Setup a Compound in 6 Easy Steps

"Success starts with a strong foundation"

It's no wonder people fall in love with shooting bows. The tradition, modern-day customizations, and the mesmerizing flight of the arrow traveling to the target are all just some of the reasons why archery has so many people "addicted". Even as a kid, I can remember Archery Day at school being just as exciting as Christmas morning... maybe that was just me. Nevertheless, archery has always been something I cared very passionately about.

As soon as I was of legal age, I started archery hunting for whitetail deer on my grandparents' land in Allegan County, Michigan. I would always practice a few times in the backyard, hit the target a few times and tell myself I was "all dialed in". Then, after sending one over a deer's back, I would wonder why I had missed. What had happened? Did I do something wrong? It wasn't until I was older that I realized success in the whitetail woods starts with a strong archery foundation. Your Draw Length, Draw Weight, Arrows, Sights, Shot Sequence, etc. all need to be properly adjusted and your bow needs to fit you well.

Here are the steps I take to ensure my bow is set up to fit me:

Set Draw Length

Part of every bow setup is having the correct draw length. Not all shooters are the same size and that means not everyone has the same draw length. There are many different methods and theories for determining the best draw length, but ultimately it comes down to individual shooters comfort in their draw length.

Set Poundage

The most important function of any bow is the ability to fire an arrow at your designated target. The weight you choose can have many different factors weighing in on the final decision. For example, if you're looking for speed, you'll obviously want a high-poundage draw weight. Others, who are looking for an easy draw, might want a lower poundage bow. Whatever you choose, make sure the weight is comfortable and reasonable. Don’t try and be the guy or gal with a 100lb draw weight struggling to pull the string back. It will lead to misses and eventual shoulder issues. The average male draw weight is 55-65lbs and females is 40-50lbs.

Peep sight installation

A peep sight allows an acceptable line of sight from the shooter's eye, to the pin, and to the target creating a consistent shot every time. The process of installing a peep will require an additional person to help slide the peep sight. Whenever I install a peep sight, I like to have my bow at full draw with my eyes closed. I'll focus on getting into the correct position and then open my eyes naturally. At that point, wherever my eyes focus first is my natural aiming position. All there is to do is have your buddy slid the peep into position or mark the string and move it later.

Set arrow Length

Arrow length should be done only after the draw length is determined... for obvious reasons. Typically shooters prefer an arrow cut flush with the edge of their riser to about 2in past their riser.

Arrow Rest Installation and Knock point

If your arrow rest isn't a drop-away style rest, feel free to install it yourself. If the rest is some style of drop away (string-driven or limb-driven) I recommend having someone with a bow press and experience do the install. String-driven rests use the pull of your bow's cables to activate the rest. This is done by feeding the pull string into the twists of one your bow's cables and you obviously can't do this when the bow is under pressure. During rest install, a knock point should also be added and measured into place using a T-square for levelness and accuracy.

Paper Tune

After all of the previous steps have been completed, now to one of the most overlooked steps of properly setting up a compound bow... paper tuning. The magical art of shooting your arrow through a piece of paper and checking your arrows flight path. This simple and quick tuning process ensures your arrows are set up properly and have that near-perfect flight path that all archers should be striving for. There are thousands of videos online showing you a step-by-step process on how to paper tune your bow. Not paper tuning your bow spells disaster later on when you start sighting in the bow, especially at longer distances as it has an effect on initial arrow flight. Correcting the flight at the beginning of the shot can make sighting in those +40 yds so much easier. Paper tuning isn't just for when you get a new bow either, it's something you should be doing regularly, just like oil changes on your car. I recommend not only paper tuning at a minimum of once a year in the summer for ample time to make any needed adjustments and practice, but also throughout the year to check for inconsistencies. (See video below)

Sight Installation (Other attachments optional), Sighting Adjustments, Establish Shot Sequence

Finally, it time to start shooting! Install your sight and other attachments if you choose, and start sighting in your freshly-tuned bow. If you followed these steps, all of your components should be harmonized and work together to providing you peace of mind, as well as an accurate bow. When that big buck steps out, you'll be ready.