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Get to Know Our Techs: Dave
Dave from 3Rivers Archery
Q. What bow do you shoot?
I shoot a DX5 longbow 62″, 50# with black riser and Woodland Camo limbs. I made a 12 strand string made of Dyna-10 with BCY #62 braided center serving, .025″ diameter. I shoot 3-under using the Fred Eichler 3-under tab. My arrows are Traditional Only 400 with 125 grain field point. I 3-fletched my arrows with 5″ feathers. For indoor practice, I use the Easton Arrow Tube. When stump shooting, I use the Safari Tuff Arrow Master side quiver.
Q. How many hours do you spend shooting? Do you have a training routine?
I try to spend a half hour per day shooting my longbow. I believe if you walk yourself through the shots and spend time making quality shots, you actually get more accomplished. Since there is still snow on the ground, I spend most of my shooting sessions indoors. This allows me to really focus on perfecting my form. I walk myself through each step of the shot. First, I pick the spot on the target that I am aiming for. Then I raise my bow and arrow up as if I was pointing my finger at the spot I want to hit. I draw my bow back to my anchor point and release. The most important part is to relax the string hand and allow the bow to do the work. As the weather warms up, I spend the majority of my time stump shooting. I focus on perfecting my shot from different distances. Doing so helps improve accuracy with yardage estimation. The skill of yardage estimating will be beneficial during hunting season.
Q. How many practice arrows do you use?
For indoor practice, I only use one arrow. In a hunting or target situation, you only have one shot. With only one arrow on the range, I can focus on quality shots and not groups. When stump shooting, I have a tendency to break more arrows, so I carry at least 6 arrows in my quiver. I still try to follow the “one arrow” method so I can focus on consistency and the shot.
Q. When do you start practicing with broadheads?
Truthfully, I don’t practice with broadheads. I test them to ensure good arrow flight. After I purchase my broadheads, I test one broadhead and shoot it about a dozen times. As soon as I am confident that they fly the same as my practice arrows, I go back to practicing with field points.
Q. Is there anything you do outside of archery to stay in shape?
Luckily, I am fortunate enough to have a place to shoot year round. If you don’t have a local indoor range, I highly recommend the use of the Bow Fit Exercise Tool. It is a great to keep you in shape for shooting your bow.
Q. What do you do differently during off season than during hunting season?
During hunting season, before I get out the stand, I shoot a practice Judo point at a leaf to maintain confidence that I can hit my target. I also add a Quick Lok Arrow Holder to my bow. This helps to hold the arrow on the shelf when I hang the bow on the tree.
Q. During the off season, besides practice, how else do you prepare for the hunting season?
In the off season, I spend a lot of time building arrows and building extra bow strings for myself and my friends.
Q. What’s your favorite part about being Tech at 3Rivers Archery?
My favorite part about my job is being able to talk to different people every day while sharing our passion for Traditional Archery.
Have questions for Dave and our other techs? Call our Tech Line Toll Free at 866-587-9501!
3Rivers Archery
PO Box 517
Ashley IN 46705
1-866-587-9501
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