I've been shooting off the shelf of my recurve, and been using a bear hide pad. I was just wondering if there's a better pad or way to set it up for hunting. Would appreciate all the help I can get.

I just setup a Warf recurve to shoot off the shelf. I just used the Velcro material I have for my LB. think I got it from 3rivers. Some folks just use the stuff from the hardware store. it has sticky back so easy to apply.

Those bear hide pads are fine mate. I wouldn't bother replacing it unless/until it's worn out or the glue is starting to let go.

I have a bear k mag with the traditional bear hair shelf material and it is fine, Quiet and does what it is supposed to.  People have been killing critters with arrows off that shelf material for longer than I have been alive.

If it ain't broke.......

I have used the Bear rug rest with leather strike plate...but have also used velcro...and plain leather.  I usually put a thin strip of leather under the shelf and strike plate at the deepest part of grip for recurve...to minimize contact with them both if they are not radiused.  Less contact equals less effect if you torque bow or move during shot more than acceptable.

Shot off the shelf since I started in 1990....never even thought of using another means.  I like simplicity for most things.

Alright thanks everyone, I've heard of putting something under the pad to make a hump. Any thoughts on that?

If the rest is completely flat, you might give that a try. But, if the shelf has a radius, no need to.

The shelf pad and strike plate quiet the arrow as you draw. Once released the arrow shouldn't touch the bow at all if your arrows are tuned for the bow and your shooting style.