New to Traditional - Any Advice?

[ny_bowhunter]

Earlier this summer I went to my first 3D shoot with my new Mathews Drenalin. I was shooting the course for fun, not for score and was grouped with three guys shooting traditional gear. They would sneak up on the target and take a shot and had a blast the whole time, I also enjoyed the shoot, but watching these guys with traditional gear made me realize exactly what this sport is about - fun! I've always had fun bowhunting, but using a traditional bow just seems like more fun!

So I just traded my backup compound for a King's Pawn Deluxe, 64" 52#@28 and should have it by early next week. I don't plan on hunting with the bow this season, but I'd like to give it a shot next season. My goal is to shoot off the shelf and instinctively. I think that would make bowhunting even more of a challenge for me.

Any suggestions/resources for a newbie like myself?

[Alex.B]

the "traditional bowhunter's handbook" by TJ Conrads
and,........ Tradgang, of course
welcome, and good luck. You're about to have some serious fun   :D

[NoCams]

Yes, stay here and keep reading ! Greatest resource in the trad world are the tradgangers ! Don't know where we would be without all the help and advice we have gotten here ?    

nocams

[danseitz]

Get the book Instinctive Archery Insights by Jay Kidwell and do what he tells you.  You will be surprised how quick you learn to shoot and become accurate at traditional hunting distances.

I think 3 Rivers or Amazon sells it.

[sticknstring_AK]

Masters of the Barebow 1 and 2 from 3Rivers Archery has been a great help getting my form down.

Welcome to trad archery, hope you have fun.

Steve

[Orion]

Don't count out this season yet.  You might take to a trad bow like a duck to water.  Just might need to limit your shots to 10-15 yards instead of the longer ranges you could do with your compound.  Good luck.

[1/4 away]

Marc, Where in NY are you located? I live in Putnam County and belong to a local club here with a 3D course. If you'd like to get together to shoot either email or PM me. I'm by no means an expert on the subject but have been at it a good 15 years or so and would be glad to help if I can.  Fred

[Alex.B]

Marc,
I'll join the fun time with Fred

[Dick in Seattle]

You have started on a journey...   My suggestion would be to look up and get acquainted with a couple of really big, tough guys... linebackers or bar bouncers would be good.   Make them take a solemn oath that if you ever buy/own more than three traditional bows, they will take you out back and work you over.   Mind you, I'm not sure even this would work to control the addiction you have exposed yourself to, but it's worth a try.  Of  course, you would have to be sure to never, ever let them shoot one of your bows, or you could infect them and they would become ineffective as addiction intervenors....

Dick in Seattle

[ny_bowhunter]

Thanks for the advice guys! I've been addicted to bowhunting since I started about 8 years ago and think about it pretty much every day, not to mention I get to hunt whitetails from Sept through the end of January in CT!

I think traditional archery is the "next step" for me. I still plan to hunt with my compound, but I can see myself using the stick and string during the late season to bag a few deer...i hope!

[Rico]

By far the best on just plan Instinctive Shooting IMO is G.Fred Asbells. Books, DVD and articles

[1/4 away]

Alex, anytime pal....

Marc, Sent you a PM

[ny_bowhunter]

got it.

[J-dog]

Yer lost, once yuo start man it is over = - traditional bowhunting - this site - there is no cure - run while you still can.

OR get ya a good bow jump in feet first and have fun with the rest of us.

J

No tips or advice, but any question you have I guarantee there is an answer here.

[sweet old bill]

NY city area guys if you get into the Oneonta NY area send me a email and I have a great little course setup by the house we can shoot a few arrows at. Now as a compound and traditional guy ( 66 years young ) I found a lot of good info on this site and also stickbow.com. My biggest mistake was to expect to shoot the same as with the compound. Now I have a lot of fun with the recuve and am aware of my max hunting distance is 20 yards and under. I still will shoot the compound with several guys that stop to shoot. My biggest issue is I have not found anyone in the area that is a stickbow shooter. I try to shoot 20 arrows a day with the recurve, shoot one arrow and walkup and pull the arrow. I also will work inside my garage at a bag target that has a blank face on it. I work on form and that mind set of picking a spot....I also read a book on our sport called become the arrow, well after 7 years I still am a want to be and not the arrow.

Bill

[toddster]

Take your time and enjoy practicing with the bow.  Like everyone will tell you, don't rush it, pick a yardage and practice.  Ensure your form is down pat, to where you don't have to think about it.  Then work on your aiming.  But most of all, enjoy it.