Hello everyone! I'm coming back from the dark side (wheelies)and getting into traditional after a long absence. I want to get this year off to the right start by reading some good books on the subject of traditional archery shooting and hunting. Does anyone having any suggestions? I've heard some say that reading about instinctive shooting just messes up their form. Any thoughts, opinions? Thanks!
I just recently switched from the 'dark side' as well and enjoy reading G. Fred Asbell. Instinctive shooting 1 and 2 and also the Stalking and Still hunting book he wrote.
I have practiced his methods and achieved better accuracy in the process. I'm not where I want to be as a trad shooter, but I feel I can get there by doing what he writes about in the books.
Hope this helps!
Scott
http://www.3riversarchery.com/Books+DVD%27s+Shooting+the+Stickbow_c42_s18_p92_i7832_product.html
A book that covers everything from A to Z. This book was a long time in the making, and Tony is one heckuva nice guy.
Winterhawk1960
Howard Hill Hunten the Hard Way,2nd on the Asbell book,Ishi the last Indian,The Zen of archery.And TBM :thumbsup: :coffee:
don thomas, longbows of the far north,
nice hunting stories 100% trad
QuoteA book that covers everything from A to Z. This book was a long time in the making, and Tony is one heckuva nice guy.
Sorry, I can't let that one go. This is a book written by a guy who's main "credentials" are teaching scouts, doing some "trick shooting" for a soap opera years ago, and playing the role of "Robin Hood" at a rennesance fair. No tournament wins (other than maybe local), no bow kills, period.
His "information" includeds referring to bowyers who offer tillering options as ignorant and/or con artists (this would include almost every custom bowyer in business); that "nock fit doesn't matter"; that will argue "for every inch you draw past 28" you gain 10# worth of performance on average"........the list could go on. The book seems to contain some accurate information, but nothing that can't be garnered from any reliable source.
You will be much better served spending your money with someone who has proven themselves in the sport.
For hunting stories, anything by the Wensels, stories about Howard Hill, Fred Bear, Ben Pearson, etc. etc. etc.
For instruction, I believe Rick McKinney has a book or three out, and videos like "Masters of the Barebow, Volume III" will get you on track much quicker and save you hours of aggravation and frustration.
Chad
IMO, "The Traditional Bowhunter's Handbook" by T.J. Conrads is by far the most comprehensive reference on trad archery and bowhunting currently in print. Very much worth the cost. :thumbsup:
Thanks everyone for your input! Great info!
I came back two years ago. I have to agree with what Winterhawk1960 and Fletcher said.
"Shooting the Stickbow" by Tony Camera
and
"The Traditional Bowhunters Handbook" by TJ Conrads
Are both great books. They should help get you on the right track. Also the Master's of the Barebow DVD series is a great learning tool.
All of the Ashbell books make good reading. Never been to the DARK SIDE. LOL
I'm an avid reader. Asbell's two books on instinctive shooting and the one on stillhunting are must reads. Instinctive Shooting II is without peer when it comes to describing how to hold the longbow versus the recurve. Just my opinion but you did ask. Good luck in your search. May all your arrows fly true and your hits result in quick kills. :thumbsup:
The Witchery of Archery, Maurice Thompson
The Old Bowhunter, Chester Stevenson
Man Made of Elk, David Peterson
Any issue of Traditional Bowhunter Magizine
There are tons more but these are some not already mentioned that are on the top of my list. I do not read "how to" books for the reason you mention above so I cannot offer any recommendations if that is what you are looking for.
Some videos to consider (again no "how to's"):
Lost Antler
Traditional Adventures (any of them)
Primal Dreams
Lettin' Loose
,are some of my favorite.
Welcome back!
I agree that T.J. Conrads book is pretty comprehensive and would be an excellent read for the novice...as well as a good review for some of us old phartts. (I just wish such a book were available when I began shooting stickbows in the early 60's.)
Another favorite is Fred Anderson's "Traditional Way". Rather than a how-to book, it is filled with a great sense of love, history, and tradition of our sport.
we come in all shapes, sizes and ages. my advise would be read everytthing you can get your hands on and check out your local library. try it all out anduse what works for you. I would also get a subscription to Traditional bowhunters Magazine
I have always enjoyed Asbells books and have always gleaned some information from them. Reread chapter after chapter. For "how to" and "why" stuff they are hard to beat.
A Thousand Campfires
Bowhunting Alaska's Wild Rivers
The Bowyer's Craft
all by Jay Massey
"The Traditional Way" by Fred Anderson.
instinctive archery insights
Jay Kidwell
Any of Gene Wensel's books.
Larry
SHOOTING THE STICKBOW BY ANTHONY CAMERA
I agree, TJ Conrad's book is really a great one for anyone, new or old, to Trad.. Really covers everything in well written detail..
QuoteOriginally posted by Winterhawk1960:
http://www.3riversarchery.com/Books+DVD%27s+Shooting+the+Stickbow_c42_s18_p92_i7832_product.html
A book that covers everything from A to Z. This book was a long time in the making, and Tony is one heckuva nice guy.
Winterhawk1960
I have read this book also. It is not trad or bow hunting. It is about stick bows and covers a very wide range of info on them from proper form, mental, aiming, history, what a stick bow is and how it works, physical, strength, and a whole lot more. It is the best all around technical info I have found in one package.
I have a few books and alot of videos that i have looked over and they can give some good pointers to those who have never tried traditional. Although i have found that the best way is to pick that bow up and shoot. Soon the Ishi will come out in all of us as we were designed to be hunters from the beginning. My advise if you already know the basics of instinctive shooting is to clear your mind and let the bow teach you how to handle it. Before every shot i take i imagine the arrow in the bullseye, then i drill a hole in it with my eyes and let it happen. If you are distracted it probably wont work for you, good luck and have fun
I have a few books and alot of videos that i have looked over and they can give some good pointers to those who have never tried traditional. Although i have found that the best way is to pick that bow up and shoot. Soon the Ishi will come out in all of us as we were designed to be hunters from the beginning. My advise if you already know the basics of instinctive shooting is to clear your mind and let the bow teach you how to handle it. Before ev ery shoot i take i imagine the arrow in the bullseye, then i drill a hole in it with my eyes and let it happen. If you are distracted it probably wont work for you, good luck and have fun
Thumbs up on books by G. Fred Asbell. I also like Beginner's Guide to Traditional Archery by Brian Sorrells, and books by Byron Ferguson and Jay Kidwell. E. Donnall Thomas' books are just great fun to read.
I recommend you read as many books as you can. One thing I found to be very useful is to read about a technique, then go right to my basement where I can shoot very short distances to try differences in stance, grip, cant, release, etc., just to see how something feels.
You will find some things work for you, some things don't, and some things just don't feel right. But reading as much as you can may shorten your learning curve. I would also recommend O.L. Adcock's tuning guide as a very good resource on tuning all those new to trad gear should read.
hunting with the bow and arrow by saxton pope and one of the most interesting ones to come out in a long time is Fred Andersons The Traditional Way, lots of history and interesting stories.