Total Newbie to Archery, yet excited to learn all I can

[TheGreatPavo]

Hey guys/gals,

I have been a fan of archery my whole life, and I recently realized that the only thing holding me back from participating in the sport is myself. I was turned onto this forum by a very helpful member of the Northern Virginia Archers Club. So thanks for letting me join, I am very excited to have this opportunity to learn and participate in this community.

I am interested in traditional bow hunting, because I want to participate in an activity that requires both mental and physical focus. I also like the concept of taking up a new hobby/sport that I can improve upon by hard work and skill practice. Also, I think traditional bows are just really cool, and I am not afraid to admit it!

I am doing a lot of research right now, mainly based off my interactions with the NORVA club member and that chunk of information provided to me when I was approved for the forum. I would love to hear any advice y'all might have for someone so new to the sport.

The only things keeping me from starting to shoot are lack of equipment, and lack of skill/knowledge. I have gathered that one's form and skill are important to establish correctly from the get-go, and I do not want to start off with bad habits, as I hope to partake in this sport for the foreseeable future.  

As for myself, I recently graduated from college down in Texas, and have moved out to the Fairfax, Virginia area.

I guess that is all I have for this post, again thanks for letting me join, and I am very excited to learn from you all. Any and all advice is appreciated and welcomed!

[buckster]

Nice first post. You will learn a lot here, also check out the Shooters Forum.  Welcome aboard!

[LimBender]

Texas to Virginia.    :D     Virginia is certainly not suffering these days with the growth of Leviathan.  

It is very addictive, and requires commitment.

Are you saying you don't have a bow yet?  If not, find something used and cheap in a low weight and buy some cheap arrows, a bag (or some hay), and get to shooting.  

If you don't know somebody to shoot with, I was recommended and read Shooting the Stickbow and the Traditional Bowhunter's Handbook, both of which you can get on 3Rivers (a sponsor), and are helpful.  

Good luck and shooting.      

[LimBender]

Oh and make sure to click on the "New to Trad Archery" link on this page. . . .

[TheGreatPavo]

I have been scouring the "new to Trad Archery page" as there is a TON of info in there. Which is awesome, because my previous attempts at googling for information were certainly less than fruitful when compared to that article.

I do not have a bow yet, but from the information I have read through it looks like I am most interested in the traditional longbow. But I am a little confused as to the technical difference between a long bow and a recurve bow. Is it really just a matter of preference? Or does the physical makeup of the bow itself come into play in terms of my capability to use the bow?

Is it kosher for me to get the supplies (bow, arrows, hay to shoot at and such) and just shoot at the hay in my backyard? Or is bow use regulated by local laws (do I need to specifically shoot only at a range or something of the like)?

Should I be looking at used bows and materials from just any old Joe, or are there specialty shops that I should find?

And thanks for the welcome!

[LimBender]

I wouldn't worry about recurve or longbow - a good grip and feel is important, but if you can't try before you buy, just get something like an old bear or Pearson recurve between 35-40#.  
After you learn to shoot, you have plenty of time to develop preferences in grip, length, longbow, recurve, etc.

Most people on these classifieds should be selling functional bows and answer your questions.  

On law - that is up to you.  In most city's it is technically illegal (launch a projectile), but it all depends on your setup and of course the safety of those around you.

But sounds like you need to find some folks in your area that can help you with arrows, tabs, bows, shooting and all.

[TheGreatPavo]

Awesome! Thank you so much for the info. I now have a jumping off point to start from.

Here is to learning to shoot!

[Shakes.602]

Welcome to TradGang!! You wont find Any Better Folks to Learn from and Share Info With than Right Here!!

[wooddamon1]

Welcome from Michigan.    

[iohkus]

Welcome from Missouri! I have a daughter who lives in Virginia (Tazewell) Exciting to have a newbi who's so excited. If you live in town better check the local ordinances about shooting. WHEREVER you shoot, be sure to have a safe backstop or wide open spaces behind your target. They're not ALL going to hit the target!!  

[T-Bowhunter]

Welcome from Florida!

[LB_hntr]

Welcome to tradgang and this amazing world of traditional bow hunting. There is a great group of people here that will answer any questions you have. You have an amazing journey ahead of you. Enjoy the path and don't rush thru it.

[VictoryHunter]

Welcome to the gang!

[Sam McMichael]

Traditional archery is truly a captivating hobby. Explore both recurves and longbows, and don't allow yourself to be locked into one or the other. Many guys on here have a distinct preference but still sometimes enjoy shooting the other for a change of pace. Trad archery is both refreshing and frustrating, sometimes seemingly at the same time. You will not find a better group to share your enthusiasm with, nor will you find another location to get advice from than the TG members. This sport is an eternal journey, and you will never learn it all, but, then again, who would want to? Welcome to the best group you will ever know.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Welcome and enjoy.  I agree get a lighter bow of any style and then move up as you desire both in style and weight!

Try to meet some guys in your area and shoot with them,  It will cut your frustrations by 2/3.

[TheGreatPavo]

Right on! Thanks so much for the welcomes Y'all. I am excited for the opportunity to learn, and be part of the community.

[Fattony77]

As far as the "technical" difference between a recurve and longbow, the way I understand it, a bow that has the string touching the "belly" of the bow (the side closest ot the shooter when shooting) when it is strung (a.k.a. braced) is a recurve. If the string does not touch the belly, it is a longbow. Both tend to vary in grip design also, but I agree with the previous posts, start inexpensive and low draw weight and have fun!

WARNING! This is an EXTREMELY addictive adventure you are embarking on!
I'm hooked for life, myself!

Welcome to the 'gang!

[Moots]

Best of luck.  One bow often leads to more.  Enjoy.

[Swinestalker]

Welcome from Mississippi. You picked the right place. Lots of knolledgable, un-selfish archers to be found here.

[Green Mountain Boy]

Welcome, you'll like it here!! I've learned more lurking around here than I could possibly tell you.  However this is a big site and there are undoubtedly some great archers from it in your area.  If you can hook up with them once you choose a bow (the earlier the better here) I'll bet they would be happy to get you shooting in person.  If you start out right, I didn't, you won't have any bad habits to break!!