Instruction shooting a traditional or primitive bow for beginner #trout #bowhunting #archery #arrow

It may be a source of wonder for beginners to learn how to aim a longbow. The ancient longbow doesn’t have an archery vision, let alone an iron sight.

While modern bows are full of technological innovations, the longbow remains a great choice with its lightning-fast speed, skillful precision, and impressive stability. It’s also a superb pastime activity for anyone with a little adventure in their soul.

Understanding the mechanics of the different ways you can aim your longbow makes a world of difference. Whether you’re planning to master instinctive aiming or simply trying your hand at the ‘O’ ring method, the most important part of the training is to make sure that you’re having fun!

Here, we’ll show you how you can hit your target using several techniques.

How to Aim a Long Bow: The Complete Guide to Archery
Different Methods to Aim Longbows

1. The ‘O’ ring

In the ‘O’ ring method, a mark is added to the upper limb as a sight. Either an ‘O’-shaped ring or a rubber band/loom band is placed at the center of the target or on the desired point of reference. When the arrow is at the full draw, this method helps to hit the bull’s eye.

It makes the appearance of the gap more evident and lets the archer shoot with an under-the-chin style anchor point.

During practice, hit the target at your desired distance, roll the band up/down the limb until you find the correct spot. Once you find a consistent mark, measure the distance from the top of the handle or arrow-pass up to the band with the help of a ruler.

2. Ground marker

A ground is an (6×3 inches max) object placed on the range as a reference point to the archer’s arrow point, particularly at the beginning of a round. Note that it cannot be adjusted in the middle of an ongoing round.

With a ground marker, just focus on whether you have placed your arrow on a specific mark on the range. This is unlike the ‘O’ ring method where you’ve to keep your eyes on the surroundings other than the center of your target.

What’s Instinctive Aiming?

As the name suggests, instinctive aiming is when the archer shoots a bow instinctively without actually aiming. With repeated practice and muscle memory, the archer develops an ability to simply point and shoot without having to aim at all. This practice is used by archers to broaden their horizons. It’s also sacred in a sense that it allows them to merge soulfully with their roots.

Some Instinctive Aiming Styles:

1. Gap shooting

This is one of the most efficient methods that doesn’t require a sight. In gap shooting, the archer uses the point of the arrow as a sight and adjusts it for different ranges.

Understanding the ‘point on distance’ is vital here. Finding the ‘point on distance’ means that the archer knows the difference in the distance between the point where the intended target lies and where the arrow actually hits after being released. Simply put, this is the point where the shooter’s line of sight and the arrow’s trajectory meet together.

But some other factors also play a role here, such as the length and speed of the arrow, the anchor point, and your hold on the string; i.e., whether it’s three-under or split-finger that affects the point on distance.

The archer moves across different spots to decide how much higher or lower to aim the arrow on the desired target in order to be able to hit it. Although great for target shooting, this method isn’t ideal for any hunting situation since it takes longer to process thoughts when the target suddenly comes into view.