Draw Length:   One of the most important parts of shooting a bow is getting your draw length right. Draw length is not an exact science. There are many variables and a lot of getting it right comes down to feel. If your draw is too long you will have a tendency to stretch and lean back which leads to poor shooting form and inaccuracy. You may also get a painful slap on the arm. If your draw length is too short, you will have problems finding a repeatable anchor point and your sight pin will have a tendency to float. You’re probably best to start out just a little short and work your way longer as you figure out what is most comfortable.                   One good way to measure draw length is the wing-span method. To do this, stand naturally with your arms straight out to the side and palms facing forward. Have a friend measure the distance in inches from one middle finger to the other. Then take that number and divide it by 2.5. This will give you a good starting draw length.             Once you find a comfortable starting draw length, you will want to find a comfortable anchor point. To do this draw your bow back and touch the string to the point of your nose. You should be able to do this while maintaining good, straight posture. You should not have to reach or pull your head back. If you do, your draw will need to be adjusted accordingly. Take note of where your release is at this point. Perhaps your knuckle meets your cheek along your jaw bone. Find a couple of comfortable, repeatable reference points and make sure you release each shot from those points.             Finding a repeatable anchor will also allow you to keep your peep sight a consistent distance from your eye. If your peep is too close to your eye, and the string draws back beyond the tip of your nose, it is a good indication that your draw is too long. The field of view through your peep will also change. If your peep is too far away from your eye, your draw is too short. You will notice that your field of view is smaller and that you have to lean your head in to anchor to your nose.             With a little time and experimentation you will have your draw length set and ready to shoot your new bow. If you’re a beginner you will be starting out the right way and saving yourself a lot of frustration. If you have been shooting a while you may be amazed by how much more fun archery is and how much better you will shoot.   Written by: Nick Styhl