Looking to go traditional

[thegamejr]

i was looking to get into traditional archery and was wondering if any of you experienced archers would be able to recommend a recurve for me, seeing as i have a 31.5" draw. . . i was looking at the bear super Kodiak that's a 64"AMO, and how long would you say i should practice before going hunting with a traditional bow? Any input would be a help 

[tides56]

I'm not experienced but I would recommend looking on eBay and craigslist. A lot cheaper but work the just like new. I got one off craigslist last year and I love it. Is there a local archery range you could go to? That is where I got all of my information. My buddy got one of his bows at Cabelas and he said they helped him pick the right bow for him. Good luck.

[boneaddict]

how long would you say i should practice before going hunting with a traditional bow

Can't help you with purchasing one.   I got lucky and am good friends with a bowyer.   As for practicing, I would say it depends on the individual.  Since its called "instinctive"....it really is intinctive, menaing if you have the knack for that sort of thing, then it will take less time.   It takes alot more time than compound does, I promise.  Start close and move further and further back.   I limit myself to 40 yards though my bow is much more capable.

[jackelope]

You should practice a lot. Practice till you're confidently hitting your target every time out to your max range. Then stick to your max range. I don't have much of a knack for it apparently so I stick with the training wheels LOL.

[Tree Killer]

If you start this winter, you'll be more than ready to hunt next fall. 

There's a lot of really good used custom bows for sale.  You can pick up a used bow for $400 or so.  The classified section at tradgang dot com is loaded with bows usually.

Is 31.5" draw your true draw with a recurve, or what it was with a compound?  I had a 33" draw with a compound, but my recurve draw is 29".   I'm 6'3" and like a 64" bow, but 66" recurves are also available if you're tall with long arms.

Let me know if I can help at all. 

[thegamejr]

Is 31.5" draw your true draw with a recurve, or what it was with a compound?  I had a 33" draw with a compound, but my recurve draw is 29".   I'm 6'3" and like a 64" bow, but 66" recurves are also available if you're tall with long arms.

Let me know if I can help at all.

i'm 6'5" ha but that draw is with my compound.

[Fl0und3rz]

I've read a lot of good things about the TradTech Titan risers, and it is probably the route I will go, with Samick limbs, so that I can work my way up to a good hunting weight.

http://www.tradtecharchery.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=titan

[washelkhunter]

Bought a martin howatt x200 and couldnt be happier. Its an introductory recurve at a great price. Had it outfitted with a traditional flemish string and it is whisper quiet once its tuned. Deer dont hear it and thus wont jump the string. Mine is 55lbs at 28 inches. Im getting older and want a 45lber tho. 

[thegamejr]

Mine is 55lbs at 28 inches. Im getting older and want a 45lber tho.

that brings up another question, what poundage would you recommend starting with i was looking at 45lbs

[boneaddict]

mine is about 80 at your draw length.   (longbow)  I am also 6'5.    It will make you pucker if you aren't the size of an ox 

[washelkhunter]

I believe a 45lb draw weight is the minimum for big game hunting in wash.

[thegamejr]

I believe a 45lb draw weight is the minimum for big game hunting in wash.

im pretty sure its 40 but i will look it up again

[washelkhunter]

40 at 28 it is.

[NWWABOWHNTR]

45 is a good weight and at your DL that is going to be about 55#'s.  You might think about a real light weight bow to work form with, too heavy to start is a way to build bad form.  If you get a cheap but decent ILF riser and ILF limbs of 30-35#'s for form work and another set at your desired hunting wieght that would be perfect.  You can get a Hoyt Excel blackout riser for about $175, and samick priviledge limbs for about $80.  Or keep an eye on Archery Talk classifieds for used bows.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I think every bowhunter should start out shooting instinctive and learn the fundamentals of shooting a bow ..Shooting instinctive is fun and I am seriously thinking about going back to the old school of archery myself  I was a hardcore bowhunter back in the day but new technology sucked me in  Also 45# to 50# is plenty enough bow to start out with . As you continue to practice your muscles will start to develope and then you can shoot a heavier poundage if needed to be .. But a 50# bow is plenty enough bow to practice with and hunt big game .