SW Michigan resources for a Newbie?

[ChaserMI]

Greetings from Burnips MI,

I'm a new convert to the traditional archery world.  I guess gun season just isn't long enough anymore.  Anyway, I'm looking for some advice on where to go in Western Michigan for Traditional Archery supplies and assistance.  Internet isn't an option yet because I want to get fitted for the right size/weight bow. I've only been able to locate a few recurves at the local stores and most of the folks I've talked to are scratching their heads when they find out I don't want a compound.  I've already gotten a ton of info from reading this site but I'm hoping someone can steer me in the right direction.  I don't mind taking a drive, just looking for some direction.

Thanks,

Mike

[Steelhead]

Mike I would go to the trad archery show in Kalamazoo in late January.All kinds of gear for trad archery and alot of bowyers and vendors in attendace with booths set up where you can try b ows and ask questions etc.

I would also go to Barrien springs in Late june fro the Compton rendouvous.Same deal.Bowyers and trad archery gear and shooting range to tryout the bows as well as a 3-D shooting course to have fun on.You gotta go!

[Steelhead]

Check the thread in Pow Wow titled "New Bows and Products at KaZoo".Thiers a thread thier and one of the responses has a link you can click on for more info.You would love the show and its definatly worth your time to attend

[xtrema312]

You must go to the Kzoo expo.  If you are a ways south you can go to Sturgis to Lost Nations.  If you are more north you can try the shop at Sand Lake.  Bob's gun and tackle in Hastings has more trad bows than any other non trad shop I know about, but I don't know how good the help is.  I would also be happy to help out if you want to give me a call or stop in if you are in the area.  There are others in SW MI as well.  There are also some great boyers not to far away.

[Rick Butler]

Kzoo is in 3 weeks... plan to attend and you'll get all the direction you'll need.

[Arwin]

Like others have said, go to the K-zoo show.        
 
 I don't live far from ya, Mike.  Bobs Gun and Tackle in Hastings carries a decent amount of trad bows including St. Joe River Bows. They are off M-179. They have a couple guys there who shoot stickbows and a short target range to test on.

 Try coming out to the Great Lakes Longbow Invitational at Charleton Park in August! It's close and a ton of fun.

[DennyK]

Hi Mike, You can try Connie's Custom Arrows, she is on the north side of Jenison just around the corner from me here in Hudsonville. Her email is [email protected] If she does not have it stocked she can get it.

[Bow man]

For sure come down to Kalamazoo expo New and used there and all the supplies you can ever want. Also Larry at Lost Nations has a great inventory. You can find his info in the Sponsors section

[finkm1]

Lost Nation is somewhere by you. Maybe Sturgis MI.?

[shedhunter]

a few miles east of Sturgis.   ron

Hi Mike!
You had the same problem as I did for several years...no trad stuff available in your area.  I am from Holland (now in China) and have family in Burnips!   Small world.

Definitely go to the expo in Kzoo!  I would not miss that for all the tea in China....ha!  But I will this year.  There you will see and be able to try a ton of bows.  Be sure to put aside lots of time for this experience...and take some money with you.  You will see many of the worlds best bowyers.  

There are lots of TG guys here that will be there...many from around your area I'm sure.  Try to hook-up with some of them...they can help you with making good decisions.  

You might try posting a thread here to help you find someone.

Good luck!

Tony

[ChaserMI]

Wow!

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Mike

[Jon Stewart]

Lost Nation, Larry and Janice are great folks to deal with.

Tom up in Sand Lake at Traditional supplies is another good person to deal with.

[J. Oles]

Not South West Michigan, but Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare stocks a fair amount of tradgear.

Jason

[J. Oles]

The Kazoo and Compton events really are the way to go!

Best in the country.

[Mojostick]

Traditional Outdoor Supply in Sand Lake. About 20 minutes north of GR, 2 minutes off 131. Tom is the best.
  http://www.traditionaloutdoorsupply.com/

[Bow man]

http://www.lostnationarchery.com/

Here is Larry's web site

[Bow Bum]

Tom at traditional outdoor supply has helped me out a couple times. He's good to work with and real nice to boot.

I'm hoping to be at the Kzoo show on Sat.

Brian

[Mason]

Mike,
 
 Like everybody said -you want to attend K-zoo and Comptons.

But in the mean time I'm going to let you know about a place where you can go and get started.
Wed. nights at 7 pm in downtown Otsego above Bob's Hardware - west of the red light,south side of the street,only place on the 2nd story that will have the lights on.

All you need to do is show up,have a thick skin - bow is optional.If you don't have one someone there will and help you get started. We have 10 lanes and usually 25-40 shooters.Cost is a whopping 3 bucks and whatever verbal abuse you can handle ! Seriously, lots of knowledge and guys willing to help get you started in the right direction.

 Mason

[Tim Fishell]

Bob, your letting out our secret hinding spot!!  LOL

Mike, if you need help with anything let me know.  I live in Holland and have been at this game for a while.  Good luck and hopefully we can get together and shoot sometime.  

Tim