. I've found it much easier to keep my head closer to vertical, which keeps me more consistent. It also lessens the difference I perceive between my arrow's starting point and the height of its arc, which has enabled me to extend my instinctive shooting range out to about 13 yards, so far. It's not for everyone, but if you're consistently hitting low, high, or both, but centered, and you know that everything else-from your spine to your arrow's spine-is where it should be, give it a shot and see if it helps.

[@v.l.bradley9962]

man that's a nice quiet bow

[@mtnsloper55]

I like your shooting style. Three under and the high cheekbone anchor works for me too. But always hoping to find ways to improve. Need to always feel that bow arm pushed out and locked, and feel pulling, pulling all the way back. Then she flys where I want it. It's a challenge. How many pounds is your longbow?

[@beforetheecho]

48

[@charlesleblanc6638]

The biggest challenge for me even if I've been shooting instinctive for 50 years has been to pick a small spot, certainly on a whitetails.

[@AceBase5]

And gap shooting is the only way I feel comfortable maybe it’s just me being so use to aiming

[@sprk11]

hey nice vid. Ya I have most of my issues between about 15 yards where instinctive gives out for me and about 30 yards where my point on is. If I am on the chest wall I can gap but I find if I'm off the body of the target I have a lot of issues.

[@michaelbradford6990]

Cue Cicada for dramatic effect! see time stamp 2:50

[@brpnw4r94]

My Trad game is a work in progress, brother. Tullered 3 under and a aimer here with a point on at 28. 41# BW. Just backyard 3D fun for now. Someday I'll notch a tag using trad gear.

[@AnthonySandlin-k5p]

Great job explaining

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

Hey Josh, former solid 30" draw compound guy since the 90's & I've also done the trad thing since then too. I would say the trad way is a calling due to age & simplicity going hand in hand as we progress with what we can wrap our head around as we age. I don't gap shoot & Ive been able to avoid the urge. My ? is what length r your compound arrows & do u have the same overhang length @ the point on your trad arrows & what is their length? I shoot the recurve with the exact same kant as u do & it is etched in stone in my brain & I couldn't shoot trad any other way.

[@beforetheecho]

Those particular arrows probably have a 3 inch over hang, I dont worry about the overhang at all it more whatever works for tuning on the trad bow. I'd say the overhang on my compound is half that?

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

​@@beforetheechoYeah Josh, I'm that way too but I have tuned my hunting trad arrows @ 30.25" but i don't care what my exact draw length is. I do alot of bare shaft tuning once i find the right length. On my target stuff my arrows r usually a little longer unless the spine doesn't permit it.

[@aowildart]

i'm instinctive, but with gap 'knowledge' to re-assure me I'm in the right area. Basically, I know my point-on and gap at 20, I use those to get on the right level, then focus in and let instinct take over. My only issue with gap shooting is you need to know your distance. True instinctive you don't need range finder - just like throwing baseballs. Great video

[@beforetheecho]

Yeah that's pretty much what I do

[@neilbrooks127]

@@aowildart no such thing as instinctive archery ffs

[@JW-bw8nj]

​@@neilbrooks127 "Instinctive" archery". "Intuitive archery". "Shooting a trad bow without consciously aiming". Even though "instinctive" technically isn't correct, we all know what people mean when they say it. No need to be a dick.

[@jscott4431]

I've been shooting trad for about 3 years and loving it. I developed a good routine but always looking to improve. I've tried different aiming methods, but my best results are shooting instinctive. For some reason, I still cannot grasp how gap shooting works. When I try using the tip of my arrow on target from 10 yards the arrow goes right on target not high like I see in every instructional video. Could I be adjusting subconsciously back to instinctive before I release? Not sure. I'm comfortable shooting out to 20 yards but some days I'm inconsistent. Thanks for this video!

[@beforetheecho]

Could be man, I've never seen where my tip hits at 10 yards to be honest with you.

[@ozziejim8472]

Appreciate your honesty 👍

[@HondoTrailside]

Does that head settle scare game? I also don't sky draw, just straight back.

