looking for my first trad bow

[MATT_MO]

Hi guys,

I am new to the site and so far I really like what I have seen here.  I have a question for you experienced archers out there.  I am a compound bow shooter and am planning on making the transition to a traditional bow soon so I can be ready to hunt deer this season.  So far I have had the opportunity to shoot a Martin Savannah and a Martin X200.  I prefer the long bow feel, but I like the compact size of some of the recurves out there since I usually hunt out of a portable tree stand.  I am having a hard decision on deciding what to get.  I have read so many post that say when you shoot the right bow you will know it is for you, but I really don't know of that many traditional bow shops around here that let you try them out.  What do you guys think about the new woodsman series made by tomahawk?  I think if I had to pick one today that would be the one.  They make the most eye catching bows out there to me, and they say they are the best you can buy.  I just wish I could shoot one b/c $650 is a good chunk of change to me.  Do you guys have any suggestions?

[Golden Hawk]

Check out the RER Bows Vortex. Look in the Sponsors list for them or go to  www.rerbows.com

[R H Clark]

Tomahawk is a good bow but so are a lot of others. My advise is to get a used bow first from a dealer or someone you know you can trust. It will probally take you a while before you develope enough to know the qualities you like in a bow.Shop around so you will know a good price when you see one because you will probaly trade a few before you find exactly what you want. If you need a new bow with a warranty, check out Quinn for a metal riser or Checkmate for wood. Unless you really want a Longbow a Quinn Stallion is a fine recurve for just over 200$ If you want to hunt this year look for a dealer with bows in stock. If you can't find a dealer PM me. I know someone in Alabama.Good luck and welcome to traditional.

[Gray Buffalo]

Jerry Bauman AKA Gray Buffalo here in St. Peters Mo. We have a group of guys that get together every Sunday at bush to shoot  and your welcome to join us Its a traditional group and we have plenty of bows to try out. That said this coming weekend would not be good because we are cutting fire wood sat. and us old folks will need some recovery time. Check my site and you can see us at play


 http://groups.msn.com/Jerrysworldofarchery

[Ian johnson]

I too like the longbow feel with the recurve compactness, i am getting a mikuta longbow that is 58in, a shorter longbow, contact member "joe skipp"

[MATT_MO]

Yeah that sounds like a good time.  What time do you guys usually meet there.  I live just a few minute away from busch and actually my friend mike and I got drawn for the late season archery hunt there back in Dec.  My buddy mike would also be interested in going.  He just bought a Martin Savannha and is looking for every tip he can get to become a good shot.  We are both trying to make the transition from compound to traditional so I will be looking forward to meeting with you guys.

[rainman]

Midwest archery in St. John, Mo has a traditional league every tuesday night where you could see and shoot a lot of different bows.

Dan Raney

[MATT_MO]

Originally posted by Ian johnson:
I too like the longbow feel with the recurve compactness, i am getting a mikuta longbow that is 58in, a shorter longbow, contact member "joe skipp"

That is why I was looking at Tomahawk so close b/c they make great looking bows and they also come in 58" models.

[MATT_MO]

I was also wondering what poundage do most you guys shoot?  I had an accident on my dirtbike a few years ago and ended up with a plate and 6 screws in my collarbone.  Some days it gives me a little trouble so I was wondering if I could get by with 45 to 50# and still be able to effectively kill a deer or a black bear.  Would that low of poundage be effective at 15 to 25 yards?  I don't plan on taking any shots farther than that with a longbow with as little experience as I will have this season.

[MATT_MO]

Originally posted by rainman:
Midwest archery in St. John, Mo has a traditional league every tuesday night where you could see and shoot a lot of different bows.

Dan Raney

How do you get to that range coming from the west on hwy 70?  I noticed there is also a range on North 3rd street in St. Charles right by 370.  Do you know anything about that club?

[rainman]

Take 70 east to the airport exit at the Marriott.  Turn left at Natural Bridge at light in front of Marriott.  Take Natural Bridge thru 2 lights to Woodson Rd which is the third light.  Go Right on Woodson and go to St. Charles Rock Rd.  As soon as you cross the Rock Road start looking for sign on your left, shouldn't be more than a 100 yds.  The Club in St. Charles is St. Louis Bowhunters I believe they are mostly Compound shooters.

Dan Raney

[JBiorn]

45-50# would more than adequate for deer and black bear. just get your arrow weight up a bit, and learn to make a kill shot with it. You will be in good shape.

 Welcome to a divine addiction, Jeff

[Killdeer]

Agreed.
In the magazine  Traditional Bowhunter, there is a list of trad clubs that is printed every month. Pick up any issue, or better yet, subscribe, and see if one is located near you. I am ignorant of the geography of your state, and too lazy to list all the clubs here.

The season of 3D shooting will start before you know it, and if you attend those shoots that are trad-based, you will likely see a lot of vendors and fellow shooters who will be eager to have you try their bows. If you go equipped with arrows in your spine, than you won't have to borrow "a arrow" to try the bow with...it is a redface moment when you break someone else's arrow! Even if the spine is not perfect, you will see whether they group or not.

These shoots are treasures, you will meet many wonderful people, and learn a lot!

Killdeer    

[Gray Buffalo]

Tha Buffalo Tongue Traditional Bow Hunters
St. Peters Mo. Sunday morning at 8:00 at bush

[Gray Buffalo]

look for this group

[Gray Buffalo]

[Gray Buffalo]

[MATT_MO]

Thank you for all the info guys.  You are really helping me out here and probably saving me some money too by telling me where to go to try other bows.  All I really want is a bow that I am going to be satisfied with and shoot well.  I will probably have it forever and use it forever.  I'm not big on buying a ton of bows. I like to find one and learn it inside and out and be confident with it.  If you have any good beginner tips or comments feel free to throw'em in.

[R H Clark]

you are doing the best thing you could do by hanging out with some good people and trying as many bows as possible. Listen to all advise,be polite even if it sounds strange,give it a try but don't get hung up by thinking that there is only one way to do it RIGHT. Your way and mine might be different but as long as we can both hit quarters at 20yds it doesn't matter. PS.I'm not that good but you get the point.