Questions about a youth set-up

[Matt Stuckey]

I just got the wonderful news that my 12 year old niece wants to take an archery project for 4H this year.  She made it clear that she does not want a compound bow like her dad has.  I have an old fiberglass bow to get her started, but her dad wants to find something a little more suitable, for relatively cheap.  Anybody have any good recommendations.  She is tall for her age, about 5"8" with long arms, but she is pretty weak and non-athletic. What draw weight and length would you recommend?

With this being a 4H project I think it would be great to have her make some of her own gear. I have two boardbows in progress, but not having finished either, I'm not sure I want to make one for her until i know it won't blow up on her. Would it be safe and reasonable to buy 5/16 dowels to fletch? Are points and nocks readily available that small?

Another question, she loves to read,any good archery based books that would be appropriate and fitting for her?

[Mrs Stickman]

Better check on the 4H'ers and find out yhat they are allowed to have.  I was shocked to hear last year from a Boyscout that he was not allowed to use primitive equipment.  It had to be a recurve or manufactured fiberglass longbow.   I couldn't believe it!   His Scout leader confirmed this was the case.

[gregg dudley]

Mrs. Stickman,  I think you had poor information from the scout leader.  The requirements list two options one for compound and one for recurve or longbow.  Obviously a primative longbow would suit the requirements.  If you used some small amount of discretion you could use a self bow or flat bow as well.  Unfortunately, if the scout leader was not familiar with archery, he would be more likely to interpret it the way he did.

[vermonster13]

Figure 26"-27" draw and 20-30#s. I would get something takedown that you could get heavier limbs for as she gets stronger. Just make it easy for her to draw and learn on so she has fun. Three Rivers sells some Greatree models that would fit the bill for under $150

[Matt Stuckey]

Thanks. I'll look into it.  I think he was hoping to find something for about half that.

[Matt Stuckey]

anyone else have any insight?

[vermonster13]

Hit the classifieds for a 1pc Wing, BP, Colt, etc.