New to traditional archery!

Chad Vines · March 08, 2013, 12:40:00 PM

Hello guys, I recently decided that this year I was going to pick up traditional archey. I have been bow hunting several years and have done very well for myself. traditional has always been something that interested me but I never knew anyone that I could take my questions and concerns to about it so I have to this point stuck to what I was familiar with. I did start out in my early days shooting instinctive with a compound, and was able to take my first every bow kill, a black bear at 13 years old that way. From there as my skills increased so did gear to the point where I am today. However I would like to get back to the simplicity of instictive shooting and using a "bare bow".

I was wonder if someone could tell me the pros and cons of recurves over longbows, and what you prefer along with possible makes and models to look into (I am left handed by the way.) Also I recently read the book "Whitetail Magic" by Roger Rothhaar and loved. It in part tipped me over the edge to finally make the decision. Can anyone else recommend and good books written by Tradional guys? I was told to look at In Pursuit of trophy whitetails but cant find it for anything under an arm and a leg.lol I was also told to look into anything by Gene Wensel as well.

All information is welcome, thanks and im looking forward to picking up all the info I can from the sight.

wooddamon1 · March 08, 2013, 12:49:00 PM

Welcome Chad, where in MI are you?

Chester Thompson · March 08, 2013, 12:55:00 PM

I am not from MI so I don't know details on where and when, but go to a 3D shoot that is geared towards trad, such as http://www.comptontraditionalbowhunters.com/, and start asking questions. There will be vendors there selling bows, but I would also be willing to bet that there are people that would love to help you learn.

Chester Thompson · March 08, 2013, 12:55:00 PM

Oh yeah welcome, and have fun.

kill shot · March 08, 2013, 01:03:00 PM

Chad, go to Black Dog Outfitters in Cedar Springs. Tom Hackbart is a trad guy that really knows his stuff. He has bows you can try and a wealth of info. Fred Asbel has some good books and is a fellow Michigander. As far as the pros and cons of longbows and recurves goes, that is a mighty long list. You just need to try them both and find what you like. I think it's like a blond, brunette, redhead thing. And oh yea, WELCOME.

Chad Vines · March 08, 2013, 01:10:00 PM

I am wedged between Detroit and Toledo on the Wayne county/Monroe county boarder. Rockwood to be exact. I know of a few shoots as mentioned and plan to attend a couple this summer. I just thought I'd try and get a jump on my learning curve here first. Lol

Richie · March 08, 2013, 01:39:00 PM

RM81 · March 08, 2013, 01:43:00 PM

Well, I think you came to the right place. There is a ton of information here and a bunch of great people to go with it. I'll second the advice to try both types and see what you like best. Also, I would suggest to find a local trad club and attend their next shoot. Most people will not have a problem letting you try out their bow when asked. Welcome to TG.

4dogs · March 08, 2013, 02:18:00 PM

Welcome. another thing...the search engine on this site is your friend. Almost any question you can come up with has been discussed here a bunch. Use it and I garentee you will find months if not years of great reading and learning.

John146 · March 08, 2013, 04:19:00 PM

Chad, I use to shoot instintive with a compound years ago so I know where your coming from. All the advice above is good. My first bow was a recurve and cost about $150. Still got that bow. I got a custom bow after going to a shoot just like Chester said and ended up at Bob Lee's factory in Texas. Bought that bow in 1997 and its what I shoot today. It is worth it to put some different bows in your hands and try. You will know what you need to shoot.
For just getting you fired up on traditional bow hunting and also some great info call Traditional Bowhunter Magazine and buy as many back issues as you can afford. You will read them over and over throughout the years. For books on shooting, I have read all of Fred Asbells stuff. The shooting forum on this site is fantastic. Check it out and ask questions. They have some guys that could save you some serious frustration if you are having an issue with form.
Welcome to traditional archery. You won't regret it.

joe ashton · March 08, 2013, 04:46:00 PM

Hi Chad. welcome
Put me in the longbow group. Light, quiet, simple,
good looking, deadly historic, near magical.. I like them.....

maineac · March 08, 2013, 05:22:00 PM

Welcome Chad! I shot a compound bare and fingers for 20 or so years. Came back to trad about five years ago. I learn something every day on this site. I started with a takedown recurve. The heavier riser felt a lot like my compound (which was actually an old Browning with a wood riser). My first longbows were also more modern longbows with shaped grips. I found them easy to shoot as well. I have not been able to get used to the straight grip style longbows, that is me and many love them. I love a light longbow, quite and fast (reflex/deflex, a more modern limb design). That said the old bear recurves are super light and great to shoot. You have so many choices and trails to explore in this new adventure of yours. Try as many as you can, but don't overlook an old used bow off the classifieds here as a starter. Then go to the shoots and try as many styles of bow as you can. Most trad guys are willing if not happy to let someone else try their bow.

fnshtr · March 08, 2013, 05:28:00 PM

Welcome. I too started shooting a compound instinctively. But beware... this trad thing is addictive!

Have fun.

sticksnstones · March 08, 2013, 05:30:00 PM

Check this out, it's got to be really close to you:
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=89;t=000218

Welcome to the gang!
Thom

Mike Vines · March 08, 2013, 07:08:00 PM

Welcome, and the only relation we have is Brothers of the bow. You have the coolest last name.

BOWMARKS · March 08, 2013, 07:17:00 PM

Welcome to the Gang.

Been wating for Mike to chime in.

Stone Sheep · March 08, 2013, 08:40:00 PM

Welcome!! Some suggestions for books on shooting instinctively, check out G. Fred Asbell's books. As for Bowhunting books, there are many but "Bows On The Little Delta" by Glenn StCharles is a must read. Shoot every bow that you can get your hands on and then decide what you like. Recurve or longbow? you won't go wrong with either one. Shoot often and have fun!

Chad Vines · March 09, 2013, 10:50:00 AM

Thanks guys for some good info, and Mike aside from my immediate family and some extended relatives in Alabama, I think your the only other Vines I ever met! I can already tell this is gonna be a great forum! Lol

March 09, 2013, 11:02:00 AM

Welcome. The best piece of advice I can give is to go to the shoots like mentioned above, and meet a few guys in your area who can mentor you. It will greatly lessen that learning curve you mentioned in your earlier post.

BTW, I'm a longbow guy because I don't like the twangy sound of a recurve and I HATE stringers!

Bisch

rbcorbitt · March 09, 2013, 11:25:00 AM

Welcome aboard, Chad. I picked up my first trad bow in late December of 2011 (a Christmas present to myself) and I haven't turned back!

A word of warning - traditional shootes and bowyers include some of the best knife makers and leather workers out there - two things that I also really enjoy!

Have fun - get some lessons early, and enjoy the ride!!