Join us today for a detailed demonstration on the technique of shooting split finger with a traditional bow instinctively and how to find an anchor point that will work for you! @instinctiveaddictionarcher8998
From what I’ve read, 3 under causes the lower limb to be preloaded (energy) more so than when using spilt finger. 3 under and/or string walking can cause limb breakage on self-made bows due to the uneven energy on the limbs. The arrow also ends up slapping the shelf when going too far under. That’s why so many end up using a rest. Split finger is tried and true and people have been using it for decades. Split finger also keeps the energy in both limbs the same. Thank you for this video.
I shot competition barebow in 71-73. Split finger, same as you. My best score was 89/89 in the bull in a Robin Hood shoot. I never shot #90...long story. I also shot 6 in the gold@60 yards during a Double American Round...in round 2. I shot field archery also but I wasn't too good at that. I was not a great hunter either. I was 21 in 1972. Up to todays date, 4/8/2023, I have killed 1 rabbit. Period. That was in 1962. 😟 I just got a new setup for bowfishing. I need to get some strength back. Southwest 64" Spyder XL. It came on 4/7. I'm droolin wanting to get it out. It has been a long time...but I can still pull a 45 pound bow and hold the draw. Wish me luck. And...Thank you for the great video. I am now a subscriber.
Been shooting split finger since I was 5. Almost 62 and it still works for me. Always wondered how life would be shooting 3 under... nah, just kidding.
I learned how to shoot a bow from my father when I was about eight or nine years old. That was 60 years ago. At that time there were no compound bows and wooden arrows were the rule not the exception. I learned split finger and I have never shot any other way. I also cant my bow the way you do. I had a friend all through my youth and early adulthood who was as crazy about archery as I was. We shot every day. We were truly instinctive shooters. I feel my instinctive archery skills have decreased since I do not shoot as often. But, when I do get out to shoot, it comes back quickly. It is still one of the most relaxing and meditative things I do.
I will miss your videos and bow content more than anyone. I was saving up to buy one of your bows. Your technique for these bows it on point and helped me become a way better shot. Thank you sir for instilling a good Christian foundation with everything you do. It’s a motivation. Thanks again. For everything.
Man i cant seem to consistantly keep my groups basball size at 20 yards. Ive been shooting everyday. I move up to 10 and or 12 and shoot perfect. I think my form just goes when i get farther back. If you have any advice please let me know. Thank you. Keep up the videos you have alot of great info.
@@josephfiorilli4044 thanks brother, usually whenever you’re shooting pure instinctive it’s always loss of focus and follow through past fifteen yards, it’s like you notice the bow, arm, and surroundings much more and sometimes it’s hard for people’s eyes to focus on a tiny spot past that but it’s always harder to get focused on the center of the spot and that’s where we start getting sloppy, just hit anchor and burn a hole through the spot and it’ll be there 👍🏻
@@instinctiveaddictionarcher8998 thanks i appriciate it. I have a hard time focusing on my anchor and burning a whole in the target. That advise is a huge help i just gotta keep shooting.
It's nice to see all the comments on here. I'm a bowhunter 1st & foremost & I've done all styles of shooting from different bows. This fall I decided to quit the compound in 2023 for hunting. I have excelled @ shooting the recurve @ carp which I believe is the best method for big carp that just seem to sink & disappear b4 u can get a good aim on them with a compound. Split-finger shooting with a canted bow is all I've ever done. I have a great grip on my custom takedown. It was made by the infamous Mr. Asbell who founded the Bighorn Bow Co. He recently passed earlier this month. I'm going to get some new limbs & a string for it. Always shot alot of 3D from a 🌳 which is my hunting style. With a compound I always shot a very open sight window with a rock solid anchor & I'm no different with a recurve. I tanned a prime beaver so I always have a great source of natural string silencers. So nice that I found your channel since their is so much jargon that doesn't connect with me like you do. Back in the day I used to watch the Paul Brunner videos that had many get aspects in them that struck a cord. Take care & have a nice thought for Mr. Asbell.
I just seen the video of you closing shop I truly appreciate all the videos and I hope you can still be making these videos. God bless you and hope everything turns out well.
hi fella wow that make sense buddy i got my archery cert 3 months ago and im getting better but now iv seen your method i will try that thankyou kind regards mike in the uk.
