Rethinking short bows, ground hunting, etc...

Roger Norris · November 09, 2025, 09:43:46 AM

While I have killed a bunch of deer with what would be considered "short" bows.....like 56 and 58 inch Shrews, over the last few years I have drifted towards longer limbs.

My current favorite Shrew is actually 60", as is my Black Widow recurve. My Northern Mist Ramers are 62,64, 66 inches.

2 years ago I bought a super short Shrew Scout, and shot it enough, but didn't love it. To describe the experience, it wasn't comfortable to shoot for a long time. I was actually going to sell it, but decided to shoot it a bit one more time.

I took my Waldrop PacSeat to my backyard range, sat in the chair is if I were ground hunting, and holy smokes....I really shot it well.

So yesterday I knew I was going to ground hunt.My son was duck hunting on a lake nearby, and I was going to hunt the swamp adjacent. We have hunted this swamp plenty. And while there is lots of dry ground, it is the absolute thickest area we hunt. Horrible with multi floral rose and Russian olive.

I took my PacSeat and this little Scout, snuck in, and had a great morning. No deer cooperated, but I really did notice a difference in manipulating this tiny bow in the thick stuff, both while walking and sitting. My route OUT of the swamp was a path I had never taken (path as described by ONX, there was no path) and 50inches really made a difference.

So here is my thinking...I think....This tiny bow is NOT a choice for one bow does all. My 60 inch bows are kinda that sweetspot. But because it has the exact same grip as my 60 inch Shrew, I am able to shoot it well, and it REALLY works for tight spaces. I will be messing with this idea for the rest of the year.....the ground is so much more convenient than a tree.

Possum Head · November 09, 2025, 10:07:17 AM

Interesting! Like you I've been around long enough to know some short bows have a reputation for shooting much better than others due to design. The Shrew is certainly no exception. Many have stated they find the longer bows just as good to hunt with from ground or tree and that's great but for those that lean towards shorter builds, it's good to know there are those engineered to behave at longer draws.

trad_bowhunter1965 · November 09, 2025, 10:25:59 AM

Great post Roger give some good insight on using short bows,

Roger Norris · November 09, 2025, 10:39:28 AM

Quote from: Possum Head on November 09, 2025, 10:07:17 AMInteresting! Like you I've been around long enough to know some short bows have a reputation for shooting much better than others due to design. The Shrew is certainly no exception. Many have stated they find the longer bows just as good to hunt with from ground or tree and that's great but for those that lean towards shorter builds, it's good to know there are those engineered to behave at longer draws.

I am one of those guys that have stated "longer bows are no problem" and I still believe that. I have used 66 inch longbows out of a tree with no issues. And I do believe that you can make it work.

I think that for ME, this ultra short Scout is working out to be a specialized tool. And from release to target impact, there is not a compromise. I think it has a LOT to do with form, and how my form must be "smaller" while sitting. Because when I take this same bow out to 30 yards, standing....it doesn't feel right.

Wudstix · November 19, 2025, 11:28:21 PM

60" is my sweet spot as well, but have been hunting a 66" Moosejaw Razorback lately. It all depends on the flavor of the day.

smokin joe · **Today** at 06:59:19 AM

Good post, Roger. Short bows have a place in some special situations. If you shoot it well, keeping it for those situations makes a lot of sense.

Terry Green · Last Edit: **Today** at 09:56:09 AM by Terry Green

I hear ya Roy! Shrews, MOABS, and Cenaurs... 58 to 60 inches dominate my kills by FAR.

Those lengths are much better when you hunt in their bedroom rather than at the mall.

I also have never found short bows of RD design to be hard to shoot as the wives tales claim.

MnFn · **Today** at 10:23:21 AM

I've had a bunch of short bows, but currently I am trying to master the ASL. I hunted some places this fall with prickly ash and that multi floral crap and I for sure won't forget my clippers next time.

My all time favorite short bow was a 56" Shrew Classic Hunter-shoulda kept that one.

I do have a couple of 58" bows that will work if I go back to a shorter bow for a specific task. A Black Widow PFT and a Tall Tines.

In looking at the photo the PFT grip reminds of the CH a bit.

Kelly · **Today** at 12:18:10 PM

Yup, count me in as a short bow fan these days since all of my shooting is done from a seated position because of health issues. I totally agree that some short bows are better shooters for me than others and also agree that shooting while seated is much different than the same while standing. Think one is more solid than the other meaning while standing your body has to balance itself whereas while seated it can relax more, especially with a backrest, which I have to use at all times. My current bow is a 54" longbow and my 60" Thunderhorn TD is hanging on the rack getting jealous.

STICKBENDER98 · **Today** at 12:25:38 PM

Roger, what are the specs on your Shrew Scout? My idle curiosity may get me into trouble....again.

Jason

Roger Norris · **Today** at 03:00:24 PM

Quote from: STICKBENDER98 on Today at 12:25:38 PMRoger, what are the specs on your Shrew Scout? My idle curiosity may get me into trouble....again.

Jason

It pulls 50# at 28".....only a 50 inch bow. Very short. I like it quite a bit, but it is definitley not the bow for a guys who just hunts with "one bow".