Exploring

30ace · 08-10-2005, 08:43 AM

Traditional archery is something i have always admired.For years i shot mens AA unlimited while at a state or national event i would always make my way to watch the traditional people shot.Amazed would be a under statement.Some questions i have.
1) source for arrows (wooden)
2)source for a target (a big one i will need it i mean a target bigger then a kenzie deer target)
3)What does everyone use a tab or a glove and is there any advantage with either.
4)What does everyone use for arrows wooden or aluminum
5) prefered weapon for target shooting and hunting (longbow or recurve?)

Arthur P · 08-10-2005, 09:26 AM

You got the traditional bug nibbling your buns, huh?

Here are a few sources for stuff. You should be able to find anything you need at one of these sites.

http://www.kustomkingarchery.com/
http://www.threeriversarchery.com/
http://alaskabowhunting.com/
http://www.rogueriverarchery.com/

Most of the guys I know use a glove. I switch back and forth between glove and tab. Sometimes I shoot better with the glove, sometimes better with the tab. I much prefer a glove for hunting though.

Traditional guys use all kinds of arrows. Wood, aluminum, carbon, carbon/glass composite. Sometimes tournament rules specify you can only shoot wood, especially in longbow class. Some tournaments have what they call traditional longbow and traditional recurve classes, where you have to shoot wood, and modern longbow/modern recurve classes where you can shoot any type arrow you want. Depends on the club. The selfbow classes are always limited to wood arrows.

Tournament time is the only time you really have to worry about what kind of arrow you shoot. Except for selfbows. There's something kinda obscene about shooting synthetic arrows from a bow made from all-natural materials.

It's arguably best for a beginning traditional shooter to start off with modern arrows, because of their consistency. Getting a dozen perfectly matched woodies is a chore, but it can be done. On the other hand, there's something about shooting wood arrows that tends to get in your blood and stays there. I shot wood arrows for a good 15 years before I ever shot anything different, and I still love to shoot them... at least when I can find some long enough for my ape-armed draw length.

When you get started, don't get any further than 10 yards from the target. When you start grouping well at 10 yards, you can start moving back as you improve. Just take it in stages and have fun with it.

30ace · 08-10-2005, 09:29 AM

Thanks for the links.

BobCo19-65 · 08-10-2005, 10:39 AM

Hello there 30acres. If you are interested at all in traditional archery, then you really need to pick up a traditional bow and try it out. You know you will sooner or later. If you wait too long, when you finally do, you'll probably say to yourself - "Man why didn't I do this sooner", and then proceed to kick yourself a few times. Really, pick one up, they are so much fun.

Arthur mentioned most of the sites, the only one I'd add is the Black Widow site (for accessories). RRA as Arthur mentioned are a very common source for wood arrows.
I myself use a home made target, bag targets and 3-d targets. Try to get a back stop (10'X10') if you are worried about missing the target. You can try FS archery for that.

Personally I use an Alaskan Bowhunting Supply superglove. But I also use a Black Widow tab. I often switch back and forth. I used the calf hair tab for a while and then tried the superleather tab as Arthur mentioned he prefered that. And guess what - he was right again. If you spend enough time here on the site, you'll realize that Arthur is "da man"!

I pretty much use aluminums exclusively on my longbow.Mainly because of their cost,straightness, and uniform spine. I can afford to loose a few of them without a problem also.

Personally, I prefer a longbow. I just like the way it feels in my hand compared to a recurve.

Guss · 08-10-2005, 11:17 AM

These guys have covered it pritty good. All I have to add is that there is no set path to take when starting traditional, do things at your pace, and comfort level. There is no 1 way to do anything in this sport. Keep your chin up when your shooting is not so good and dont get cocky when you are on fire(I did that today and it cost me a few arrows). All in all have fun, its hard not to.

Later

30ace · 08-10-2005, 12:21 PM

Another question what do you guys think about the Hoyt gamemaster take down bow?I would like to use it for target practice and maybe woodchucks later after alot of practice.

Arthur P · 08-10-2005, 12:31 PM

I've never shot a Gamemaster, myself, but the guys who have one all seem to like them.

wyomingtrapper · 08-10-2005, 12:52 PM

Good info above. I shoot better with a tab than a glove, and as well bare fingured--but more than a couple of shots are a bit rough on the finger! Try both the tab and the glove and see which works for you. If your looking to try traditional, start with a light weight bow.

Guss · 08-10-2005, 02:07 PM

I shoot a game mastera few weeks ago and didnt realy like it. It felt like a compound, cold and fake,and thats what I am trying to get away from. It is also alot heaver then my long bow. From what I read on it you can change drawwaits with new limbs, that is cool, but I still dont care for it, but who amI, just a punk.

True Position · 08-10-2005, 07:43 PM

Welcome to the ranks. I hope you have as much fun with it as I have ! Primary suggestions are, not to get overbowed 50 pounds is plenty.You may find it easier to transition back and forth with a recurve rather than a longbow, make your own "traditional", you want to shoot a recurve and carbons, go right ahead, you want to shoot a self bow with stainless steel rods...go right ahead.....in other words, listen to advice, but don't take it as sacred. There really is no right and wrong. You have to find your own happy place and happy form in traditional........and lastly, save your money cuz once the bow bug bites, it bites hard!

Good luck and keep it fun.