I got this new left handed recurve... And it has a area for a rest to be mounted on the bow... Can I still shoot off the shelf with this kind of set up... Or should I get a rest???

Most likely it will be fine shot off the shelf--might be a tad noisy and/or need to move the nock point up higher than normal for tuning. It shouldn't damage the bow.

I shoot both of my bows off the shelf. Sticky back velcro rests and so are my sideplates. My nocking point is 5/8" high.

Most likely if it has a cutout in the shelf for a rest, then its cut too far in to shoot off the shelf. You can if the arrow lies in the shelf and is square with limbs. You can also add some thickness to the striker plate with leather to get the arrow lined up.

If it's cut way past center, get some of the self-adhesive pads that go on the bottom of stools and chairs (to keep them from scuffing the floor). These will build it out easily, and can be trimmed down with a razor if needed.

Not sure what you mean by an area for a rest?Every recurve I've seen has room for a rest unless you're talking selfbows.I would put a rug rest/side plate on and shoot off the shelf.That keeps the arrow down lower making bare bow shooting much easier and reducing the effect of canting the bow.

He is saying, he can mount a rest like a a TM Hunter, or flipper like you do on a compound. Not off the shelf.

Well I got the new bow out today and set it up... Found some of that felt for the bottom of furniture and cut two pieces... One for the shelf ans a piece for the riser... Set my nock point about 1/8" high... Then I put some cat wiskers on it and took it out and started to sling arrows... I was shocked to see my arrows fly like darts and the bow is pretty dog gone quiet... So I'm hopin I and going to get lucky with the way my arrows are flyin!!!

Thanks for the tips... You guys have been very helpfull!!!

Glad to hear it's shooting well.When properly set up/shooting the right arrow spine you get arrow flight just as good shooting stick bows off the shelf as the most expensive rests off the best compounds.

I really want to do some paper testing thoe... I did notice some arrow wobble at longer distance... So I will prob just keep hunting with my bear kodiak and practice with the left handed bow more serious next summer...