HH bug got me ... Part One!

tradlongbow · September 13, 2011, 12:14:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Nivek:
[QB] Okay guys after reading all this good stuff on hill style bows I think maybe I should order myself a Christmas present.
I am a little unsure about what bow length I need after reading all the discussions on this subject posted earlier on this thread. My go to bow I am currently shooting is a recurve 60" long, 47# at 27" using 2 blade broadheads 540 grain all up weight. Shoots with authority out to 25yds.( though I mostly shoot at 20 or less for whitetails) Would like to have similar perfomance in the Hill, so which Hill models would work and which length 66" 68" or 70". I am also a kinda short assed guy myself being only 5' 8". if that has any bearing.
Thanks for your advice.

Nivek-

The bow that Mudd is selling would be perfect for you. It's a Howard Hill - Wesley Special 66" 46#@28", I think he wants $400.

Darren

Bob B. · September 13, 2011, 12:19:00 AM

Nivek

Likely a 66 inch hill bow, possibly shorter. You will not get the same speed or feel, but it will be quiter. You can get them with a locator grip, but I think they shoot best with heel pressure, so no matter the grip, your wrist is low, not high like on a recurve. Like you are carrying a pitcher of beer. I am no expert by the way, so best I stop and let the pro's chime in.

I will say I am a hunter ... it is all I think about. I am consumed by deer hunting. In my opinion, with a heavy arrow, at least 550 grains or more, your 47 to 50 pounds out of a hill is plenty to kill a deer. You likely could shoot around 500 out of a 47 pound bow but I think a tad heavier is better ... again, my opinion.

Bob.

Ray_G · September 13, 2011, 01:04:00 AM

Great story and photos, Jeff

Bows and friends go together like ... well, pick your favorite food and the result is the same - satisfaction and good memories.

Ray_G · September 13, 2011, 01:10:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Lambow:
Good pictures, Ray... looks like some fine huntin country.

Thanks for the comments Lambow. I hope that I can find a camera that will suit me so that my photos will be sharper. It is interesting country to explore and hunt. The nice thing is, that it is rarely anyone but you and anyone you are with. Check out Big Jim's post - this is a few miles North of where he was hunting. His photos show some diversity of the area.

Aussie Stickbow Hunter · September 13, 2011, 03:07:00 AM

Thanks for you kind comments fellas. Darren, if you ever find yourself heading down this way be sure to give a holler as we could probably arrange to get you out there.

Jeff

September 13, 2011, 03:32:00 AM

Nivek, you may lose a little draw with a Hill. 66" at 27" in a reflexed or 64" in a string follow if you you go down a little. hills tend to be a couple of pounds over the stated weight, but you may want to go up a couple of pounds anyway as they don't shoot the same spine as most recurves. some of the guys I have taught find that they can shoot a heavier bow weight than they thought after switching to a longbow. Then their are the few that thought they could jump into it with bows that could kill an elephant, then after they find they cannot handle them, think that I should buy it from them.

Rob DiStefano · September 13, 2011, 05:12:00 AM

jeff - great posts and pics! thank you sir!!!

Ben Maher · September 13, 2011, 05:12:00 AM

Ray ... sweet pics mate !

A.S.H ...Awesome stuff mate ! Glad to see you out and into 'em . Looks like a dandy property ...

Just a tad jealous ! lol

Ari · September 13, 2011, 05:53:00 AM

Wow Jeff, what a great story and property!
The winner is gonna have a hard time beating that one for Nate's hunting challenge.

bundyrod · September 13, 2011, 06:00:00 AM

Love looking at those pic's Jeff,wish we were still out there

dragonheart · September 13, 2011, 10:30:00 AM

Thanks for the story from down under, great photos. That is just cool.

tradlongbow · September 13, 2011, 12:28:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Aussie Stickbow Hunter:
Thanks for you kind comments fellas. Darren, if you ever find yourself heading down this way be sure to give a holler as we could probably arrange to get you out there.

Jeff

Thanks Mate- that would be an awesome trip hunting with a bunch Hill shooters in that terrian.

Thanks,
Darren

Benny Nganabbarru · September 13, 2011, 05:29:00 PM

Awesome trip, lads!

StanM · September 13, 2011, 06:07:00 PM

Canting the bow

I notice that when I really, really want to hit the spot it seems that I shoot significantly better when I cant the bow nearer to 45 degrees. Anyone else find this? I came to realize this last night when I was shooting from a number of different positions and seemed to consistently drill center when kneeling. I noticed the main difference is that I cant the bow more when kneeling. Started canting it at the same angle when I was standing and noticed a definite improvement in shooting consistency. Anyone else experience this?

MarkLH · September 13, 2011, 06:43:00 PM

What a great story, thank you for it and the pictures.

September 13, 2011, 06:58:00 PM

The more side shot the bow the more I tilt it. On my pignut self bow which is 7/8" wide at the arrow rests, one on each side, I find it shoots right where I look just like anything else. I have days, more than I like, that I am more accurate with the pignut hickory than anything else, it is plenty fast, and some days I wonder why I have all these Hill style bows around here.

mikebiz · September 13, 2011, 07:09:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by StanM:
Canting the bow

I notice that when I really, really want to hit the spot it seems that I shoot significantly better when I cant the bow nearer to 45 degrees. Anyone else find this? I came to realize this last night when I was shooting from a number of different positions and seemed to consistently drill center when kneeling. I noticed the main difference is that I cant the bow more when kneeling. Started canting it at the same angle when I was standing and noticed a definite improvement in shooting consistency. Anyone else experience this?

Strange you mention this Stan. I was shooting a bunch today since I just received new strings from Josh Sowerby (Oliverstacy). Fantastic strings by the way.

I decided at the end of my session to shoot some flights from the kneeling position. This forced me to cant the bow a little more than usual and I too seemed to get tighter groups. I don't think I was approaching 45 degrees though. My bow is 64" so it's easy to keep the tip out of the ground when kneeling. Are you shooting three under or split? I shoot 3U. Anyone have some insight as to why Stan and I should always shoot from the knees?

Rob DiStefano · September 13, 2011, 07:17:00 PM

canting the bow is a good way to tame the arrow spine.

Nate Steen . · September 13, 2011, 08:05:00 PM

great photos guys....that's what we like to see!

Like Ray said, we took an evening to look for deer.....here a few photos of the terrain. I have so many things to hunt for in September that I want to chase everything...not just elk.

big buck country...just saw does though....

Ray at the waterhole

size, contour, steepness of the terrain

longbows,backquivers, and woodies.....great stuff!

RLA · September 13, 2011, 08:24:00 PM

I have an up-date on my progress with the new to me Miller Old Tom longbow. Bow is 66" 54#@28" I found I pull about 26" 3/4" while shooting with this bow. I've setteled on 5" 3/4" brace height & a B-50 string, in favor of FF, with no need for silencers. The B-50 just feels better for me. 50-55's with 125gr up to 160gr points work nice, 200gr was a little to weak with the 50-55's. I've had to give up 3 under & go back to split with this bow, not a problem, think I'm split Finger for good this time. I had forgotten how quiet a bow can be shot! I'm pretty much locked into hunting with this bow at this point, it's been so fun shooting this bow I've neglected my trusty recurve. This Friday me & Ol Tom will head for the woods, wish us luck!