Trad Gang

Wow, what a great book.  

I just finished it cover-to-cover in one sitting.  I could not put it down and even skirted danger by putting off the boss's weekend "honey do" list.  

This book is a MUST have for all trad bowhunters.  No matter what your level of expertise with any stick bow, you will learn something useful and valuable from Fred's deep well of practical, realistic trad archery shooting knowledge.  

The best part is that its focus is bowhunting, not just shooting the bow and arrow.  

The chapters, instructive dialogue and comments flow well from page to page, and are enhanced with lots of good demonstrative images ... not to mention pics of some mighty fine harvested critters.  

Highly recommend reading!!!   :thumbsup:      :thumbsup:      :thumbsup:

(http://gfredasbell.com/images/advanced_instinctive_shooting_for_bowhunting_g_fred_asbell_web_s.jpg)

Man....I'm behind on a couple of Books and DVDs....hope to get caught up soon.

Thanks Rob I've been procrastinating buying it(not really sure why).I've always liked the way Fred has with the written word.

i like fred's writing style lots, too.  with every new tbm issue i flip through all the pages for a fast initial scan and then immediately head for fred's feature article.  :)

Not to talk down his other shooting books, but this one is much better IMO.  Very straightforward with plenty of good reasons WHY he does things the way he does.  It stands alone very well also and you don't need to read the first books before this one.

QuoteOriginally posted by Wampus:
Not to talk down his other shooting books, but this one is much better IMO.  Very straightforward with plenty of good reasons WHY he does things the way he does.  It stands alone very well also and you don't need to read the first books before this one.

Thanks!  I was going to ask about that.  This'll be on the wish list for my birthday!

Hey Rob-just bought the book at the Kalamazoo show but haven't dug in yet! But, glad to know I have a lot to look forward to!! I've read all his other books and he does have a great way of expressing himself! Loaded with practical info! Thanks.

Kenny  :biglaugh:

Thanks for the book review, I have all of Fred's other books and his DVD, I was dragging my feet on this one, don't really know why, but I was, off to order it !
Dan

fred REALLY digs into it this time, and cuts himself up a bit to boot.  he just tells it like he sees it and boy does that resonant with me big time.  oh, and you hill style bow guyz are in for either a treat or a shock (or two).  :)

I'd like to get a copy and have him sign it at ETAR.

Not suprised to hear a great review of Fred's writings!

His article "The Lowly Shelf" in Bowhunter mag. many years ago, drew me in, to this great, "Love Affair"!

Is there an ISBN number on the book?
I can get my local library to order a copy, they have his other books already.

Yep, it is great! I have all his books and i think this one is the best. Like others have said I really like Fred's style wish he would write more. It is a great read and reference.

I can hardly wait for his seminar in Waterloo tomorrow!

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

48# Spirit longbow
45# Martin Hunter recurve

I have just started it. I really enjoy his writing and his stories.   :thumbsup:

I too love Freds writing style...thanks for the review Rob, ill place my order now !

I used to have his original 2 books as well as the VHS tape. Unfortunately, no longer.

Does this book supercede the original two? Or is this one meant to complement (and require) the originals?

FWIW- I love his "author's voice"- his still hunting book is a must-read, IMO.

Rob is spot on. Great book written in a smooth style that is easy to read.

I am a G. Fred guy as after reading one of his articles in TBM about eye dominance I switched to left handed shooting....best thing I ever did.

Thanks Mr. Asbell!

"The best part is that its focus is bowhunting, not just shooting the bow and arrow"


EXACTLY!!!! That is why I "shoot like Fred"

Fred's style of writing is something I can sit down with, understand, and retain. His method of shooting is just so simple, common sense, and hunting oriented.

I told Fred recently that I thought this was his best work, and I mean it. Outstanding book.

Thanks Rob: I will give his new book a Read. I have Fred's other books and DVD and liked them very much. Shoot Straight

Thanks Rob!
You know this is perfect for me.  

Now where can one get it?   (guess I'll have a look around)

QuoteOriginally posted by Tony Van Dort:
Thanks Rob!
You know this is perfect for me.  

Now where can one get it?   (guess I'll have a look around)

indeed it is, sir - me too!

Loved the book too, but it does seem he's changed his idea on gripping the long bow with a full grip or was he attempting to distinguish between those longbows with grips that are closer to a recurve? In his previous book he made such a point identifying the major differences between the two so this caught me off guard a bit. He didn't spend a whole lot of time on that issue so I'm not sure if that was really what he was attempting to convey or I was just taking it all wrong.

