Please help me get started

[BobCo19-65]

I have been a compound bow shooter for eight years now, however I know basically nothing about traditional bows.

I have just inherited a Bear Recurve and would love to learn how to shoot it.

I am basically starting from scratch and would love some suggestions from some experienced traditional shooters.

The bow has a small shelf on it and my father shot it with a brush arrow rest. It has no holes drilled on it at all (for sites etc.). I have no idea how to even shoot it.

[Lilhunter]

2 things. Pick up Fred Asbells instictive shooting 1 (you can buy book 2 but no need), his video is ok also if ya like. Next find someone who actually does it and is good at it to some degree, they know what in the world is going on somewhere up in those cobwebs, and pick there brain! Heck flat out ask them for help most trad folks are more then willing! Take what everyone is doing around you with a grain of salt and make your own pound of sugar! Not every grain is going to work for you so pick what does and disregard the rest and drive on!

[Wahya]

Dan is right about buying a book, or two on shooting. Also like Dan said, find someone who knows trad. gear and ask them to help you, because the first thing I'd do is examine the bow for any obvious damage or possible future problems. If it has been awhile since the bow has been shot, you will probably need a new string and a bow stringer. Once the bow has been inspected and determined to be in good shape, string it and examine the limbs for twists. If either or both limbs are twisted, they can usually be straightened. If all appears ok, then tentatively short draw the bow a few times. It will probably seem stiff to you at first. Once you are satisfied that it won't blow up on you right away, leave it strung for a few days. The bow has a good memory and will probably be a very good shooter for you.

What model Bear curve is it? What's the visual condition of the bow? Poundage? Writing on limb and riser? Those old Bears can be very nice shooters. One thing you may want to be aware of is that your draw length will determine the actual weight on the bow. Say the bow is marked 45# @ 28" or the Bear equivalent and you draw 30", the bow will actually draw closer to 50# for you or 2 1/2# per inch of draw. If you draw less than 28", then subtract 2 1/2# per inch less than the 28". Also, if you have a very long draw, like 30" plus, you may not want to shoot the old bear. Most of them were too short to accomodate the longer draw lengths and drawing it too far might actually be harmful to the bow.

[gelarson]

I found Asbel's videos and books to be so so valuable. There is a magazine called Traditional Bowhunter which is a wealth of knowledge as well. Remember opinions are just that -opinions- and what works for me may not work for you.
After getting the bow checked out make sure you buy a bow stringer. If you try stringing the bow w/o you may end up twisting a limb.
Good luck and welcome aboard.

Eric

[LBR]

I prefer Byron Ferguson's "Become the Arrow" for an instructional book (skip the part about wooden arrows--he evidently didn't know where to look when he wrote the book). Although I don't use the same style, it's great for starting out, and has a lot of good information regardless of what style you use. It's easy to read and understand. Also, as has already been said, try to hook up with some other archers--that can be a lot of help too.

Chad

[arrowsmit]

Heck, all great advice. Nothing to add here except that prolly a good amount of "stickum" is the main ingredient to becoming proficient w/a stickbow, good luck, & remember to keep it FUN!!



Traditional archery is a journey, not a destination.

[BobCo19-65]

Thank you for all the help. You are a great bunch of people. I really appreciate it. I will get a few books on shooting, and take the bow to the pro shop here in town.

Wahya, the bow is a Kodiak Magnum. The writing on the riser is 18L103, 52", 45#. Visually, the bow is in perfect condition.