Hello all:
This is my first post on Trad Gang.
I'm new to trad archery, starting off with a 40 lb. Cabelas "Warden" recurve in June of this year.
As I've been learning, I have been also reading quite a bit. One of the books I read quite recently was Craig Ekin's book "Howard Hill, the Man and the Legend".
About a week after finishing this book, I found that I had an assignment the next week in Hamilton, MT. It then occured to me that Hamilton was the very town where Craig runs his shop "Howard Hill Archery". Incredible.
In over 25 years of doing equipment repair all over this country, I can't ever remember doing any work in Montana, never mind Hamilton! So this was a huge, timely blessing for me, especially since I had already set my goal to start saving for an HH longbow.
So I called Howard Hill Archery, telling them I'd be in town, and asking if I could visit to tryout their different grip sizes and styles, including their takedown models.
Craig welcomed me in twice the week that I was there, and graciously answered all of my questions. I purchased a copy of his aforementioned book, which he kindly autographed for me. He also asked me if I'd like to see their shop, which of course I did.
At this point I'm hoping to one day purchase a Wesley Special takedown from Craig. Honestly, even with smallish hands, both the small and large takedown grips feel good to me, with maybe a slight preference for the large version.
I've attached a parting shot of the Bitterroot range which I took on the way out of town.
Best wishes,
Frank
(http://i.imgur.com/iFyAy5i.jpg)
Welcome to the fire my friend!!!
What type of take-down do they use on there bows?
:archer2:
The Howard Hill approach is a package deal. All aspects of design and equipment pieces work in correlation with each other. It is also a philosophy of fluid and natural shooting and hunting that allows the hunter to be able to adapt with the situation and the timing requirements required.
Welcome to the Gang!
Bisch
QuoteOriginally posted by Caughtandhobble:
Welcome to the fire my friend!!!
What type of take-down do they use on there bows?
:archer2:
Thank you!
It is a two-piece metal ferrule aystem. The outer ferrule is attached to the top half of the riser, and is covered by the leather grip.
The inner ferrule is attached to the bottom riser, and slips into the top ferrule VERY snugly. When the bow is assembled, you cannot see either of the ferrules (unless you look under the grip).
I could find no movement with this takedown system, either with the bow strung or not.
In fact, it is so tight that to take the bow back apart you place it horizontally behind your knees, grab each half of the riser in one hand, brace your forearms against the outer sides of your knees, and then spread your legs to pop the ferrules apart.
(http://www.howardhillarchery.com/images/orig/1d99618b810fd2b3d91a3a9e6d787ed7.JPG)
QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
Welcome to the Gang!
Bisch
Thank you!
I'm jealous!
Welcome to Trad Gang. You will like it here. You will like the Wesley Special, also. I have two of them (5 Hills in all). Craig makes good stuff.
:thumbsup: You'll like the Wesley Sp. Enjoy!!
QuoteOriginally posted by Sam McMichael:
Welcome to Trad Gang. You will like it here. You will like the Wesley Special, also. I have two of them (5 Hills in all). Craig makes good stuff.
Thank you.
I've got some saving to do before I can order one. But I'm certain that it will be worth the wait.
Best wishes,
Frank
QuoteOriginally posted by pavan:
The Howard Hill approach is a package deal. All aspects of design and equipment pieces work in correlation with each other. It is also a philosophy of fluid and natural shooting and hunting that allows the hunter to be able to adapt with the situation and the timing requirements required.
I think that I know what you mean, having read and watched some of Howard's material, and also having watched John Schulz's video on YouTube.
However, I don't want to assume anything.
Could you please expound on this for me? Specifically as far as the "design and equipment" is concerned?
Many thanks,
Frank
Welcome to the Gang, Frank! I'm glad you enjoyed your visit with the Ekins. They are great people! I live in Billings, MT now, but still own a home in Stevensville, about 18 miles from their shop and used to shoot the 3D course below their house regularly.
