So, I just got two new strings for my Hill-style Whippenstick Classic string follow longbow. I went with 8 strand strings from Flemish Traditional Sports (fantastic strings, btw).
I strung up the bow before work to let them stretch out a little. When I got back home I shot a few arrows with no silencers installed. I was really surprised at how quiet it was. It's pretty much the same level of noise as my old string with string puffs. All I hear is the arrow coming off and a quiet, low pitched hum.
I'm strongly considering just leaving it as is and hunting without silencers. I can see the advantages in arrow tuning because there would be no silencers that can move, nothing to catch burrs and nothing to soak up moisture. I can see where this would give me a more consistent tune in the field and I'm all about simple.
My question is to those of you who hunt with Hill style bows. How many hunt without silencers in the string and has it affected an animals reactions? Just looking for opinions. Thanks.
Chris