[@beforetheecho]

Probably. It's not a habit I would recommend I have no idea why I do it

[@gsnicholas8522]

I’ve tried the gap shooting thing. It didn’t go so well. Instinctive is so much easier for me. I also like not having to worry about the exact distance. It’s either in range or it’s not. If it’s in range, I look where I want the arrow to go and it’ll go right to that spot.

[@beforetheecho]

For sure. I think for a hunter is a great idea to learn to shoot that way

[@gsnicholas8522]

@@beforetheecho I agree. For hunting it's definitely the most efficient way I've found. I started shooting traditional bows 35 years ago. It's become 2nd nature. No thought needed, just look and shoot.

[@mattedwards4533]

I think you gave some good advice! I shot similar to the way you do. I have killed hogs running with your method the only problem is the lead. I have taken a lot of different animals Squirrels, rabbits and deer were my favorites, You mentioned there are many ways to shoot a bow that will work! Right you are if a person shoots one any way and can do it consistantly he can be accurate. There are a few things one can do that makes his quest easier. The major problem for one starting out is tunig the bow. If you don't know how to shoot how can you tune a bow? The only way is to shoot a lot with different arrows. You will then start to feel what is right. Love your video. I love archery but I am in my eighties now and put it up.

[@DEBoutdoors]

Do you still hunt and shoot your compound bow? Does it affect how you anchor when you shoot your compound bow since you have been shooting with a trad bow? I would like to learn to use a trad bow but worry I would lose consistency with my compound.

[@beforetheecho]

Yeah I still use my compound. It doesn't seem to hurt anything for me

[@richardbarrett4104]

Great info thanks buddy.

[@robbo392]

Josh you prefer tab over glove

[@beforetheecho]

I like a tab. Specifically the Fred eichler tab from 3 rivers

[@markgiles5426]

Tried gap. I couldn’t get it consistently yet. I’m 3 fingers under. I’ve been string walking. A half inch per 5 yards and it’s been working. Still instinctive I guess

[@jacobrichardson9031]

Do you prefer recurve or longbow? I have a recurve now but I feel like I see so many more people hunting with a longbow

[@beforetheecho]

I like a longbow

[@mountainstomarshes8966]

I just switched from a recurve to a long bow...aside from more wrist slap the longbow is hands down more fun to shoot, lighter in hand, and most importantly...looks better lol

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Friends , Easton archery tuning guide should be on everyones reading list !

[@AceBase5]

I need to figure out my tuning I say I’m going to hunt with my cheap recurve every year but I never do knowing I’m only good to 15 yards

[@beforetheecho]

It can be frustrating to tune a trad bow

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Get that bow out and go have fun with it . Too many put excessive pressure on themselves . Have range fun first .

[@GaryLiseo]

I'm far from an expert, but I'd like to emphasize the importance of consistency and finding out what works for you. I've also found that, regardless of what bow I'm using, trusting my shot is very important. If I don't trust my shot is going to hit the mark, it probably won't. In the case of compound, I'll be off an inch or two (or more). With a trad longbow I may be off by several inches or more. Try different things until you find something you like that works. From there... practice, practice, practice.

[@gunlemke2748]

Maybe I missed it but what is the bow poundage? I'm shooting instinctive inside of 10yds. Point on at 20. 42# Recurve. 95% treestand hunting

[@beforetheecho]

48lbs

[@JohnSchray]

Great video! Keep it coming

[@johnhurt2634]

Good Stuff!

[@jessebaird1900]

i need to learn this extinctive shooting hes talking about. ive only done instinctive. 😅

[@beforetheecho]

I'm an idiot sorry.

[@borntoharvest]

I'm having a really hard time finding my point on distance with my 50lbs recurve. Every shot is just so high

[@beforetheecho]

I'd say it's far then how heavy of a bow do you have

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Check your bow tuning , arrow tuning . Have you determined your dominate eye ? My son is dominate eye opposite of his draw hand and it wasn't immediately apparent but once we figured things out he became more accurate . try both right and left draw .

