Kate tells me she's ready to deer hunt with a bow. She's been shooting a longbow since she was two and killed some with a rifle but I explained to her that this was a whole other level of hunting and commitment.
She needed a "hunting weight" bow as her previous bow was probably low 20's at her 25" draw.
I had a bow and bowyer in mind and at our WTA banquet last month we hustled over to Chris and Deb Hartwig's booth. Chris had THE bow we were looking for. His 58" Vanguard was gonna be short enough for her stature, but reflexed enough to add some needed cast. Chris picked out three arrows to try and sent Kate off to the demo range. Six shots and a big smile that a Dad can't refuse resulted in her first real hunting bow.
Warmer weather has finally allowed us to shoot some outside and begin her preparations for this coming season.
(http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab337/drmreilly/IMG_0918.jpg) (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/drmreilly/media/IMG_0918.jpg.html)
Riser is curly myrtle with cocobolo accents, maple cores and curly etimoe veneers.
(http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab337/drmreilly/IMG_0914.jpg) (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/drmreilly/media/IMG_0914.jpg.html)
(http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab337/drmreilly/IMG_0916.jpg) (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/drmreilly/media/IMG_0916.jpg.html)
Practice, Practice, Practice...
(http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab337/drmreilly/IMG_0919.jpg) (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/drmreilly/media/IMG_0919.jpg.html)
practice some more...
(http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab337/drmreilly/IMG_0913.jpg) (http://s877.photobucket.com/user/drmreilly/media/IMG_0913.jpg.html)
The bow is 39#@28" so 30-31 @ her draw. She's shooting some full length CE Heritage 90's initially while she builds up her strength (we'll get serious about arrows later) and I'm having her alternate sessions with her light bow just so she doesn't lose her form. She's motivated and most importantly, excited and having fun doing it... I guess all that we parents can ask for.
A big thank you to Chris and Deb at NewWood longbows for holding onto this bow and your hospitality, much appreciated.
Awesome! That's a pretty good looking bow, and even better looking form.
That's Awsome, I think she is gonna do just fine. Congrats on your new bowhunting partner.
Hey Mike
That is just awesome, big moment for Kate and I'm sure just as big for you! This actually inspires me to get my 5 year old "stinker belle" a proper bow. Good luck and enjoy the journey. :clapper:
Kate, nice form!
NICE
Mike -
You didn't put a picture of yourself in there but I can imagine you must look a lot like this guy :bigsmyl:
Her form looks good. I got my 11 year old daughter her first serious bow last fall. She doesn't have any interest in hunting with it, but it is still a lot of fun to shoot with her. Have fun.
-=Mark
Great Form Kate, and Beautiful Bow. Good luck this season.
Congrats Daddy! :thumbsup:
Very pretty bow. I have a Legacy. New Woods builds a great bow.
:clapper: :clapper:
That is great. Best of luck.
Dang, she's got better form than I do! Congrats on her new bow. :thumbsup:
I couldn't be happier for either of you, enjoy. :thumbsup:
Bob
I wish my form looked that good! And a beautiful bow to boot! You two are in for a season you will both cherish. Good luck!
Good for you both!
Mike good for you and Kate :thumbsup:
Thanks for the comments guys.
As far as her "good form", I can't take any credit for that... I just work real hard at trying to not screw her up! i.e. "See how Dad's hand flies away from his face on release?... yeah, don't do that." :)
Fantastic! You are so lucky to have a family member who wants to share archery and bow hunting with you.
Congrats to the both of you!! And her form is awesome!!
Fantastic!! :clapper:
Hey Mike,
Really glad we could get Kate set up with a bow.
Treasure the time you have with your kids, time goes by so fast. I still remember my first Trad kill with my three boys, ages 5,6 and 8 in a ground blind with me. That was almost 20 twenty years ago, seems like yesterday....
We will have to get together this summer and do some shooting, it looks like Kate could give us old farts some tips on form!
Take Care, Chris
Thats a sweet looking bow, and some darn good form, she is going to be a good shooter, her and the bow.
Kate looks like a natural!
Now that is just great! You are a lucky man, sir! I put my hopes for a archery partner in my unborn granddaughter, due in April. Keep'em flinging those arrows!
Good form and appears to be liking what she is doing. So a winning deal for you guys. That is great.
Looks like that little lady is going to keep you occupied dragging deer out of the woods.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome.
Memories that last a life time cherish these times they grow up fast. Widow PS nice looking bow and form looks a little cold for short sleeves.