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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Bldtrailer on August 04, 2016, 01:04:00 PM

Title: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Bldtrailer on August 04, 2016, 01:04:00 PM
I normally shoot  58-60amo bows does anyone have experience with shorter bows? I'm looking at a  amo 54 .  My draw length is only 27
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: stumpsniper on August 04, 2016, 01:25:00 PM
I have a Bob Lee Dark Archer and love it for hunting pop up blinds.  It is a smooth shooter even at the short length.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: fnshtr on August 04, 2016, 01:38:00 PM
I recently purchased a used Java Man Elkheart and love it. Specs are 54", 50@28 and I have a 27 3/4" draw. However, my go to standby is a 56" Kwyk Styk. I found the Elkheart to be amazingly smooth and forgiving for such a short now.

Lots of nice short bows available.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: KAZ on August 04, 2016, 01:39:00 PM
I love my Black Widow 54" KB, it's sweet, smooth, and nimble.... My draw length is 27-5/8"
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Tradcat on August 04, 2016, 01:52:00 PM
Give Mike Mecreedy at Maddog Archery a call. His Prairie Predator model comes in many different lengths and super inexpensive ! They also SCREAM arrows... Fast
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: MnFn on August 04, 2016, 02:09:00 PM
I did have a 56" Shrew classic Hunter that I liked a lot, shot similar to my 60" bows.  I generally prefer around 60" to 64", but that was a good one.  I had a 48" Bear Super Mag that I had bought in the 1970's.  I shot that ok.

Just feel from a treestand I could shoot just as well with my 60" inch bows.

I had a 58" long bow that when strung was longer than one of my 60" recurves.  So the length of bows is not always what you think.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Pine on August 04, 2016, 02:20:00 PM
I don't think you would have any problem with a short bow . Especially with no longer than your draw is .
Look at Ron LaClairs super shrew , or even a Bear K-Mag .
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Orion on August 04, 2016, 04:15:00 PM
A 56-inch Bear TD works well for me out of a blind.  I don't worry about bow length when hunting from a tree.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: wingnut on August 04, 2016, 04:31:00 PM
I've got a 13" riser and short limbs that make a 54" with a max draw of 27".  What weight are you looking at?

I had this one on closeout at ETAR for $500.

Mike
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Shadowhnter on August 04, 2016, 04:35:00 PM
Ive effectively hunted from tree and blind with anything from 54" to 62". It dont seem to make a difference for me, so I shoot the longer of them for improved feel.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: BAK on August 04, 2016, 04:36:00 PM
If you like a long bow the Shrew works wonderfully.  If you're partial to recurves Tolke's Kestrel is awesome.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: nineworlds9 on August 04, 2016, 04:43:00 PM
My top 4 choices-- in no particular order I love them all-- would be Java Man Elkheart, Toelke Pika, Centaur, or Stewart Lil Slammer.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on August 04, 2016, 04:50:00 PM
I have a Wild Horse Creek Mariah, 54" 52@28.  I draw 29.5in with NO STACKING at all.  Very smooth and fast.  Very nice shooting recurve.  Mike makes them in a 2pc too.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: fisherick on August 04, 2016, 04:53:00 PM
I have been hunting with a 54" Bob Lee Hunter (1-piece) recurve with a 28 1/2" draw and 45#. No issues.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Bill Turner on August 04, 2016, 05:25:00 PM
If I was looking for a short recurve, I would take a hard look at "Wingnut's" offer. He makes a good shooting bow and the price quoted for a new bow will be hard to beat. Good man and a longtime TradGang member as well. Good luck with your search.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Possum Head on August 04, 2016, 06:06:00 PM
Thunder child
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Jim Brennen on August 04, 2016, 06:26:00 PM
X2 on the thunderchild or shrew,I love mine
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: PaulDeadringer29 on August 04, 2016, 08:09:00 PM
Do you want a heavy riser or a light riser?

Black Widow PCH, Bear TD, and that bow Mike mentioned above come to mind.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: chiefyb on August 04, 2016, 08:54:00 PM
My Bear 52 inch 48@28 Kodiak Mag shoots sweet.Very much fun to shoot. I am new to trad about 1 year,and loving it, Thanks Charlie Ek

Bear Kodiak Mag 48@28
Navajo Cherokee 52@28
Dave Paxton 59 Kodiak replica 55@28
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Bldtrailer on August 04, 2016, 10:05:00 PM
I'm looking at a Bear's paws light speed (I have a 60amo classic and really like it)
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: mahantango on August 04, 2016, 10:12:00 PM
I have a 56" Kanati by Jason Kendall that I absolutely love. Fast and stable, feels like a much longer bow.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Stump73 on August 05, 2016, 12:01:00 AM
54" Thunderchild is what I shoot.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Panzer on August 05, 2016, 08:28:00 AM
54" Timberhawk "Strike."
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Captain*Kirk on August 05, 2016, 01:31:00 PM
52" AMO Bear Kodiak Magnum is about as short and nimble as you will find for blind or stand shooting. Super 48 is shorter yet but supposedly quite finicky and very much prone to stacking over 28". I draw 29 and have no issues with my K-Mag.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: maineac on August 05, 2016, 02:30:00 PM
I picked up a used Tolke Kestrel this spring. 47# and only 481/2" strung.  It shoots unbelievably well for me, and is fast.  Both in handling and arrow speed.  Shooting the same arrows as my 57# rd longbow and I don't have to any mental adjustment at any range.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: dbd870 on August 05, 2016, 02:32:00 PM
I draw 28 and have no issue with the SuperMag.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: sheepdogreno on August 05, 2016, 03:04:00 PM
Can't beat w bear kmag fast bows and with some work they can be dialed down quiet
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Ron LaClair on August 05, 2016, 04:12:00 PM
The bow that 20 years ago made short bows popular again,

