In the market for a Recurve Bow.

[Smossy]

 
So is there anything specific I should be looking for? Ive only ever dealt with compounds and Im not sure if things are done/measured differently.
Is my 28" draw length (from a compound) going to also be a 28" draw length for a recurve? Anything to stay away from as far as model/brands/DW?
What's a common draw weight for trad bowhunters?
I have my eye on a Hoyt Gamemaster 2.
With that all being said, fire away.

[jackelope]

There's a few of them in the classifieds right now.
Draw length will be about the same minus a release.
Draw weights seem to be a little lower than your compounds.
As far as brands, no clue. 

[dreamunelk]

What are your plans with it?  Just tinkering or planning on hunting with it?
Lots of good starter bows.  For a cheap started look a Samick bows.  Not the best but, still a good bow.  As for draw length it will be shorted than you compound with some exceptions.  You will want to start at a low poundage.  One reason is no let off so you will have to build up strength.  Also you want a lower poundage to work on form.  Trad bows are not as forgiving as compounds.  Form is everything especially if you want to shoot instinctive.  Tuning is down by adjusting brace, nock and arrow and tip.  I would suggest doing some so you know what you are getting into.  That said my compound gets lonely because I prefer the challenge of shooting my long bows and re curves.  It is kind of a zen thing....

[washelkhunter]

55# at 28 inches draw is probably the average for a hunting bow. 45# is the min for deer and elk here in Wa. I shoot a 55 effectively out to 30-35 yards. I dont shoot instinctively but aim, no sights. Its a ton of fun.

[MLBowhunting]

I have a gamemaster and I love it.   

[Smossy]

I have a gamemaster and I love it.   

I think its time to pass it on to little brother

[NWWABOWHNTR]

55# at 28 inches draw is probably the average for a hunting bow. 45# is the min for deer and elk here in Wa. I shoot a 55 effectively out to 30-35 yards. I dont shoot instinctively but aim, no sights. Its a ton of fun.

40# is the minimum in Washington, look at the regulations.  Get a reasonable priced ILF riser so you can start with low poundage limbs (40# at most), and when you build up your strength, you can just buy new limbs(lots cheaper than a new bow!).  Samick SAGE is a great starter bow, you can pick up brand new for about $139, and then a new set of limbs that are heavier, will only cost you I think $70 or there abouts.  Many deer have been taken with a 40# longbow... shot placement and sharp cut on contact BH.

[NWWABOWHNTR]

a. It is unlawful for any person to hunt
big game animals with a bow that does
not produce a minimum of 40 pounds of
pull measured at twenty-eight inches or
less draw length.


page 79 sub paragraph a.....

[Special T]

I shoot a compound 28 in draw 60 lbs with a release. I walked into Riverside Achery and told them i wanted to try out some Samick Sage recurves. I got to try several different poundages and found that i could ancor similar to my recurve with a 45lb bow. I walked out with a new bow, glove, half doz featherd arrows and a stringer for less than $250.

IMO they are a great bang for your buck and being able to try several different poundages before i bought really helped me decide. That was a couple of years ago and i have had fun shooting it. Got to test my skills this last weekend at the Silver Arrow Bowmen Trad Shoot.