Shooting in the garage?

[wizardofhaws]

I joined the forums last year but was not able to pickup a bow and get going. Recently found out that one of my good friends I have made here hunts so now I have a hunting buddy to show me how it is done. I have my bow in the mail and can't wait for it to arrive next week.

My home is in the city limits so I do not have the ability to shoot in my backyard. I was thinking of setting up a target in the garage. I know the distance is extremely short but thought the practice of working my draw, targeting and release would still make it worth it. Am I on the right track or am I wasting my time or worse yet setting up a dangerous situation?

Will also spend some time at one of the Archery shops in the area and will look at the Austin Archery club as well. But having the ability to just go in the garage and shoot has big appeal.

[jerp]

I've been doing it for years to work on form - I would not worry about trying to get more distance by going corner-to-corner in the garage. Just stand at almost point blank range, working on draw and release and excersing those "bow muscles". Unless you are "sky drawing" there is little chance of disaster, IMO.

[dustoffer]

Best thing I ever did for my form/shooting was join an indoor league. And, in my pre-shoot routine it was always "One Arrow At A Time". Shooting in the garage at close range takes a lot of the "what if I miss?" out of your shooting and lets you focus on form.

I am getting ready to put a target in my garage so I can do the same--I have a carport outside the garage doors, and an extra long garage plus the length of the driveway. Might be able to get all the way out to 35 yds, but haven't checked to be sure.

[TxAg]

I used to shoot in the house, apartment, garage, etc.

[the preacherman]

Shooting in the garage works for me.

[wsteffen]

I have my target set up in the garage and shoot up my drive way. If I go to the street I can shoot 40 yards. I'm lucky though, my drive goes between mine and my neighbors house and both back yards are fenced, no way some one can walk out unexpected.

[Bill]

Short range is good for building strength and working on shooting mechanics. Get a target with multiple small dots so you don't stack arrows on top if each other, carbons can be damaged and then fracture on a future shot, there's a thread on TBH with a picture in the ER of an arrow through his hand.

If you're new to archery, contact the shop and AAC and find somebody who's an instructor and gives lessons. Sign up for several and learn to shoot the right way before you develop and bad habits to have to break in the future.

[wizardofhaws]

I am looking now for instructors/classes around my area. I do not want to develop bad skills. Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent! Perfect practice makes perfect.

[Mudslinger]

One question, you said your bow is in the mail. Can and would you give some details on how you can to buy this bow?

[wizardofhaws]

I tried a few bows and found a deal online for a 2010 Martin Threshold.

[Coach W]

Get a good bag...

There is a certain cabinet, at the end of a very long hallway, in a certain rent house, that now has a cleverly disguised plywood door.

[Mudslinger]

The reason I ask that question about how you bought the bow is if you have not drawn the exact same bow, then there is a possibility that the draw may not fit you. Just because one bow says 29" draw does not mean a different bow and model will be exactly like the first 29" bow. I do not want to see you spend the money, get all hyped up and get a bow that does not fit you and you cannot shoot it very well and give up on the sport. The first thing I would do before I even draw the bow is to take yourself and the bow to a very good pro shop and make sure of your draw length and if the bow is going to fit you. Not trying to bring you down, but just offering some suggestions to get you started right. Good luck in getting started and keep us up on your progress.

[wizardofhaws]

Thanks Mudslinger. That is my exact plan. Once the bow is in I will be getting some expert advice and tuning so that I set myself up right.

[BOHICA]

When I lived in Maine, I had a 10 yard range set up in my basement, printed out a 22 rifle target with multiple animals and practices shooting that. It had 5 targets on each row and I focused on center punching each target, that way I didn't risk damaging arrows. Worked very well and it was nice to shoot in the winter time when there was 5 feet of snow on the ground, just remember that technically shooting your bow within city limits could get you trouble, so if the garage door is up be aware of spying neighbors who might stir the pot
Good Luck

[whakm]

Are you sure that it's illegal for you to shoot in your backyard? Lot's of cities have it written where you can shoot as long as you're on your property and the arrow does not leave your property.