Trying to decide on all the options for the next longbow I'm ordering and my final dilemma is deciding on the length. I want this bow for longer range shooting where limb clearance isn't so much of an issue. I'm looking at either a 66" or 68" bow, and am only leary of the 68" because I'm afraid it will be difficult to hunt with. I do all my hunting now with a 64" bow and have absolutely no issues with it. I am planning on using this bow for situations where longer range shots are more likely, so the terrain will likely be more open than what I would use the 64" bow for.
So how many of you have hunted with 68"+ bows and what is your experience?
Thanks,
Craig
Hunted with a 68" bow for 2 years and didn't notice a problem in the areas where I hunt (pretty open also). The only thing I didn't care for was it won't fit cross-ways in my back seat-it has to go at an angle. Think of it this way-it is 2 inches longer on either end than what you hunt with currently.
I think a bow is going to be in the way in the brush, pretty much regardless of the length (I am going to be in the way in the brush too!).
RonP
i agree with ron, a few inches wont make much diference. theyre all tough to get through brush.lol my longbow is a full 72" and i wont think twice about taking it out hunting. longer bows are more forgiving of form, which gives you better chances on that big buck.
I use 68" longbows for most all of my hunting. Even use them in tree stands.
Used a 68" for a year or two. No problems.
I just layed my 68" next to my 64" on the ground. I was surprised to see the small amount of difference. I hunted with mine some last year and no issues. I sure do like the string angle on a 68"er.
Had one for about 6months. Absolutely loved it. Then the riser cracked and I sent it back. Oh well.
Hunted with a HH Redman 68" for a while, no problem and a great bow. Only wish it was a 2 piece TD for traveling.
Best Regards, Dean
69" self bow, no problems.
I shot my first ever deer with a 68" longbow from a ground blind.
I hunt with a 68" Big Five. I take it in the brush and the cane brakes. I'm 72", if I can go through, so can my bow. Only had a couple of times when I couldn't get a shot off and I am pretty sure I couldn't have shot any length bow where I was. Bill
I know this is heresy these days, but you can hunt just fine with longer bows. :readit: :saywhat: :eek: They are more acurate, forgiving, stable, and generally more fun to shoot. The thing about physics is, it has "laws". ;)
Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone.
Once you shoot/hunt with a longer bow - you will see - they are killers! Funny - I never noticed their length when hunting. H
shortest bow i own is 66" . my reflex bows are 68" and my string follow bows tend to be 66" .
aside from the occasional youying with ILF 'curves you won't see me hunting with a shorter bow . JMHO
Ben
Great thread you guys! Thanks for the info, that just about settles that!
:)
all of my longbows are 68-70in long and i hunt everywhere from open paddocks to dense scrub-rain forest with them neverhad much trouble with them the longer bows are more forgiving on moving targets or quick offhand shots
I sure like mine.
68"-70" STRAIGHT D bow has always been my go to -when Iam really serious about taking game-- be it deer, turkey, rabbit, or squirrel. Definitly the forgiving in tense situations, and a pleasure to shoot on the range. Ive hunted 40yrs. with just about every kind of traditional bow out there--for me nothing beats a Long, STRAIGHT Bow. Ask yourself this-- What would H.Hill say?
It took a little bit getting used to going from a 60" recurve to a 68" selfbow. I hunt off the ground and just paid attention to clearance the first few times out with it. You get used to it and I ended up taking my first deer with it this year. Good luck with whatever you choose!
I only hunt with 68 inch longbows. I love them and use them in oprn country and heavy brush.
QuoteOriginally posted by Arrow4Christ:
... I want this bow for longer range shooting where limb clearance isn't so much of an issue. ...
i'm guessing you really mean 'open range shooting' and not 'longer range'. the only issue with real longbows is clearance with up-in-the-air, blind or heavy bush country hunting.
that said, my next longbow - a classic mohawk - is now in the making and it's 68". :wavey:
I gave a 68" longbow to a friend. After a very successful year with it, we got into an argument about its length. He declared it was a good 'little' bow, and how accurate a shorter long bow can be. I told him is was a 68" slight R/D nearly full reverse handle bow and only tape measure could make him think otherwise. If a bow handles easy it will not seem too long, just learn to use it at any position. The length does become an issue for those that only shoot with the bow held vertically or nearly vertical.
for me, real longbows just feel better to shoot, too - smoother, better 'pointability', less finger pinch ... but only only on the ground.
I have a couple long ones now 68"72", At first I thought it was going to be a problem hunting them, then I took my Jerry Hill to hunt tree rats and it was just as easy to get around and shoot as any other bow. I'm getting to like the long ones.....
Mr. Arrow4Christ,
We hunt with either 68" or 70" longbows from the ground as have gotten too old/infirm for tree stands. No more of a problem than one would have with a shorter recurve.
Best Wishes
I still hunt or from ground blinds, never a problem with a good 68" D bow in my hands!! :archer:
use 68" and 70" longbows all the time in all situations and love them - you will too! good luck
I hunt with 68 and 70" bows from trhe ground hog hunting and from the tees for deer.My short bow is a 66". No problems at all unless hunting a blind.I use a very short 60" recurve for that. :)
Ordered my 68" 21st Century Lonestar this morning :D Thanks for the input guys!
70", 75# @ 28" Howard Hill Wesley Special: two boars, one sow.
My Longhorn hybrid longbow is 68" long. No problems hunting with it. I'm 5' 9" tall and I can shoot it kneeling on one knee.
The biggest problem you'll have is in traveling with a longer bow(68"+) and I don't mean flying. I have TD bows which I use when flying with archery equipment. 66" bows are fine, but as someone said above, 68" just doesn't fit in the cab of my truck as easily as I would like. Always worry about snapping the bow tip off when closing my truck door. I love shooting my Hill 68","Longbowman's Choice" and have hunted with it, but prefer 66" Hill's. :archer2:
if i needed to air travel with a 68" longbow, i'd opt out for a 2pc connexion hinge, same as i have on my 62" t/d longbow.
I've been hunting exclusively with my 70" Mahantango long bow. No troubles.
I put mine in a PVC pipe with caps and haul it in the back of the truck. If I was traveling in a plane I'd opt for a take-down.
Better to get a bigger vehicle than a shorter bow.
Man's got to have his priorities straight - Ha! H
If they are too long for a small vehical they are easy enough to saw in half.You can whack in half in just a few minuites and it will fit under your seat then if you need it too.
I used one for a few years. It didn't seem to bother me nor the animals it harvested. I mainly still hunted on the ground at that time.
I only hunt with 66" or 68". I 've used them in tree stands with no problem.
I'm waiting on my new "Mohawk Classic" 68".
Darren
They're a little tougher to shoot while parked on a 5 gal bucket, but not much. And always check cardoors before you let them fly--
I just traded off my old Ranger for a little Suzuki hatchback. Love the car but my bows won't fit inside. I bought a 88" rooftop cargo box intended for skis. Works great for hauling bows, plus now the Mother-in-law has a place to ride!
Man these long bows have to have smooooth draw!!!
Shoot 68" to 70" all the time,no problem.
I've fitted my 70" longbow into a small car, no worries. You just have to make it fit.
I have used 68-70" for years and draw 27 3/4". Also shoot a 66" all bamboo with a 12" riser where the traditional longbow has a 14" riser. You learn quickly what you can an cannot do. The TD option is nice.
All my longbows are 68-70in never had a problem hunting with them...........Rod
I have a 68" Shawnee Hunter that I hunted with for about 10 years. All on the ground. Mostly spot and stalk. Made my longest and shortest shots with it. No problems. Hap