What do I need to get started?

[Acoupstick]

I came to hunting relatively late in my life (mid 30's) and have been a compound shooter for the last few years.  I have been shooting right handed in spite of left eye dominance and that has not served me well.  

Long story short, I'm switching to lh and trad at the same time.  

I'm having trouble find a decent selection of affordable (sub $200) entry-level lh bows to shoot so I'm tempted to purchase a Samick Sage and upgrade limbs and/or to another bow in the future.  Here is a list of what I am planning on purchasing from 3 Rivers.  Please critique!  What would you add, what would you take off?


Sage TD 62" LH #40                   
Cordovan Traditional Glove - MEDIUM   
3R Hunter's Arrows - Kit A 35-55   
Cordovan Tab LH - MEDIUM   
Longbow & Recurve Superstringer   
11/32 Glue On Field Point Test Kit

Instruction books and videos.

[straitera]

Looks like you've done your homework. I'd nix the tab. PM for more. Welcome & good luck.

[Stumpkiller]

I'd nix the glove.    

The tab comes with it and so does the glove.  This the bow kit from 3 rivers.

[Acoupstick]

Wow pavan, thanks!  I put this together without even looking at the kit.  Guess I'll order the kit.....

Sage Takedown Recurve (40#), Armguard, Tab or Damascus Glove, Ranger Back Quiver, Stringer, and Bow Case

...and ask what I should add.  Thoughts?

[Acoupstick]

Also will get 35-55# wooden arrow test kit and point test kit.  I realize that wooden arrows are not necessarily recommended for beginners, but I am stubborn.    

[don s]

how about some sort of target? you can make one instead of buying it. my wife hated it when i shot the couch. i was aiming for the cat that was on top of the couch but i'm not telling her. stoopid cat.
           don

[DVSHUNTER]

Where are you at in MO?

[Acoupstick]

Ha ha, don s. I hate cats!  I have a couple of targets that I used with my compound.  I am just south of KC and have already checked with Mike at the Nocking Point.  Can't make it to the UBM event this weekend, sadly.

[Kapellmeister]

It's good you're getting both the glove & tab.
If you're like me... you may think you like the glove at first.  You have to give yourself some time to get acclimated to a tab.  Once you do, I think it will become evident that you can't help but get a cleaner release with it (tab).

Have fun shooting!      

[jr1959]

I would add a few judo points or rubber blunts for stumping/roving.  jim

[Mike Most]

If its too darn cold outside to shoot the bow,

I would recommend Byron Fergusons book "Become the Arrow"

[kadbow]

Add lots of patience, and probably even more since you are switching to lefty.  It is worth all the time and effort.

[gobblegrunter]

Cody,
From one newbie to another:
I'm just like you. Haven't hunted my entire life and spent some years with the compound before going trad just recently. I shot RH compound despite left-eye dominance as well. When picking up my first trad bow, went with LH right from the start...I'm SO happy that I did! It's really not as tough as it might seem. Congrats on your first great decision! I started with the cordovan tab and love it. It provides a nice, clean release. Also, nice choice on the arrow kit...see what works best before buying the dozen. Otherwise, I've found the "Masters of the Barebow" video very helpful along with the book "Shooting the Stickbow" by Anthony Camera. Aside from all of this...Congrats on already finding the most valuable traditional archery resource (tradgang) available!!! This is a great site full of wonderful people who have already helped me out in more ways than I can mention!

[Rob DiStefano]

before you spend yer dollars, read up as much as you can.  

if ya haven't done so already, click on the 'new to trad archery?' link in my sig line,

and good luck.

Originally posted by Kapellmeister:
It's good you're getting both the glove & tab.
If you're like me... you may think you like the glove at first.  You have to give yourself some time to get acclimated to a tab.  Once you do, I think it will become evident that you can't help but get a cleaner release with it (tab).

My personal experience with the tab/glove is the same as Kapellmeister.  I tried to like the glove but find the tab much better.


Cody, welcome!  Take it slowly and, like Rob said...don't run out and spend a lotta money.  Hang out and glean here....

[Zbone]

A bowsquare and maybe a set of nocking pliers are nice to have around.

Are you right or left handed? Whichever is what I would stay with regardless of dominant eye, because if you're going to shoot instinctive, keep both eyes open.

[Bill Tell]

Well I think you need some sort of a quiver.  I started with a back quiver.  However I don't think it matters what you start with.  You just need something to carry your arrows in.

[Bill Tell]

Sorry posted twice some how