Know-How: Does Your Bow Fit?

by
posted on June 20, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
does_your_bow_fit_f.jpg

Generally speaking, the bigger the bat, the more potential energy it has. So many archers shoot the most powerful bow they possibly can. Yet often it’s to their detriment. You see, bows and arrows are like guns and bullets: If a bullet is perfectly placed, power matters little. And those that are slightly less powerful are generally easier to place perfectly.

Bow fit—draw weight and draw length—is even more important for hunters than target shooters. Targets do not see you struggling to draw and run off, nor can they be wounded. In order to shoot best, perfect technique and therefore perfect bow fit is critical. Here’s how to find it.

Draw Length
Measure your outstretched arms, middle fingertip to middle fingertip, then divide by 2.5. Adjust your bow to this length as a starting point. If you plan to shoot with a release aid, install a string loop and use your release to draw and anchor naturally. Maintain a slight bend at the elbow of your arm that holds the bow. At full draw, while looking at the bow’s sights, the nock point should be even with the corner of your mouth. Realize, though, it’s not uncommon to prefer a draw length that’s .25-.5 inch shorter than you first calculated.

For example, if your draw length is 29 inches, after experimenting you may find 28.5 inches to be ideal when you consider the awkward shooting positions encountered while hunting.

Draw Weight
Savvy archers realize it’s better to focus on technique than brute strength. Besides, on deer-sized game, penetration isn’t an issue. Furthermore, bowhunters don’t get the luxury of warming up.

For these reasons, hunters should find a comfortable draw weight then subtract 3-5 pounds. To determine your draw weight, sit in a chair, point the bow toward the ground between your legs and draw the string straight back, smoothly. If you must overly strain, turn your head or “sky” the bow by pointing it upward, its draw weight is too heavy. Your accuracy and stealth will increase by reducing draw weight until you can draw comfortably. Dial it down, and then back off another 3-5 pounds for your ideal hunting draw weight.

Latest

LEDE Thompson Center
LEDE Thompson Center

Thompson/Center Arms Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thompson/Center Arms is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since 1965, T/C Arms has built a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of American hunters.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors: Lucy Evans from Georgia and John Bruner from Pennsylvania.

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Moultrie Updates Line of Game Feeders

Moultrie has expanded the capacity of its line of feeders, and bettered the cameras' integration with the company's connected technology to streamline the feeding process.

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.