WANT TO GO TRADITIONAL BOWHUNTING.

[Machias]

I shot compounds from 1976 to 2008 or 2009.  My first Trad was a RH R/D Longbow from Hornseeker.  A Sapphire Hawk.  Holy smokes what a sweet shooting bow.  Then I decided to go all in and had him make me a LH bow with 2 sets of limbs.  It is an amazing work of art and a lethal weapon.  I have always been left eye dominant, but shot right handed.  It was an easy transition with Ernie's bow.  I have gone back to a compound but mostly because I cannot find the time to shoot the longbow enough to be as accurate as I need.  When I move back out west I will most likely switch back to shooting the Sapphire Hawk!  For hunting purposes don't be afraid to shoot with a sight.  I have always shot with a sight on a compound and it was an easy transition and really helps me with my shooting the longbow.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Does he still make the Sapphire hawk bows?

[Machias]

I don't believe he is at this time.

[Boss .300 winmag]

I dont hunt with my re-curve but here is what i did. I went to Riverside Archery and told Gary I wanted to get a re-curve. They carry the inexpensive Samic Sage bows, Since i shoot LH i was able to take the LH riser and try out several different poundage's.If in the future i want a different LBS limbs they are inexpensive and easy to get. I normally shoot a compound with a release so and Apache style anchor and 45lbs limbs felt "normal" for me. There were other bows i liked better but being a LH shooter i was pretty limited as to what i could try out in the store. Ive just used it for 3d shoots and fun shooting but it does have enough poundage to shoot with. I think i spent $230 ish for a bow, stringer half doz arrows and shooting glove.

Hope that is what your looking for.

Thanks for the info Special t it was exactly what I was looking for. 

Checked their web site today and was pleased at the prices. 

[Special T]

Their prices are competitive with what i saw online if you added in the freight. Add the fact that you get great customer service, can try out different poundage bows in the shop, and It made it an easy choice for me.

[scotsman]

To see the precision and fun of traditional archery, check out this video on 10 year old Logan Blackmon.

http://youtu.be/nWbXBSwuVYI

[boneaddict]

Does he still make the Sapphire hawk bows?

He is currently without a shop.  When dust starts to fly again, there is no doubt I will be hitting him up for a 3rd piece of art.   I love the two I have to death.  If I could hang longbows around my house as artwork, I would his.   I even occasionally kill something with them as well.

[Machias]

 

[Boss .300 winmag]

So more questions for the trad guys. 

What quiver do you guys use, and why?

[quadrafire]

Boss
I'm new to the game as well, But I use a hip quiver. Kinda cool to have a  bow that weighs just ounces and nothing in the way. I also used a hip quiver when I hunted with a compound.

[npaull]

I've literally never hunted big game with anything but a longbow, but been doing that since I was 12 or so (took quite a few years to connect!)

Start 50 lbs or less, MAX. I shoot 55 lbs by choice and I can put an arrow clean through anything smaller than an elephant no problem. There is just no reason to go heavy. I'd say 45 lbs for a starter bow. The problem with heavy bows is that they make it very hard to develop consistent form because your whole body is quivering after a few arrows trying just to draw the damn thing.

Shoot a lot, and start close - ridiculously close. Like five yards away. Remember - all traditional bows are mechanically perfect. In other words, if a machine were drawing it back and releasing it, the arrows would all hit the same place every time. There are only two variables - your bow hand and your anchor point. The key is to get consistent form with every shot.

I'd expect to limit yourself to 15 or so yards your first season, assuming several months of practice before the season. I am still maxed out at about 20 yards for most hunting circumstances.

Be patient. Have fun.

[Hornseeker]

Hey Boss, Lots of good info above. And Npaull hit the nail on the head. Although, not EVERY LB/RC is mechanically perfect... but many are awfully close. Truth is, I guess maybe he's right, but there are characteristics of traditional bows that make them "easier" to be consistent with. This has to be with limb stability and grip style in relation to limbs... but thats getting technical.

What I liked best about what he said was the "start close-ridiculously close"... if you aren't hitting a golf ball sized spot every shot at 5 yards, you really have no reason to back up from the target... though you will, cause its fun! But seriously, starting off lightweight.... even 35 pounds, is EXTREMELY useful in developing your form. Maintaining a consistent grip and stable bow arm along with an absolutely Consistent anchor point is vital to being effective with a traditional bow. When those things move... its like changing the position of your rear or front sight every shot on your rifle.. just dont work.

Good Luck, its FUN!!! And challenging!!

If you look at tradtech.com you will see a lot of sweet options for starter bows with exchangeable limbs... you can buy one with 35-40 pound limbs then buy a 55# set for hunting once you get your shooting worked out!

Love this Bow...
http://www.lancasterarchery.com/tradtech-apex-traditional-bow-package.html

[Machias]

Good stuff and advice npaull

[Special T]

I would Add That Silver Arrow Bowmen is having a Trad Shoot at the end of Jan 31-feb1 and there will be all kinds of trad gear to see and try out. 

[Boss .300 winmag]

I would Add That Silver Arrow Bowmen is having a Trad Shoot at the end of Jan 31-feb1 and there will be all kinds of trad gear to see and try out. 

Looks like a really nice club they have there.

Last photo page has a picture with a tractor on its side. I know it's easy to do since I've been on them since I was a kid, but he do that?