Hey everyone...I want to introduce myself and hopefully get some advice on how to get started with traditional hunting.  My name is Brett any my wife, 1 month old baby gild, and German shorthair pointer live in Denver, CO.  I am a lifelong hunter/fisher/outdoorsmen.  I have always hunted big game with a rifle and I have never hunted with a bow...

But- I am starting to get more and more interested in traditional methods of hunting.  I want to get a traditional bow and start shooting.  So here are a few questions:

1.  Since I have not archery hunted should I get a compound bow first then get a traditional bow?  I don't know if the experience of shooting a compound would help or hurt?  

2. Longbow or recurve as my first traditional bow?  What are the advantages of each?

3.  Anyone know of a good shop/store in the Denver area where I could go get some advice and maybe shoot some different bows?

Thanks, this looks like a great forum and I am grateful I found it.

GET A COMP COMP COMP -can't even write it- no way!
Find yourself a traditional archery shop and try out some bows. There are some Tradgangers from you area that will chime in shortly

BTW, welcome to the gang tons of help here.      

QuoteOriginally posted by TexMex:
GET A COMP COMP COMP -can't even write it- no way!
       

I pretty much expected to hear that but I just wanted to make sure.  If I am going to get into this I want to do it the right way.

First: Welcome to a great place.

Second; You don't need training wheels.  Those of us who have done that can vouch that it was an unnecessary move (in skills and finances to name a few).  I have spent more time unlearning bad habits that those wheels and gizmos let me get away with than anything else.

Welcome to something really COOL!

Colorado guys, help this man out so he doesn't go to the dark side....

all ya gotta do is shoot straight

Look be fore warned, this is the most addictive sport you can get into. Once you shoot one arrow you can never quit.

Welcome

J

Agree with those guys though, better to start traditional.

Tex.....Tex, are Ya Alright there Buddy??

Great...another addiction- add this to my love of bass fishing and watching Jaeger point Pheasants!  I won't tell my wife about this until I bring a new bow home!

My 2cents worth.Buy what you can afford, about any trad bow will work. You can spend all the money you want after you have shot a year or so and know more about what you want.2 DON'T by to heavey poundage.It doesn't take much to kill game and your training will be more effective with a light poundage bow.Plus it won't tear your shoulders out of socket.Good luck and you have made the best move already by joining this sight.  

Great to have you on board. First of all you came to the right place. There are many great folks here with loads of good advice. I agree that you should not overbow yourself first of all. It ain't a contest. Find a fellow trad shooter or a good shop and try em' out. I have shot and hunted with recurves and R&D longbows and straight limbed longbows. Everyone has a preference as you will too. I'm not going to mention my preference as it is not important here. Enjoy it and decide as your skill level developes. I can say the fellows here can get you a long way. You don't have to break the bank to get a great bow. Thats my piece, find one, borrow one, do whatever you have to, just have fun.
           -Hillbilly