Deer hunters preference: longbow or recurve?

eflanders · March 20, 2012, 12:47:00 PM

What do you prefer to shoot when deer hunting, a recurve or a longbow AND why?

Rock 'N Bow · March 20, 2012, 02:02:00 PM

It depends on the time of year. In warmer weather I use my recurves. When it gets colder they are harder to shoot accurately. That's when I reach for the longbow. I need a bow I can strong arm in colder weather.

OS · March 20, 2012, 02:02:00 PM

I am horrible at this because I love shooting them both! Most of the time it's just a matter of what I want to shoot at the time. The only advantage I have found one way or the other is I'm hunting where I may lay down next to a log for a blind. In this case a longbow is easier to shoot. When I try this shot with recurve I alway catch the bottom limb.

Orion · March 20, 2012, 02:29:00 PM

I shoot both. Really doesn't make a difference. Have more longbows than recurves and primarily hunt with a longbow, but will often take out a recurve. I use a short recurve for turkey hunting out of a blind.

awbowman · March 20, 2012, 02:34:00 PM

I like shooting a longbow more than a recurve.

March 20, 2012, 02:39:00 PM

It mostly depends on how one shoots, I would love to think that the common Red Wing Hunter or Bear Grizzly would be all that is ever needed to hunt deer, for most that would be correct, but I can shoot faster and pull off a more fluid shot with a longbow using the form and rhythm developed by Howard Hill. A 58" or 60" recurve is a handy thing, a hybrid will fit this job just as well. I prefer a lower grip, once I got used to low wrist shooting, over 40 years ago, I find it clumsy when hunting to deal with a higher wrist bow. Everyone has their own comfort preferences, I think anyone can be money ahead to use a bow that matches that comfort and confidence preference.

BOHO · March 20, 2012, 02:55:00 PM

I have gone to the longbow. lighter, quieter, brush doesnt get caught all the time between the string and limb and I just like the feel of it better.

stujay · March 20, 2012, 03:06:00 PM

I too use both. Like the quiet and way the longbow shoots...Like the compactness of the recurve when moving through the thick stuff...guess that's why I have both.

Rob W. · March 20, 2012, 03:34:00 PM

Quiet and light are where its at for me. I started out on recurves and still have a few but a longbow is always in my hand for game.

Flying Dutchman · March 20, 2012, 03:35:00 PM

Get a hybrid, I did and I never looked back.

Jeff Strubberg · March 20, 2012, 03:38:00 PM

Ain't a dimes worth of difference between 'em for hunting mid sized game.

You'd get more variation between brands than between longbow and recurve.

TOEJAMMER · March 20, 2012, 03:41:00 PM

I hunt with both but a recurve shooter is my true nature.

Rick Richard · March 20, 2012, 03:43:00 PM

I like a short recurve since most of my deer hunting is done from a tree stand.

Littlejake · March 20, 2012, 04:28:00 PM

Recurve...

J. Holden · March 20, 2012, 05:21:00 PM

I shoot a recurve. It's what I started with years ago. I'd love a longbow, just cant afford one. Plus I shoot a recurve better.

-Jeremy

1screagle · March 20, 2012, 05:42:00 PM

I love them both, can't for the life of me make up my mind. Each time I pick one up and shoot it I say this is it, my go to bow. I shoot it for a while then after longing for the other since it sat without given any attention I pick up the other and in no time find myself saying the same thing. This year I will be attempting to stay with my longbows. The only way that might change is if I hunt from a tight spot or a particular stand that will suit my 56" recurve. I got an addiction to both, but something about the longbow seems to be calling my name.

Huntingnut · March 20, 2012, 06:48:00 PM

Recurve

TxAg · March 20, 2012, 07:13:00 PM

Love my whisper quiet longbows

Bowwild · March 20, 2012, 07:32:00 PM

Only recurves for me. It is mostly an aesthetic preference.

Ulysseys · March 20, 2012, 07:56:00 PM

longbows look better in hero pics IMHO, but when I really want to get it done I grab the recurve. I'm not really sure why but I shoot it better. Its all mental I guess.