How to Shoot a Composite Bow

Composite bows are often comprised of wood, sinew, hide and animal bone. The bows originated with the Huns, Mongols and early Chinese; adaptations were made by northern Europeans. Early composite bows are collectors items; modern replicas of the bows are frequently made from fiberglass.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Target
  • Practice arrows
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand flat-footed, and raise your arms to the center of your torso. Extend your arms forward. Press your palms together, and have a friend measure the distance from your finger to your chest. Add 4 inches to this measurement. This is your proper arrow length.

    • 2

      Dry-draw the composite bow several times. This gives you a feel for the draw strength, and indicates where center of the draw arc rests. Do not dry-fire the string.

    • 3

      Nock an arrow at the string apex. Draw back the string Place your first two fingers around the string, above and below the arrow. Draw the string. Inhale on the draw; gently exhale as you release your fingers.

    • 4

      Assume your firing position, but bring the bow down to your side. Watch where the arrow hits in relation to where you aim.

    • 5

      Adjust your aim with the composite bow. Draw back and bring your string hand up to your lower jaw. Use the arrow as a rudimentary sight. Hold the string to your jaw, and close your non-dominant eye. Feel for any crosswind; move the bow incrementally sideways to compensate for wind shift. Exhale and release.