Almost new to the sport

J_R_S · August 27, 2011, 06:27:00 PM

Hey guys I've been browsing the forum for a few days and finally joined up. My name is Jeffrey and I live in Macon, GA. I shot a recurve some in my early teens but moved on to other hunting methods as I got older so I'm "almost new to the game" of traditional archery. I really want to try the traditional method again and am in need of advice.
I currently have an antique Pearson Cougar that's 64" and 40# @ 28". I recently purchased a set of arrows and a few other items from 3 Rivers. I've been going out back and hitting the bag target for a while now but now I'm searching for advice.
I just want to get some idea of things I should be concentrating on as far as form and practice to try and develop the skills needed to become a successful traditional archer. I know my bow is not the best but I hope I can at least get a feel for shooting a traditional bow with it. I have no idea what I should be or if I should be looking for a better bow at this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm all ears, have the FEVER pretty bad and really green to all of this.

I'm 6'1" and have a 30.5" draw. (if that matters)

Thanks in advance,
Jeffrey

mscampbell75 · August 27, 2011, 06:43:00 PM

I suggest getting your bow arrows tuned to the best of your abilities. Then if you are off target you know it is the only other factor that was at fault. YOU!!

http://www.bowmaker.net/index2.htm

This is a good reference!

If you have any question, do a search, it probably been asked before. If not post up.

Have fun and good luck!

BRITTMAN · August 27, 2011, 07:00:00 PM

Welcome , think of traditional archery more of a way of life than just a sport . Diffrent from compounds or guns its something you have to work on almost every day to be proficent but is a joy to do . Its more about having fun and the challenge of taking game with a stick and string . As already said make sure you and your equipment are well tuned and have fun . You have come to the right place for help getting on your way .

Mike

DannyBows · August 27, 2011, 07:27:00 PM

Welcome! Lots of fun in your future. If you don't have someone near to mentor you pick up the DVD's of the "Masters of the Barebow" series. There's a wealth of info there.

I don't have anyone to shoot with and I'm finally going to get set-up to video myself shooting so I can post in the 'Shooters' forum and get pointers to improve my form.

Have fun, shoot straight, and be safe!

JohnnyWayne · August 27, 2011, 07:52:00 PM

Glad to meet ya Jeffrey, welcome to the fever

Mudd · August 27, 2011, 07:58:00 PM

Welcome to the tradgang family.

Enjoy your journey along with the rest of us.

God bless,Mudd

Grey Taylor · August 27, 2011, 08:05:00 PM

Don't feel you're handicapped with that bow. If you arrows are well matched to it it'll work just fine.

Guy

Green · August 27, 2011, 08:10:00 PM

Welcome to the gang Jeff. Their are tons of past articles on tuning, equipment setup, etc. to be found using the search feature at the top. For shooting help look to the shooter's forum from the main page.....lots of true guru's here on all topics.

Rob W. · August 27, 2011, 10:04:00 PM

There's good mojo in old bows! At your draw and tuned properly that bow should perform well.

Rob DiStefano · August 28, 2011, 07:18:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by J_R_S:
Hey guys I've been browsing the forum for a few days and finally joined up. My name is Jeffrey and I live in Macon, GA. I shot a recurve some in my early teens but moved on to other hunting methods as I got older so I'm "almost new to the game" of traditional archery. I really want to try the traditional method again and am in need of advice.
I currently have an antique Pearson Cougar that's 64" and 40# @ 28". I recently purchased a set of arrows and a few other items from 3 Rivers. I've been going out back and hitting the bag target for a while now but now I'm searching for advice.
I just want to get some idea of things I should be concentrating on as far as form and practice to try and develop the skills needed to become a successful traditional archer. I know my bow is not the best but I hope I can at least get a feel for shooting a traditional bow with it. I have no idea what I should be or if I should be looking for a better bow at this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm all ears, have the FEVER pretty bad and really green to all of this.

I'm 6'1" and have a 30.5" draw. (if that matters)

Thanks in advance,
Jeffrey

welcome jeffrey.

you might wanna read the "trad archery" article that's linked in my sig line ...

LONGSTYKES · August 28, 2011, 07:41:00 AM

Jeffrey, Welcome. As you can tell already, that in the Trad Gang community you will find a great amount of information and opinions. Enjoy

Cherokee Scout · August 28, 2011, 07:47:00 AM

Big Jim has a trad shop not too far fro you. He is sponsor on this site. He could help you.

J_R_S · August 28, 2011, 08:21:00 AM

Thanks guys for the warm welcome!
I look forward to learning a lot from all of you through my journey to become a successful traditional archer and bow hunter.

Claymore · August 28, 2011, 08:57:00 AM

Those Cougars are pretty good bows. That is also a good poundage to start. A lot of good advice already. My advise , just shoot a lot. Until you are a pretty good shot tuning can be frustrating or at least that is what I found. Send me a pm and I'll recommend a good book.

Indiana-jim · August 28, 2011, 11:54:00 AM

just practice your tail off and listen the folks on this forum. Just lurking around here has helped a bunch.
Jim

bolong · August 28, 2011, 04:01:00 PM

Welcome to the Gang Jeffrey! This is a great bunch with lots of knowledge. Enjoy the sport.