Recurve Hunting

[steve708]

I am wanting to get started hunting with a recurve bow.  I currently shoot a Parker compound bow, 60 lb pull.  I was wanting to ask a few questions:

1.  What is the normal and minimal draw weight for whitetail hunting?  

2.  Is the Sage takedown from 3Rivers archery a good starter bow? The one that costs around 120.00

3.  Can you all recommend a good book to help beginners?

I would like to start soon as to be ready for the 2011 deer season.  I believe to will take a lot of practice.  Good luck hunting!!

[All Hawks Kill]

Welcome to traditional archery, you will find it very addictive and much more rewarding.  Now to answer your questions.

1.  I would recommend not going below 40lbs for whitetails.  I know some do it with 35lbs, but that is just my personal general rule and one that I recommend when anyone asks.  Be careful as most all traditional bow weights are measured at 28 inches.  For every inch over 28 you need to add 2 pounds and for every inch under 28 you need to subtract 2 pounds.  Example, if your draw length is 26 inches and your bow is 50 pounds a 28 inches, you would be drawing 46 pounds.

2. The Sage is an awesome starter and backup bow.  If you do a search of this forum you will see that I have highly recommended this bow many times in the past.  I'm a longbow guy but I have a Sage that I carry with me on hunts as a backup because it takes up little room.  With the Sage you are getting a lot more bow for your money than most cheap bows.  It is good looking and well made, plus it shoots really nice.

3. 3Rivers has a number of good Books and DVDs for the beginner.  I highly recommend Masters of the Bare Bow, both Vol. I and II.  Here is the link.  http://www.3riversarchery.com/Books+DVD%27s+Shooting+Masters+of+the+Barebow+Vol+1+%26+2++Save+%2410%21_c42_s33_p173_i7032-2_product.html

One other recommendation I have for all beginners is to start with a good set of carbon arrows.  There have been a few threads recently where we have discussed proper arrows for different bows that are good reads when you have the time.   A properly setup arrow for your bow will make it much easier on you as a beginner.  Hope this helps and if you have any questions along your journey we are here to help as much as we can.  Again a big Welcome to the Band of Brothers.

[Empty Quiver]

AHK has good advice. I'll add a couple things. Don't talk yourself into a very short bow, when you start they are all long compared to compounds, try 56" - 58" out. If you can work with a #45 - #50 bow starting out that would be my rec'cy, under no circumstances get too much draw weight though. I personally use aluminum arrows, you will not want to get plastic vanes no matter the shaft. Have them fletched for some spin too. I have read G. Fred Asbells books and found them helpful. You might think about getting the books before the equipment, as most will discuss thier hardware preferences.

[Dee]

I shoot a "glass-powered" Grizzley, 58" 45lb re curve, and like Empty Quiver like aluminum arrows. I can hit what I shoot at, and though I am pretty low tech even for the re curve, it is not rocket science, and I am happy with the results.
I started in about 1956 with an all wood re curve 20lb bow, that I think was a Ben Pearson, and then at about age 12 bought a Colt 30# fiberglass recurve bow that I still have, so I have been shooting re curves for about 55 years.
I did try my son's expensive compound bow once. I shot 5 arrows, and handed it back to him. I guess I am the king of KISS technology.

[steve708]

Thanks for the advice.  I am going to save my pennies and get a sage bow, and practice until next hunting season.  I will be asking more questions and hanging around to learn from others.

[All Hawks Kill]

Awesome, welcome to the darkside!

Just remember the only dumb question is the one you don't ask.  We will be here and ready to answer any questions you might have. 

[Swampman]

I'd try to find a 60" #45@28" Super Kodiak on ebay.  Anything shorter than 60" is hard to hit with IMO.

[Dixie Dude]

You might need to check your state game laws.  In Alabama you must have a 45# pull bow.  One thing I learned a long time ago from a Fred Bear book.  Look at your target, pull back, aim and release as soon as you get to full draw.  You shouldn't hold like you do with a compound.  

[Swampman]

The best shots I know including myself hold at full draw.  I sometimes hold for 2-3 seconds.

[All Hawks Kill]

I hold long enough to insure a good anchor, never timed myself.  I do know if you hold too long you will not be as accurate, but that length of time is very dependant on the individual.  No two people shoot exactly a like, to the common eye it may appear they are, but I can tell you they truely don't.  Everyone has to find what is most comfortable and works for them, that is why I only give basic recommendations on the actual act of shooting.   Now as far as bow tuning and arrow selection I can provide more details because the laws of physics come into play, and though we have been able to bend those laws a bit from time to time we have never been able to break them.

[Dixie Dude]

I read it in one of Fred Bears books about not holding it trying to aim.  He said to aim as you pull back and be ready to release as soon as you come to full draw.  1-3 seconds wouldn't matter much, but you will get fatigued if you hold too long.  Fred Bear shot a lot of big game with his bows this way.  I like recurves and longbows, lighter and less cumbersome than all that block and tackle stuff.  I do have a compound, but don't use it anymore. 

[Swampman]

In his interviews Fred says more that once the he has bad form and "nobody should copy me."  Fred suffered from target panic his entire life.  He was a very good shot though.

[Cottonwood]

Good luck, I don't hold long after I come to full draw.  I have already focused on the intended target and release quickly and am pretty accurate.

[BUGEYE]

back in the early 70s I hunted with a browning cobra and I have developed an opinion.
1-longbows are truly graceful
2-recurves are a work of art
3-compounds are UUUUUUUUUUUUGLY!!!!!!!!

[AtlLaw]

The best shots I know including myself hold at full draw.  I sometimes hold for 2-3 seconds.

I don't hold long after I come to full draw.  I have already focused on the intended target and release quickly and am pretty accurate.

Y'all keep on discussin these fine points!  It gives me things to try and see what works for me!     My Daddy always said "it's a wise man that learns from the experience of others."  I learn just by listening to you guys talk!   

[squirrellluck]

Cotton, I'm in your camp. By the time I come to full draw I have accuired the target and release when I hit my anchor point. Just can't hit bullseye targets so I use a small piece of tape or paper or pine cone or....     On the bow aspect longer bow = more forgiving. Don't go for the he-man approach 40-50 lb is plenty and more comfy to shoot than a heavy weight bow. Have fun and shoot true

[Frank V]

Steve, welcome to the trad side. Thanks for waiting to hunt till you have developed skill, that's commendable. It won't be long! Don't forget stums, clumps of grass, dirt clods, shadows, leaves, & all other manner of inanimate objects are legal game & with NO BAG LIMIT!!! Good shooting.
Frank

[scootrd]

I'm glad this post came up, I also was looking at a takedown Bow to keep in back of truck.
Are any of you familiar with the Martin Jaguar Takedown with glass limbs?
Pro's?  Con's? I was thinking for around 150.00  - 200.00 , it might make a nice backup to keep in the truck.

[Frank V]

I'm glad this post came up, I also was looking at a takedown Bow to keep in back of truck.
Are any of you familiar with the Martin Jaguar Takedown with glass limbs?
Pro's?  Con's? I was thinking for around 150.00  - 200.00 , it might make a nice backup to keep in the truck.

Don't want to hijack a thread, but check out 3-Rivers archery. They have several lower priced bows that don't look too bad.
Frank

[steve708]

I too was looking at the martin take down, how does it compare to the Sage.  IS it worth the extra money?

[Swampman]

Martin makes a great bow.

[Frank V]

Martin makes a great bow.

Yes they do!
Frank