Many new archers do not realize that just because they may be right-handed they can be left eye dominant and vice versa. It is important for the most accuracy to shoot with your dominant eye in the peep sight, using the proper handed bow for that dominant eye. One clue that you may be using the weaker eye is that you find your pins are way out of line with your arrow instead of somewhere close to directly above it. Also, a tendency to look over the string to use the other eye is common.
The most accurate way to shoot is with both eyes open, as when one eye is closed you lose part of the strength of the other eye. Many people cannot see the target clearly this way though. If you are one of these, as I am, a patch or some type of eye cover can remedy the situation, allowing the non-dominant eye to remain open without viewing the target. There are eye covers that clip onto a hat brim on the market. This will also help a person shooting the wrong handed bow for their eye dominancy so the stronger eye doesn't try to take over. Nothing, however, is as effective as shooting with the proper equipment to use the stronger eye to sight. Of course it will feel quite strange at first to shoot with the other arm holding or pulling the bow, but we have helped many people to switch since we have been in business, and after a couple weeks it feels natural to them, even though most were very resistant to the idea at first. We only had one or two in 13 years who didn't make the change successfully. Granted you may need to strengthen the other arm to pull the same amount of weight you are used to pulling, but those muscles develop very quickly. A good way to strengthen those muscles before purchasing new equipment is to turn down your old bow to the lowest safe weight and practice pulling it with the other hand. Stretch bands are also available to accomplish this.
There are a couple simple tests for eye dominancy. Stretch out both arms, palms forward, and place one hand over the other creating a small hole between your thumbs and index fingers. Pick a small object, such as a light switch, several yards or more way. Keeping both eyes open stare through the hole at the object and bring your hands all the way back to your face. They should land in front of your dominant eye. This is an example of how the stronger eye takes over. Another test is to point at an object with your index finger. Holding it still, first close one eye then open it, then do the same with the other. The finger will remain closest to the object pointed at with the dominant eye. This method also illustrates why the sights may be way out when shooting with the weaker eye.
Traditional archers or anyone not using a peep sight still use an eye by the string to sight, therefore this applies to all archery as well as golf.
Some people do shoot quite successfully using their weaker eye, but the chances of becoming the best shot you can be are much greater when using the stronger one.
Good Shooting,