I am impressed with your shooting. But even more encouraged by your Christ centered proclaim. I still have a million questions to archery proficiency, but I will spare you, and look for additional videos of yours. Very very informative.
I'd like to get a little more info on the bow you're shooting in this video. Having trouble finding 3-piece Carbon Vapor... I'd be very interested in one. Great shooting. Thx!
Thanks for your help I'm 80 and shooting about 36-8 lbs longbow with a 29-29.5 " draw and carbon arrows 800 spine victories 80 gn. points I can shoot three under close 10-15 Yards pretty well but struggle with longer distances like 40-50 yards. I can do a little better with split finger on the longer distances as the gap or hold over is less with the lower anchor the split finger gives but up close harder to adjust to as gap is larger . I had to switch to left hand as lost sight in my rt eye and went back to roots of a long bow to keep it simple and lighter equipment . I don't hunt anymore . Thanking of going to wood arrows again but they are heaver and afraid it would hurt my target shooting but not sure.
Makes sense because I tried 3 under for the first time couple weeks ago and I was low in my groups. I've shot split for 45 years, I was apprehensive to even try, but I got out my biggest backstop so I didn't have to worry about my arrow separation anxiety! 😅 I always have a hill or dirt pile behind my targets cause every once in a while when you get tired,but you just can't make yourself stop shooting,cause I love it. You'll eventually start getting sloppy and I tend to start just letting them fly. Thanks for the lesson it makes sense to me. I usually stop while I'm still stacking them so I can feel good when I stop.
I shot split for over 30 years. The last few weeks I have been toying with 3 under and even some crawl. What worked for me was shooting a blistering fast bow. About 211 fps. I just pointed pulled and let her fly. I always filled my tags and beat a ton of 3 under guys in 3D. That being said, I am shooting lighter poundage. To me there is no question that I can shoot a light poundage bow 3 under more accurate than a heavy bow with split finger. Last year I hunted with a horse bow. I guess I just like trying new things. I have been at tournaments back in the day that would ban you for 3 under or shooting extra long arrows. Which I never agreed with it. I have been known to grip and rip or my favorite Poke and Hope😂
I do the same thing only with 3 under i don't aim i look only on my target and shooting groups I have trierd and training split finger but unfortunately this Works not for me but i will keep trying Thanks for the Good explanation Greetings from the Netherlands
I also.just went back split after 3 under and man everything you talk about is real I have tighter groups shooting split it just feels better thanks for the helpful hints this is definitely good confirmation
This is awesome man. Simple yet clearly effective. I plan on trying my hand at making a bow from some good oak or maple, plenty of trees here in Minnesota. Thumbs 👍
Thanks so much for the videos! I started off split finger and changed because that's what everybody else was doing. Think I'll revisit it! I also shoot a bear paw glove .I soak then in water a minute and throw in dryer...back to tight in minutes
Well Brother, you just made your bow shooting turn into true joy because it has become so simple and easy. now you can shoot quicker than you have ever done before. you will find that now you can shoot in the dark as long as you can see what you want to shoot. All you have to see is where you intend to hit and just do it. I also anchor with my middle finger to the corner of my mouth. When you practice and let your brain do what it is more than able to do without thought, you find that it is amazingly easy. Now for what has been transpiring with your business. First, praise Him no matter what and thank Him no matter what. Yes, seasons change but it is our own choosing as to how we handle them. How we decide to shine for Him no matter what and give Him the Glory no matter what. I have pretty much lost everything, including my health but like Job, my latter life has been more blessed than I ever dreamed of. No, I can not purchase an expensive bow anymore but that is okay, I have what I can make work and get the job done. Had to relearn just about everything from talking to using my hands and feet at the same time but by His Grace, a lot of it has been restored. He is still the True and Living God, The Great I AM and is still very much in the miracle business. It has been and always is a trust thing and a heart thing. Sometimes life takes us down a hard road in order to deepen our trust and our walk with Him. I lift you and your family up as you go thru whatever you are going thru. I lift up your business and pray that thru out all of this that He will be glorified. I also pray for you to see how wonderful and awesome He really is and that your faith goes to a higher level. I am crippled up and now shoot a lighter bow, 45# or less but I can still shoot in spite of everything. I have learned to be thankful for what I can still do no matter how poorly I do it because there are millions that would gladly switch places with me. Jesus sees the true heart and knows the true motives behind everything that we do. He also honors what we do to honor Him. I pray that the path before you is one that blows you away as to how amazing He really is. We like to think that we know but if we really knew, our actions would be more different. I am pretty sure that you have already prayed a lot and seek understanding for what is happening but sometimes it is not even about us but someone else who is watching us or will be. We serve the most amazing and wonderful God who not only hears our prayers but answers them as well. We don't always like His answers but He sees and knows all, we just see the little picture before us. I pray for you to be steadfast in Him and to Shine very brightly so that all can see Him thru you, no matter what. And so Jesus asks us, "Do you trust Me? But do you really really trust Me? Then trust Me now with this." And I know that you know this but He is always with you every step of the way no matter what. I add finally that I pray for peace, joy and comfort be restored to you and your family as well as your business. Your Brother in Christ, Jerry Cox
So I watched this video after getting frustrated with the lack of consistency in my shots shooting 3 under. I've shot maybe 20 arrows today after watching this and grouping tight and consistently! Split-finger is a game changer for instinctively shooting!
