I'm wanting to get started in traditional archery. I've been bowhunting for about 10yrs now and I have always had some strange yerning to take up traditional archery. Maybe its my ancestors spirit running through me. Anyway, I don't know the first thing about recurves or longbows or wood arrows or any of that stuff. Could you guys give me any pointers on where I should begin. Thanks for all the help.

Hunt the thickets

Great! Where to start......tough one there. I guess you could start by looking over the messages posted here--there are lots of answers to questions you might have, and probably some you haven't thought of (yet). Do some reading--there's a lot of good books on traditional archery, from stories of hunts and adventures to instructions on shooting and hunting. Try to locate a club that has traditional archers in it, and attend the shoots. Get the know the archers and ask a lot of questions--I about guarantee you will get offers to shoot their bows. When you are ready for a bow, look around and start out cheap and light. You can get a good quality bow at a reasonable price. I wouldn't order a custom bow at first because you don't yet know what you like or what fits you, or even if the sport is right for you.

Hope this helps--good luck!

Chad

Long Bows Rule!

Two books I believe are a must for anyone taking up the sport.

Asbel's Instinctive shooting 1

and

Byron Fergusons Become the arrow (btw, heard there is a video in the making)

They will lay a path for you to follow. Try one and go with it. You will learn a ton from both books, from bow tuning to arrow goodies. Not to mention some great storys and a myriad of other information! IMO there is hardly 2 other books out there that will get you going as well as these!

I don't have much to add to the good advice already given. Just keep things simple, don't overthink the details and enjoy.

Think I'd start with aluminum arrows. Matched to your bow, their consistency will help you with yours. Welcome and hope you enjoy it.

Welcome to traditional archery! I have to agree with Lilhunter's advice. I found Fred Asbell's book to be more helpful to me personally, but Byron Ferguson's book is not to be overlooked.

Asbell has a way of simplifying the mechanics associated with traditional archery and whetting your appetite to get out and start shooting. Plus, it works.

Blessings to you as you begin!

YBIC,
Dave ><>

Matt 6:33,34/Rev 3:20