Originally posted by Mudd:
Welcome Ben!
How long have you been shooting traditional?
Are you also a traditional hunter as well?
Please tell us about your set up.
It took me a few years to figure out the bow style that just "does it" for me... Are you there?
God bless, Mudd
Sure! Might be TMI, but here's my story:
I began bowhunting using modern equipment in 1997, when I was 15. I harvested a doe that year and had lots of fun, but eventually got into other things.
In 2003, I was interested in traditional archery again and bought a hickory flatbow from Thomas Boehm of Ancient Archery. I shot it every day for months, but never hunted with it. For the next few years I would get it out on nice days and shoot, but I was never really serious about it.
Last year, my love of hunting was rekindled and I was seduced by the speed and whizbang stuff that had entered the market since I hunted last in 1997. I spent a grand on a high tech compound and all the doo-dads that go with it. I had a lazer beam bow that could kill a cape buffalo at 100 yards. :rolleyes:
After harvesting a doe earlier this year with that bow, I started to question my motives. Am I wanting a challenge, or am I afraid to fail? That's when the progression to traditional bowhunting began for me. I removed the sites and began shooting the compound instinctive, but it just didn't feel right. I haven't hunted with the compound since.
So, here I am, 29 years old, a whole 2 years of hunting under my belt, and 2 kills with modern equipment, no traditional kills yet.
As far as my setup goes, I am definitely not there yet. Still exploring, learning, and just shooting this flatbow a lot. The bow is a 68" 60#@27" hickory selfbow, without a shelf. My wingspan is 70" and I was measured to have a draw length of 28.5" but I don't think that's right. I'm thinking I pull this one to about 28". I'm just under 70" tall and I weigh 195. I'm shooting the cedar arrows I got with it, and I can put together acceptable groups out to 15-20 yards.
I have no idea what type of partner I'll end up with, but I'm open to suggestions! I just purchased an older Bear Grizzly to try out the recurve/center shot thing, but I really love the simplicity of this flatbow.
Advice? TMI?