Anchor Point

[huntsolo74]

I've been bow hunting for 15 years. However, I've never had any formal instruction on shooting and learned as I went along. My apologies in advance if this is an obvious technical cue but it was new to me. Recently, I was instructed to anchor the bow string through the tip of my nose (scrunching my nose tip) instead of the side of my nose. This new anchor point has significantly improved my accuracy and consistency. If this is new to you as well please try it. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

 

[Maxhunter]

If you watch most of the professional shooters they have the string touching the tip of thier nose. The other thing is you shouldn't dig your release hand into you face. It should just be lightly touching. The main thing is any tension in your form in not good for accuracy.

 

[kybuck]

Multiple points of reference are helpful in consistency. I'd say one of the biggest problems with most archers is too long draw length. Your anchor is going to depend on what type of release you pick. Generally the nock is going to be around the corner of your mouth and the string may not touch your nose without improper form with these new short ATA bows. Just like free throw shooters...good form can help tremendously, but really it all comes down to consistency shot after shot.

 

[mallardsx2]

I have been shooting compound bows for almost 30 years now.

I'm not going to say I know everything but I am going to tell you I know what works for me and what provides the best consistency.

DISCLAIMERS:

I AM NOT A TARGET SHOOTER, I AM A HUNTER (although I do shoot a lot of 3D shoots).

I use a kisser button and anchor in the corner of my mouth with my MCP joint of my thumb touching my jaw bone.

I feel this is two points of consistent contact and works well for me.

I advocate the use of a peep sight for beginner shooters only.

I do not advocate the use of a peep sight for hunting applications.(To me a peep sight is like training wheels on a bicycle and during low light conditions they are a pain)

People say to shoot with a bigger diameter peep sight to allow more light in. I then often reply then what the point of having the apature in the first place?

What will you do in a hunting situation when your peep sight fails you? I have no idea.

What will you do if your kisser button fails you? I will anchor my left thumb knuckle right where I always do and still be able to hit what I am aiming at.

I agree with above that the draw length is very important.

The scrunching of your nose on the string to me makes no sense because you have to turn your head too far to the right. However this is the similar concept to me anchoring against my jaw bone. So I can relate to it.
I prefer to have my dominant eye looking literally right past the string with the kisser button in the corner of my mouth. Its the same principal as a peep sight for left to right alignment with minimal bow torque. The vertical alignment is fixed by my thumb knuckle touching my jaw bone. This allows me to look straight at what I am shooting at and bring the bow to my face and keeps me from bringing my face to the bow. Similar to shooting a shotgun.

Some people may argue the fact that while shooting from a tree-stand that this idea wouldn't work so good but anyone who knows anything about archery knows that you bend at the waist while shooting uphill or downhill.

Its boils down to personal preference and what works best for you and there is nothing wrong with trying different techniques. Just make sure that what you are practicing is going to work for hunting applications.

 

[Hunterjames1221]

when I get my Anchor point I have 3 points of reference. one Is index finger knuckle behind my ear. 2 is a kisser button and third is string to tip of my nose. I always figure the more points to reference of the better for me. and always make sure my sight housing is lined up in the center of my peep when I am shooting it helps me with the longer shots.

 

[siwulat]

I use a 1/4" peep. It is big enough that I haven't had any issues in low light. When at full draw I have the entire sight in my field of view through the peep. It acts as another reference point and I center my sight in it, along with my consistent anchor point.

I do agree with mallard above that it shouldn't be used as a crutch so that your not screwed when it fails in the field.

There are many devices and opinions on this matter. I'd advocate that anyone use whatever is most comfortable for them and allows them to be consistent to the point of automatic each and every time. If you can't hit the same anchor point without thinking about it, it won't matter what device you use!