Solution for 14 September cryptic crossword clue

Use influence to attract bowmen? (4,7) – pull strings

If you "use influence" you can be said to "pull strings".

Attract = pull

Bowmen = strings ie in the sense of strings in an orchestra – because this is not quite grammatical there is a question mark in the clue.  Bowmen could also have referred to archers who also pull strings in a sense.