newbie question

[kykiller]

I'm about to by my first real trad bow, and I have a few questions.
1. how to I determine my draw length and weight.  I'm pretty stout and will be hunting 99% whitetail deer with it.
2. how to determine what arrows?
3. will a stinger buzzcut be a good broadhead?

[Stump73]

I was taught that you measure your draw length from the groove in the nock where the string fits to the deepest part of the grip plus add 1 3/4" to that. Your arrows need to be spined right for your bow, draw weight, draw length, and length of arrow. But we need more information about the bow (like amo ,weight and draw length)to help get the arrow close to the range in spine you need. If I'm missing something or didn't explain it right some one else may able to explain it better. What bow are interested in buying?

[BOWMARKS]

I would try to find someone or better yet club in your area to hook up with some other stick bow shooters.Thats your best bet for one on one help.And you get to try some others equipment also.

[YORNOC]

Never buy a custom bow as a first. You have to learn what you need first. I spent thousands on 58 and 60 inch bows because thats what "everybody" shot.  I was a terrible shot and overbowed because I didn't have good form yet.
Now I shoot 64" and longer and shoot my longer custom bows very well. Thats what "I" needed.
If you havent learned form, maybe look for a lighter bow in a legal hunting weight. You may be able to shoot 100 pounds, but not if you dont learn how first.
You wont lose buying from the classifieds here. Get a decent bow and you'll be able to sell it when you are ready to move to the next level.

[lpcjon2]

Broadheads should be the last thing on your mind. Trad shooting(note I said Trad shooting) takes a while to get your form and fundementals down. After you have embodied that then you should think about heads and hunting. We must make clean and ethical shots for the sake of the animal. JMHO

 And nock an arrow (no head) and place a clothes pin infront of the riser on the arrow shaft and draw back slowely to your anchor. Then let the ease the string froward and measure from the nock to the clothes pin. I add an inch and thats your draw length.

[kykiller]

Is there a dvd or video of how to shoot proper with a trad bow?  I have been bowhunting with a compound for 15 years or so, but I'm sure its different.  I would be total against a book but I don't like to read much, and I do lots better with videos.

[Orion]

Pick up a copy of Traditional Bowhunter's Handbook by T.J. Conrads. No video is as comprehensive, IMO. Three Rivers carries it or go to the Traditional Bowhunter website.  It will answer a lot of questions for you and save you at least 500 posts.

[bryan r]

Pick up the Masters of the Barebow DVD series. I truly believe they should be required viewing for anyone just starting out with Trad.

[Rob DiStefano]

welcome to trad bowhunting!

click the 'trad archery for bowhunters' link in my sig line.