I have shot a recurve for over 50yrs, and just this last January I got a RD Longbow . I just didn't like it that much but I thought of going to Longbow shoots with it . Just last month I was in Kalamazoo Mi. and I got to meet Byron Ferguson and talked with him for a little over a half hour . I told him that I just couldn't get the hang of shooting a Longbow . He gave me some pointers in what to do and I bought one of his Safari bows 66 AMO , 61# @ 28" . He told me to try it and if I didn't like it to send it back to him and he would refund my money .
Well I am nothing short of amazed with the bow and I am shooting as good as I was in my early 20s . I don't even like shooting my Bear Take down any more and that was my favorite bow .
So I guess that I am now an official Longbowmen .
Thanks for reading my post , I just wanted to share that I am at a new level of fun with the Bow and Arrow . :goldtooth:
Welcome to the dark side my friend!! There's just something about them!!
Often times success abounds as determined action meets a splendid opportunity.
How amazing the mystical spirit of the traditional way continues to engulf and spread the shamanistic touch of fulfillment.
The reading of other's experiences along their own unique journey which encounter a specialized enlightenment, conveys abundant personal refreshment. Perhaps this is the true harvest most worthy of celebration.
R/D longbows sure are a lot of fun!
Scott, your prose is delightful ..
Longbow are as well !!
:archer:
Pat...Your respect sacredly resides within a most treasured and impervious asylum.
For if a lethally wounded quarry remains unrecovered after a long, arduous and well executed tracking deployment; the cavalry of a wide range of experiences is called in. Many scatter and merely comb a vast area and one volunteer stumbles upon this treasure 300 yards in the opposite direction of the last sign. All then, who participate, have the opportunity share in the return of the lamb.
With all of the attention on Hill style bows these days, we should not forget that best longbow shot in the world shoots a very specialized R/D longbow, that is available to everyone. The basic Sweet Thing, is not so basic, and is a great shooting bow. It's no wonder Byron used one for so long, before he upgraded to his carbon model. It is easier to become the arrow when the bow never argues with you.
Congrats on trying something new and your success with it! Lots of longbow guys around Michigan, hopefully we'll see you around!
Thom
I didnt realized there was another type of bow?
Hmmm, I gonna have to get on that internet. :biglaugh:
Once I shot one,I was done. Sold all my curves and never looked back. Not putting down recurves,just something about a longbow
that hooked me good.
I was just eying the byron ferguson bows the other day. I came across a youtube video of him talking about his set up and it intrigued me.
Welcome to the addictions!
Dale,
Would you share with us what Byron advised?
Pretty please.
Paul
My sentiments exactly! I don't even click on recurve ads in the classifieds anymore. I just hope that everyone doesn't start favoring longbows over recurves...lol
Yep, longbows are just magical. I like living on the dark side.
Legolas : Byron showed me how to keep my elbow slightly bent and to keep the centerline of the bow thrue the V of the thumb and index finger straight thrue the ball of the thumb on the hand . But I am sure you Longbow shooters know that . I didn't . He also told me to beleave I can do it . :goldtooth:
Graps, your last sentence is the key.
I just switched up and away from the bent tips and am loving it. My Big Jims Thunder child is becoming part of my hand / arm and getting deadly. Just made a harvest with it yesterday, dead on and a pass thru.
:archer2:
Dale,
Check out the lecture series by Grey Archer on You Tube. He has so much great stuff on long bow shooting.
And thanks for sharing Byron's conversation. He has helped me too and is very accessible.I remember asking him why he shoots those big bananna fletching. He said cause when he hunts he wants his arrows to stabilze ASAP and if he hits a twig he might have a better chance.
Sure enough I chopped new naners and got my biggest buck the next week. ;)