Bows

Gigmaster · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject: Re: Bows

If you are just starting out, I would recommend buying a used compound bow. You can find them everywhere for a very modest price, even on EBay. Try to stay with one that's not more than about 5 years old, so you get the benefit of almost-recent technology. You can find them already set-up and ready to hunt, many times for under $150.00. Make sure you get the correct draw length for you. Go to an archery shop and have them measure you for draw length.

Once you get your bow and arrows, practice, practice, practice and more practice before you try hunting. Do not attempt to hunt until you can put all your arrows into a 1' circle ( 6" is even better) at at least 40 yards. When you can do that, you are ready. Then learn stalking and ambush techniques, and how to care for your harvest after the kill. After you have made a few kills with your bow, your instincts will begin to take over and it will all come automatic, and comfortable.

After you get comfortable with bows, then you can upgrade, and/or try traditional bows, or whatever you want.

I recommend compounds to start with because they are easier to learn to shoot well, have excellent permormance, and are readily available. Compounds shoot a bit faster than traditional bows because the cams imitate a longer draw length. A 50 Lb. compiund bow will shoot like a recurve with a 45" draw, if that was possible. The cams allow for a much longer power stroke, which translates into more arrow speed, and energy.

Welcome, and good luck.

Gigmaster · Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2007 12:20 am Post subject: Re: Bows

shrpshtrjoe wrote:

Welcome to the HuntingNut Gigmaster. Shooting the" traditional" bows is definitally more difficult to master the the compounds, when I first started in archery (the mid to late 70's) I shot a recurve ( I wish I still had it) I think it was a Bandito by Howett Archery. My buddy took two doe's on Sat with his Long Bow. Now I shoot the compounds but I can see myself going back a traditional bow at some point.
Joe

I still have one of my older bows from the mid 70s, before compounds were generally available. It is a 50 lb. Shakespeare Yukon Wonderbow. It shoots as good today as it ever did.

My compounds are wonderful shooting instruments, but there is something about a traditional bow, some kind of simplistic elegance, that is very appealing to my primitive side.

glockman55 · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 6:02 am Post subject: Re: Bows

codybrown wrote:

Well, this guy has about 6-8 for sale, that he said the pull is adjustable?? Anyway he said that I can pick any one I want out for $100 since I fixed his truck last weekend.

Like said, DRAW LENGTH is number one. Where in Mich are you from?

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 5:43 am Post subject: Re: Bows

Welcome to the HuntingNut Gigmaster. Shooting the" traditional" bows is definitally more difficult to master the the compounds, when I first started in archery (the mid to late 70's) I shot a recurve ( I wish I still had it) I think it was a Bandito by Howett Archery. My buddy took two doe's on Sat with his Long Bow. Now I shoot the compounds but I can see myself going back a traditional bow at some point.
Joe

Gigmaster · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 4:53 am Post subject: Re: Bows

Anybody else here hunt with some of the more exotic primitive weapons? My last deer was taken with my atlatl that I got from www.primitiveweapons.com/home.html. That was my last tag for the season so it's back to hunting squirrels and woodchucks with the blowgun and slingshot.

Gigmaster · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 4:32 am Post subject: Re: Bows

keetoowah wrote:

Why is it so hard to find recurve accessories. Ive been having to make most of what I need? It took me 2 weeks to find a new bow string after the dog bit it.
Aren't there recurve bow hunters any more or am I going to be the only one?

Take heart compadre! You are not alone.

I hunt, target shoot, and make traditonal bows. I also hunt with the blowgun, atlatl (spear throwing stick), spear, slingshot, boomerang, sling and bola.

One of the best suppliers for traditional archery equipment that I know of is
3 Rivers Archery. They have about everything you'd need. If you want to want to try and build your own bow, let me know. I know several good suppliers for tools, materials and instructions.

I shoot compounds as well. They are a completely different weapon from a longbow or recurve. There's room for all of them. A compound bow has as much in common with traditional bows as an M-16 does to a muzzleloader. They both shoot bullets, and they both have a trigger. Thats about all they have in common. Compounds store energy in a totally different manner than a traditional bow, and the physics and ballistics are different. They more closely resemble the ballistics of a firearm.

Here is a short comparative run-down:

Compound-Advantages: Fast, with arrow speeds in excess of 250 fps. Firearms-like accuracy and consistency. Easier to learn to shoot well than with traditional bows. Let-off allows more time to hold and aim. Disadvantages: Cost as much as a firearm, or more. Heavy. Difficult to service or repair in the field. Requires many accessories to shoot well. Expensive for major repairs or modifications. The bow must fit the user to be used, so it is difficult to loan to someone unless they have the same draw-length. New models come out so fast that older models have a modest re-sale value.

Traditional-Advantages: Can be had for modest cash outlay, or even built by a novice with minimal instruction. A completed hand-made bow becomes an heirloom. Requires little in the way of accessories to shoot well. Light to carry. Can be repaired in the field easily (unless you break the entire bow stave). Low tech, easily maintained, has only two main parts, bow and string. One size fits all. Very addictive and nostalgic. Effective and cheap to shoot. Holds its value well, and sometimes even increases. Disadvantages: You get laughed at by compound shooters. Slower arrow speeds require better stalking ability and shot placement. Requires a lot of practice (range-time) to shoot well. Requires more developed 'instinct' to use well. Can easily become an obesssion.

I hope this helps.

bhod1 · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 5:28 am Post subject: Re: Bows

Codybrown,

You have to find out what your DRAW LENGTH is. The bow you choose HAS to be able to adjust to that Length. If it doesn't, then they are useless to you.
As far as the draw weight, get one that maxes out at @ 60lb, if he has one. Then you can usually adjust it down to 45-50 lbs to start with.

Name brand - All the bows listed are quality bows, especially for a beginner.

Barry

keetoowah · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:41 pm Post subject: Re: Bows

sad really, seems an art form dies to convience again.
ty for the sites i'll look at them when i have more time off from work.

regards

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:29 pm Post subject: Re: Bows

Not as many traditionalists out there anymore. Compounds shoot faster and flatter. Checkout these sites they have some accessorys for recurves. www.archerywarehouse.com also this one www.3riversarchery.com
Joe

keetoowah · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 7:53 am Post subject: Re: Bows

Why is it so hard to find recurve accessories. Ive been having to make most of what I need? It took me 2 weeks to find a new bow string after the dog bit it.
Aren't there recurve bow hunters any more or am I going to be the only one?

keetoowah · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:43 pm Post subject: Re: Bows

Thank you.

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Bows

keetoowah wrote:

I only pull recurve bows, and I was wondering if you have to use a lighter broadhead for hunting to achieve the distance?

Howdy The lighter the weight of the arrow and broadhead the flatter your arrow will fly but You don't want to go to light I would recomend between 100grain to 125 grain that will fill most needs for deer size game. I personaly use muzzys but there are alot of good manufactures out there as long as there sharp and shoot straight with your set up they should be fine Very Happy

Joe

keetoowah · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 1:43 pm Post subject: Re: Bows

I only pull recurve bows, and I was wondering if you have to use a lighter broadhead for hunting to achieve the distance?
I have a Bear and a Seneca bow.

keetoowah · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: Bows

Bear bows have always been my favorite. Ive owned 45lb and a 60lb. Due to shoulder injury I now only pull my 45 lb one.
Never been bow hunting only target. What would be a good arrow and tip to get for elk or deer?

codybrown · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 3:00 pm Post subject: Re: Bows

Well, this guy has about 6-8 for sale, that he said the pull is adjustable?? Anyway he said that I can pick any one I want out for $100 since I fixed his truck last weekend.