Hello everyone, glad i found this site! Anyways, i'm looking to get into bow hunting next year, mainly White Tail Deer, and i've always had a lot of respect for Recurve bows. I've read a lot about Mongolian history and a little on the Hungarian side. So i'm trying to find a recruve bow in that realm. I was thinking of going with a bow by Kassai Lajos as i've read a bit about him and his journey into horseback archery.
The thing is, i've never bow hunted before, never been fitted for a bow, and really don't know much about bow hunting. Now, some of these aspects i'll be able to get help with from some friends i have that do a ton of bow hunting(of course they all use compound bows, and one of my buddies is about to start work for a popular bow hunting show in the Midwest). And i'm more than willing to put in the time to practice and get adjusted.
So what kind of advice can you guys give me? Any advice about a bow for a beginner on a somewhat limited budget(about 400 available for most of the supplies)? What accessories do i need to buy? Basically, any advice and help would be very appreciated. Thanks.
This is just my opinion but I think it would be easier for you to learn with a 60"-62" recurve than a horsebow.I believe the horsebow was developed more to be fast and mobile from horseback than be easy to shoot accurately.Accuracy can be developed but it is a longer road than a standard recurve from what I understand.In any case get your hands on one before spending a bundle.
If you go with a standard recurve get one about 40 lbs.Don't spend a lot as you will most likely find something you like better after a while.You can find something under $200 without much trouble.
On the other hand,if you have your heart set on a horsebow,find someone that shoots one well to mentor you along.I'm sure someone on here can help.
I would agree with R H Clark,I would start out with a light recurve and you can devolope your shooting form.You can find plenty of older recurves for anywhere from $75 to $150,get the proper size arrows.Horse bows usally don't have a shelf and you shoot off your hand.But like said if you really want to shoot a horsebow then go for it.I'm not sure what a horse bow costs but will most likely be more then starting to learn on an older recurve.
Drive south to Rochester and visit Lamont at Footed Shaft. He will talk your ears off, give you advice (from good and long time experience), and sell you what you need. He has a ton of new and used bows to offer and you may find something you like. Lamont is a good guy.
ChuckC
Thanks for the advice Chuck, i think i might head down there next week when i have some time off and see what he has to offer.
Welcome to our trad community. I'd like to suggest somthing to help you become the most accurate shot you can be. The 2nd link is for your consideration, when you're able to do so. Being a beginner, consistent accuracy should be a top priority.
http://shop.dakotabows.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVeKKtdqHM8&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TcPR2Lz78&feature=related