How do you make consistently accurate shots with your bow? By being consistent. Which means having the same anchor point, release, and follow through every time. However, sometimes even the world's best shooters become inconsistent, and two of the main reasons are torque and imperfect anchor.
Torque in archery means tension imparted by the bow hand on the handle of the bow, which basically "twists" the weapon. Holding a bow too tightly can create torque. The looser the grip, the less possibility for unwanted torque.
When it comes to anchor point, it's absolutely critical that the release hand and bowstring come back to the same exact position every time. If it's even a fraction of an inch off, it can effect the placement of your arrow. Something as simple as wearing gloves vs. not wearing them can change your anchor point.
Torque Affects Longer Shots These inconsistencies might not seem very noticeable in shots ranging from 10- to 20 yards. The misses might only be a couple inches off the mark. "Still a dead deer" you'll say. But when you have the same torque or anchor inconsistency at 30- to 40 yards, the misses grow exponentially and can result in non-lethal shots on animals. Stretch out those shots to 50- to 60 yards and shooting inconsistency can mean missing your target by feet rather than inches. And this is with a bow that's perfectly tuned and sighted in!
Never before has there been a way to register whether you're exerting unwanted torque or practicing inconsistent anchoring. Now there is, and it's built right into a bowsight. The sight is called the I.Q., and it has what the inventors call "Retina Lock Alignment Technology." It helps put you in perfect shooting alignment on every shot, which will dramatically improve your proficiency and increase your effective shooting range with a bow & arrow!
Retina Lock is a small round "lens" mounted above the sight pins. It glows green when you look at it at full draw. Within that green lens is a "floating" black dot. After you get your bow set up perfectly for your size, anchor point, shooting style, etc., that black dot should appear in the dead center of the green lens. Torque your bow even the slightest bit; or deviate from your anchor position in any way; and the dot will stray away from center [or disappear completely]. This means stop! Don't release that arrow! Relax your bow hand to eliminate any torque ... achieve your perfect anchor ... and when that black dot is centered in the green "Retina Lock," then put your pin on the target and release!
Sight Ensures Proper Practice If you do this with an I.Q. sight and make a smooth release, your shots will be perfect -- whether they're from 10 yards or 100. Does it take practice? Naturally it does. Being proficient with a bow and arrow requires dedication to practice. Now, with an I.Q. sight, you are assured that you're practicing in the RIGHT way! During your time at the range, taking a quick look at the Retina Lock quickly becomes automatic. You won't even think about it. In a very short amount of time, you'll learn how you were imparting torque on your bow and will train yourself to stop.
To easily understand the effects of this torque, do this: at full draw, purposely torque your bow while keeping your pin on target. Pay attention to your arrow. You'll see how it tweaks one way or another. This proves there is more to accurate shooting than a properly placed pin! Torque is your enemy, and something as simple as reducing your grip pressure can eliminate bow hand torque.
Most of us practice on a range or in the backyard under perfect conditions, lightly dressed. Yet we hunt in cold weather wearing bulky clothes and gloves and shoot from awkward positions after sitting for hours and with adrenaline pulsing through our veins. This can affect our torque and anchor point, which both affect accuracy as I've already said. I.Q.'s Retina Lock provides instant feedback that alerts you to imperfect alignment under all shooting conditions. Just center the dot before the shot!
Since using my new I.Q. sight, my shooting form has improved dramatically. I'm more consistent than I've ever been and am more confident on longer shots. This season, that means I can take more shot opportunities than I felt comfortable with in the past. If you want to improve your shooting and get more chances at animals from greater distances, then eliminate hand torque on your bow and train yourself to come to the same anchor point on every shot. The new I.Q. sight will help you do it!
Good Hunting!
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Editor's Note: Babe has shared his love of the outdoors with TV viewers for more than 25 years. Babe shares his tips and outdoor adventures weekly on sportsmansguide.com. In 1984, Babe's "Good Fishing" program debuted and later his "Outdoor Secrets" show became popular with hunting enthusiasts. Babe's programs appear on the Versus (formerly OLN), Fox Sports Net, WILD TV, WFN and many local networks. Visit www.winkelman.com for air times where you live. Babe also writes hunting, fishing and conservation columns that are carried by up to 350 newspapers each week. Winkelman sponsors include Chevrolet, Miller High Life, Johnsonville Brats, Crestliner Boats, St. Croix Rods, Browning, Hunter's Specialties, Nikon, Minn Kota, Optima Batteries, Mathews, Honda, and many more.