long bow or recurve??

[a3dhunter]

I was thinking of trying out a long bow or recurve and I wanted to get some opinions. What are advantages/disadvantages between the two? I currently shoot a compound bow and I have been encouraged to "lose my training wheels". Anybody have any suggestions?

 

[cauch]

I shoot a longbow, im not sure if there is an advantage to one over the other. My bow was custom made by Thunderhorn Manufacturing (thunderhornmfg.com), the maker of these bows is a good friend of mine. If you wanted a custom bow I would recommend him. If not there was a post put up by BOHNTR in bobcats "FAVORITE/BEST SET-UP???" that has some other recommendations.

 

[cougarz]

It really depends on you and what you like. I would try both and then make a decision. A recurve might be more familiar feeling - more like compound. Longbows are a little tougher to be consistient with. One isn't really better then the other for hunting though.

 

[a3dhunter]

I would also like some information on what pound bow to be looking at. Shooting a compound I can pull 73lbs while holding the bow straight in front of me (that's my pse maxed out). I'm 6' tall with a 28" draw using a fletchhunter release. I know my draw would extend a little going to shooting fingers. I've heard 50 - 55lbs mentioned about some traditional bows, does that sound about right? What speed am I loking at with traditional equipment and what bow range? I've heard people say 20 yard max on traditional, is anybody competent shooting 30-35 yards with deer and elk?
Appreciate any feedback, take the time and let me know what you think.
A3dhunter

 

[rooselk]

As was said, if you are used to a compound a recurve is going to be easier to learn to shoot because there are similarities in the grips and the way the bow is held. However, the best piece of advice that can be given to you is that you not overbow yourself when switching to traditional gear. Your best bet is to subtract 10 to 15 pounds from what you are currently pulling on your compound. A 45# or 50# bow will aid you greatly in developing proper form and release even if you feel comfortable pulling 70#. To get you started my suggestion is that you pick up a cheap recurve off Ebay or purchase one from a garage sale (you might also want to check the ads at a traditional site like TradGang.com). That way you'll be out little money if you decide that traditional gear isn't for you. But if you insist on purchasing a new bow I would only say that you cannot go far wrong in getting your hands on a "production" recurve like a Martin Hunter.

If there are any traditional shoots near you that's a great way to get advice, tips, and the opportunity to check out various traditional bows and gear. I have found that the traditional bowhunting community is especially willing to show a new guy the ropes.

Hope this helps. And best of luck to you.

 

[rooselk]

Actually, switching to a traditional bow you would probably lose an inch or two from your draw, but that's no big deal. As to bow range with traditional equipment the rule of thumb is that when hunting you shoot from the distance you are accurate from. For one guy that might be 15 yards, for another it might be 20 yards, and for still another it might be 25 or 30 yards. Twenty yards is probably closer to being the average, but plenty of folks are more than competent and accurate with traditioal gear at longer distances.

 

[a3dhunter]

Thanks for the input. I have already been checking ebay. I'll see what I can find.Good huntin'
Anyone else have something they can say?
A3dhunter

 

[a3dhunter]

Well, thought I would give you guys an update.
I found a shop where I could shoot a recurve and couldn't wait to get started. After a few words of advice from the owner I got started. I really don't know how to describe it, it really felt great to be pulling(and holding) 50 lbs, but it felt even better to let it go! Here's where the problem comes in.

I was lucky to hit the broad side of a barn. I was shooting indoors and thank goodness for that. I would have spent more time chasing arrows than shooting them. I was lucky to hit within two feet of where I was aiming after a few sessions of about 20-30 minutes. I really started evaluating this when I thought I had the hang of it and still missed the target I was aiming at and hit the one to the left.

Then a thought hit me, "how would I feel with this in the woods?" Well, this is what I came up with. I have had enough experience to know that when the moment of truth comes, confidence can make a world of difference. I am confident in shooting a compound bow with sights. I am lucky, sometimes, with a recurve! I can not ethically go into the woods knowing that I can't hit where I aim. I have never lost an animal to a bad shot and I hope I never do, but the thought of me making a bad choice to use a recurve in the woods could only make this a very real possibility. I have gained an appreciation for those succesful with long bow or recurve and I have found my limitations. I know that it would require more commitment than I can give to shoot consistently with a recurve. This has definitely been a humbling experience, to say the least.
Each arrow released was a new adventure, since I had no idea where it was going!
May we each be able to know our true limitations before making a costly mistake in the field.
A3dhunter

 

[rooselk]

I commend you for making a good ethical choice regarding hunting with traditional equipment. You are correct that we have no business hunting with equipment that we can't shoot with some degree of confidence.

As to shooting the recurve, there are several schools of thought as to the best method of "aiming" the bow. Some use what is called the "gap" method while others use the "instinctive" method. I prefer the latter because it seems to work better for me than any other method. In shooting instinctively I don't consciously "aim" the bow, or use the arrow as a sight. Rather, I burn a hole with my eyes looking at my target, draw the bow to anchor, and then release my arrow after a splitsecond pause. With practice the arrows will start hitting where you're looking. Of course developing a consistant shooting form is critical in effective instinctive shooting.

If you get the opportunity, try reading "Instinctive Shooting" or "Instinctive Shooting II" by G. Fred Asbell. Both books thoroughly explain the instinctive shooting method and will give you a different perspective on shooting a bow.

Again, I commend you on your decision. Best of luck to you.

 

[MBM]

Your expereince sounds like the first time I shot my recurve. I was no wear near the target. It takes weeks and weeks of practice to become accurate with traditional gear. Don't give up yet on it after on shooting session.

Mark