Going traditional

[jdb]

Do I'm thinking I may go traditional, but have almost no clue what I'm doing, do I shoot off the shelf or get a flipper rest? What kind of arrows? BroD heads? Any help would be great!

[scotsman]

Wow. Your question is so broad it's really hard to know where to start. Longbow? Recurve? Are you new or transitioning from compound?

A good place to start would be calling Ted Fry at Raptor Archery in Hood River. Oregon. Unfortunately there isn't a true Trad archery shop in Washington, but Ted really knows his stuff. He also has hundreds of new and used bows and can set you up right the first time.

You could also contact the Tradiotional Bowhunters of Washington... There is probably an experienced member near you who can give you some starting points.

[Payne]

Probably just all depends on what you want to do. I am a newbie, but the direction I am going in (so far) is recurve instinctive shooting off of the shelf. Seems like there's tons that you can learn, but probably most important is first getting consistant/good form and then shoot as much as possible to train your hand/eye coordination. I opted for a 45 pound bow, since it's legal to hunt big game with but low enough so that I can shoot it a lot in a day and not really get worn out.

I also got G Fred Asbell's Instinctive shooting book, which was a good read and lots of good info that got me started.

I also started out with the basics, to keep it really simple. Like I just bought two standard-ish arrows and field tips and just started shooting with those, not so concerned about accuracy, just focusing more on form and getting the feeling down. It wasn't until just about a week ago I devised out what spine of arrow and weight of tips and inserts would work good with my bow and the way I shoot and ordered custom arrows... So basically I am taking things one step at a time and learning and upgrading things a little as I go. I feel like it's kept me excited, like I'm leveling up a bit every couple weeks... 

Again I'm a newbie, but I feel like traditional is a lot like learning a martial art, it takes a ton of time and practice to get good and it's about the journey more than it is getting to the end. My 2 cents so far...

Get one! Can't wait to hear more about your experience! And love to talk with others that are into traditional bows!

[jdb]

I'm buying a 45 lbs recurve. I guess my questions are why off the shelf vs a flipper style rest? And can I just fling any old arrow? What's eveyone perfer? Same with broadheads, I'm thinking a cut on contact what's the consensus?

[Payne]

Any old arrow is fine at first, as long as it's not a kids arrow/ way under spined. But eventually you would want to get the combination of arrow-spine and arrow-weight so that they are heavy enough for hunting and the right spine so that it is shooting as straight as possible.

It's interesting to shoot arrows of different spines without any fletchings to see just how much an over-spined arrow, for example will turn in a left angle.

 As far as off the shelf vs flipper. I've heard that off the shelf is good for instinctive because the closer the arrow is to your hand the more accurate. If you do shoot off the shelf though, shoot arrows with feathers.

again I'm no expert but hope this helps!

[GBoyd]

I'd have to echo Scotsman's advice. There's so much information that going to a shop first would be your best bet.

Even as a relative newcomer to archery, I've picked up a ton from some of the old guys that hang around at Skookum Archery club. The shop owner seems to be mainly a compound guy, but if you show up on a Thursday night for the open shoot, there are tons of people that are willing to help with traditional gear. Most of the gear they have to loan out is for kids, but it would still be able to get you an idea.

I would make the effort to visit some shops and try shooting some different setups before spending any money. You might save yourself some money.

[scotsman]

To answer your question in more detail, here's a few things to think about.

40 to 45 pounds is a good weight to srt tart with. It's enough power to have decent trajectory yet not cause so much muscle stress to cause bad form.

Matching arrows are as important with a bow as a rifle. Shooting the wrong spine arrow will have the same result as shooting a 220 swift out of a .223. It won't work well, and if it does work it will lead to a bad result. If the arrow is too stiff it will hit to the left of where you are aiming and a weak shaft will hit to the right. (Example is for right handed shooters) So with mismatched arrows, 'instinctively' you aim to the side instead of where you should be looking. A well matched setup combined with good form WILL shoot where you are looking.

Aluminum arrows are a lot more forgiving than carbon. If you get a 45 pound bow, get some 2016 spine aluminum arrows with 125 grain tips and feather fletching. eBay is the best source for aluminum arrows these days. The length of the arrow should be about 1" longer than your true draw length.

