I’m amazed when I hear archers debating the pros and cons of shooting with either one or both eyes open. Physiologically speaking, monocular vision (closing one eye) diminishes both peripheral field of view and depth perception. In essence, you’re half-blind when you aim with one eye. With a complete field of view, you can acquire your target considerably quicker than you can with one eye closed. If an animal is moving left or right in your periphery and you close one eye, you’ll lose it.
Let In the Light
Hunting with both eyes open helps you in low-light situations, too. Looking through a peep sight with one eye closed during low light hinders your ability to see the target, since the peep somewhat blocks light from entering your one open eye. With both eyes open, the non-dominant eye is gathering light without being hindered, allowing you to aim much more efficiently when ambient light is lacking.
If you’ve tried aiming and shooting with both eyes open and haven’t been able to adapt, there is another option. Try shooting with your non-dominant eye squinted. This method affords you some of the advantages of shooting with both eyes open and makes acquiring the target through the peep with your dominant eye easier.
If you’re used to shooting with one eye closed and are a good shot, you might want to stick with it. If you’re searching for improved accuracy, try aiming with both–or one and a half–eyes open.