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Bowhunting isn’t just a pastime for me, it’s a way of living. Its hours spent scouting during the season, countless days tinkering and practicing in the off-season, and consuming lots of bowhunting-related media. While many variables in the field—wind, acorn crops, animal behaviors—are beyond your control, one thing you can master is your equipment, especially your bow. Your confidence in your gear and yourself should be rock solid before heading into the woods. Sighting in your bow is the foundation of this confidence, and it’s a straightforward process. Let’s dive in.
Prepare Your Bow
Before shooting, ensure everything on your bow is securely set up. If you’re new to this, take your bow to a pro shop. The techs there will fit it to your measurements, adjusting draw weight, draw length, arrow length, and peep sight placement. These specifics are vital to safe and accurate shooting. A bow that’s not properly set up can lead to frustration and even injury. Bowhunting is personal, and your bow should feel like an extension of you. Once your setup is dialed in, familiarize yourself with how it operates and take time to shoot a few arrows just to settle in. Once your bow is properly fitted, you can start practicing and sighting in. Remember, your bow, arrows, and sight must work together. If you change one component, you’ll need to redo the process to ensure everything syncs up.
Most bowhunters use one of two sight types: multi-pin or single pin. Both have their strengths, and your choice will come down to preference and hunting style. With a multi-pin sight, each pin represents a set distance, typically 20, 30, and 40 yards. The pins adjust individually, but the sight housing stays fixed. This setup allows for quick target acquisition without adjusting the sight in the field. Single-pin sights work differently. The housing itself moves to accommodate different distances, using a sight tape that aligns with your bow’s speed and arrow trajectory. These sights offer more precision but require adjustment before each shot. Both options have their merits. Multi-pin sights are reliable and straightforward, while single-pin sights allow for unmatched accuracy at longer ranges. Let’s start with how to sight in a multi-pin setup.
Sighting In Your Bow
Start close to the target—around 10 yards—with a large backstop if possible. Shooting close reduces the chance of lost or damaged arrows while you make your initial adjustments. Shoot three arrows to check for consistency. When adjusting, follow your arrow. If your arrows hit left, move your sight left. If they land low, move your sight lower. Make small, precise adjustments to avoid overcorrecting. Once your 20-yard pin is dialed in, move back in 10-yard increments, adjusting each pin as you go. If you’re a beginner, stick to 20 yards until you’re confident in your form. Longer distances amplify inconsistencies in your shooting, and you want a solid foundation before you push your limits. With a single-pin sight, adjustments are made to the housing and sight tape. Most setups require you to sight in at two distances, typically 20 and 60 yards. From these two points, the sight tape calculates intermediate distances based on your bow’s speed. For slower bows, you may need to use a blank sight tape. This allows you to manually mark yardages using a Sharpie. It’s a tedious process, but for those of us shooting lower-poundage bows, it’s often the only option.
The Importance of Good Form
All the adjustments in the world won’t matter if your form isn’t solid. Proper anchoring, gripping, and releasing are the bedrock of consistent shooting. Without these fundamentals, sighting in your bow can become a frustrating experience. Start slow. Focus on your stance, your anchor point, and your follow-through. Once you’ve built good habits, practice in real-world conditions. If you hunt with gloves or a face mask, wear them while practicing. If you hunt from a treestand, shoot from elevation. Rain, wind, and cold weather can all affect your shot, so try practicing in those conditions. A bow is more than just a tool; it’s your lifeline in the woods. Regular maintenance ensures it performs when you need it most. Tighten screws, check your string for wear, and keep your bow clean and dry. Learn how to make minor adjustments and repairs so you’re prepared for anything. Bowhunting isn’t just about hitting your mark; it’s about respect for the animal, for the craft, and for yourself as a hunter. You owe it to the animal to be as prepared, accurate, and lethal as possible. Take the time to practice properly, build your skills, and understand your limitations.
--Outdoors Allie
