Heavier draw weight creates a flatter arrow trajectory, giving the hunter a greater margin of error on targets and big game. Drawing a bow becomes easier if you use a large muscle group instead of the smaller ones in your shoulder. Additionally, it’s smart to warm up before shooting in practice and as soon as you climb into a stand.
Oh My Aching Arm
Many years ago, I received a new bow in the mail after ordering it from a large supply house. When the box arrived, I was so excited I couldn’t wait to come to full draw. It was probably set at 70 pounds, which is more than my usual shooting weight, but I didn’t care. Using all of my might, I drew the bow and, after a few seconds, let it down. The next morning, my shoulder ached so much I couldn’t touch my ear. As a teacher, I could only write on the chalkboard just above waist height. I was in misery.
Sports Medicine to the Rescue
Luckily, there was a sports medicine office in town, and I saw a therapist. After six months, I had most of my strength back. On the last visit, the therapist taught me three warm-up routines that were quick and solved my shoulder problem for decades. First, grab your bow by the handle and thrust it up and down above your head 20 times using your drawing arm. Next, hold the bow by each limb and touch the back of your neck with the bow 20 times, raising it parallel to the ground and over your head. Finally, and most importantly, for a right-hand shooter, hold the bow grip with the right hand and push up on the bottom of the bow with the left. This will stretch the shoulder muscles. All professional athletes stretch and warm up before a game, and archers should too. You may be able to add draw weight by changing your form, and this short video shows you how.