Recurve tips

[n_mathews13]

I'm shooting a 40# recurve (for now)
I'm just starting out, don't really know much.
Any tips? Tricks?
Any input on technique

[Special T]

I shoot a recurve as well as a compound. From your handle I'm guessing you've shot compound before.

I picked a poundage and anchor point that feels very similar to my compound since I switch back and forth a bunch. I find it to be very similar except you don't hold as long. I use my arrow tip and riser as references for aiming. I started with a finger glove but have switched to finger tab. It reduced my plucking of the string and gave a more uniform release.

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[n_mathews13]

Never shot a compound
I'm at 10 yards right now, to help with learning aim, muscle memory, and consistency.
Have seen a few you tube videos and has helped a ton. Came home today and sis well just off of what I had watched today.
I do have a glove, but hope to switch to the tabs once they come in mail.

My goal is to be shooting a higher poundage and confident enough to hunt spring bear. If not a 100% confident, then I will wait and practice more

[dreamunelk]

Visit tradbow.com
YouTube is your friend.
Also tradgang.com

Massive amounts of info.

[tlbradford]

Oldie but Goodie.  This is part 1.  You will see the other 3 if you watch on you tube.  Besides my Dad, I learned from Fred Bear and Howard Hill books.

[quadrafire]

If you could ask Santa for these, you would not be disappointed.

https://www.3riversarchery.com/masters-of-the-barebow-complete-dvd-set.html

[pope]

I learned lots of valuable information about shooting from Jeff Kavanagh videos. Here's an example:

Think of it like throwing a baseball. There are techniques that you can work on, there is a "form" you're striving to perfect. Working on these aspects of shooting help you hit the target, but only after hours and hours of shooting and reflection on the process. That's what makes it fun. The advantage of a traditional bow is that you can set up quickly on close-range shots, letting your instincts guide the arrow. It's very, very difficult at first, but you can continue to develop this instinct for decades to the point where....well, I'm nowhere close to this, but search Youtube to find Jeff Kavanagh shooting clay pigeons out of the sky. He bird hunts with a traditional bow!

[scotsman]

Where are you located? There are many members of Traditional Bowhunters of Washington who would be glad to give you some in - person mentoring. I’m one of them.... in Gig Harbor. Check the TBW fb page to contact members.

[Sandberm]

I learned lots of valuable information about shooting from Jeff Kavanagh videos. Here's an example:

Think of it like throwing a baseball. There are techniques that you can work on, there is a "form" you're striving to perfect. Working on these aspects of shooting help you hit the target, but only after hours and hours of shooting and reflection on the process. That's what makes it fun. The advantage of a traditional bow is that you can set up quickly on close-range shots, letting your instincts guide the arrow. It's very, very difficult at first, but you can continue to develop this instinct for decades to the point where....well, I'm nowhere close to this, but search Youtube to find Jeff Kavanagh shooting clay pigeons out of the sky. He bird hunts with a traditional bow!

Wow! Thanks for sharing that video.

I literally saw myself in that video of the guy standing on his front foot in the wrong stance. Thats exactly what I do(I think) and might explain my inconsistency. There is probably 2 reasons I developed that stance. First, I learned how to shoot using too heavy of a bow and second and to a much lesser degree, that hunched/leaning forward stance to me feels like the follow thru when you throw a baseball/football when your arm is coming across your body. To me, shooting my recurve is like any other athletic movement which you develop naturally.

I havnt watched much if any vids about proper technique, rather relying on what "feels right". After watching that video I'm eager to have my wife take some pictures of me in my stance so I can analyze.

Thanks again.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Cant that sucker about 45 degrees  Fred Bear style (Google a pic of him at full draw). Keeps the arrow on the shelf

[Calvin Rayborn]

Cant that sucker about 45 degrees  Fred Bear style (Google a pic of him at full draw). Keeps the arrow on the shelf

[n_mathews13]

I try to slant bow a bit, but it just don't feel right. I shoot better almost up and down. But will practice once I jet a  routine down

[boneaddict]

Never have watched a single how to... just shot shot and shot some more.  Pretty soon it becomes as natural as chewing. You don’t even think about it.

[pope]

Never have watched a single how to... just shot shot and shot some more. Pretty soon it becomes as natural as chewing. You don’t even think about it.

Boneaddict, I'm trying to get to that level...but I didn't start until I was 48, so I gobble up as much "coaching" as I can get, hoping to develop good habits. I have days shooting where I feel like I can't miss, I'm not even thinking about the shot cycle. Then I'll have crappy days where I'm trying to remember what I was doing right, when everything was going right.

I agree with what you're saying, Boneaddict. Sandberm, just keep shooting, eventually your mind and body know what to do. Have fun...there is something mystical and entertaining about learning to shoot a recurve bow, a wrist rocket, a basketball, or even throwing a rock at a beer can.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Never have watched a single how to... just shot shot and shot some more.  Pretty soon it becomes as natural as chewing. You don’t even think about it.