Yes sir I really believe it is and it just feels natural after a little while, I also noticed that my real focus is on the target and not the arrow at all.
Been shooting split for 40+ years. Another big advantage using split finger is that when hunting it better on keeping the arrow on the string and bow shelf while drawing both on slow or fast moving shots on game! Great video!
Disappointing news that you are having to discontinue production but your health must be your number one priority. Very pleased to see that you will keep making videos, I have found them to be enormously informative since discovering your channel some months ago. Best Wishes. Regards, Frank (from Australia).
I tried 3 under and split finger but neither worked for me UNTIl this video. I touched my jawbone with my index finger and my next three shots went in the same place. Thank you, K
Great and u should do a video comparing 3 under to split. The sound would be nice to hear as it would be more evident 3 under to split one after the other. Cheers
Hi Jeff, greetings from the UK. I've taken the plunge and transitioned from three under to split finger. I'm an inconsistant shooter, a feast or a famine type of guy. I'm now hitting what I look at, not with you accuracy but a big improvement on mine. Shot a 3D course yesterday and couldn't believe the improvement in my shots. Many thanks for changing my shooting style. Kind regards Dave.
Yes sir that’s super good to hear! I realize it’s not for everyone but I’m sure enjoying it that’s for sure! Thanks so much for watching and supporting us 👍🏻
Well per are last conversation I told you I'm a 3 fingers under gap shooter,but you are kinda inspiring me too give this split finger a try. Also thanks for the video you did on budget bows. I only own custom long bows now ,and have wanted a short recurve for sometime, it's been awhile since I've owned one.
I seen your videos a year ago & began shooting strictly split finger trad archery with a 1973 Indian Archery DeerSlayer recurve at #45 draw & 60 inches long! I have learned a lot & have got to where I hit what I’m focusing on! It’s been a blast learning trad & transitioning from modern compound.
Took me two months to adjust from three under to split finger. I made the switch for quicker reload and more control in high winds. At first however the arrows went consistently too high.
Hi Jeff, I shoot split finger and I noticed when you shot your anchor was in the area I set my anchor. Bur when I use the split finger, the thumb is on top of the pinkie and it forms a depression where the lower part of the thumb and the lower part of the index forms a hole or depression and I set that on my cheek bone and is a solid anchor every time. This brings the arrow right at my eye. Some call it shotgunning. I have a 271/2" draw same as yours. Try this and put that depression area on your cheek bone and shot. Thank you Jeff
I’m new to traditional archery but I shoot instinctive using split finger. I watched a video by John Schulz and he mentions closing your non dominant eye when shooting. Normal I was shooting with both eyes open and I don’t see the arrow at all. Just my bow arm and the target. I tried closing my non dominant eye and I’ll be danged if the arrow doesn’t come in to view! That’s if you need to see the arrow. I haven’t made up my mind which is best for me. Usually I seem to do better just drawing to anchor and releasing without thinking too much.
I shot 3 under since I started traditional, shot split last night and the noise difference is what I noticed right away. I shoot with broadheads on 99% of the time and last night I had both arrows touching so close that I’m not sure how I didn’t ruin a arrow!