Good luck on saving for your new bow!! :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Learner:
QuoteOriginally posted by pavan:
The Howard Hill approach is a package deal. All aspects of design and equipment pieces work in correlation with each other. It is also a philosophy of fluid and natural shooting and hunting that allows the hunter to be able to adapt with the situation and the timing requirements required.
I think that I know what you mean, having read and watched some of Howard's material, and also having watched John Schulz's video on YouTube.
However, I don't want to assume anything.
Could you please expound on this for me?[/b]
He simply means that going the way of the ASL is an illness, thus the 2 neverending Howard Hill bow threads. :D
HH Bug Got Me Thread 1 (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=148813)
HH Bug Got Me Thread 2 (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=131670)
welcome to the 'gang
homebru
Neat Picture. Sometimes Fate has a way of playing out before your eyes.
Welcome to Trad Gang!
Welcome to the Gang!
Why did I read this? It's a sickness I tell you. I've been on the verge of pulling the trigger on a Wesley Special. I didn't because after my recent wilderness elk hunt I had my mind set on a quick assemble/disassemble take down. Now I read Craig makes one?? This traditional thing was supposed to be simple. One bow. A crooked stick with a string attached. How much trouble could that be??? Now I have to call Craig next week and blast him with my T/D questions. You guys are enablers. All of you. I'm going bird hunting now with my dog whom I can trust. Have a good day Welcome Learner. My advice is don't read this and certainly don't look at the pictures. It's contagious.
I hope you enjoy your new bow, they're fun to shoot.
Craig's shop is on my bucket list.
About 900 miles form my place.
I have a couple of his bow's now..
Welcome! It's too bad you are set on a Hill, there are so few Loving them around here. However, if that's where your fancy lies there is a thread or two around that should keep the fire burning till you put the order in. I think those Hill threads don't amount to more than maybe a million replays or so, being so few Hill Lovers around and all. :clapper:
QuoteOriginally posted by Chain2:
Why did I read this? It's a sickness I tell you. I've been on the verge of pulling the trigger on a Wesley Special. I didn't because after my recent wilderness elk hunt I had my mind set on a quick assemble/disassemble take down. Now I read Craig makes one?? This traditional thing was supposed to be simple. One bow. A crooked stick with a string attached. How much trouble could that be??? Now I have to call Craig next week and blast him with my T/D questions. You guys are enablers. All of you. I'm going bird hunting now with my dog whom I can trust. Have a good day Welcome Learner. My advice is don't read this and certainly don't look at the pictures. It's contagious.
:biglaugh:
So true, it is contagious!! Sorry for having reinfected you!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery,
Frank
Thank you so much to everyone for all the warm welcomes here. It's much appreciated!
The problem as I see it will be saving my "allowance" long enough to afford the Wesley TD....there is always some other related piece of trad gear which I need urgently. :eek:
I am trying to sell a 5 string fiddle right now (my other "bow" fixation). When that finally happens, I hopefully will be able to order the HH.
Best wishes,
Frank
Learner....
When you do order one, You wont have long to wait.
The last one I ordered, I had it in my hands in 15 day's.
The longest wait I have had from Craig was three weeks. That's one reason I like Hill bows--plus I like the way they shoot. A hard combination to beat. :D
I think I would make the trip from Texas to visit his shop if I could trade my"Big Five" for a take down,in a lower draw weight and shoot a round on that 3D course. Ken
Welcome to Tradgang and thank you for posting the pictures and your adventure.
Anytime you have a week or so of extra time on your hands, go ahead and read through the two Howard Hill bow threads as mentioned above. You'll see lots of eye candy and get lots of tips on Hill style bows.
Any time you can visit a bowyer's shop is a real treat. My first bow I ever ordered was a Howard Hill Tembo back in 1977. I still have that bow as well as a Northern Mist Shelton string follow. You're going to love the fun of shooting ASL's. You'll get out of them exactly what you put into them. The shot is all you.
nice buck!!