The bows without arrow rest i mean such as English longbow or turk trad bow or Hungry bow like this one
(http://www.grozerarchery.com/htm/mongol/alap/1.gif)
Shuo,
Yes, I have hunted with an English longbow. I shoot very well with it. I believe it is called "Shooting off your hand." I have found them to be too long a bow for moving in the woods but I know someone who makes them and hunts with them exclusively.
Where and what in China would you be hunting?
Martin
rabbit ,chicken，boar，something like that
Many self bows have no rest on them. I used to shoot them but have since switched to glass recurves. No problems with accuracy though.
Shuo,
First off Hello and Welcome to Tradgang.
are You looking at any type of bow? The Horse bows or those used by the huns (Turkish) are great bows. as said, ELB are very long as are those made in Japan of old. A small frame bow can be moved around way easier then longer bows as we all know, but both have their good and bad points.
Longer bows are more forgiving, No finger pinching, more working limbs.
Shorter bows are Great for those tight spots, From Treestands and pop-up ground blinds and also box blinds.
The best thing I would say is. If You could try each of those types of bows first to see what You like and shoot better would be a best way to find a bow. As for not having a shelf, You could add a floppy rest (small piece of leather glued to riser to make a location/rest for the arrow.
They will help as a locator so You always have the arrow sitting in the same spot and help with clearance (So the quill doesn't run into Your finger)
I have a James Parker Turkish bow that was made to shoot off the knuckle. I put a small piece of horn on the pass to give a consistent reference.
Wow, awesome! Bowhunting in China!!!!