Now near 70, I've shot 50+ years and have seen, or at least noticed, more shooting 4-under and sighting down arrow. I think one should do whatever gets one the best results. I shoot split finger, loading only the two below the string, don't can't the bow at all, and anchor my knuckle behind my jawbone - my eye isn't even directly behind the string since the string is beside my head with that anchor. I let the string go by just opening fingers, leaving hand where it's at (no follow-through) until arrow hits, then reach for another arrow - shooting 60# longbow and can shoot "fairly" well out to about 50 yards. I shoot 75-300 arrows most days. I've done the same with old 80# Jennings compound bows which had enough space between cams to prevent finger-pinch, unlike most modern compound bows which finger-shooting would definitely pinch fingers and likely cause strings to fly off the cams. I have a couple 30+ year old Oneida lever-type bows that also shoot well with fingers. Those have limbs and cables that can be switched to go between 40-60# and 60-80# with "some" but not as much "let-off" as modern compound bows which is what I prefer.
That is one of the most beautiful bows I have ever seen... As I understand you are no longer building bows, but what brand so I can be on the lookout for used?
Instinctive Addiction Archery Carbon Vapor, they do pop up occasionally on Facebook pages like Traditional Bowhunters Classified/ Buy Sell, one was actually on there last week it sold quickly but you can also post that you’re looking for one and someone may be ready for something different that’s just how traditional guys are lol
Just a little tip I also use the Bearpaw glove but they seem to wear out fairly quickly although I shoot literally a thousand arrows so week... when the glove starts to get a little loose I completely saturated soap inside and out with hot water, wring it out a little bit and throw it in the dryer.....BAMMM, like brand new
I was never tought, i just started attaching ropes to willow branches when i was a child and moved up from there. Split finger always seemed intuitive, especially without a nocking point and shooting off the knuckle without a rest. It just gives you more index to get the arrow aligned. Also i do use peripheral vision split finger so i disagree on that one. But i have an english longbow anchor, that might help, i anchor begind my jaw underneath my ear to achieve a full 33" draw.
I absolutely love this explanation on split finger and instinctive shooting in general. I shoot the same way. Yeah it's breaking all the rules in terms of what Olympic coaches teach, but the proof is in the pudding. Look at not just Fred Bear, but legends including Gail Martin, Fred Eichler, etc.....I've seen some people on here saying it isn't consistent enough. In my opinion that's just them not being able to be consistent enough so they knock it.
Interesting. I got a bjtc 54" 53# 27.5+- shoot a 400 29.5 with 250 upfront. It's tuned great. Wish I could also have one of your bows but not really in a position for a new bow. And found the thunder before yours. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you 🙏
Thank you for this vid. I learned split finger shooting. I haven’t shot a bow now in 30 years. But now at 62 I’m getting and interest back to start shooting again. I’d be interested in some bows you would recommend, and types of arrows to get, along with the finger guard. Thank you again for the vid and for your time.
I am in the same boat as you. I got Sage Elite. It feels like a good bow. I am learning again now. Hope you have fun with it. I'm really stoked after today at the range. 🙂
I shoot 3 under, shot split in the past. With 3under, my arrow is at the same height on the face like before, i am anchoring with index finger in the corner of the mouth. It seems with 3 under, its easier for me to get into back tension.
I tried split finger properly for the first time after shooting 3 under. My bow was quieter, and I liked the feel of the release For my first time doing split, many hit the gold, and many odd flyers. But this is great advice for the anchor point, as I was trying to figure it out. I will keep practicing on the targets to build a consistent shot, but just keep doing 3 under for the 3d range so that I don't start loosing arrows whilst I adjust. Thank you!
It takes a day or two but will definitely get easier and you’ll find when you try three under after a week or two of shooting split you’ll hit low it’s funny how the body adapts 😁👍🏻
I just tried this. I seem to shoot better this way. I always shot three under. Haven't shot trad in three years. Feels like my anchor is more solid. But I keep trying to put my nose on the feather that I can't do now. A 20 year shooting habit I have to break. Thank you for your suggestion
Back on this video with a smile in the face. When i first saw the video, i thought i would NEVER go back to split. Guess what... It just happened. Its mainly because 3 under is too loud, no matter what i tried. I have to figure the new nockpoint height, since my bow ( Super Shrew2 Longbow) ist tillered 0 for 3 under.
