Committing to a Selfbow for the rest of the season

Michael Arnette · December 21, 2016, 10:27:00 AM

Thanks to a very generous Tradgang member who gave me an incredible deal on this John Remp Yew Selfbow! I'm going to commit to shooting it and hunting with it for the rest of the year.

Here are my first few arrows from my homemade batch, from 20 and 15 yards this bow shoots really well but very different from my TallTines recurve.

Anything I should keep in mind in caring for this bow from you Selfbow Experts?

Michael Arnette · December 21, 2016, 10:33:00 AM

...ehem maybe my other groups weren't so good :/ I shoot so much better online

fling · December 21, 2016, 10:48:00 AM

I am also lucky to own a Jim Rempp yew bow. Not only a work of art but great shooters. Just don't over draw and don't leave her strung when not in use. Enjoy and good luck with the rest of the season.

Pat B · December 21, 2016, 11:04:00 AM

Not much different care than with a glass bow. Like fling said just unbrace it after the hunt or shooting session. It should be able to handle 4 to 6 hours braced without any problems.
I have heard, but don't know from experience, that yew bows can get brittle in extreme cold weather. Other than that just enjoy it. Looks like you are shooting it pretty well. Don't forget to post your hero shot when the deer is down.

December 21, 2016, 12:24:00 PM

Good luck, Michael! Selfbows are a different animal, but really fun to shoot.

Bisch

BAK · December 21, 2016, 12:54:00 PM

Most self bows don't like being held at full draw for too long.

wingnut · December 21, 2016, 01:32:00 PM

The rule I used when hunting with a selfbow is when you rest so does the bow. So if you take a break during the day, unstring the bow.

Mike

scrub-buster · December 22, 2016, 08:12:00 AM

Try to keep it dry if you can. Good luck with the stick and string.

Caughtandhobble · December 22, 2016, 09:46:00 AM

Shoot straight Brother, my money is on your success

Roy from Pa · December 22, 2016, 10:24:00 AM

What the other guys said and also Yew is a soft wood and will get scratched and nicked up very easy.

Sam McMichael · December 22, 2016, 10:28:00 AM

Pretty good shooting, Michael. It looks like you are making the changeover from recurve without undue problems. General form is the same, but you do need to get used to the different grip. I don't have a lot of experience with self bows, either. My Indian style flat bow and my ELB are fun. As others have advised, there are a few things you can do to take that extra bit of care that these bows like. Good luck with the hunting. Keep us informed.

Tajue17 · December 23, 2016, 09:10:00 AM

I'm not a pro I never will be always more to learn but this is what I do I always unstring it when walking out,,,, in cold weather when I do string it up I do a few short draws then get a little longer and maybe the 4th or 5th I draw to anchor.

don't get too worked up when a deer comes in and over draw the bow, I'm sure you are solid with your draw and anchor but a Yew selfbow in the cold don't ever over draw it.

and keep a clear mind in remembering your not holding a tall tines so your accuracy yardage may be closer,,,, I know with me I can go right from my fast recurve and carbon arrows one day then the next day I have a selfbow with heavy woods. I need to keep reminding myself things need to be a little more closer this time.

I like to bring two Blunts when I have the selfbow, the first is for when I get to my stand I like to take a practice shot before things settle down (I shoot where I will be walking out for getting arrow easier) then the last arrow is before I leave the stand I take another which is more for fun but it reassures me my hits will be good).

Lastly,, if you experience taking a deer with a selfbow kiss that tall tines good bye OR be ready to dust it off every now and then Primitive archery is a whole other sickness..

Pine · December 23, 2016, 09:28:00 AM

Hope you can connect with it .
The only advice I have for you , put the arrow where you want it to go .