HH bug got me ... Part One!

stik&string · September 22, 2011, 11:11:00 AM

This thread continues to amaze me. There seems to be many guys like myself that got bitten with the bug when this post started and continued to work on the shooting, tuning and Hill form and are now hitting the woods with Hill style bows thanks to the tips, advice and suggestions of the seasoned pros that have posted here.

Now where is my (new since this thread started) backquiver, my wood arrows (new since this thread started), Hill bow (new since this thread started) and wool shirt (again new since this thread started), it's time to hit the woods! Thanks everyone!

MikeNova · September 22, 2011, 12:35:00 PM

Nate to comment on what you said about draw length saturday the bow I used to shoot the doe with my broadhead will touch the back of the bow at my concious full draw of 29 inches. Didn't plan it like that just lucked out,however,when I shot the doe I know I didn't pull it back to where it touched. After I told myself 100 times "pull it back till it touches"

September 22, 2011, 01:02:00 PM

Short drawing on game is more common than most are willing to admit. Byron Ferusson talked of using a hunting bow that was two inches shorter than the practice bow. Short draw insurance I believe was his term. Now, if it happens to him, I don't feel I need to beat myself up when it happens to me. I tend to draw long on moving game and short on standing game. If I try to tag my finger with the point, at least I hope, I am close to a predictable draw.

dragonheart · September 22, 2011, 03:49:00 PM

I have a video of Byron shooting a black bear out of a treestand and his form is shorter draw and quicker shot than his normal shooting. Unwavering concentration on the spot is the key on game.

swampthing · September 22, 2011, 05:06:00 PM

I watched Byron reproduce a shot from a recent Robin Hood movie. He turns "about face" and shoots, long story short, about 4" of arrow hanging off the riser.

ChrisM · September 22, 2011, 05:32:00 PM

Short draw is why I like my arrows tuned a little on the weak side so I have more margin for a less than perfect draw.

sticksnstones · September 22, 2011, 05:52:00 PM

I'm glad people don't think I'm hijacking the thread by posting my progress with the Hill bow, I try to keep it relevant and non-redundant. I know how many times I've read the thread and used it's search feature, I just hope something here is helpful to someone else in the future!

I finally got Hitting 'em Like Howard Hill today, guess what I'm doing with my night off from the range?
Thom

dragonheart · September 22, 2011, 07:56:00 PM

Really watch the DVD of Schulz. Over and over. It really gives you the foundation of the Hill Style. Then if you can video yourself and compare, well that is what I spent the summer doing. I have "rebuilt" my form into the form I was taught so many years ago. It works, just stay disciplined and constructive with your weak points and strong points of your technique.

tradlongbow · September 22, 2011, 09:30:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by David Mitchell:
toddster, the LaClair Special is not the same bow Ron now sells. It was one he marketed in the past which was a flat bow--wider limbs than a Hill style. It is not on the web site. What is there are the Shrew bows he now sells, including the ShrewHill which is his newest addition to the Shrew lineup and a true Hill style longbow.

David-
Thanks for replying, I know from the earlier post it was a different bow then the ShrewHill. If someone has a pic of one I would like to see it.

Thanks,
Darren

tradlongbow · September 22, 2011, 09:48:00 PM

If your working on your form John Schulz's video is great way to learn. Also, pickup some of the DVD's of Howard Hill shooting and watch how he holds the bow, grips the bow, draws the string, and releases the arrow. When you do this take note and pause on every segment and continue to review it, study every movement and watch yourself while facing a mirror. I used to practice form without shooting using the mirror. I never had a video camera available when I started. By practicing the form while looking in the mirror I was able to build muscle memory. When your drawing back on the string and your form is solid, close your eyes and pay close attention to your anchor spot, so you can hit it every time.

Good shooting,
Darren

Nate Steen . · September 22, 2011, 11:14:00 PM

Darren and Jeff.....great advice

sticksnstones · September 23, 2011, 08:27:00 AM

Yeah guys, thanks! I do have the video and watched it last night, I can see watching this many times. I'll keep an eye out for the other videos as budget allows.

When I used to shoot pistols competitively I did lots of drills in front of the mirror, so that sounds like a great idea. I got a little video camera too, so I could put that on a tripod and move that around my body when I'm at the range this winter. The range is just too crowded with guys dusting off their wheels after 51 weeks of storage right now...

