Newbie Arm Pain

[Owaatta']

I shot through about 6 quivers (36) full of arrows day before last and the following morning my shoulder and upper arm were SORE. Similar experiences? I assume this is lactic acid sort of thing, where the muscles are complaining from doing a new activity that hits the muscle groups in different ways.

[BRIAN34]

Yes, those are new muscles you are using, just need to break them in, and you will be fine. The more you shoot the less pain you will feel!!!! Shooting is fun anyway!!!!!! shoot straight brian

[sandilands]

What is your draw weight? I started at 52lbs and am currently shooting 62lbs. I can shoot hundreds a day and don't feel a thing. Start low and get your muscles ready for the work. Your right it is different muscles that are normally worked but it shouldn't hurt. I shot 2 deer at 52# and had pass-thru's on both. Don't worry about the # and just shoot what is comfortable for you.

[Monie]

I hate to be a nag...

Get that draw length down a little and your shoulder will thank you!

You will still feel some fatigue, but it won't be as severe.

Once you get your muscle memory built up, you'll be able to shoot a league which consists of 60 arrows.

[Great White Hunter]

Your body, after it figures out what you're doing and adjusts will begin using back muscles more than arm muscles. When that happens your draw weight will become very easy to draw and you won't fatigue nearly as easily. I am shooting 70#'s and generally will shoot 100 arrows plus without much affect on my body. I'm not a big guy either, just using back muscles. When I shoot league we shoot 50 shots. If I miss one, I'll shoot two rounds the next week...no big deal. Give your body some time to adjust. Like Monie said if you need to adjust your bow don't be afraid to do that. Your body needs to grow into shooting your bow. Keep it up!

[YorkArcher]

Slow down!!!! You have to build up to shooting that much just like any other sport.

You wouldn't walk out and try and run a marathon after sitting on the couch all winter, would ya?????

I haven't been on here long but have been shooting for about 20 years. I've seen enough to say:

Listen to Monie!!!!!

[Va Hunter]

When I got back into bows last year, I had the same complaint. I couldn't raise my arm the next day after my first shooting session! I gave it a rest for a day or 2 and started again. I started shooting no more than 20 times a day for a week or so then moved up some slowly. The pain will go away, just don't push it too much. This is supposed to be fun.

[Colorado Rick]

I'm with VA and York. Don't shoot so many at one time.

Cheri and I thought the same way you are/were thinking until Monie and Kevin told us not to shoot so much. A day or two between shooting is not a big deal, and actually will benefit you in the long run mentally.

[YorkArcher]

Practice is about Quality not about Quantity! Shooting 10 - 15 shots a night and concentrating on good form and follow through will make you 10 times better than flinging 50 arrows when you are tired and sore!!!!

Concentrate on that first shot. 9 times out of 10 when your hunting you won't get a warm up shot from the tree stand!!!!

[Monie]

Yep. YorkArcher is right!

During season, my bow tech will go out and shoot one arrow before he hits the stand. He makes it count. You usually get just one shot.

It's easier to form good habits now, than try to break bad habits later.