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Anyone here shoot traditional...
n/a
Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
...and if so, what is your shooting style...100% instinct, gap method, what??? I've been bowhunting for roughly 30 years with a compound, but I'm going traditional this year. Any advice? Right now I'm hitting my target about 50% of the time (with no real method)...the other 50% of shots are in a 10" circle around that (this is at 15 yards). I had a local guy custom make my bow and it's a hybrid between a long bow and a recurve. It's pulling around 70 lbs at my draw length of 29.5-30". Unfortunately, the bamboo laminate on the outside of my limbs cracked and split off yesterday, so the guy is making me a new bow. I've got quite a few questions, but I'll just start with this one right now...
Thanks!
Thanks!
Comments
Anyways, get some pictures up or this thread is worthless! And of your arrows!.
I sure hope the arrows work...I had a new string and arrows made up for the bow that broke...
Sorry about the hijack ECC
I have picked up a recurve but have not shot it yet and don't even have arrows. Its my first so I have nothing to offer either other than maybe we can learn from each others mistakes. [:D] Had one of my girls out shootin yesterday. this is only her second time. She made me proud when her sisters and neighbor kid kept yelling for her to come play and she said when she was done shooting she would. [^]
Sorry about the hijack ECC
[8D][8D][8D] I've been thinking about trying to get my wife and daughter into shooting bows...make a family event out of it.
I must admit that when I trained seriously in competition for the '72
Olympics, my equipment was set up for long range, precision target shooting @ distances of 90,70,50, and 30 meters. I also did deer hunt, using a custom made COOK recurve hunting bow out of Utah. I shot bare bow with it and killed my first deer, a mulie fork horn @ about 65 yards; using a thin leather work glove I cut the thumb and little finger off for a tab. I was even using custom Cabala's wood arrows with BEAR Razorheads made for me at their first Neb. store. Depending on the yardage, I shot three fingers under the arrow or split finger while using the point of the arrow to reference my yardage and windage with. As a matter of fact, while I was competing in the 1970 Wy. State Indoor Championships, I signed up for and shot with sights in what was referred to as freestyle.. I had shot early on a morning line and decided, just for fun, to sign up and shoot bare bow rather than sit around the rest of the day waiting for the results. Turned out that I won the Men's freestyle, and as they were getting ready to announce the winner of the bare bow Men's Champion, there seemed to be some sort of problem[:0] I was called up to the officials desk and told that I had indeed won the BareBow championship but the state officials[:o)] decided it was unfair[:(][V] for me to have both titles and I had to decide which one I was going to give up for someone else to have; AND I wasn't to mention it to anyone as they hadn't posted the scores as was required
therefore on one really knew who did win. They forgot about the scorekeeper on my target butt, who happened to be one of the top BareBow shooters in the state jumped up when they announced the winner and his winning score. Boy did the poo hit the fan on that one. I didn't mind who got the award, I knew I had won, even though I hadn't ever figured I could possibly win it in the first place.[:D]
Sounds like you are starting heavy for a beginner. Realize it is a totally different sport than compound. In trad shooting, accuracy is the key, and a lot of practice. Much better to hit a deer accurately with a 45# bow than a poor hit with a 70# bow. I like 55# myself. Bear archery made 75% of recurves 45# in their heyday. Your draw length will be likely a little less with a trad bow. Work on developing a consistent anchor point and a smooth release.
The best thing is to try different bows out at a shoot before you buy one. Trad shoots are all over. Also, some of the how to videos by Byron Ferguson and Dan Bertalan are helpful. Get on tradgang and feel free to email me if there is any info I can help you with. good luck!
Just cause its called traditional doesn't mean you can't use sights..
I must admit that when I trained seriously in competition for the '72
Olympics, my equipment was set up for long range, precision target shooting @ distances of 90,70,50, and 30 meters. I also did deer hunt, using a custom made COOK recurve hunting bow out of Utah. I shot bare bow with it and killed my first deer, a mulie fork horn @ about 65 yards; using a thin leather work glove I cut the thumb and little finger off for a tab. I was even using custom Cabala's wood arrows with BEAR Razorheads made for me at their first Neb. store. Depending on the yardage, I shot three fingers under the arrow or split finger while using the point of the arrow to reference my yardage and windage with. As a matter of fact, while I was competing in the 1970 Wy. State Indoor Championships, I signed up for and shot with sights in what was referred to as freestyle.. I had shot early on a morning line and decided, just for fun, to sign up and shoot bare bow rather than sit around the rest of the day waiting for the results. Turned out that I won the Men's freestyle, and as they were getting ready to announce the winner of the bare bow Men's Champion, there seemed to be some sort of problem[:0] I was called up to the officials desk and told that I had indeed won the BareBow championship but the state officials[:o)] decided it was unfair[:(][V] for me to have both titles and I had to decide which one I was going to give up for someone else to have; AND I wasn't to mention it to anyone as they hadn't posted the scores as was required
therefore on one really knew who did win. They forgot about the scorekeeper on my target butt, who happened to be one of the top BareBow shooters in the state jumped up when they announced the winner and his winning score. Boy did the poo hit the fan on that one. I didn't mind who got the award, I knew I had won, even though I hadn't ever figured I could possibly win it in the first place.[:D]
I do not want sights...I lost a shot at the biggest elk I've ever seen in my life b/c I could not see through my peep...this elk was 20 yards broadside. I want to learn to shoot traditional...preferably instinct shooting.
