Bowhunting Tips: Hunting With a Single Pin Sight

Accurately launching an arrow and hitting your target requires solid technique, reliable archery equipment, and knowing the exact distance to your target. While the current trend for compound bowhunters is to use a multi-pin sight, many archers still prefer hunting with a single pin sight.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and challenges of hunting with this type of sight and how we can effectively use this sighting system in the field. 

Single Pin vs. Multi-Pin Bow Sights

What are the differences between single-pin vs. multi-pin sights? Here are a few benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Single Pin Benefits

The primary benefit of a single pin sight is its simplicity. You don’t have to consciously choose which of your color-coded pins you need to use because there is only one pin to look at.

If you have time to range your target accurately, you can adjust your pin (not recommended) or change your point of impact. This ease of operation allows you to shoot precisely any distance within your effective shooting range. 

Drawbacks of the Single Pin

The advantage of a single pin sight can also be a significant disadvantage.

Moving your pin for different distances requires time.

And since animals typically don’t like to stand still and wait for you to adjust your sight pin, you can miss some great shot opportunities if you haven’t practiced making rapid adjustments. 

Multi-Pin Benefits

Since multi-pin sights have a fixed pin set at a specific distance (20, 30, 40, and 50 yards for a 4-pin sight), you can quickly take a shot without adjusting your pin or point of aim. This setup is convenient if you need to take a quick shot when your quarry presents the perfect opportunity. 

Drawbacks of Multi-Pins

Unless you’ve put in the time to practice rapidly choosing sight pins at different distances, the sight picture of a multi-pin setup can be cluttered and confusing. I’ve heard several experienced bowhunters say they missed a shot because they picked the wrong sight pin in the heat of the moment.

Another potential disadvantage of a multi-pin sight is the lack of versatility. Oddly enough, you may be presented with a shot distance between your set pins. You can use the wrong pin or incorrect holdover and miss or wound the animal without proper practice. 

When to Use a Single Pin Sight

Single-pin sights are perfect for tree stand and ground blind hunting. Simply pre-measure the range to your decoy, landmark, or shooting lane, and you’ll be dialed in and ready to go. 

This is why single pin sights work well for deer and turkey hunting. In these hunts, precision matters more than rapid adjustments. If the animal moves and is still within your shooting lane, you can use your practiced holdover to make any quick and subtle adjustments and still hit your target.

How to Sight In a One Pin Bow Sight

Follow the following steps to sight in a one-pin bow sight.

Step 1: Select Your Zero Range

Start by picking your primary hunting distance. Most archers choose 20 yards, but this will vary depending on the quarry and most commonly encountered hunting conditions.

Pick a distance that reflects the most frequent shots you expect to take in the field, even if it is less than 20 yards. 

Step 2: Fine-Tune Your Sight

Shoot as many arrows as it takes until you consistently hit the bullseye. Once you can group at least three arrows in a fist-sized group at your zero range, even if they’re not in the bullseye, start adjusting the sight pin for windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) until your tight group is on target.

Repeat this process for distances between 10 and 40 yards and mark those settings on your sight for quick reference. You can also learn your holdover, the distance you need to aim above the target to compensate for arrow drop.

If you know your holdover for other distances, you won’t need to adjust your sight pin.

Step 3: Field Practice

Once you’re sighted in and accurate at fixed distances, take your bow and rangefinder to the field and practice shooting targets at various distances.

For example, if your zero range is 20 yards, shoot a target (or stump) at 25 yards. Or 18 yards. Use a rangefinder to measure these distances accurately, and train your eye to guess distances if your rangefinder batteries die in the field. 

Knowing how to rapidly move your pin to the next setting or adjust your holdover allows you to modify your sight quickly to match various shooting scenarios. 

4 Tips for Effectively Using a Single Pin Sight in the Field

After you're sighted in, the following four tips will help you shoot successfully and consistently in the field.

1. Prepare Your Shooting Lane

If you’re hunting from a tree stand or blind, measure and mark distances, especially those at your zero range. Note landmarks that align with pin settings and holdovers so you’ll know what to do when taking the shot.

2. Stay Calm Under Pressure

Most shot anxiety comes from not being sure of your pin setting or holdover.

Practice moving your pin and holdovers throughout the year. Building this type of muscle memory through repetition will help you have the confidence you need when the opportunity presents itself during the season.

3. Use a Rangefinder

While some people can get good at estimating distances by eye, you can’t beat a rangefinder for precise yardage measurements. If you have the time, use a rangefinder to confirm your distance to the target and adjust your pin or holdover accordingly. 

4. Have a Contingency Plan

Animals never behave like they’re supposed to. They may not come into your shooting lane or move to a new spot while you’re drawing back.

Know what you’re going to do before that happens on a hunt. You may need to let down, make adjustments, and then draw and aim a second time. Or, you may know your holdover distances well enough to make a quick adjustment and take the shot. 

Practice Is Crucial for Successful Shots

Regardless of your choice between a single pin vs multi-pin bow sight, you must consistently practice with your sight throughout the year. Make sure you spend time shooting at various distances to understand your arrow’s trajectory at each distance and how your sight adjustments and holdovers alter your point of aim and point of impact. 

Once you’re confident on the range at fixed distances, swap out your field points and broadheads for judo or blunt points and head out to the field. Practice ranging and shooting old stumps, clumps of grass, and other natural targets. These simulated hunting shots will help you make faster and more accurate sight adjustments. 

Maintenance and Care

Fortunately, single sight pins don’t require intensive maintenance. However, before and after every shooting session, check to ensure the pin is tightened, as bow vibrations can loosen it and the sighting system. 

Sight pins also have an uncanny ability to bend or tilt. Frequently check your pin alignment to avoid easy-to-correct misses. 

If your sighting system uses a lens, make sure the lens is clean and free of obstructions. 

Put Safety First When Bowhunting This Season

Hunting with a single pin sight can give the bowhunter the perfect blend of precision and simplicity. Although a single pin might require more practice to master than a multi-pin setup, the uncluttered sight picture is worth the effort to many bowhunters. 

Understanding the single pin’s benefits and challenges, as well as diligent practice and maintenance, will ensure you’re well-prepared to take a precise and ethical shot on your next hunt.

If you’re new to bowhunting or want to sharpen your skills, consider taking an online hunter safety course through ilearntohunt. The state-specific courses provide lessons on archery equipment, hunting, field skills, and safe and ethical hunting practices that will prepare you for success as a bowhunter. Plus, completing the course and passing the exam counts toward your hunter education certification if required by your state!

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