[@juanduque7983]

the shelving solves the archers paradox so you should be more accuate right off the bat, i shoot true trad (no shelf, just stick and string)

[@beforetheecho]

Awesome man

[@juanduque7983]

@@beforetheecho but the shot do look very clean....might try that shelving again

[@ThirdDayOutdoors]

How many pounds are you shooting Josh?

[@beforetheecho]

That bow is 48

[@earlfultz8603]

They make hip quivers so you don't have to throw your arrows on the ground

[@beforetheecho]

Ill look into them

[@robsarchery9679]

Practice,practice.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

proper repeatable form

[@will.m1110]

Getting proper arrows is a pain

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Not really . I have a set of arrows tuned for a 60# longbow that shoot well from a 53# recurve out to 30 yds . go figure

[@johnharris3335]

20 yards is a far shot for traditional bow for sure. I don’t think I’m capable of a 20 yard shot.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

you can do it . proper repeatable form ( fundamentals ) . every shot is a one time event .

[@tbone6203]

Man yall over thinkin every damn thing- i grew up on the rez in ok-- not a cool place but my granpa lives in roper n.c cause he married there' - i shot self flat bows etc- its all about practice - hell they didnt have food lion then

[@neilbrooks127]

So you Aim but you are instinctive?????

[@pattraynor2491]

12:09

[@beforetheecho]

hahah kinda odd you felt the need to comment that on a video. Hope you are doing okay.

[@pattraynor2491]

@@beforetheecho not odd at all, I came here to see a video on “insane accuracy “ so I could maybe learn something. Noting in the content of your video shows insane accuracy! Clickbait at best….maybe a better title.

[@beforetheecho]

I get it. To me if you do everything I was talking about in the video you would be extremely accurate for a trad bow. I'm sure you are a much better shot than I am.

[@pegasis0066]

Is it too much of an effort to say traditional?

[@beforetheecho]

Yes very much so... Way more effort than typing a comment about someone abbreviating a word that essentially is hurting nothing no nobody.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Trad is been a short term forever

[@mathews2088]

Nice video. Can you use your compound arrows if you choose?

[@beforetheecho]

No they wouldn't be tuned right

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Don't

[@neilbrooks127]

Lol so you are a gap shooter not instinctive

[@beforetheecho]

Whatever makes you feel good is what I am.

[@neilbrooks127]

NO SUCH THING AS INSTINCTIVE SHOOTING

[@oakridgeboy2023]

Dumb ain't ya

[@BradinManheim]

Agreed. There is conscious gapping and subconscious gapping from mental and muscle memory.

[@thomasmartin7494]

Good video! What pants are you wearing? Where did you get them?

[@beforetheecho]

www.asiogear.com/? then go to shop then bottoms and they are the solid midweight pants

[@jameskenworthy4445]

I shoot instinctively, he moves so damn stifly. 😂😂😂😂 and explains it like a compound shooter. You should flow when shooting.

[@beforetheecho]

Sorry you don't like the way I shoot. I'm sure you're a much better shot than me.

[@jameskenworthy4445]

@beforetheecho it wasn't a comparison of skill, maybe you eat better, we hunt we observe. But if I were to make a similar video people would say they're different even though they appear the same. Plus I'm an anomaly....maybe I will make the video, who knows.

[@beforetheecho]

@@jameskenworthy4445 you should make one would love to see it. I'm always trying to learn. Also I get the fat joke. I'm trying to work on it, I've lost about 15 lbs since this video....people on the internet always find something wrong with you to point out.

[@jameskenworthy4445]

@beforetheecho you're good, that's funny. Congrats on losing the weight. I know the loss well.

[@beforetheecho]

@@jameskenworthy4445 good luck this season. Again sorry the video made you feel like you needed to correct me. And to be fair I am a compound shot as well so I am more comfortable shooting the way I shoot. Probably won't work for alot of people