re: Do you have to practice pulling back your bow?

Drawing a bow requires a unique combination of muscles working together that is usually unnatural in everyday life. I've seen really bowed up young guys who could barely draw a 60 lb. bow back, and then an older gentlemen step up and draw the same bow with ease. For first time shooters, it usually takes a little conditioning, meaning they just need to practice shooting. It will become muscle memory over time.

I wouldn't recommend practicing your draw (ETA: without an arrow). Even if you're careful, you're setting yourself up to dry fire on accident and damage or total your bow.

Just shoot alot. I try to shoot at least 3 rounds of 12 a day during the off season and step down to a few rounds a couple times a week during the season.