Has anyone experimented with making long bows. Is it worth giving a try or is it better to buy one?

Anything is worth a try if you have the time.

I've made several primitive longbows from white wood (hickory, maple) and the venerable osage orange. It is well worth the effort and very satisfying.

The 'other' bow I own is an Osage longbow; 68", 50 lbs. @ 29", timber rattler skin backing.

My first preference in archery was the primitive route before deciding to buy a Mathews Mission. I could no longer make my own bows.

Buy the 3 "Bowyers Bible" books for reference and make yourself a primitive or traditional longbow and a set of hunting arrows tipped with stone and you'll never regret it.

I am pretty sure that Bham Fred has a good bit of experience making bows. Give him a shout.

make yer own???

depends, I guess, on what ya like. It sure ain't rocket science, heck Indians did it fer a few? years

I'm currently shooting a compound because of a broke finger, but I usualy shoot recurves and longbows, both modern bought and primative self made. It's all good.

here's an Osage self made bow and kill...


the stone point...


get em...

troy

If you'd like to buy one I know a guy close to you that does some quality work. It's been a hobby of his for years, and he's retired now, so he makes them for folks. He lives in Macon County in the same neighborhood as my father. He's made one for both of us, and they are pretty nice. I haven't hunted with mine in a couple years, but still practice with it every now and then.




tipped with antler

My hat's off to the primitive hunters.