QuoteOriginally posted by smoke1953:
Loved the book too, but it does seem he's changed his idea on gripping the long bow with a full grip or was he attempting to distinguish between those longbows with grips that are closer to a recurve? In his previous book he made such a point identifying the major differences between the two so this caught me off guard a bit. He didn't spend a whole lot of time on that issue so I'm not sure if that was really what he was attempting to convey or I was just taking it all wrong.

dunno about his earlier writings, but in this book he clearly spells out his thoughts about straight grips and hand placement.  and i agree.

Great,thanks for the review

This is without a doubt the best book yet. A great aid to anyone who reads it. Fred is a national treasure for all traditional bowhunters.

Thanks for the reviews. I've read his other books before and will have to invest in this one as well.

I second Rob on Fred's new book. Have read it, marked it, and used it for a form adjustment. A must read for any traditional archer. I really like the way Fred communicates his ideas.   :archer2:

I just bought this book, can't wait to get it in my hands.

I have all of his book butr not been able to read this last one.I agree with Rob about Fred,he is been my inspiration on shooting style.

just picked up a copy at waterloo and agree with rob 100%. I hope one day to get a chance to take a class with fred.

Would the book be beneficial and supportive to a gap shooter (like me)?

Ben - It is not a gap shooting book at all. So yes, it migt be beneficial.....  :bigsmyl:  

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Fred's style is truly intinctive, and does not reference anything as a sighting aid, other than the spot you are trying to hit. It is at it's best, (and intended to be) in the field, one arrow at a time.

QuoteOriginally posted by JeffB:
Does this book supercede the original two? Or is this one meant to complement (and require) the originals?

EXCELLENT question, Jeff!  *I* don't have the answer as I have not read the book, but perhaps someone who owns them all can!    :D

Well-done, Rog! Ya got me! I left myself wide-open, there.

I'll have to pass on the instinctive way, though. I tried and tried and tried, but just couldn't get the hang of it. I read his other books, and watched his DVD, and practiced with a really good instinctive shooter. My brain, sporting ability, and coordination just are not up to the task, at least, not consistently. So, I learned to gap shoot, and it really brought back the joy of hitting the target to me.

QuoteOriginally posted by Ben Kleinig:
Well-done, Rog! Ya got me! I left myself wide-open, there.

I'll have to pass on the instinctive way, though. I tried and tried and tried, but just couldn't get the hang of it. I read his other books, and watched his DVD, and practiced with a really good instinctive shooter. My brain, sporting ability, and coordination just are not up to the task, at least, not consistently. So, I learned to gap shoot, and it really brought back the joy of hitting the target to me.

ah, it's all good. for every instinctive shooting barry wensel there is an identical twin gap shooting gene wensel.   :)

That is a really cool way of putting it, Rob! Cheers!

It's a good and informative read, and now has it's place along the other 3 books I have by him.

Was interesting to learn that because I shoot 3 under, I'm not shooting instinctively.  We'll have to agree to disagree on that point.

Hey, I didn't realize that? Barry W is an instinctive shooter and Gene W is a gap shooter? Thats interesting, especially because they are twins.

Ben, I respect good bow shooters....style really doesn't matter.   :bigsmyl:  

There was an Australian fellow and his son at the Asbell/Black Widow clinic I attended last spring...I can't think of his name. He was an interesting guy, and had come to the states for a "Traditional Archery Vacation" with his son.They also came to Compton. Pretty good shooters, both of them. I give you guys a lot of credit for being traditional bow hunters. Those buffaloes you guys always chase are damned huge!

Relative to whether you need to have read the first two books, and whether a gap shooter can benefit from reading the books: The books were written to stand alone, although INSTINCTIVE II has information in it that the first book did not, and this new book contains lots more information than did the first two. Basically you can say that each book takes instinctive shooting and the reader farther along the path to good shooting. Gap shooters, or any other shooter regardless of aiming method and/or bow,can benefit from the book because a majority of the shooting mechanics contained in the book apply to all bow shooting. The information about bow hand, shoulder, push-pull shooting, etc. applies to all bow shooting, regardless of aiming method, or bow type. G. Fred Asbell

Read the first and just ordered II. After that review cold not resit.

This was the first and only Asbell book I have read and it immediately helped my shooting, especially on areas like stance, deeper hook on my release, push-pull, and the importance of focus.  The very open stance advocated was an eye opener.  It was also an easy, informative read.

This is his best book to date, far more readable and to the point.

