Looking for a bow

[shootercochran]

Hello,

 
I"m going to be moving to Alaska in about 2 years and I need a good bow.
 
I'm a survivealist you could say, along with a traditionalist.
 
I need a good bow that will work well for general all around hunting from bear, to snowshoe hare.
 
For the regulations it needs to have at least 50 pounds draw weight.
 
I'm relativly new to bows so your help is apprciate.
 
I"m thinking of a recuve type bow.  TRADITIONAL BOW!
 
Budget is between 400-700 dollars.
 
I'm 5' 9"  and 130 pounds.
 
Thank you very much for your help.

I"ve emailed a few custom bowmakers with this.
Any one's you could suggest?

How about Bear archry bows?

This bow needs to be dependable and last a long time.

[addicted]

Nice to see another bowhunter here.  You are so lucky that you get to go to Alaska!

I own a Bears Paw recurve  www.bpbows.com and I love it.  You also might look into Marriah bows; both companies won't rip a hole in your budget.

One thing to consider though is the overall time it would take for the bowyer to make your bow.  Sometimes they can knock them out in 2 months, but some can take 4-8 months to produce.

Another idea is look at www.stickbow.com ... they have plenty of new and used bows that people sell.  You can save hundreds like I did.

I wouldn't go any less than 55-60 hunting up there, but another thing you could do is buy a takedown recurve with a certain poundage for your draw length and later pay them $250-300 for another set of limbs for smaller game.

If you want a compound bow then I would ask if you have a good strong shoulder since most companies these days are going to a stiffer draw cycle which is murder on the shoulder.  You would definitely need to go to a pro shop of some sort and pull a couple back.  Then get the one that feels great on the draw cycle and has a smooth release and accurate with little or no handshock.

Good luck and happy hunting.

Joel

[shootercochran]

Thank you for the help!

I"m not at all intrested in a compound bow!

I want a traditional bow that will last as long as me!

The time it takes to make the bow will not be a problem though.  As it will be a  couple years or a little over for I will be able to take it hunting.

Thanks for the help!

[addicted]

Well if you're not worried about time for them to make one you have more options in your price range.

Bears Paw Bows
Marriah
Bob Lee
Blacktail Bows
Used Shafer Silvertips
Used Black Swan
Used Black Widow
***there are several other companies, but I can't think of any right now***

Happy Hunting, Joel

[theoldarcher]

Suggestions: 1) pick up a copy of Traditional Bowhunter Magazine and contact any of the bowyers advertising in it;  2) attend a traditional weekend shoot near you where trad bowyers set up their booths, and try as many of their bows over the weekend as you can.  Most bowyers have web sites and display 'bows in stock'--take a look at wood combo's, pricing, etc.  I have friends that hunt Alaska all the time, and their bows for moose, bear, and smaller animals are usually in the 55# to 65# range.  With fairly heavy arrows, very sharp broadheads, and exact placement you will be able to kill whatever you choose to hunt.  Any of the bows listed by addicted will out last you with proper care.  I have been shooting trad bows for over 55 years, and a couple of my bows are 50+ years old and very capable of killing animals--they will go to my grandsons some day.

Best of luck in your hunt and your Alaska adventures.

Arch