Who prefers long bows for hunting?

[MnFn]

I’ve been reading a few threads today. On one of them, somebody commented that with a long bow the string was pulling into the body, so they prefer shorter bows.  So how many people here prefer to hunt with a 66” or longer longbow?  And, is this a significant problem?

[toddster]

I have been shooting a longbow less than many but for about 28 years.  I played with R/D but a ASL is for me and have hunted with one of those for about 22 years.  the shortest one I have used was 66" but the vast majority has been 68".  I am only 5'6" tall, but feel the longer length limbs gives me more of a power stroke, and makes for smoother shot.  You do have to consider the limbs for a shot when hunting, but you have to for any bow.  I never felt that is caused me any issue, nor was there any place that I could not hunt with it.  I never liked using "pop-up" blinds, just because I like to be in nature, but I think this is the only real place that can cause an issue.  Other than that, I have hunted from ground and tree's with no issue with any of my longbows.

[frassettor]

I prefer longer bows. All of mine range from 64”-66”. In my opinion they are smoother to shoot. The length has never been a problem for me

[J. Holden]

This year I am planning on hunting with my 66" Heritage from JD Berry.  I'm very concerned with this as I'm also using a saddle and feel as though it's going to be difficult.  I'm also considering sitting on the ground or just a few feet up a tree to clear the brush.  But, like mentioned above, I'll just have to make sure of my limb clearance and plan accordingly.  I know there are many here who are successful every year.  So, it can be done!

-Jeremy

[dragonheart]

I think that the length of a hunting bow has 2 factors to ponder.  What can you shoot accurate, and what are the conditions you hunt in?

Longer bows in general, tend to be more accurate and forgiving of shooter errors in form.  Hunting from a tree stand, or any downhill shooting can have some issues with the bowstring and heavy clothing with longer bows.
 
I have shot a 70" longbow out of a tree, but that would not be my preference if tree stands are the prime method of hunting.  You have to be aware of your set up and "dry run", so there are no surprises when opportunity presents itself. 

When still hunting in heavy cover many prefer a shorter bow.  Ground blinds, especially tent blinds, tend to need a shorter bow. 

Can you shoot the bow accurately under the adrenaline of a hunting shot?  This is the 2nd consideration.  Some people can shoot great with shorter bows.  Some cannot when under adrenaline.  Howard Hill could not shoot a short recurved bow well enough under hunting conditions, and returned to a longbow of ASL design.  There are much better designed shorter bows today and the options are many.  Overall mass weight of the bow can be helpful with shorter bows and increased forgiveness. 

Some bowhunters prefer a longer bow.  While a shorter bow is very nice to maneuver in cover, you will not know until you try one on a hunting shot.  Experience shooting at game will give you insight into the criticalness of the set up and functionality as a hunting weapon. 
 


 

[Pete McMiller]

All my bows are 66" longbows, 1 ASL and 4 R/D.  Never have had a clearance issue in any hunting scenario.  I do not hunt out of a tent or a tree stand rather a make-up ground blind and a ghillie suit.

[Terry Green]

I prefer longbows, not as fragile as recurves in the field and don't need to keep up with a stringer.  Although I do have my eye on a particular one. 

[Wudstix]

My bows are mostly 60-62" recurve, longbow and Hybrid.  The 62" Kota LB is more a spot-n-stalk bow, for me.
 

[Yooper-traveler]

ASls.  Simple, no stringer and more fun (for me).

[Jim Jackson]

ASls.  Simple, no stringer and more fun (for me).

I'm sorry. What does asl mean?

[Yooper-traveler]

Hil-style Jim.  American Semi.............

[PrimitivePete]

My greatest joy is hunting and shooting self bows and I just got an Eric Krewson Osage self bow in a trade, 66" long and 56@28. There is not doubt it will find it's way drifting in the woods next October with me.

[Todd Cook]

I love em all but I absolutely shoot a recurve better. I've killed more stuff with a longbow but the past couple years I've hunted with the recurve. But Terry's right, they're a bit more fragile.

[two4hooking]

Hill style longbow as it is more accurate / forgiving for me.  I had an issue with string chest clearance but discovered it was a form issue.  Lean into it and the issue goes away. I just bought a bigger blind for turkey and have no issues from the stand if you bend at the waist and lean into it. You get accustomed to the length just figure out what you like better and use it.

[BAK]

Well, I prefer a 58 or 60 inch R/D.  Owned an ASL, HH Big 5 once, and once was enough.  At hunting distances under 30 yards I find the light and quiet long bow just perfect.  I have killed dozens of deer with recurves, but my go to bow is an A&H one piece.

[A Lex]

Only have 66" longbows,  and once I learned how to shoot them, I've had zero issues with the 66" length, neither with the string on my clothes, nor with the 66" bow in the bush. Granted you have to be aware of the bow length in the bush when making a shot, but after lots of years doing it, it's pretty much a subconscious thing now, I don't even think about bow clearance, it just happens.

I really like hunting with my longbows.

Best
Lex

[Tim Finley]

I hunt and shoot almost all the times with a 62" the string on a 64" pulls into my chest and clothes and a 62 is still to long for a ground blind then i use my 60" or 56".

[Terry Green]

Yeah, I've tossed many a longbow out of trees before climbing down.... but not 1 recurve.

[Jack Denbow]

Me.

[Sam McMichael]

I hunt almost exclusively from elevated stands. I have 7 Hill style and 3 R/D bows that I have used for the last 31 years. All of them are 68" long. It is not difficult to make the adjustments to prevent the bottom limb from hitting the stand.