Fred, not sure if you saw my post on pg. 2 and not certain whether you wish to comment and that I certainly would understand. However has your opinion changed regarding gripping the longbow or were you attempting to distinguish between the more extreme pistol grips that have shown up with some longbows requiring more of a recurve shooting style?

smoke1953...Your assumption is correct. In the earlier books I was addressing shooting, basically, the Hill-style longbow with a straight handle and fairly straight limbs.I advised taking a firm grip on the handle and "muscling" the bow. Todays longbow is completly different...long risers, semi-recurve grips, and limbs with almost as much setback as some recurves (which is why they're mostly referred to as hybrid bows.) From my observation, fellas are gripping them and shooting them like a recurve...with an "almost" straight wrist grip. Each bow is different and I hesitated to say it should be shot very differently than one would a recurve. I personally shoot the Black Widow longbow with the heel of my hand down, just as I might a Hill-style bow/grip, although Black Widow themselves advise shooting it just as you would a recurve. Again, they're all different, as are we. gfa

Thanks for dropping in G.Fred. I shoot a Hill bow that has a straight grip and I often refer to "Instinctive Shooting II" as the best book on the market for Hill style bow shooters. You outdid yourself with your new book. In it you make it quite clear that those shooting the Hill style bow should refer back to "Instinctive Shooting II" and review the basic heel of the bow hand down position. The detail in "Advanced Instinctive Shooting for Bowhunting" is outstanding. Without a doubt something for everyone involved in traditional archery. Thank you for a job well done.  :thumbsup:

That makes me feel better because the heel down is the way I shoot a locater grip on the Northern Mist. After four years of adjustments I finally feel comfortable on my approach much of which I can thank you for. I use a firm grip with my back thumb knuckle aligned with the axis of the bow but with my heel pressure enough around the side so as to reduce my torque. I would have hated to think that I now needed to think about a straight wrist grip. I very much enjoy your common sense approach to unraveling the mysteries of the bow.

to each their own, and consistency/accuracy is the name of the game.  i could never ever be consistent when "heeling" or even "palming" any type of bow handle, from pistol to dead straight.

"to each their own, and consistency/accuracy is the name of the game."

Yep Rob you hit that on the head. There's as many ways to tackle this as we have opinions on the subject. What a journey!

Right on brother, just be sure to do the same thing every time.  :deadhorse:

First, I feel that, out of respect for his experience and character, that I should call the author, "Mr. Asbell."  I purchased his latest book at the Kalamazoo Event in February, and Mr. Asbell was there and signed my copy.

It is on my nightstand, and I refer to it several times a week.  I can hardly wait until it is warm enough that my fingers don't fall off from the cold to shoot as he recommends!  

I have not read many books on archery; I'm a newbie that got started last May.  But I think that I might become a "one-book man" because his work is so good.

Bent Shaft

I guess I got somecatching up to do.I've been reading over and over the first book since it came out.It works real good.

I love to read Fred's hunting stories, I really liked his book on stalking and still hunting. His shooting books.........that's another story. I would have been better off if I never picked up any of them. But I do love his stories, nice guy to talk to also,met him at several events!

In My Humble Opinion,books don't get any better than Freds I just recieved this book and it looks really good.The other two books I own of his were the reason I bought this one.I talked to Fred in Edmonton at the P&Y banquet and he was just releasing his then new book" Stalking and Stillhunting" which is how I've hunted all my Life.I thought what can this book teach me ?.Man was I in for a surprise !LOL.One of the greatest.

Great book!! Bob

Need to get on, been thinking about it for a bit.    :thumbsup:    :archer2:

I agree with much of what GFA talks about; but push-pull and swinging the bow up when the moment is near and you are preparing to shoot creates a lot of unnecessary movement. I hunt from the ground and make my final approach with the bow arm extended and bow up-kinda' hiding behind my bow.............then all that remains is coming to full drew.

I got a copy of Fred's "Advanced Instinctive Shooting" at the Great Northern Expo in Kalamazoo this past January, and have been using it as a guide, my pole star.  I like the way he writes--you are in a conversation--and his attitude--try it and see if it isn't as I say, but know that some archers do elsewise....

I think he has great insight into the fundamentals.

Fred was at the Expo signing copies, and so mine is.  He was in a wheel chair--that bothered me, knowing how active his life has been in the wilds.  I hope it is a passing thing.

Fred was in a wheel chair in Kalamazoo due to a recent knee surgery.  He was back on his feet and doing well at Compton this past weekend.    :thumbsup:

QuoteOriginally posted by Terry Green:
Man....I'm behind on a couple of Books and DVDs....hope to get caught up soon.

Man Terry.  I second that!!