Been thinking about getting into it. I have been messing around with making my own simple longbows but dont think I'd be able to carve my own efficent one.

How many of yall use traditonals?

Would it be worth trying to make my own?
Or just invest in one?

I hunt mostly longbow but occasional recurve. I would recommend starting out with a purchased one and working into building one later. There is a big shoot at Tannehill next weekend and there will be all kind of vendors there and bow builders as well. There is a gentleman in Muscle Shoals area that builds them named Erik Krewson. He would be good to talk to about building your own bow. You also can get more "traditional" help on the bowsite or tradgang web sites. It would definitely be worth your drive for next weekend's shoot.

I shoot modern recurves, just bought a new one. Also modern R/D longbows, old style D longbows like a Howard Hill longbow. And I make osage self bows. All are good, killed a doe with a self bow and flint point this season.

Best advise is what stkshtr said, go to Tannehill next weekend and look at a LOT of bows, shoot some of them, and buy your first one. You will be able to get everything ya need there, will be a lot of vendors there.

Word of warning, don't get a bow that is too heavy, hard to hold back. It will teach ya bad habits. Most folks start with a recurve in the 40-50 pound range, depending on strength. It ain't like a compound for sure.

troy

I went back to a wheel bow this year after a shoulder injury but I shot Traditional for several years. Very good advice above. I'd try to shoot some before you buy one so you will know what weight you can comfortably draw. Don't get caught up on the # written on the bottom limb. Use the weight you can comfortably shoot, whether that's 35# or 55#. As Troy said, it's nothing like a compound.

Starting from scratch, I'd recommend getting an ILF set up. That will allow you to upgrade limbs as you progress without having to buy a complete new bow. You can find used ILF limbs ranging from $100 bangers to $600 Olympic quality ILF limbs on the various Traditional archery forums pretty often.

OK, found out the info about the HUGE trad shoot at Tannehill next weekend.

Good golly, at the list of vendors. Should be a great event.

you coming Clem?????

troy

Probably will be there Friday, and maybe Saturday morning. Most likely on Friday.

Should I look for you knapping in a loincloth with a giraffe femur and hunks of obsidian?

correct.....

That should keep attendance at a reasonably low level. LOL

I might make it over Friday afternoon and possibly some on Sunday with my son.

I been using my traditional bear long bow for some time now and I think u
You should just invest

Just remember "traditional" archery is all about muscle memory...practice,practice,practice and then practice some more. It's not like picking up your bow, checking the sights and shooting a few arrows the week before the season opens.

I started out years ago with the old Bear Kodiac Hunter 50lbs.I remember my father-in-law (girlfriends dad at the time) had a Bear recurve that was 84lbs. I borrowed it and could not wait to shoot it. I thought I was going to double my arrow speed...wrong. It was a big let down. You talk about stacking! 84lbs in a store bought recurve with about 14" of brace height. I couldnt pull that thing back now to save my life.