I switched over about 10 years ago. Started collecting old bows, must have about 80 now. It is hard to describe my style, probably 100% instinctive. Get on tradgang.com for advice on any aspect of trad shooting.
Sounds like you are starting heavy for a beginner. Realize it is a totally different sport than compound. In trad shooting, accuracy is the key, and a lot of practice. Much better to hit a deer accurately with a 45# bow than a poor hit with a 70# bow. I like 55# myself. Bear archery made 75% of recurves 45# in their heyday. Your draw length will be likely a little less with a trad bow. Work on developing a consistent anchor point and a smooth release.
The best thing is to try different bows out at a shoot before you buy one. Trad shoots are all over. Also, some of the how to videos by Byron Ferguson and Dan Bertalan are helpful. Get on tradgang and feel free to email me if there is any info I can help you with. good luck!
Thanks!
Horney Toad gave good advice conserning draw weight on a recurve vs the Compound. Drop down to a 40-45# weight and work on consistancy in using an anchor point and developing your follow through. 15 yards is plenty far enough to work on these points; and as you are doing this, you will find your accuracy will start to improve. You will need to develop your own style of aiming, or just shoot totally instinctively at your own choice. If you are going to keep your shots under about 25 yards, I would suggest you try to shoot with all three fingers under the arrow while bringing the nock up toward your eye as close as comfortable. This will allow you to shoot while looking down the shaft toward the target. It works.
Thank you for the input. I had been shooting tabs with one finger above the arrow. I have no problem pulling and holding this bow...I can pretty easily shoot about 60 arrows before I start to feel it...
For some odd reason, I shoot way off with 3 fingers under...I'm not sure why. I'm shooting way over my target. It seems that I shoot best when I just feel the shot.?.?...actually, when i feel it, I hit dead on...problem is, that only happens about 50% of the time![B)][:I]
I responded to your post a few days back...but I don't see my response...hence the repost.
I haven't shot any competition since the Fall of 1971 when my Dr. informed me to either have surgey or quit shooting any more. I was 23 yrs old, scared of being cut on and had no family around to advise me, so I retired just before archery was declared an Olympic sport. I just play with my recurves anymore when I can draw one to shoot it. I did work for EASTON in '66-'67 and shot on their Amateur team, winning the U.S. Open Indoor Amateur Team Match[:D] in '67 @ Las Vegas while placing 5th in the individual matches
EEC,
As far as shooting with sights while hunting, you MIGHT try doing so WITHOUT the peep site. When I competed, we shot out to 100 yards using only the nocking point on the string along with the sights and shot some pretty good scores for the times. You should never have a problem hitting an elk sized animal in the kill area if your sites are set correctly even without the peep. Give it a try before you give up on what you already know, skill wise. Just lay the site pins along the outside of your string; which will require a slight setting adjustment, but I can't remember wether in or out[?] Good luck regardless and remember to: AIM RIGHT-SHOOT STRAIGHT-&-LIVE & HONOR and INTEGRITY. God bless!
quote:Let me know if the 3 under works.
You got me on shooting high with the 3 under. Generally the shot goes low. Start with your bow arm held level to the center of your target, consentrate on the area you want to hit while drawing to your anchor point, no lower than the corner of your mouth then release as soon as you complete the draw. See if that helps. 3 under was designed for distances out to about 30-35 yards, and you can use your point as something of an aiming point site.
Jerry
For some odd reason, I shoot way off with 3 fingers under...I'm not sure why. I'm shooting way over my target. It seems that I shoot best when I just feel the shot.?.?...actually, when i feel it, I hit dead on...problem is, that only happens about 50% of the time![B)][:I]
I responded to your post a few days back...but I don't see my response...hence the repost.
I've got a 67# SAXON "black gold" longbow made in Potlatch. It's
quite quick but way too much for my rotator cup and elbow any more.
I'm down to about 45-55 lb. any more. It would probably make you a
good backup though. If you think you could use it let me know.
Don
ECC,
I've got a 67# SAXON "black gold" longbow made in Potlatch. It's
quite quick but way too much for my rotator cup and elbow any more.
I'm down to about 45-55 lb. any more. It would probably make you a
good backup though. If you think you could use it let me know.
Don
How much do you want for it??? I'd certainly be interested!...??? Thanks!
Eric
I've been eyeballing my three grandsons, and I would be real
suprised if any of them are going to grow into this. Great
boys, just small in stature.
Don
I'm probably going to get rid of also, a Bear "Montana" and
a "thunderhorn".
