Howdy folks,

Thinking about getting into a traditional setup this year in addition to the ol' Mathews.

I went looking around a few shops in January and hardly any of them were stocking recurves. Would any of you know a good place where the folks would have some knowledge to set me up properly and/or recommend a particular bow. Cheers.

Alex

Its hard to find a place that is knowledgeable of traditional archery.
If you cant find a local place I would suggest buying a Southwest Archery Spyder takediwn, anout $150. Or, Field amd Stream carries the Wolverine takesiwn, which is the same bow.
Dont get too heavy of a poundage bow to start, you can buy heavier limbs later fir anout $70.
Once you get the bow, for most folks starting out, I would recommend no more than 35/40 lbs.
Figure out what your actual draw length is, then call 3 Rivers archery or some of us that shoit traditional can point you in tbe direction as far as arrow spine goes.

Cheers @Chorn -- will my draw length be roughly similar to my compound draw? Appreciate the advice on the trad stuff - been bowhunting for 25 years, but never picked up the true traditional route itch until now.

Alex

Alex,

Typically draw length of a traditional bow vs a compound is around 1" shorter.
As mentioned, don't get stuck on draw weight. There is no let off and you are holding 100% of the weight, and it only increases as you pull to your anchor point.

There are several methods of holding, shooting, and anchoring the arrow.
Some shoot 3 fingers under the arrow, for a better sight picture down the shaft of the arrow.
I shoot split finger (one above the arrow, and 2 under.
Some bows are made to shoot one way or the other, but it is usually when the bows are made to order.

Try pulling the arrow back and anchoring the pointer finger in the corner of your lip, for a consistent release.


Once you get started you will be like a kid again shooting at vicious leaves, deadly pinecones, and the evasive stumps of the word.

God Bless,
David B.

i have a spyder takedown bow. excellent product. 45 pounds at 28 inches; 50 pounds at my 30-inch draw.

Good advice. More than likely your draw length will be shorter..
The Spyder Takedown is a great shooting bow. Add a low stretch string and it shoots better than some high dollar bows Ive shot.

I'm not sure where you are located but the best way to get into it is to go to one of the local traditional archery shoots. There are usually quite a few vendors there and plenty of people are usually happy to let you shoot their bows also.

Thanks for the tips folks. @ALwoodsman -- I'm actually moving back to Bama in June after many a years on the other side of the Atlantic. My hunting has been limited to 3 weeks a year on a trip home to hunt with my dad the past 8 years, but I'll finally be able hunt a full season and that "kid feeling" you're talking about is already getting back to me.


I'll be based in Cullman County upon return. Any tips for local stuff 'round there? I used to go to Van's a decent amount back in the day.

All the best,

Alex

There is a shoot in June at Tannehill State Park east of Birmingham. There are a couple in TN that are good to. Check out Twin Oaks Bowhunters and Buck Hollow Bowhunters for dates on those. You can get a lot of info of Tradgang and Stickbow forums also.