Fred Asbell's "Advanced Instinctive Shooting for Bowhunting"

[metsastaja]

Read the first and just ordered II. After that review cold not resit.

[LimBender]

This was the first and only Asbell book I have read and it immediately helped my shooting, especially on areas like stance, deeper hook on my release, push-pull, and the importance of focus.  The very open stance advocated was an eye opener.  It was also an easy, informative read.

This is his best book to date, far more readable and to the point.

[smoke1953]

Fred, not sure if you saw my post on pg. 2 and not certain whether you wish to comment and that I certainly would understand. However has your opinion changed regarding gripping the longbow or were you attempting to distinguish between the more extreme pistol grips that have shown up with some longbows requiring more of a recurve shooting style?

[G. Fred Asbell]

smoke1953...Your assumption is correct. In the earlier books I was addressing shooting, basically, the Hill-style longbow with a straight handle and fairly straight limbs.I advised taking a firm grip on the handle and "muscling" the bow. Todays longbow is completly different...long risers, semi-recurve grips, and limbs with almost as much setback as some recurves (which is why they're mostly referred to as hybrid bows.) From my observation, fellas are gripping them and shooting them like a recurve...with an "almost" straight wrist grip. Each bow is different and I hesitated to say it should be shot very differently than one would a recurve. I personally shoot the Black Widow longbow with the heel of my hand down, just as I might a Hill-style bow/grip, although Black Widow themselves advise shooting it just as you would a recurve. Again, they're all different, as are we. gfa

[Bill Turner]

Thanks for dropping in G.Fred. I shoot a Hill bow that has a straight grip and I often refer to "Instinctive Shooting II" as the best book on the market for Hill style bow shooters. You outdid yourself with your new book. In it you make it quite clear that those shooting the Hill style bow should refer back to "Instinctive Shooting II" and review the basic heel of the bow hand down position. The detail in "Advanced Instinctive Shooting for Bowhunting" is outstanding. Without a doubt something for everyone involved in traditional archery. Thank you for a job well done.  

[smoke1953]

That makes me feel better because the heel down is the way I shoot a locater grip on the Northern Mist. After four years of adjustments I finally feel comfortable on my approach much of which I can thank you for. I use a firm grip with my back thumb knuckle aligned with the axis of the bow but with my heel pressure enough around the side so as to reduce my torque. I would have hated to think that I now needed to think about a straight wrist grip. I very much enjoy your common sense approach to unraveling the mysteries of the bow.

[Rob DiStefano]

to each their own, and consistency/accuracy is the name of the game.  i could never ever be consistent when "heeling" or even "palming" any type of bow handle, from pistol to dead straight.

[smoke1953]

"to each their own, and consistency/accuracy is the name of the game."

Yep Rob you hit that on the head. There's as many ways to tackle this as we have opinions on the subject. What a journey!

[Bill Turner]

Right on brother, just be sure to do the same thing every time.  

[Bent Shaft]

First, I feel that, out of respect for his experience and character, that I should call the author, "Mr. Asbell."  I purchased his latest book at the Kalamazoo Event in February, and Mr. Asbell was there and signed my copy.

It is on my nightstand, and I refer to it several times a week.  I can hardly wait until it is warm enough that my fingers don't fall off from the cold to shoot as he recommends!  

I have not read many books on archery; I'm a newbie that got started last May.  But I think that I might become a "one-book man" because his work is so good.

Bent Shaft

[Buckskin57]

I guess I got somecatching up to do.I've been reading over and over the first book since it came out.It works real good.

[ron w]

I love to read Fred's hunting stories, I really liked his book on stalking and still hunting. His shooting books.........that's another story. I would have been better off if I never picked up any of them. But I do love his stories, nice guy to talk to also,met him at several events!

[Steve Clandinin]

In My Humble Opinion,books don't get any better than Freds I just recieved this book and it looks really good.The other two books I own of his were the reason I bought this one.I talked to Fred in Edmonton at the P&Y banquet and he was just releasing his then new book" Stalking and Stillhunting" which is how I've hunted all my Life.I thought what can this book teach me ?.Man was I in for a surprise !LOL.One of the greatest.

[Canadabowyer]

Great book!! Bob

[Wudstix]

Need to get on, been thinking about it for a bit.        

[Bjorn]

I agree with much of what GFA talks about; but push-pull and swinging the bow up when the moment is near and you are preparing to shoot creates a lot of unnecessary movement. I hunt from the ground and make my final approach with the bow arm extended and bow up-kinda' hiding behind my bow.............then all that remains is coming to full drew.

[Bent Shaft]

I got a copy of Fred's "Advanced Instinctive Shooting" at the Great Northern Expo in Kalamazoo this past January, and have been using it as a guide, my pole star.  I like the way he writes--you are in a conversation--and his attitude--try it and see if it isn't as I say, but know that some archers do elsewise....

I think he has great insight into the fundamentals.

Fred was at the Expo signing copies, and so mine is.  He was in a wheel chair--that bothered me, knowing how active his life has been in the wilds.  I hope it is a passing thing.

[Tim Fishell]

Fred was in a wheel chair in Kalamazoo due to a recent knee surgery.  He was back on his feet and doing well at Compton this past weekend.    

[PA stickbow boy]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
Man....I'm behind on a couple of Books and DVDs....hope to get caught up soon.

Man Terry.  I second that!!