When I got started in archery as a youngster in the 1950's there were two choices in bows - longbow or recurve. I actually shot both and have no real preference. I used a short recurve for hunting, but a longbow for most target practice. I tried compounds, but never had the confidence to hunt with one. Today I shoot a longbow most of the time, but I do have a new recurve on order
I have gone to longer bows over the years though. I still have the old 52" Bear Kodiak Magnum I hunted with in the 70's, but I don't enjoy the finger pinch anymore.