Going Traditional

[NY Bowhunter]

All,
   I am interested in getting away from the compound bow and going to a recurve.  I want to talk with someone who knows his/her stuff.  Are any traditional gang members near Trumansburg, NY or know someone who is knowledgeable in traditional archery near the Trumansburg area.  Trumansburg is about 12 miles North of Ithaca, NY.  

Thanks

[Cherokee Scout]

If I can help with anything, let me know.
The first advice I will give is do not over bow yourself. Most compound shooters coming to trad usually want to strart off with a bow that is too heavy. You can kill anything around USA with a 45-50 lb bow. Many compound guys think they need a 60 lb or more. No so.
If you get too much weight, it will be tougher to practice. And you will need to practice with trad gear.
Also, do believe everything you read on this site.
You will be bombarded with tips on the best bow, best shaft etc.
Do not buy a bow (if possible) until you can shoot it. A bow that is perfect for one person may be awful for the next. Shoot before you buy.

[huntnut]

I'll second that SRTA. When I started  out a few years ago I bought a bow that was 57#@ my draw, I came from shooting 80# compounds. I had a hard time shooting concestent tell I drop down to a lighter drawing bow. Then I went back to a high poundage later after my form got better, but now I'm back to a lower poundage, just alot more fun to shoot and lower weights will kill cleanly.

[longbowben]

Great advice i overbowed my self 62# sold it bought a 56# couldnt belive the difrence.good shooting  

[NY Bowhunter]

Thank guys,
    I have been reading quite a few posts on this website.  I was thinking of a bow in the 50 to 55 lbs range.  A few questions.  What is the proper way to measure your draw length for a recurve bow?  I know that I will likely loose an inch or two from my current compound draw length.  What helical should I use for my arrows, right or left?  I currently make my own arrows for the compound and I have a JoJan Multi-fletch with right helical clamps (I am a right-handed shooter). I plan on shooting fingers with a 1 over and two under grip so when placing the nocking point on your string, should you have the nocking point high, low, or dead even with the rest/shelf?  I want to shoot wooden arrows.  How many grains/inches per pound of bow weight should I use?  How about broadhead weight?

[Big Dave]

Darrel... The helical doesn't make that much diff...The nocking point has to be put at the height that you have the best arrow flight,usually a little high,arrow weight should be in the 10gr per # range, the spine should be a little heavier than your bow weight, broadheads ,to me are what you like that fly well.My2 cents  :D    :D

[Shawnee Archer]

I think 125gr Broadheads are a good way to go.

[woodchucker]

Darrel, LOTS of "The Gang" live out your way!!!!!

Look through some of the "NY" posts and send some of the guys PM's (private messages)

You'll get LOTS of responses!!!!!

Oh Yeah!!!!!  WELCOME TO OUR CAMPFIRE!!!!!          

[ghost rob]

I'm about 35 miles from Ithaca, down by Whitney Point. There are more trad shooters around here than you might think. The advice given here is good. I repeat don't overbow yourself, I killed a doe a few years ago with a forty pound longbow I built. Just practice a lot and learn to stay within your comfortable range. Try to stump shoot more than just pound a target in the back yard.This will help you when hunting. Feel free to e-mail me at rdedrick@frontiernet.net if you have any questions. I'm no expert but I've screwed up enough that maybe I could help speed up the learning curve. Rob

[Rico]

Were all just a click away good luck

[MikeC]

Yep best advice is don't over bow.  I atarted with 50lb bows at my draw went up to 62lb bows now I'm down to 42lbs and staying there.

Also I would suggest you look for a nice used Martin Bow that you can possibly shoot first.

[MikeC]

A right handed shooter typically uses LW fletch, really doesn't matter but they ride the shelf better and just plain look correct to the eye.

I would stay away from wood arrows until your a little aways along in your journey, stick to ALU arrows for consistancy, one less thing you need to worry about while you figure out what you shooting style is.  Start at no more than 10 yards and stay there until you develop some type of form and shooting method that seems to work for you.

Start with your nock 3/8" above center to the bottom.  More than likely it'll be perfect but if not adjust up or down an 1/8 ".

[BobW]

You have lots of traditional neighbors.  I'm quite a ways away, but know a few right on your doorstep.  I might see if I can get them in touch with you.

Welcome to something really fun.  Caution:  It is really addicitive.

BobW

[TRADITIONAL ONLY]

go carbon arrows first. they makse some that look exactly like wood....

youll never go back to the deamon bows again!

welcome to the great side of life!

[LeeNY]

Darrel, I'm about 35 miles from you just outside of Marathon. Just north of ghost rob. If you have any questions PM me.  

[NY Bowhunter]

Guys,
  Thanks for all the good advice.  After finding this website I find it hard to concentrate on work!  Is there a easy way to find Tradgang members near where I live?  Before purchasing equipment, I would like to talk to someone in person about equipment, maybe shoot someone's bow?  I am not entirely new to shooting a recurve bow.  I shot recurves instinctively from 5 yrs. old till I was 14.

[beendare]

I am in the same boat as you- new to trad- but luckily have a mentor that is one of the best in the state. I shot a 70# compound but have been practicing with a 38# recurve to get my form down and its great fun.
A tip from my mentor; shoot 3 under with your anchor as close to your eye as you can get. You will be more accurate on the short shots.