Hello all

[rksstickboy]

Hi everyone,
New here, just checking in with a few questions. I am soon to pass the 40 year mark and have been out of bow hunting for 15 years, favoring firearms instead.  Seven years ago rifles became too easy to hunt with, so I switched to strictly handgun hunting.  Now with a couple 160 class bucks on the wall, and a third being mounted I am again wanting more of a challange. (It's called hunting not killing for more than one reason)

The first bows I learned to shoot were recurves and long bows (at age 7) With them I never tagged a deer, but harvested a couple squirrels, and several rabbits.

At any rate I am wanting to return to traditional bow hunting, with cedar arrows, but I am having trouble locating good info on what's available.  The one name in traditional bows I am finding the most is "Black Widow".  Does anyone here have any experience with them?

What should I look for in a quality re-curve, and arrows? (other than the obvious straightness)

My preferred method of hunting is spot and stalk, I do not use stands or blinds, and have not for over 15 years.

All opinions are valued, thanks in advance.

Keith

[GrayRhino]

Hi Keith, and welcome to tradgang.  You'll find lots of great information from knowledgeable members here.  

Probably one of the best things you could do is get in contact with a traditional archery shop or club in your area.  Traditional Bowhunter magazine has a listing of clubs that could be a help to you.  

You should try out different bows to see what fits you best.  That way you can determine if you prefer a longbow or recurve, what your draw length is, what poundage is comfortable, what length of bow you need, etc.  Then you can determine what arrows you'll be using.

The classifieds here on tradgang are a great place to start looking once you know what you are after.

I shoot a Black Widow PMA II.  They are one of the greatest crafters of traditional bows out there, and they have a 'try before you buy' program that can help you determine what bow is best for you.  Their customer service is second to none.

You may want to start out with a used bow, or maybe a lower priced entry level bow, and once you get proficient, then move up to a Widow.  

You have started an incredible journey.  Enjoy!  

 

[GrayRhino]

I should add that there are some good books that can help answer your questions.

"Beginners Guide To Traditional Archery" by Brian J. Sorrells

"The Traditional Bowhunters Handbook" by T.J. Conrads

These are both available from 3 Rivers Archery.

[leatherneck]

Welcome to the other world. Or should I say the real world. I concur with GR about trying a used bow first. Find what you like before spending too much on a bow.

BTW- How about posting a couple of pics of those 160 class beasts.

[rksstickboy]

Greyrhino, thanks for the advice, but I think I may not have been specific enough, I know already that a recurve is the way I'm gonna go, they just feel the best to me.  I prefer a draw weight in the 55 to 60 pound weight, but do not like alot of stacking in the bow. (like the cheaper bear / jennings). Draw length though is a good question.

Leatherneck, thanks for the reply.  I will post the pics as soon as the camera's working again.

[frassettor]

I have 2 Black Widows. One PMAV Ironwood 54 inch, the other is a PMV Longbow 64 inch, that I will be recieving next week. I like BW alot, but there are also so many other great bows out there as well.