Just get out there and start shooting. Think the traditional boys are having a big fun shoot up north of Moses this Spring which you (OP) would benefit from if ya happen to be in the area (was posted on a different thread).

[Calvin Rayborn]

Never have watched a single how to... just shot shot and shot some more. Pretty soon it becomes as natural as chewing. You don’t even think about it.

Boneaddict, I'm trying to get to that level...but I didn't start until I was 48, so I gobble up as much "coaching" as I can get, hoping to develop good habits. I have days shooting where I feel like I can't miss, I'm not even thinking about the shot cycle. Then I'll have crappy days where I'm trying to remember what I was doing right, when everything was going right.

I agree with what you're saying, Boneaddict. Sandberm, just keep shooting, eventually your mind and body know what to do. Have fun...there is something mystical and entertaining about learning to shoot a recurve bow, a wrist rocket, a basketball, or even throwing a rock at a beer can.

I didn't start till well into my 20's and now anything at under 40 yards, LOOKOUT! PS another common one that can mess up a newbie that started out with a compound is never hold at full draw for any length of time, trying to aim, etc. You will begin developing fatigue within seconds with a full weight hunting recurve which will affect accuracy. Once you master the muscle memory with practice it's all one fluid motion drawing the string to the cheek and, BAM let 'er fly
Here's an example: http://i.imgur.com/t49fX.gif

[Cab]

Best advise I can give you as someone that has been recurve hunting for a few years now is to practice if your arrows are going off center left to right it is likely your release is the cause and if it's up or down it's your bow arm that needs to adjust. I shoot purely instinctual so when I pull back hit my anchor pause for a sec then the arrow flies. If my fingers after I release aren't on the side of my face slightly behind my anchor spot I mostly likely "plucked" the string. It's great that you started with 40lbs and not more that is a common mistake a lot of new guys make. Practice, practice, practice, practice and if you take a break for even a few months you'll notice it takes a bit to get back to shooting X's again. Recurve for me is the truest expression of archery, there is nothing better then letting an arrow go and just having that feeling you did everything perfect as it hits a perfect bullseye. I would also say that if you plan on hunting with a recurve you should look into judo points and go stump shooting. Which might be my favorite thing to do other then hunting in the woods. Hit me up and PM me on here if you have any questions, I'd be more then happy to help. Below is a slow-mo of me shooting and you can see what I mean about my release https://www.instagram.com/p/BX_PoVOD4a6/?taken-by=jason207burnell

[n_mathews13]

Just got 8hr 4 DVD series of Fred bear hunting adventures. Cool video

[tlbradford]

One of my favorite drills was shooting a lighted target at night.  It helped me go from relying on using the tip of the arrow as my aiming device to being more instinctual.

[n_mathews13]

What do you guys use or do to make bow quieter

[tlbradford]

Muskox hair.

[Cab]

Bear brush buttons, they help with making it quieter but also gives a few extra FPS

[n_mathews13]

Muskox hair.

I'm using coyote right now. Where do you get yours?

[n_mathews13]

Bear brush buttons, they help with making it quieter but also gives a few extra FPS

I wondered about those.

[n_mathews13]

Second arrow split this week. Errrr

[Cab]

Bear brush buttons, they help with making it quieter but also gives a few extra FPS

I wondered about those.

They are super easy to put on and you can adjust them if need be. Beaver Balls are also very effective but I like the durability of the Bear Bruch Buttons. Wait till you try stump shooting........I bought very cheap Chinese arrows off amazon (a dozen for like $35) just so that when I mistake a moss covered rock for a stump it's not as big of a deal.. I rotate my arrows, the older ones become stump shooting arrows and the new ones target/hunting arrows. I always enjoy put on that Fred Bear DVD and making some cedar arrows on a rainy day.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Just got 8hr 4 DVD series of Fred bear hunting adventures. Cool video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAyXhK9d300

"You've got the spirit of the wild deep in your soul my friend!"

Uncle Ted

[tlbradford]

Muskox hair.

I'm using coyote right now. Where do you get yours?

I got mine from my Brother in Laws mount.  The hair was recommended to me.  They say any wool yarn is as good or better, and much cheaper.  I haven't priced it out since I am still on my same string from 1997.
 I know 3 Rivers Archery carries them or did.  I have seen guys use moleskin at the string notches as well.  I haven't tried that yet as the Musk Ox wool made it really quiet.

[branches]

When I use to shoot a recurve I was told by a long time recurve guy to use the Bear Brush Buttons. I am glad I put them on. I also shot a glove or should I say two gloves. I got my first one broke in and that became my back up glove and then I got my main glove broke in and it was in one of two places. It was on my hand when shooting or on my bow when the bow was put away. Never ever leave it anyplace else. Keep watching the Fred Bear Videos and they will help until you find what works for you.

[n_mathews13]

Anyone shoot using only 2 fingers ?