I own several Bear bows that I absolutely love because they are older bows from the 70's. I have always shot split finger with the bow at a slight canter because that's the way my grandpa and father taught me because that's how they shot theirs. I tried the three finger method and some string walking just to try it and it just wasn't for me. Couldn't even hit the target some of the time so back to the split finger and bow canter from now on like I was taught 48 yrs ago.
Did you practice a certain way to begin shooting instinctive or did it just happen naturally to you? I'm string crawling right now and have great success but if I could do instinctively that would help with a live target.
I'm a sight older than you and to the point of having to wear glasses to shoot,,needless to say it is a very hard transition and frustrating. There is no picking a small spot, I can hit the kill zone but tight groups are few. Have to figure out a way to make the glasses work. I so appreciate your expertise and spirituality. Hope you never have to put the glasses on. You might try shooting with clear lenses once in awhile so you can figure it out. God Bless!
Yeah my dad is 75 and shoots very good instinctive with glasses but past 25 yards the groups really open up, he says it’s hard to focus on a small spot so you’re exactly right, just have to do the best you can with glasses, thank you so much!
With split finger your point on distance is farther away. You can still aim with the point but you will have to aim a foot low at 30 yards. Also you want a longer arrow to reduce the amount of lob if you are gap shooting with split finger. An arrow that sticks out 3" past the riser might hit point on at 40 yards, and an arrow that sticks out a half inch past the riser will hit point on at like 55 yards. The short arrows, split finger, gap shooting combined might have you aiming 2 and a half feet low at 25 yards. A long arrow might have you only aiming 8 inches low at 25 yards.
I like shooting split finger, do you see an issue with anchoring your ring finger in the corner of your mouth and having the arrow closer to your eye like three under. Life long compound shooter and have only been shooting for about a month but your videos help a ton.
Well actually it’s a really good anchor and yes it will get it a little closer, the main thing is to figure out what anchor allows you to hit where you’re looking and then program it in your mind through repetition 👍🏻
@@instinctiveaddictionarcher8998 awesome thank you for the response, I haven’t seen a lot of people you use, but when I tried it they grouped pretty well
So, form a historical point of view. When did 3 under become so popular, when some of the greatest archers and bow hunters of all time shot split finger. I know in Olympic archery camps they start off 3 under for beginners with the intent to move to split finger. When I started no one shot 3 under. These days it seems like no one shoots split finger. I feel like after the introduction of compounds and guys shot them for years. When they decided to go back to a stick bow is when I noticed 3 under becoming more popular.
Yes sir it became popular in the last few years as aiming with the arrow “gap” shooting and split vision quickly developed as an accurate method for competition shooters just like string walking or fixed crawl, split was virtually the only popular method for hunting up until just recently probably somewhere around the 1990’s maybe later but has been around forever and here recently it has become the most popular form as I myself adopted it around 10 years ago and always thought I’d never change until that day I tried split again and won’t go back at least not as an instinctive shooter 👍🏻
What I observe, after you burn a hole and raise your bow arm, your bow arm is then, and only then, locked. So your intent and objectives is to lock your bow arm and stay locked BEFORE you start pulling the arrow backward, and thereafter? Locked then load? I'm asking cuz I'm conflicted. That style may work well with foam 3d targets, like you said "almost busted my nock. You can sit here and shoot group like that over and over and over and over as many times as you like...". But not so sure if it works in real life hunting for deer, squirrels, elk and whatever you desire to hunt for. Can you shoot aspirin like John Schulz and Byron Ferguson with your style of shooting?
Yes sir I actually have very good success with deer or anything in the woods, I’ve worked on having to shoot fast at moving targets as well and I honestly don’t have to think about anything just shoot! That’s why I love instinctive so much 👍🏻
Hey there bud, I have a comment I’d like to share with you. I appreciate all the information you give at the beginning, but one of the things people want to see is the shot. So maybe think about giving all that knowledge and info as you Take a couple of shots, and just add little bits of information in between. You have very good points, just a friendly observation. I enjoyed this video.
