New member (which bow?)

[Wayne in Louisiana]

This is my first post to this forum although I have been browsing here over the past several days to the point of eye strain. (grin) I believe you folks have given me the Traditional fever.

I have hunted deer with gun and compound for more than 50 years (age 63) but the only traditional bow I have shot was my father’s 55# recurve as a kid. I’m sure my draw length was less than 28” at the time. I am currently shooting a 28.5”, 70# compound with a loop and caliper. From what I am reading this would make my draw length approximately 27”.

There are no traditional dealers in my area so I will need to make my bow purchase sight-unseen, but hopefully with your advice. I have no traditional experience but from what I have read here, I think my preference is as follows. My intention is to start out target shooting and when my accuracy is sufficient I will hunt deer and hogs. I will draw the “traditional” line at an all wood bow, shooting off the rest, split finger with tab, without sights, but with carbon arrows. I think a recurve will give me better performance at my shorter draw and it will let me shoot a shorter bow (58”-60” max) that will be more practical for my hunting style. I need a grip for a smaller hand and I will go with a one-piece bow because I don’t like a bulky riser. I am thinking that 48# at 28” is the lightest that I should go for hunting and this should give me about 45# at my draw length. I think I like a longbow style grip but a cut past center riser may be a bigger advantage when it comes to getting good arrow flight. I assume that longbow style grips are not cut past center? Based largely on leads I got from this forum I have found some bows that may fit my needs. I would appreciate any and all comments regarding these or other bows. My final decision may be based somewhat on what I can find available in stock.

Martin Mamba
Kohannah Kurve
Bear Kodiak magnum
Marriah Williwaw
River’s Edge Arroyo
Chek-mate Falcon
Bob Lee Signature recurve one-piece

Thanks for your help and safe hunting!!!

[macbow]

Wayne, welcome. You certainly have a good start as to what your looking for.

I bought my first bow sight unseen it was a bamboo longhunter. I liked it a lot but bought it too heavy. I've since had many bows and currently shoot a super shrew and love it.

I won't attempt to suggest a bow for you. I can't stress enough how helpfull it is to get the bows in your hand and shoot them before buying.

I don't know of any shows etc in your area hopefully someone near you can help out.
Ron

[redant 60/65]

Hey Wayne if you can, go to a 3-D shoot and see what some of the trad. guy's are shooting. River's Edge Bow's are a good start.  

[JBiorn]

Some of the production bows are pretty nice. semi-easy on the wallet, and shoot great.

[Crooked Stic]

Welcome. Those bows are all good ones. You need to shoot a few before you really make a choice. Chances are that if you like Trad you will have more than one bow after awhile. Maybe start with a good used one (less $) then if you like it go for a fancier model.

[buckeye_hunter]

I'd put up a post and see if there are any Louisiana guys near you.  Maybe some of them would let you come over and shoot one of their bows.

I can't tell you how important it is to shoot before buying.  I like my bow, but would have gotten a different one had I known all the variables that go into it.

For instance, My bow is 58 inches, but I am more comfortable with a 62-64 inch bow(I didn't know that at first).  I also have to use a broken wrist grip on my bow, but I am more comfortable with a medium or high wrist.    

Shoot before buying if you can.

-Charlie

[HATCHCHASER]

That Kohannah Kurve is nice and Bob is a super guy to boot.  His bows are high quality and priced right.  I had a Fury, too short for me at 58".  Not the fastest bow I have had but the quietest.  The Kurve has a longbow grip, but cut past center.  I would shoot as many as I could before I bought, knowing what I know now, but what is the fun in that.  Might as well dive in.

[Mike Byrge@home]

Wayne,
There are quite a few trad guys in the Alex area who could help you get started.  If you don't have your heart set on a brand new bow there are some good deals on used bows out there.  BTW..I know a fellow in New Iberia that has a CheckMate Falcon he was trying to sell a year or so back.  I think he still has it if you are interested.

I've got a really nice "50's Style" recurve 54@28 recurve made by a local bowyer here in Shreveport.  I haven't shot it in years and you are welcome to try it out for awhile if you want to .  Beautiful bow...osage and ebony riser with clear glass and red elm limbs.

I don't know what you've got going on the weekend of 11/16 but the Louisiana Traditional Bowman is having a campout/hunt at the Loggy Bayou WMA just south of Shreveport.  It would be a good time to meet some fellow LA trad guys and try out some bows...good food and good hunting.

Let me know if I can help.  I'm in Shreveport and if you ever want to drive up and shoot some of my bows just let me know.

Mike Byrge

[Kip]

Hi Wayne  I am from Ville Platte and have a K-mag and 58" Howatt Hunter(should feel like a Mamba) and a takedown Bob Lee that you could try.Let me know if intrested.The  www.traditionalbowman.org  or L.T.B. as Mike mentioned has hunts and 3-d shoots in the spring and summer in almost central La. Chicot near Chicot State Park and Ville Platte.You should look into it.Kip

[George D. Stout]

Well there you go Wayne.  Some great guys with good advice. You would save yourself some grief by hooking up with one of them.  Good luck and welcome.

[Shakes.602]

WELCOME  to this  FAMILY  We Call  "TRADGANG"!!  Some of  THE  Finest People on this Planet are Members, and  ALL  of Your Questions will be answered!!          

[Wayne in Louisiana]

Thanks for all of your replys, especially to Kip and Mike for the offers to shoot their bows.

I will follow everyones advice to the extent possible. I wish my biological clock wasn't ticking so fast.(grin) I feel like I don't have much time left to take on new physical hobbies.

Any additional comments you may have are welcome.

[Shawn Leonard]

Arroyo, I have shot hundreds of bows and owned well over 100 and I am down too 2 and another on the way and two of them are RER bows. The Arroyo is quick and very quiet. You cannot go wrong! Shawn

[sticshooter]

RER bows are a great choice and have them in stock on their website<><