Bowhunting: Use a Dual Anchor Point

by
posted on May 24, 2019
** 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. **
know-how-dualanchorpoint_lead.jpg

The bedrock of accuracy with any bow lies in developing and maintaining consistent shooting form, and one of the most vital facets of solid form is using a precise anchor point. Anchor point is the interface between the bowstring and drawing hand (including release aid, tab or shooting glove), and face at full draw.

Your anchor point must be infallible, highly repeatable and intuitive. It must feel completely comfortable and remain unforced. But it must also prove as consistent as a Swiss watch. You can do everything else exactly right, but without a consistent anchor point you will never shoot your best. Using a varying anchor point could be likened to shooting a rifle with iron sights that shift between shots. When shooting a modern compound bow, moving your anchor point also shifts the bowstring, to which the peep sight is attached.

Your anchor point should be grounded on an immoveable anatomical object: your ear, teeth, nose tip, cheekbone or jaw. I can’t tell you exactly where to anchor, as every shooter and bow setup is different. Generally, archers aiming with sights anchor lower on their face than those aiming instinctively. A viable anchor point minimizes bowstring contact with your anatomy and gear.

Taking it a step further, I recommend adopting both a primary and secondary, or dual, anchor point. I’ve found a dual anchor point results in tighter arrow groups, especially under pressure, and it helps extend maximum effective range.

While shooting a traditional bow with fingers, for example, I pull my index finger into the corner of my mouth to contact an interior molar and rest my thumb joint beneath my jawbone as a secondary checkpoint. With a compound bow and release aid, I plug my index-finger knuckle into the hollow behind my ear and hook my thumb joint around the rear point of my jaw. A friend snugs his bowstring fingers under his cheekbone and presses his thumb knuckle firmly into his ear opening.

It’s all a matter of feel, as everyone’s hands and face are built differently. Ultimately, a dual anchor point will help you achieve 100 percent repeatability, which will translate into better shooting. 

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.