Hello everyone, my name is Pete, I'm new to the forum and new to bowhunting. I've been reading on here for a week or so now and it seems to be a really great forum with lots of smart people.

I just recently got really into hunting, I have done a little bird hunting with a gun, but now I want to become more serious about hunting and want to do nothing but bow hunting from here on. I currently have a 60" 40# recurve from sears, my friend loaned it to me and it shoots alright but as far as I know it's a pretty cheap little bow. I also carved a selfbow out of willow that is 64" long and 65#. I killed a rabbit with it which is my only kill so far and it got me totally hooked.

Now I want to buy a bow that I can get into hunting with that is a little more serious than what I have now. I have a few questions;

1. What manufactureres should I be looking for for a used bow for around 250$ or less?

2. Longbow or recurve? I would be happy with either but people say it is very different to shoot a longbow than a recurve, so is there one that is better for a beginner?

3. Any good places to look for used bows other than **** and the classifieds on here?

Any other useful tips would be greatly appreciated,
THANKS!

Pete they have a newbie thread that helps with all your ?'s
 http://www.tradgang.com/docs/newbies.html
sorry this is the link

go with a recurve its alittle more forgiving for someone whos new to the sport. IMO.

Ok thanks a lot I didn't see the newbie thread. Sorry about that.

No worries

What's wrong with using the selfbow, or making another one? It is bloodied already!

well I am gonna try making another bow with an ipe belly and bamboo for backing, because I have heard that is the one of the simplest laminated bows to make, so we'll see how that comes out, but with the selfbow it is all wood and willow is not that great, so it takes quite a bit of set and I think if I practice with it as much as I need too then by deer season it would probably only be pulling about 45 or 50 pounds. And since it's not as fast as a recurve or laminated bow, the 65 pound draw weight only shoots a little harder than my 40 pound recurve, I'm guessing it is about equivilant to a 50 pound recurve, although I've never shot one.

I am gonna keep using it though because it's pretty rewarding to shoot something I made myself.

Pete - If you try going the bamboo backed ipe route, take precautions working with ipe (gloves & respirator).  Some people can have serious allergic reactions to it.  Check out some of the threads in the bowyers bench form.  I'm one of the lucky ones that it doesn't bother, but be careful.

Another good idea for you would be to attend a traditional shoot that has numerous venders.  There should be some used bows in your price range and you can try them out before you buy.

Pete, check out the Traditional Bowhunters of Washington at  www.tbwonline.org.

Check out some of the shoots and upcoming events around the state.  

Where are you from?  I live in Auburn.