Anyone recommend a book?

[J. Holden]

I'm wondering if the group can recommend a "how to shoot a longbow book" for me to read.  I have shot a recurve most my shooting life.  I recently purchased a longbow that is getting a face lift.  I shot this bow once or twice before sending it off.  I am feeling like I should do it and it's maker justice by learning to shoot it properly.  Thought I would get a head start so I can be somewhat ready when the bow comes home.

I saw Mr. Sorrels book on 3 Rivers but was wondering if there maybe is another I should look for.  Thanks in advance.

-Jeremy

[J. Holden]

I am more interested in shooting for hunting over competition if that makes a difference.  And the bow is a Fred Anderson, skookum for reference as to the style of bow.  Oh yeah, she's a beauty too...

-Jeremy

[Mike Vines]

Save yourself a couple $ and use the search feature here on Tradgang.  If you don't mind spending the $, then it sounds like you already have a good choice picked out.

[J. Holden]

Thanks for the tip Mike, will be sure to do that.  Tuesday and Wednesday look like rain for me.  Sounds like a good day to sip some coffee and read...

[Orion]

The grips can be a little different, but there's really little difference in shooting between a recurve and longbow.  I've shot both, and self-bows, for the past 50 years. Recurves usually have a little more mass and feel a little softer on the draw and perhaps have somewhat less hand shock than longbows, but after all, they're each just a stick and a string.

[J. Holden]

Very true Orion.  I would say though that in my experience I've always shot recurves better.  Why would that be?  I must be missing something, or trying to shoot my longbows like a recurve.

This new longbow is a straight grip, nothing fancy about.  It's also deep.  Now my recurve is like a pistol grip, can't put my hand on it any other way.  Maybe that has something to do with it.

But man, is it quiet!  What a difference.  I've gotten my recurve pretty quiet but there's a noticeable difference for sure.

I don't know, it's a stick and string, yes.  But, it's also an apple and orange.  Both are a little different...

-Jeremy  

[centaur]

Several books come to mind. You may not like how one author does it, but take a bit from one, another bit from another, and adapt to your particular style.
The second and third Asbell books have chapters that are specific to longbows, and how they differ from recurves. Byron Ferguson's Become the Arrow will give another perspective.  Craig Ekin's book, Howard Hill, the Man and the Legend has a bit of Howard's shooting technique.
As stated, there is a wealth of information right here on TG. The Howard Hill thread is huge, but hidden in there are some good tips on shooting the longbow.

[troubldstranger]

Just read B. Ferguson's Become the arrow.  It helped me quite a bit, but I haven't read another to be able to compare.  I recommend it!  Alot about hunting in it too.

[DanielB89]

J. Holden,

this  is not exactly what you're looking for, but I shoot them how ever I can and as consistent as I can.  Getting a new bow is kind of like courting a woman.  You have to take your time, do your part to learn what she liked, practice SHOOTING ARROWS a lot, and you will have a good relationship.  I don't find hunting and competitions that different.  I do think that competitions make me practice proper form, and hunting, I just forget to do it. lol.  

good luck!

[LBR]

It's not a book, but the best instruction I know of shy of a personal coach is "Masters of the Barebow, Volume III".  Both of the main players are world champion longbow shooters and accomplished hunters.

[Jack Skinner]

I am reading Dr. Ashby's book "Now". It is not a book on shooting but on hunting and so far I have found it entertaining and informational. I have already order me some natural tree gum rubber to try and improve my moc's for "pussy footing".

[J. Holden]

Thank you all for the suggestions.  I may have to wait on the HH thread here for a day when it's too cold to go ice fishing

[LBR]

MBB I and II are (in my opinion) entertaining and show a little bit of a lot of different styles, but III has what you are looking for.