Shooting off the shelf can be more 'instinctive' than using a rest, but as usual there is a counterpoint. A hard shelf is less forgiving  - two things can happen. If your nock point is too low or if you heel the grip, the tail of the arrow will hit the shelf and kick up. This leads to bad groups,bad form and frustration. Most folks who try trad and give it up as 'too hard' just are victims of bad equipment.

So again , seek out a shop or individual who can give you the right guidance. You can shave years off the learning curve by starting right. Feel free to send me a P.M. If you would like to meet and try a few bows with no pressure.

[mtaylor]

I would agree with the others to go to someone with a lot of experience first. I am getting into it again and found a guy in Benton City that is great. My problem was arrow spine, draw length, getting the right arrow set up so that things would come together. The guy I am referring you to is Tim who owns Sticks and strings archery, he has multiple arrows to try in your bow so you can get a feel of what works without buying a lot. Look him up online or pm me for his number. Also the Internet has a wealth of knowledge. Personally I like the instinctive shooting off the shelf. It works best for me, just takes a lot of practice. Aluminum arrows are more forgiving but bend easier than carbon. I suggest getting 6-12 cheap arrows and shoot the fletching off of them. Definitely get a bow stringer and a shooting glove to save your fingers. start out shooting field tips, then when you go hunt look at broad heads. The single blade  broad heads will penetrate better than 3 or 4 blades. Good luck finding more info, and have fun!!!!

[Snapshot]

Scotsman's pointers are spot on and Tim in Benton City is a great resource but that is quite a distance from Selah. If you can buy one book that will be very useful for someone just starting in (traditional) archery I suggest making it "The Traditional Bowhunter's Handbook" by T.J. Conrads. If you call Raptor Archery in Hood River to talk to Ted (like Scotsman suggested) he will likely have a copy of it that you can buy from him. And my last suggestion is to go the Rock Shoot near Moses Lake in April. Lots of archers, vendors and great fun. Strictly traditional.

[Tracker0721]

Yeah I tried the lone wolf, learn to shoot by myself, study YouTube videos for years. Once I got to Texas I was invited to a 3D shoot and have met some of the best archers in The nation that for some reason have become like mentors to me. Greatest thing to ever happen to me! Someone who can figure your arrow set up, critique your form, make you try new set ups and equipment, etc will make you way better.

Also listen to Scotsman. He seems to know this trad stuff pretty well.

[Fishnfowler]

I've been traditional since I started at age 12, (am 50 now), so can probably toss some advice your way.  Most traditional archery catalogs sell "trial arrows."  These will be wooden shaft arrows in a variety of spines that you can try.  Don't fool with a rest, just shoot off the shelf.  When you figure out the spine of arrow that flies well out of your bow, order a couple of dozen arrows in that spine.  I still prefer Port Orchard Cedar, but that's just me.  For hunting, go with a 2-blade cut-on-contact broadhead and learn how to sharpen it.  A couple of dozen shots every night all summer will toughen up your fingers and give you an idea of your ability. Fool with the nock point until the arrows fly true, it isn't hard.  I've always loved the mercury nock for the tactile reference to the cock feather.

There is something magical about traditional archery that gives me a thrill.  Archery is often compared to shooting with traditional archery like shooting a shotgun on a rise of birds; while compound shooting is like shooting a rifle.  Good luck.

[mtaylor]

Great advice, Snapshot where is that shoot advertised? I would like to get the dates and save them in my calendar. While on the traditional subject what weight of arrows do you prefere for hunting elk, deer, bear? My set up right now is about 550 but I want to work up some new arrows. Also FOC normal is 10-15, Ashby suggests 18-20 +, whats your opinions?

Thanks guys!!!

[scotsman]

The Moses Lake traditional shoot is arguably the funniest archery shoot in the country. We typically have around 300 shooters of all ages and abilities. It is very family oriented!

For information go to the Traditional Bowhunters of Washington website www.tbw.org and click on 'Events'. It is a two day shoot but many people get there several days early just for the camping and camaraderie. And help setting up is always appreciated too. Camping is free - bring your own water. Please run a clean quiet camp because camps are closee together and we share adjoining private property.

Pictured... Scotsman's 7'year old granddaughter showing gramps how it's done.