Advice for a Newbie

[Jbreauxmd]

Hello Trad Gang! Glad I found you, seems like a great place.

Longtime compound bowhunter, ready to make jump to traditional archery/hunting. Looking at bows in 40-45# range to start out, work on form, etc.

Any advice on getting started (bows, arrows, form, resources, etc) greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to new challenge.

[Fattony77]

Welcome to the 'Gang, from Oklahoma!    

Another good resource for the beginning trad shooter is "The Traditional Bowhunter's Bible" by T.J. Conrads. For videos, the "Masters of the Barebow" series is great.

Again, welcome, and enjoy your new journey/obsession!  

[cyred4d]

If there is a large trad gathering near you I woul recommend going there and trying as many bows as you can to see what might fit you. If you ask politely most there wil be more than happy to let you try their bow.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Welcome to Trad Gang.  

There is a lot of equipment out there that will work.  Personally I would try as many bows as possible before buying one because the styles and grips vary and it will come down to preference.  If you have some guys in your area who shoot longbows and recurves try to meet up with them and shoot their stuff.

Furthermore, if you have any shows or rendezvous you can make it to, vendors let you try their stuff. Its a great way to try 50-100 bows in one weekend.

Personally if it were me in your situation, I would pick up an older bear, ben pearson, browning, Damon Howatt or Shakesphere bow just to start, it will buy you time to decide on what bow(s) you really want.  Nothing wrong with how the oldies shoot.

Most of all have fun.  Welcome again.

[SARarcher]

Welcome......to the Addiction/Affliction.  You can get a very good used bow (bear,howatt, Pearson,etc) for under $200.  Samick sage is new and is approx $130.  

Now, if you really love this money pit (you will never be satisfied,ever.  You will want to buy more and more bows), I recommend you just jump in and buy a Black Widow bow.  You will be bitten by the arachnid and you'll never want anything else.  Unless it's another Widow.  Enjoy!

[Kip]

Jason come to the Sterling Harrel shoot at Mountain Bayou Boy Scout camp near Ville Platte and not far from I 49.Pm me if need more info or go to the L.B.A, site.It will be May 3rd. and 4th.With a name like Breaux you should be kinda  close to V.P.Kip

[Friend]

Welcome!

[Sam McMichael]

Welcome to the club. You have already gotten a lot of solid advice from members. Look in the classified section, and you may find that you can get a high end bow at a very reasonable cost. I agree that you should shoot as many bows as possible, both longbows and recurves. Pick what you like and go with it. Arrows and gear can also be covered through our sponsors. Have fun and experiment. You have embarked on a really fun journey. One word of caution about taking up the super close range weapons of trad gear. Get ready to really sharpen your hunting/woodsman skills.

As an aside, consider going to the Howard Hill Classic near Bessemer Alabama later this year. Lots to see and do. Pick up a wealth of info and meet some really nice and informed folks.

[meatCKR]

Welcome! Former compound shooter here as well. Been into trad now for couple years now and only regret I have is not starting sooner.  You will love it!  I started in the same pound range as you but am now in the mid 50's.  Your muscles will get stronger but don't be in to much of a hurry to move up in weight.  Concentrate on good form and getting a good release and follow through. Take your time and figure out if you like split finger or 3 under. Whether you like the longbow or a recurve? Lots to figure out but I have realized that's ok cause the journey is the fun part. And you have found the best place on the internet for advice. Definitely try to find a meet or show so you can try different bows. You will find one that will just sing to you and that bow will become your soul mate an extension of you. Have a blast! You are about to start a journey of a lifetime.

[mike g]

Welcome to the Gang....              

You definetly found the right place.

[Ric O'Shay]

You might also come on over to Texas in May. The Stickbow Round Up is the weekend after Mother's Day in Chester, TX. I think you'll find many LA folks there also. Lots of vendors with many fine bows. Can't beat the food! Chester is only hoot and a holler from LA.

[Caughtandhobble]

Originally posted by Ric O'Shay:
You might also come on over to Texas in May. The Stickbow Round Up is the weekend after Mother's Day in Chester, TX. I think you'll find many LA folks there also. Lots of vendors with many fine bows. Can't beat the food! Chester is only hoot and a holler from LA.

X2

[taxyman]

Welcome to the Gang Jbreauxmd!!!!    

[jrbows]

Welcome, this is a good place to start. As far as advice goes try to get with someone in your area that shoots and has been shooting sticks for a while, this can lead to a lot fewer mistakes in all aspects of this undertaking.

[T-Bowhunter]

Welcome from Florida!

[JAG]

From the Heart of Dixie, Welcome.  Saddle up and enjoy the ride!

[Jack Hoyt 75]

Originally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:
Welcome to Trad Gang.  

There is a lot of equipment out there that will work.  Personally I would try as many bows as possible before buying one because the styles and grips vary and it will come down to preference.  If you have some guys in your area who shoot longbows and recurves try to meet up with them and shoot their stuff.

Furthermore, if you have any shows or rendezvous you can make it to, vendors let you try their stuff. Its a great way to try 50-100 bows in one weekend.

Personally if it were me in your situation, I would pick up an older bear, ben pearson, browning, Damon Howatt or Shakesphere bow just to start, it will buy you time to decide on what bow(s) you really want.  Nothing wrong with how the oldies shoot.
.

X2

Get something basic, learn as much as you can, practice great form, go to events and test shoot as many as you can before buying something nice.  When you do buy a new bow, you get what you pay for in most cases.  Welcome!!

[LB_hntr]

Welcome!

I just did a podcast last week about making the transition from compound to trad. There is also a bunch of other episodes to help get you started on there. Click my link below to go to them.

[hnt2mch]

nother bama welcome....have fun!!!!!!!!!!!