This is my first post to this forum although I have been browsing here over the past several days to the point of eye strain. (grin) I believe you folks have given me the Traditional fever.
I have hunted deer with gun and compound for more than 50 years (age 63) but the only traditional bow I have shot was my father's 55# recurve as a kid. I'm sure my draw length was less than 28" at the time. I am currently shooting a 28.5", 70# compound with a loop and caliper. From what I am reading this would make my draw length approximately 27".
There are no traditional dealers in my area so I will need to make my bow purchase sight-unseen, but hopefully with your advice. I have no traditional experience but from what I have read here, I think my preference is as follows. My intention is to start out target shooting and when my accuracy is sufficient I will hunt deer and hogs. I will draw the "traditional" line at an all wood bow, shooting off the rest, split finger with tab, without sights, but with carbon arrows. I think a recurve will give me better performance at my shorter draw and it will let me shoot a shorter bow (58"-60" max) that will be more practical for my hunting style. I need a grip for a smaller hand and I will go with a one-piece bow because I don't like a bulky riser. I am thinking that 48# at 28" is the lightest that I should go for hunting and this should give me about 45# at my draw length. I think I like a longbow style grip but a cut past center riser may be a bigger advantage when it comes to getting good arrow flight. I assume that longbow style grips are not cut past center? Based largely on leads I got from this forum I have found some bows that may fit my needs. I would appreciate any and all comments regarding these or other bows. My final decision may be based somewhat on what I can find available in stock.
Martin Mamba
Kohannah Kurve
Bear Kodiak magnum
Marriah Williwaw
River's Edge Arroyo
Chek-mate Falcon
Bob Lee Signature recurve one-piece
Thanks for your help and safe hunting!!!
Wayne, welcome. You certainly have a good start as to what your looking for.
I bought my first bow sight unseen it was a bamboo longhunter. I liked it a lot but bought it too heavy. I've since had many bows and currently shoot a super shrew and love it.
I won't attempt to suggest a bow for you. I can't stress enough how helpfull it is to get the bows in your hand and shoot them before buying.
I don't know of any shows etc in your area hopefully someone near you can help out.
Ron
Hey Wayne if you can, go to a 3-D shoot and see what some of the trad. guy's are shooting. River's Edge Bow's are a good start. :thumbsup:
Some of the production bows are pretty nice. semi-easy on the wallet, and shoot great.
Welcome. Those bows are all good ones. You need to shoot a few before you really make a choice. Chances are that if you like Trad you will have more than one bow after awhile. Maybe start with a good used one (less $) then if you like it go for a fancier model.
I'd put up a post and see if there are any Louisiana guys near you. Maybe some of them would let you come over and shoot one of their bows.
I can't tell you how important it is to shoot before buying. I like my bow, but would have gotten a different one had I known all the variables that go into it.
For instance, My bow is 58 inches, but I am more comfortable with a 62-64 inch bow(I didn't know that at first). I also have to use a broken wrist grip on my bow, but I am more comfortable with a medium or high wrist.
Shoot before buying if you can.
-Charlie
That Kohannah Kurve is nice and Bob is a super guy to boot. His bows are high quality and priced right. I had a Fury, too short for me at 58". Not the fastest bow I have had but the quietest. The Kurve has a longbow grip, but cut past center. I would shoot as many as I could before I bought, knowing what I know now, but what is the fun in that. Might as well dive in.
Wayne,
There are quite a few trad guys in the Alex area who could help you get started. If you don't have your heart set on a brand new bow there are some good deals on used bows out there. BTW..I know a fellow in New Iberia that has a CheckMate Falcon he was trying to sell a year or so back. I think he still has it if you are interested.
I've got a really nice "50's Style" recurve 54@28 recurve made by a local bowyer here in Shreveport. I haven't shot it in years and you are welcome to try it out for awhile if you want to . Beautiful bow...osage and ebony riser with clear glass and red elm limbs.
I don't know what you've got going on the weekend of 11/16 but the Louisiana Traditional Bowman is having a campout/hunt at the Loggy Bayou WMA just south of Shreveport. It would be a good time to meet some fellow LA trad guys and try out some bows...good food and good hunting.
Let me know if I can help. I'm in Shreveport and if you ever want to drive up and shoot some of my bows just let me know.
Mike Byrge
Hi Wayne I am from Ville Platte and have a K-mag and 58" Howatt Hunter(should feel like a Mamba) and a takedown Bob Lee that you could try.Let me know if intrested.The www.traditionalbowman.org (http://www.traditionalbowman.org) or L.T.B. as Mike mentioned has hunts and 3-d shoots in the spring and summer in almost central La. Chicot near Chicot State Park and Ville Platte.You should look into it.Kip
Well there you go Wayne. Some great guys with good advice. You would save yourself some grief by hooking up with one of them. Good luck and welcome.
WELCOME to this FAMILY We Call "TRADGANG"!! Some of THE Finest People on this Planet are Members, and ALL of Your Questions will be answered!! :thumbsup: :archer: :goldtooth:
Thanks for all of your replys, especially to Kip and Mike for the offers to shoot their bows.
I will follow everyones advice to the extent possible. I wish my biological clock wasn't ticking so fast.(grin) I feel like I don't have much time left to take on new physical hobbies.
Any additional comments you may have are welcome.
Arroyo, I have shot hundreds of bows and owned well over 100 and I am down too 2 and another on the way and two of them are RER bows. The Arroyo is quick and very quiet. You cannot go wrong! Shawn
RER bows are a great choice and have them in stock on their website<><