I want to get into trad hunting

[Joebowman]

and I'm looking for a good recuve or long bow that will be dependable for years to come. Any suggestions and info will be helpful since I don't know much about tradional archery.

[vermonster13]

The list is huge. Best thing to do is get to a Trad shoot near you and try as many bows as you can to see what fits you. What any one of thinks is the greatest may not work for you at all. The Sponsor list in the Sponsor Forum is a good place for websites of top quality bowyers that will treat you right when you're ready. Other wise buy used so you can minimalize the investment and let you trade without losing much and sometimes gaining until you find what works best for you.

[Whip]

There are a pile of great recurves and longbows being made today, and I'm sure you will get plenty of responses on which ones to look at.  I would do some research on some of them and then maybe look int the classifieds for a used one to start out with.  You will probably change your ideas and opinions somewhat as you go and try different ones.  Once you decide what you really like then go ahead and lay out the money for the bow of your dreams.
Are there any traditional shops in your area that you could visit to try different bows?  Maybe a Trad Ganger with a bow buying addiction (there are lots of us) that lives close by and would let you come over to shoot a few?  The more you can try the better.
Whatever you do, make sure you start with a fairly light bow.  45# would be a good number for most people.  Trying to learn with a bow that is too heavy is asking for trouble right from the start.

[jacobsladder]

"Whatever you do, make sure you start with a fairly light bow. 45# would be a good number for most people. Trying to learn with a bow that is too heavy is asking for trouble right from the start."   I SECOND THAT!!!

[trapperDave]

third

[Mudd]

I can tell you that if the bug bites while trying it out, one bow will turn into..just one more bow..lol You have recieved some good advice. Even if you're young and strong with the strenght and ability to shoot a 100 lb'er.. resist the urge because there's a chance you'll be wanting to do it for a long time. Tendons, ligaments and joints don't seem to much care what your muscles are capable of, they'll come back to bite you at some point if you behave as if your never going to age.
My 2 cents worth.
Good luck and God bless, Mudd

[stringmusic]

Def try it.  Its so much more fun to shoot.  Even if you never hunt with a traditional bow you will just love shooting it.