Ferguson or Welch?
 

Hey


Planning on getting another shooting video. I have "asbels video" , i agree with alot of it, but not the swing arm draw and some other stuff. I shoot good out to 25yds. I would like to increase my distance.

I have heard alot about the rick welch video and Become the arrow from ferguson, also hit em like howard hill.
I like shooting instinctive , but just need a system for longer ranges.

Any advice about which video is better for what i am looking for?

I have been going back and forth between welch vol, 2 and Become the arrow.

Cant decide , This will be one of my christmas gifts , so gotta be good, LOL

any replies will be appreciated.

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

I don't know about videos, but bryron fergonson is one heck of a shot, at least a trick shot. Sorry. I would however recommend reading "instictive shooting" and some of the other books by G. Fred Asbell. I am not a fan of the swing arm stuff either, but the books might be more help than the videos.
Just a thought, and sorry if this doesn't help you at all

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

I've not seen any of the videos, but I think the indirect aiming Hill/Ferguson method is what you need for accurate shooting at longer ranges. Asbell style 'instinctive' shooting doesn't get the job done past 30 yards, at least not for me.

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

I haven't seen Ferguson's video, but I do think the book has a lot of great information in it. I do have Ricky Welch's video, and it's got some good information, but I am not convinced his style would work as well for longer shots.

I've never understood how G. Fred's books and videos became so popular. I have one video and have thumbed through the books. Some good info, but a lot I don't agree with at all. The people I've ever talked with who said that trying a particular style really screwed up their shooting were invariably trying the Asbell method, and it seems lately he's been re-explaining his methods.

In the video, there is no defined target to show if he's actually hitting the spot he means to--he only makes some short shots at hay bales. He does group a few arrows, but does nothing impressive for someone with his reputation.

Evidently he's doing something right because he's made a name for himself with it, but I have yet to figure it out. I see and talk to some very good shots (and a lot of average ones) that basically use either the Ferguson or Welch method; I've never saw a consistently good shooter using the Asbell method.

Back to the question: if I had to pick one or the other, I'd go with the Ferguson video, but I think you can pick up information from both.

Chad

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

Hey

Thanks for the replies guys.

I totally agree with you about asbel and his video. But, i must give it credit, i learned from that video and fred bears archers bible how to start in tad shooting. I am just looking to advance now!

After reading many replies and doing some research, i am going with the Ferguson video. I think it will help me with longer shots and a system beyond 25yds.
I agree with what the one post says , about that.

thanx again guys , great replies

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

Guess I did sound a bit harsh--I don't know the guy, never even met him, but I do know at least a couple of archers (and heard of more) that tried his way and it almost ruined them. That, and there are some things in the video that really bugged me--going around the world to make a point and/or saying the same thing over and over, and one part where he says something like you can't shoot a longbow 3-under because they aren't made to be shot like that. That's a very ignorant statement coming from someone who has put themselves, or allowed themselves to be put, in the position he is in. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I'm not putting out books and videos and holding instructional clinics for big bucks. I guess you could say my opinions cost what they are worth [8D].

Chad

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

I've run through all the books and videos and would say that my shooting style is a combined product of each. But if I had to pick just one knowing what I know now it would be the Welch stuff. The shooting style seems to be the most straightforward--much like shooting a compound. From Asbell, I use the same grip. It just gives me the best accuracy even if my shooting style isn't exactly instinctive. From Furguson, I use his sighting advice and recommended stance.

I'd say read and watch it all. Experiment with all of it and find what works for you. The fun is in the process and you're never totally there.

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

I don't have all of the instructional movies and or books, but I have reviewed several. When I started shooting traditional again several years ago after many years of not shooting, I talked with several archers and read several books in search of the perfect form. I tried to copy several "famous archers" and several local folks who are quite good. I became very frustrated and through alot of trial and error have developed a style of my own, nothing new more like little bits and pieces from many others.
This year I was fortunate enough to go on my first elk hunt (I live in the east) I did not harvest an elk but had an incredible exprience, another story. I did however spend alot of time practicing longer shots than I was accustomed to taking, 30-40yards and on occasion 45yards. I became pretty confident after flinging many many arrows. The practice did pay off more during a New York hunt as I did take a whitetail at aproximately 33 yards, a shot I wouldn't have even thought about the year before. I would have to say the form/ system which helped me the most accomplish my longer shot accuracy/confidence was Byron Fergusons' book becoming the arrow.
I guess the bottom line for me is that as long as I remain open minded and take the time to practice my prefered style may continue to evolve. However I save the experimenting for the off-season, practice enough to be confident with whatever system you choose, and most of all know your own limits.
Who said you can't shoot a longbow 3 fingers under!! Umm Umm Umm those venison steaks are very tasty!!

Good Luck

Jim

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

I have seen many videos on different styles but welchs did the best for me. Ferguson is a good trick shot and i have seem him take animals on tv. But i have hunted with welch and have been to many turnaments with him and i use his style because you can shoot long shots (30 to 40) yards. Ricky can shoot even futher and be real accurate. I dont want to sound bias because he is a good friend , but the man has won 31 world
titles in 5 different divisions with his style. Check out his hunting videos
His style works. Good hunting

RE: Ferguson or Welch?
 

I have a recurve Rick built for me and his Vol. 2 training video.
I have shot 3 under copying Rick's 2 point anchor since day one and it has worked great for me.
Of course, since I compete with a compound using a 3 point anchor for 3-D shooting, the more anchor points the better. ;)
One of these days when I decide to compete with my recurve, I'm gonna have to look up Ol' Chad and give him a shooting lesson. LOL
I still remember your 17th. world ranking, Chad. ;)
You'll be tough to beat but I'll give it a shot. ;)



Sag.