Guess I'm a dinosaur of sorts, 61, been shooting since I was 5
and have never owned a compound. Thanks for the response though.
You are getting plenty of good advice on here. Only thing I might
add is that I found is that when you shoot, you go through three stages. First couple of shots are kind of a "mind" calibration.
Next, you will start putting them in there pretty consistently.
Third stage is when you start to tire and fudge your technique.
Don't quite get to your anchor spot, move your head to get there,
fingers or wrist tire etc. Best to stop when you see evidence of stage three setting in. Don't want to be practicing bad technique.
Found that when you get to your hunting spot, it only takes a couple of arrows to re calibrate. Of course, all bets are off when "buck fever" sets in!
Will wait and see what Eric has in mind. Got a couple of others
I'm probably going to get rid of also, a Bear "Montana" and
a "thunderhorn".
Guess I'm a dinosaur of sorts, 61, been shooting since I was 5
and have never owned a compound. Thanks for the response though.
...don't rightly know...what interests you.?.?
Eric,
You are getting plenty of good advice on here. Only thing I might
add is that I found is that when you shoot, you go through three stages. First couple of shots are kind of a "mind" calibration.
Next, you will start putting them in there pretty consistently.
Third stage is when you start to tire and fudge your technique.
Don't quite get to your anchor spot, move your head to get there,
fingers or wrist tire etc. Best to stop when you see evidence of stage three setting in. Don't want to be practicing bad technique.
Found that when you get to your hunting spot, it only takes a couple of arrows to re calibrate. Of course, all bets are off when "buck fever" sets in!
...so you shoot when you are out hunting and there's nothing to shoot at.?.? To tell you the truth...I don't really get "buck fever" anymore. I've killed so many deer with a bow (compound) that it's not funny. I've got well over 100 deer under my belt. Elk on the other hand...I'm still working on that...along with bear. I hunt on the ground now. Back east, I hunted from a tree stand.
LOL! There's always something to shoot at! I couldn't hold a
candle to you as far as numbers but have enjoyed all my years in the
field just the same. Any more I find rabbits and grouse far easier to
pack than an elk. Best advice I was ever given when instinct shooting
was to "pick a spot! And then pick a spot on that spot!!"
I didn't have anything special in mind. Always looking for an
oddball contender or encore barrel though. Something you just don't
use much anymore. Kind of like me and that bow.
Don
Jim
Eric,
LOL! There's always something to shoot at! I couldn't hold a
candle to you as far as numbers but have enjoyed all my years in the
field just the same. Any more I find rabbits and grouse far easier to
pack than an elk. Best advice I was ever given when instinct shooting
was to "pick a spot! And then pick a spot on that spot!!"
I didn't have anything special in mind. Always looking for an
oddball contender or encore barrel though. Something you just don't
use much anymore. Kind of like me and that bow.
Don
I don't know what I would have and don't use that anyone would want...I can certainly get a contender barrel though! What kind of calibers might you be looking for???
shredder in it,or, any of the jdj's. Toy with the idea of some
kind of 17cal. Enjoy playing with the oddballs.????
I shoot instinctive, although, many people get hung up on labels. I am not aware of the tip of my arrow when I shoot, nor am I aware of yardage.
It is a simpler way to shoot, and I find myself enjoying my time afield much more than before. Oh, I keep the freezer filled with those old stick and strings.
I shoot traditional, in fact I returned after playing with the so called modern bow for about ten years. I started shooting bow 1966 B.C., meaning before compounds....LOL
I shoot instinctive, although, many people get hung up on labels. I am not aware of the tip of my arrow when I shoot, nor am I aware of yardage.
It is a simpler way to shoot, and I find myself enjoying my time afield much more than before. Oh, I keep the freezer filled with those old stick and strings.
Welcome to the forum!
I shoot traditional, in fact I returned after playing with the so called modern bow for about ten years. I started shooting bow 1966 B.C., meaning before compounds....LOL
I shoot instinctive, although, many people get hung up on labels. I am not aware of the tip of my arrow when I shoot, nor am I aware of yardage.
It is a simpler way to shoot, and I find myself enjoying my time afield much more than before. Oh, I keep the freezer filled with those old stick and strings.
I'd like to learn from someone like yourself. I first start shooting a recurve in the 70's...and almost immediately graduated to a compound. I need the old school fellas to school me.
I'm not in any hurry at all, in fact I have to get it out of storage in a couple of weeks when I head up to Kamiah to do some fencing. I'll get your address and ship it up to you and you can see
how it feels for you.
Don
Eric,
I'm not in any hurry at all, in fact I have to get it out of storage in a couple of weeks when I head up to Kamiah to do some fencing. I'll get your address and ship it up to you and you can see
how it feels for you.
Don
Don,
I'd be mighty appreciative...sounds like it might be a good fit.
I'm not real sure about this hybrid I had made. I cannot seem to shoot it with any kind of real consistency. Sometimes I'm hitting dead on and other times, I'm way off.