  (http://***********.bowsite.com/TF/pics/00small52803805.JPG)
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Sirius Black on August 05, 2016, 06:33:00 PM
I draw 28" and my 58" Hoyt is as smooth (no pinch) as my 68" Hill. I would think a 58" bow plenty good for about anything, but you could go shorter if it works for you.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: BRITTMAN on August 05, 2016, 10:00:00 PM
Best short bow I've shot to date is a Black Widow PCH . I can shoot mine good as my longer bows .
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: rocketman on August 06, 2016, 06:59:00 AM
Haven't tried the Thunderchild, but of all the short longbows I've tried, the Javaman Elkheart and the Toelke Pika really stood out.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Babbling Bob on August 06, 2016, 07:53:00 AM
Find a 1962 Kodiak Magnum. Best year in regard to looks as that was one of the best years the Bear craftsmen had using the brazillian rosewood in their bows. Never saw an ugly one like I did with later bows and the '62's grip is perfect before they added too much wood to the later grips. A nice fit for your draw length. If you find one, you will be looking at your bow and admiring it so much you will forget to shoot.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: maineac on August 06, 2016, 10:56:00 AM
The bow I replaced with the kestrel was a '61 kmag.  It was a great bow, and I loved the length for staying low in turkey ground blinds. After a limb delaminated I decided I might want to stick with a newer bow.  I think the newer materials give it a bit more speed, but I would not have hesitated using the #45 kmag on a deer, plenty of speed and power after 50+ years.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: crazynate on August 07, 2016, 08:42:00 AM
I have a Bear Kodiak Mag 45# that I use out of my climber. I have shot 3 deer with that bow. Works awesome in tight places.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: dringge on August 07, 2016, 10:03:00 AM
I ordered a 56" Kanati for hunting out of a blind but Im sure it will be my everyday bow. Ive hunted from tree stands and ground blinds with a 62" recurve with no problems.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Jack Hoyt 75 on August 07, 2016, 09:21:00 PM
Hill Country Bows Bobcat recurve.  You can get them short. Roman build awesome bows but there is a lead time.  Get one and thank me later.  Javaman Elkheart or Shrew is also very good short longbow.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Jack Hoyt 75 on August 07, 2016, 09:21:00 PM
Hill Country Bows Bobcat recurve.  You can get them short. Roman build awesome bows but there is a lead time.  Get one and thank me later.  Javaman Elkheart or Shrew is also very good short longbow.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: eidsvolling on August 07, 2016, 09:51:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by chiefyb:
My Bear 52 inch 48@28 Kodiak Mag shoots sweet.Very much fun to shoot. I am new to trad about 1 year,and loving it, Thanks Charlie Ek

Bear Kodiak Mag 48@28
Navajo Cherokee 52@28
Dave Paxton 59 Kodiak replica 55@28
You're welcome. :-)

And even before I saw this, I was going to remark that for "short" money, a person can find all kinds of good buys on used specimens of this bow that has probably killed more deer than any other single bow sold in North America. By a long shot.

One of the dumbest things I've done was to discount its potential for years before buying one. You won't find me without one now.
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: tarponnut on August 08, 2016, 11:17:00 PM
I have a custom Wild Horse Creek Mariah. It's 54".
I bought it for hunting out of pop-up blinds but I like it so much that I use it for everything now. Great bow at an amazing price and Mike Dunnaway is a top notch guy to deal with,too.
It's laid low several hogs, small game, and a nice NC doe last year.
Donnie Wilkerson from Creek Walker Trading is building me a custom quiver that matches the woods on the Mariah. My girlfriend ordered it for my birthday!!!   (http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/tarponnut/NC%20doe.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/tarponnut/media/NC%20doe.jpg.html)   (http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/tarponnut/Squirrelheadshot.jpg) (http://s301.photobucket.com/user/tarponnut/media/Squirrelheadshot.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on August 09, 2016, 09:10:00 AM
My buddy gave his Mariah to sell for him, 54" 51@27 I've been shooting it and I got to say it's a heck of a bow. Fast no stack I pull 28" and easy on the eyes. Going to be hard letting this one go    :thumbsup:  

 (http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/Mobile%20Uploads/1E27415B-5BCB-46F0-B7B6-737DEABD4371_zps0pdbhfna.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1E27415B-5BCB-46F0-B7B6-737DEABD4371_zps0pdbhfna.jpg.html)

 (http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/Mobile%20Uploads/D7750EE7-C88A-45B5-B248-FDB1A9076AF7_zpsagatzc5f.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/Mobile%20Uploads/D7750EE7-C88A-45B5-B248-FDB1A9076AF7_zpsagatzc5f.jpg.html)

Tracy
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on August 09, 2016, 09:20:00 AM
Years ago while going thru rehab from shoulder surgery I shot a 54" Cascade I think it was called. I was pulling 50@28 very smooth bow and I shot a lot of animals with that little bow before returning to longbows.

  (http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/null_zps7a6f7324.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/null_zps7a6f7324.jpg.html)

  (http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/t13-1.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/t13-1.jpg.html)

  (http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/treestand12.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/treestand12.jpg.html)

Tracy
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Crooked Stic on August 10, 2016, 09:07:00 PM
How about a 50 incher. Max draw 28 in.   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/crookedstic/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-07/20160724_102708_zpsrpzbh5cx.jpg)
Title: Re: Thinking of a short bow for tree & blind hunting
Post by: Longtoke on August 10, 2016, 11:04:00 PM
I was surprised how good i was able to shoot a kmag. Id love to pic one up in 55 pounds for fishing and tight spots.