Help! longbow length

[Jeff Strubberg]

Butch,

Let me know if things don't work out.  I have a super shorty longbow that I just can't seem to get along with...

[Ragnarok Forge]

I shoot a 68"  English longbows were often taller than the man shooting them. I would spend time shooting it in different positions and get used to it.  I love how forgiving my longer bow is and it is a dream to shoot.  No stacking, and a smooth draw all the way to anchor.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Dont hunt Blind!    

Make your own natural blinds and they will be perfect size for your own needs.  IMHO it would be more gratifying to shoot game out of a home made blind than a store bought one.

No worry about it getting stolen and you can leave it there when you leave. If you have no intention on ever coming back to it.  Kick it down, it'll help releave the disapointment from a hunt! 66" bows are only 6 inches longer than 60" bows and 3" on one end.  So really, there is only the difference in length of your finger. If you are in a space where it makes a huge difference you are probably in too tight of a blind.

Good luck!

[Kris]

Butch,

Paven mentions a very real problem.  You don't mention your draw length?  66" is a very forgiving length, is easy on the fingers and allows for an excellent release.  I am 6' 1" and draw a LB nearly 29", I shoot a 66" bow and would not go longer for hunting.  I did shoot a 68" Hill for one whole season though.  You may find in time, that will want to shoot a shorter bow, you'll be excited and refreshed by the maneuverability of it.  At your height, I'd probably opt for a shorter hunting bow.  Personal preference for sure.  Few of us own one bow and no one bow is perfect for every situation, but eventually we settle on one that works best for us, for most circumstances.

Kris

[Butch Speer]

Clay,
That's kind of what I've been doing. It sure does shoot nice.

Charlie,
Can't help it! Even my glasses don't help much!!  I do hunt from natural blinds Or a blind made from fence panels zip tied back together & camo material on the front. Got that from Mudd.  Appreciate all the good advice & encouragement.

Jeff,
What kind of bow have you got there?

[Ground Hunter]

Butch, once you get use to the length its no big deal.  I only hunt from the ground - and only from natural materials from the area.  I shoot "long" longbows.  I mostly sit directly on the ground.  It takes a little thought when you set up - but that's what you're supose to do any way.  Think.  Practice how you hunt - hunt how you practice.  Get GFA's book on still hunting - it will get you up to speed quickly.  We don't have any real trees out here, I don't count telephone poles.  I had to learn how to hunt on the ground - now you could not get me in a tree!!  The longbow on the ground - rocks!!  H

[Butch Speer]

Thanks Ground Hunter. Love the bow. Was just concerned. I've got a 64in. Montana that's been put thru a mod. Extra long tips, cut off & the shelf radiused. Feels like I'm shooting a real shorty when I use it now!

[Jeff Strubberg]

Butch,

It's a very nice Thunderstik mag that Jim built for me.  For the life of me, I can't get comfortable with that short a bow.

Going to the festival?  I'll throw it in the truck.

[Butch Speer]

Jeff,
I'll be there with Mudd. I'd love to see it.