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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: ThePushArchery on November 30, 2010, 05:35:00 PM

Title: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: ThePushArchery on November 30, 2010, 05:35:00 PM
I'm a ground hunter at heart, and spend 75% of my hunts on the ground.

I shoot 58" Bob Lee TD's, and they are perfect.

I am in the market for a one piece longbow, and have the opportunity to get the exact bow I want, except it is 62" not 60" or 58"..

This bow won't see too much field time, as I already own my go-to hunting bow, but I just wanted some confidence that in the event I decided to head afield with this bow, that 62" wouldn't be too long for the job.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: Terry Lightle on November 30, 2010, 05:46:00 PM
I do most of my huntin on the ground and shoot a 66 inch Robertson longbow.But bear in mind I am 6-3 so that raises my bow arm a little and I do cant quite a bit.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: Mr.Vic on November 30, 2010, 05:47:00 PM
Last few years i've sat on the ground in folding chairs and i haven't had a problem shooting my 62" pronghorn or 60" elk risor bow from a chair with a slight cant. Of course my chair isn't too low to the ground either. And i've spent some time before season practicing all scenarios, heavy clothes, etc..As far as i'm concerned it can be done with ease...
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: mmgrode on November 30, 2010, 05:49:00 PM
I hunt primarily with longbows in the 64-68" range.  No problems.  The more time you spend with a certain bow the more you become subconsciously aware of your shooting/limb position in relation to branches/trees, etc.

62" is certainly not too long for the job!
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: sleepyhollow on November 30, 2010, 05:52:00 PM
You know, with alot of folks shooting shorter bows in the 52-58" range lately, especially the shorter recurves and short rf/df longbows that are popular, 62" isn't really that long especially from the ground.I have hunted with both 64 and 66" longbows from both the ground and trees and never had a problem with the length of the bow, I say go for it
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: beachbowhunter on November 30, 2010, 05:52:00 PM
I hunted elk this year with a 64" longbow because I shoot it best.  I usually hunt with a shorter bow. Overall it was fine. However there were a few set ups where a shorter bow would have been better.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: frassettor on November 30, 2010, 05:53:00 PM
I hunt on the ground alot to and my bows are 64" and my recurve is 60"..No problems, go for it!
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: ron w on November 30, 2010, 05:55:00 PM
You won't have any problem if you want to hunt that bow!!!!
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: FXJr on November 30, 2010, 05:59:00 PM
I do all of my hunting on the ground and all my bows are 64"-66" long. I do have a "short" recurve that is 62" long.
 Frank X.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: Bjorn on November 30, 2010, 06:01:00 PM
64" works great for me.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: greyghost on November 30, 2010, 06:02:00 PM
Like stated, should not have a problem.

Example, I am 5'9" and have shot 64"-68" longbows with no problem from the ground. Recurves of mine have been 58"-62" again no problem. That has been from 2 knees, 1 knee and sitting on a small stool.

Best to you, nothing like on the ground with the game.

Earl
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: Mike Vines on November 30, 2010, 06:37:00 PM
I hunt with a 64" longbow, and only from the ground.  Your going from a 58" to a 62" is only in actuallity a 2" increase.  You are going to be adding 4" but that is 2" on top, and 2" on bottom.  Atleast that is how I look at it.  I know I have well over 6" on top and bottom of my bow when ground hunting, so I would feel confident on going longer but I have no intentions to.  

Try sitting in your hunting chair and have someone measure your bow from the ground to your lower limb at the ready, and at full draw.  That will tell you with confidence what you are capable of shooting.

I hope this helped.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: Buckeye Trad Hunter on November 30, 2010, 06:45:00 PM
I'm only 5'8" on a good day and I've taken deer from the ground with a 66" striker longbow.  I do have to be a little mindful of my surroudings but you really should do that anyway.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: $bowhunter$ on November 30, 2010, 06:58:00 PM
i use a 68" recurve. i dont have no problems ground hunting. now hitting what im aming at is a different story
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: JCJ on November 30, 2010, 07:25:00 PM
I often hunt from my Double Bull chair tucked into a blowdown. I much prefer a 60" or shorter recurve to my 64-68" longbows in such situations. The shorter bow gives me more shooting options without having to remove excess surrounding brush to insure limb clearance for a longer bow. If I was still hunting and shooting from a standing position, I would choose my longer longbows.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: mjh on November 30, 2010, 07:38:00 PM
I hunt with 62inch recurves from the ground 90% of the time or more, had a 68in longbow for a while, a little too long for my liking, most likely get a 64 inch longbow to replace it.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: GingivitisKahn on November 30, 2010, 07:49:00 PM
My 66" HH likes hunting from the ground with me.  Just killed a bedded doe with it the other day.  You'll be fine.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: Earl Jeff on November 30, 2010, 07:57:00 PM
I'm 5'11" and ground hunt with 66 & 68" longbows.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: Jerry Jeffer on December 01, 2010, 02:10:00 AM
I hunt exclusively from the ground using a torges style seat, and I like to be only several inches above the ground level. I hunt only with my 70" yew longbow. I shoot almost horizontal most of the time. I love it and have no trouble doing so. Just my input.
Title: Re: Ground hunting with a longer bow
Post by: Steelhead on December 01, 2010, 02:26:00 AM
Cant add anything new really.I have killed most my game on the ground with a 64" longbow through the years.

I usually clear out any obstructions where I set up for limb clearance just like you would with a shorter bow sometimes.It helps to be able to shoot your bow with a more severe cant when necessary.I dont consider 62 inches very long at all.I wouldnt worry about it.