Made up some arrows last night after the video. Going to try my good shooters from Wednesday (532grn/9.5gpp) and these new ones at the range tonight. New ones are 653grn at 11.6gpp, and I left some without feathers so I can bare shaft and see if Stu's calc put me in the right zone.

tradlongbow · September 23, 2011, 08:59:00 AM

sticksnstones-

If you have NetFlix they have The Last Wilderness/ Hunting the Hardway. In the beginning of Hunting the Hardway, Howard is doing some practice shooting. Also, there are some free videos of Howard shooting on YouTube that could be an effective training tool.

originally quoted by sticksnstones
"The range is just too crowded with guys dusting off their wheels after 51 weeks of storage right now..."

You guys have all the big animals up there in MI, but 51 weeks of storage. In FL we're able to shoot year round:^)

Darren

2treks · September 23, 2011, 10:18:00 AM

Darren, the LaClair Special is a mild R/D bow. I think it was made by Randy Dehnel(sp) of Saxon Archery. Thats how remember it anyhow.

Chuck

sticksnstones · September 23, 2011, 10:21:00 AM

I will re-up netflix after season, will put them in the queue then!

I shoot year round, so do the other trad guys I know. This is just a wheelie shop, totally different mentality of the customers coming in right now.

Good time for a question that I couldn't answer with a search: I've been using this fleece bow sock since I got this 70" bow. I'd like something more protective, what do you guys put your extra long bows in for travel?
Thom

2treks · September 23, 2011, 10:48:00 AM

Well I stand corrected, Gregg Coffee just called and discribed his LaClair special to me as a straight bow with abit of setback at the handle area. It was indeed made by Mr.Dehnel, in the early 90's.

Chuck

Ron LaClair · September 23, 2011, 11:25:00 AM

I just got my book, "Howard Hill Collectibles" by Bob Burton. My signed copy is #46 0f 100. It is a pictorial book with detailed description of the photos. This is a book that every Howard Hill fan will covet. Bob did an amazing job on the photography in this book and it is well worth the price.

This book will hold a place of Honor in my collection of Hill books.

Thank you Bob.

Red Tailed Hawk · September 23, 2011, 11:47:00 AM

Many here have been talking about actual shooting draw length.

I did some testing and although i draw a solid 31" with recurve style grip, I find myself drawing a solid 28" draw with low wrist bent arm grip.

Does this seem excessive or am I in the ball park?

soopernate · September 23, 2011, 01:21:00 PM

DAMN YOU ALL!!
The Hill bug bit me...just hard enough to plan my next build. Gonna be a Hill style with four lams of maple (i am out of grass) wrapped in black glass. I do love the simple elegant lines of the Hill bows. I am afraid to visit the shop on the western part of the state cuz i KNOW I would have to order one.

mikebiz · September 23, 2011, 01:54:00 PM

So, I just finished my first complete viewing of the Hitting 'Em Hard Like Howard Hill" video. It's out on the web in four parts if you wish to see it. I know this has probably been stated dozens of times, but for those who intend to shoot the Hill style, it is required viewing. Everything you ever wanted to know about it live and in living color.

I don't know what took me so long to watch the whole film. I learned the basics of this style (bent bow arm, hold release hand stationary, etc.) from my Dad and readings. That was a long time ago, but they are ingrained in my head. Even when I shot compounds they came through. Now that I'm back into traditional archery I'm glad they stuck. Much easier to apply them now with many years of them rolling 'round in my head. But seriously watch the video. I think it will answer many questions and vastly improve your shooting.

One non-physical component of the Hill form that I found interesting is how emphatic and unwavering John is when mentioning Howard's teachings. You can hear it in his tone when referencing Howard. According to John, there is no other way. To master something you must eat, breathe and sleep it. Howard must have been one hard driving teacher. And praise to Mr. Schulz for having the determination to master this technique and the generosity to pass it along to us. Most of it is muscle memory and psychological. Once you get it down you don't think, you just react. I'm working on my Hill form. Are you?

Can you tell I had a stellar backyard target session last night. I'm still pumped. Just me and my Miller 'til dark.

Hey, anyone know what happened to John's boys that are in the video? His son Tom was quite a shot. Bet the other boys were too.