At 60 years old and only returning to traditional archery two years ago from compounds, I am completely hooked.  My enthusiasm may be hurting me though.  I am right handed and my right shoulder is constantly aching.  But the ache is in the front of shoulder, not the rear pulling muscles. So I am unsure if changing bow weight or laying off is the answer. In fact, unsure if archery is causing the problem at all.  Laying off for a week did not change my status or pain. The pain is not bad, just worried about damage that might cause an end to archery for me.

I have two bows, a 52# Schafer Silvertip and 50# Robertson Styk, so 55# and 53# at my 29" draw. No problem with strength aspect of pulling.  Immediately  after shooting 200 arrows at range 3-4 X week my shoulder or muscles are not worse...just the same persistent dull ache.

Assuming there are many others with experience regarding shoulder pain, any advise for a relative newcomer?

Thanks.

Scott

Go see your doctor now DON'T wait!

Shooting traditional you may be holding more weight.  I would suggest, shooting only every other day for 15 - 20 min. primarily for form at first then whatever you choose.

But, any pain should be examined, the reason is there are seven or more muscles that come together in the rotor cuff.  A good therapist can tell you whether there is a problem developing, and recommend exercises to improve the situation.  I did and it worked.

Yep, see the doc.  I tried to come back to Recurves in December 2008. Hurt my shoulder (some whatchamacallit tore 50%).  I don't know if practicing with a 60# Predator curve did the damage or carrying too much lumber for a DIY project at home (I was 55 at the time).

Doc said to lay off shooting and that surgery wasn't quite called for. I took until August 1st, 2009 before I was ready to shoot any bow. I hunted with the compound that year.  Made the switch in 2010. I hunt with 46-52# curves now.

Odd thing, the shoulder (drawing arm) hurt like the dickens for most of those 8 months and then one morning it didn't.  I had only one more month for the shoulder to heal before the doctor was going to do surgery. He didn't want to do the surgery because he said that's always a crap shoot in terms of full recovery or not.

Of course the doctor said I should "act my age".  I reckon the doctor doesn't intend to be active when he's my age?

I deal in upper extremity orthopedics.  Feel free to pm me and maybe we can talk.  
Right now, I would recommend limiting your shooting and see your doctor for a physical therapy referral.