Big Game Hunting - Longbow or Recurve

[Rhorn]

Hello all,

A while ago I started building an archery range in my basement and now has come the time to buy my bow.  I realize that both forms of traditional bows are awesome, but I am looking for "opinion" on what is everyone's favorite for my starting scenario.

The group that I will be hunting with the most hunts Elk, moose and deer in Northern Alberta.  They mainly hunt from the ground.  The other hunters in the group will be a mix of rifle and a couple crossbows.  

Any advice on what bow I should purchase to start practicing with?

** Please no flame war.  I am asking for personal opinions. I would even like to hear what make or model you prefer,  thanks all**

[Xander]

I never hunted elk, but when I did hunt with trad gear from the ground I prefered recurve due to a little faster arrow speed and a bit shorter overall lenth.  The faster arrow speed helps with brush deflections I feel, and the shorter NTN is a bit easier to maneuver.

Your milage may vary...

Cheers!

[LookMomNoSights]

I like to think I have the best of all worlds with the bow that I enjoy the most.....the 3 pc long bow.  I have a little mass to the riser (stable for me),  the grip is like a recurve,  the limbs are long bow....smooth,  quiet,  fast.....a real plessure to shoot for me! All trad bows that I have owned or tried are fun.  But the 3pc long bow is MY set up!  I like it the best by far!

[VictoryHunter]

Any modern R/d longbow or recurve will really be the same. They will vary by brand and design performance wise though. I a 3 piece longbow as well. I like the quietness and look of the limbs but I like the pistol grip of the recurve which is pretty standard in any 3 piece bow.

[Bjorn]

It does not matter and if you get to like bowhunting you will be buying new ones anyway. Whether you pic recurve or RD longbow you really can't go wrong.

[McDave]

More important than the bow would be to get out of the basement and begin shooting lots of arrows at unmarked distances.

A recurve has an edge in performance and slightly shorter length. A longbow has an edge in dependability as  it is less likely to get a twisted limb. But both of these advantages are slight compared with personal preference.  Most people will develop a preference for one or the other after trying both; sometimes it is a strong enough preference that they wouldn't think of switching, while other people like to switch back and forth.

[Rhorn]

Originally posted by Bjorn:
It does not matter and if you get to like bowhunting you will be buying new ones anyway.  

Boy I know this will be the truth.  Coming from a guy with bookshelves of miniatures and half a dozen guitars I know that I am a born collector when it comes to my favorite hobbies.  

One of the reasons I am looking to get into traditional bow hunting, I like hunting but long rifle hunting is just too easy, it doesn't feel like hunting.  Not knocking people who enjoy it, but I have a 308 with a nice scope and I personally don't feel any satisfaction when I kill with it.

[nineworlds9]

Try as many different bows as possible, you will likely develop a preference for one or the other.  I'm a longbow guy myself, only recurves that get my goat are the shorties 58" or less, but I recently discovered the virtues of a 56" Shrew so I highly doubt I'll buy another recurve again, and if so it'll have to be something unique/special.  Try em all.  A good Hill style bow with a heavy arrow is one of the most satisfying and stable hunting rigs you may sample.  My personal go to is a 3pc r/d longbow- Stewart Slammer...to me best of both worlds- nice mass, smooth, stable, and blazing fast for a longbow with a nice longbow shape.  Have fun!

[Easykeeper]

Longbows and recurves are both great and it comes down to personal preference.  The only thing I would offer is that some people find it's easier to learn with a recurve that has a relatively massive riser and a sculpted grip.

Bottom line, buy what appeals to you.  You will end up buying both if you like archery simply because while both are nice, they are different and the only way to know what you like is to try them.

[Steve Clandinin]

Hey Ryan,where in Northern Alberta are you? My son lives in Grand Praire .This fall myself,son-in-law and two Tradgangers from Arkansas will be up there in September to Bowhunt Moose and Elk.Fantastic Country.Try to shoot as many differant bows as possible,after awhile you will get a pereferance for a certain bow.Everyones differant as others have stated.

[Stryder]

Some good advice above.  I would just add to start the journey with a lower weight bow.  If it were me I'd look for a used bow on the classifieds at 45# or so and really learn good form early.

[Knawbone]

Rhorn, If you really are  into the ultimate challenge, try a good selfbow, or even consider making one yourself. Primitive bow hunting is the ultimate challenge IMHO. A good set up is as deadly as any however. What you lose in arrow speed and distance is offset by the quietness of the bow upon release.

[Bear Heart]

either recurve or longbow will be fine I suggest that you get a take down either a two or three piece

[Friend]

A vastly different fulfilling experience may be incurred by shooting either.

[old_goat2]

9 out of 10 outings I shoot a recurve better than the longbow, but I'm thinking if I put a quiver on my longbow it might stabalize it a little more on the shot, I normally shoot barebow with everything.

[Sam McMichael]

I like longbows simply because they are so much fun - just something magic about them. But recurves are great, also, and I still take mine out every now and then. You won't go wrong whichever your choice, but if you are like so many of us you will eventually own both types. Have fun!

[Wiley Coyote]

Longbows are simpler, no need of a stringer. One less thing to carry with you.        

[Wiley Coyote]

Longbows are simpler, no need of a stringer. One less thing to carry with you.        

[Roadkill]

Either one producersthe magic....the flight of the arrow.

I shot the Senior Games with my Pronghorn last week.  A  crowd gather behind me.  They liked the sight of the arrow

Magic.... Not generated by 300fps compounds