MILLERTIME10

Well, I am getting to the point to where I am wanting to make hunting a bit more challenging and rewarding for myself. It never has mattered to me how well I do or don't do compared to other people's standards, I just want self satisfaction, and I think that is all that matters. I think it would be a great achievement to take game with traditional archery equipment. I have thought about it for a while and I am finally to the point to where I am committed to slowly work my way into it. I have been doing some reading and am getting very intereste and somewhat educated on this type of hunting. I still have many questions though. I still shoot my bow with "training wheels" [8D]on it. I have a 29" draw (with release) and it is set on a comfortable 74 lbs. I was just wandering if the draw length would change with a recurve or long bow. I know the poundage is completely different between a compound and traditional bow, what would be a good comfortable pull on a traditional bow? I would like to be able to be comfortable in taking whitetail, hogs, and maybe someday have the oppurtunity at an elk with a traditional bow. I believe I would like to shoot carbon arrows because of the durability and toughness, I will play havoc on those arrows for a while. There are so many questions but I don't want to keep rambling on. If you all could just help me to get started I would appreciate it. One more question, which type of bow is preferred and easier to shoot, a longbow or recurve? Thanks guys!!

Double Creek

If I were you, I would start with a cheap recurve or longbow in the 45@28 range...... That will be a good starter bow and is enough weight to hunt deer with if you feel inclined to do so.... If you decide you like it and need a "better" bow or more weight, you can then upgrade.....

It's a journey like no other.....Welcome and feel free to ask any questions you wish.

bigcountry

Draw is probably going to drop 1" or more with traditional. I say start out 45-50lbs max. I just started in the winter. And glad I started low. This will be one of the most mental things you ever do. The form/release is so critical, and add instintive concentration on your target and its pretty tough. Last thing you need is overbowing. I have shot a few thousand arrows from my longbow in the past 5 months and still don't feel my muscles have strengthened up enough to move to 60lbs.

I picked up three or four books on it.

One was "becoming the arrow" by Bryon Ferguson
Another was Introdution to archery by Brian Sorrells
Another one is Instintive shootng by Fred G Asbell

These books have been very critical on getting setup. I suggest looking at them all.

Another thing I suggest, no need to go out and buy the top of line bow starting out. Believe me, a 100 dollar recurve will be more accurate than you starting out.

MILLERTIME10

Thanks double creek and big country...I plan on getting a cheap 40-45# recurve to bow fish with this summer. I think that may help me outgetting used to the rtaditional equipment. I was thinking of possibly a 50-55# bow for actually hunting game, but if it is better to start off light and work up, then that is what I will do. You guys definately know more about it than I do.

bigcountry

I know I was considering a 60# bow. But learning how to shoot instintive is tough enough. I shoot 53# now at 29". But looking for another at 45#, maybe a dreamcatcher recurve for playin around and target.

BobCo19-65

Congratulations with your decision, and welcome.

I'd say go with a recurve at first. It will probably be easier for you then to go with a longbow at first. There are always exceptions to the rule however. As others have mentioned go with a 40-45#@28". You're lucky because most bows (non-custom) are made for a 28" draw, and you'll probably be right in that area. I used to shoot 31" compound, but shot 29" with a longbow and slightly more with a recurve. Don't get too heavy of a weight at least for the first full year.

The books mentioned are good, espeically Byron's book and video.

Also, don't be too surprised if after a few months of traditional you never want topick up a compound again. It happens to a lot of people. The trad bug bites hard. Be warned.

Guss

These guys covered it well. I have to say Birons book helped me alot, and he now has a DVD of the book.

Just remember to keep it simple, dont get ahead of your self.

LBR

I wouldn't start out with more than 40#. You want a bow that you are comfortably in control of, and for more than a dozen shots. If you struggle with the weight, you will develop bad habits that are a devil to break.

Get a good book/video and read/watch/study it before you start shooting. I like Ferguson's "Become the Arrow" book, but haven't seen the video yet. I like Ricky Welch's "Instinctive Archery Volume II" video. They are very different in shooting style, but both have a lot of great information. I do not like Asbell's books or video, to the point I recommend that you don't get them. There is some good info, but a lot that is not good. His style of shooting can lead to a lot of bad habits, especially for someone starting out. Consistency is the key, and that is super hard when you are in motion for the entire shot--you can't tell what you are doing right or wrong. The good information he has is covered by Ferguson and Welch.

Don't get hung up on what someone else says is "THE" way to shoot. For instance, in Asbell'svideo he says something along the lines of "you can't shoot accurately using 3-under". That's just false information--some of the best shooters in the world shoot 3-under. I don't agree with everything either Ferguson or Welch says, but they don't push their way as being the only way. Experiment, and use what works best for you. More than likely you will change your style a lot as you develop your form.

I also agree with starting out cheap. An old Bear, Wing, Root, Shakespeare, Pearson, etc. will do the job just like a $1,000 custom. This year'swinner of the Howard Hill (recurve class) was using an old Bear. The nut behind the bow is much more important than the brandbow you are using.I've seen lots of tournaments won with old bows, homemade bows, etc. Once you get an idea of what you like or don't like in a bow you may want to order a custom, but even then you won't have to spend anywhere near $1,000 to get a great bow. Some have fancier woods, some are 5-10 fps faster, some may have fancy checkering or gold inlay..........but they will all send the arrow in the direction you point it.

Have fun, make the most of your practice (make every arrow count--don't just go out and fling them), shoot some tournaments (you don't have to be a crack shot to enter a tournament--have fun with it), and you will do fine.

Chad

Double Creek

I second Rick Welch's video.... By far the best instructional video or book that I've watched.....

I also like Rick McKinney's The Simple Art of Winning... It's a good book for understanding proper form and the mental aspect of the sport....

MILLERTIME10

Thanks guys...I will definately pick up the books and videos you all have mentioned. I really appreciate all the advice and tips, you guys are very helpful. I will let you all know what I figure out on a bow and how I will be progressing. thanks again!!