Hiya, where are you located? I would be glad to let you shoot a few longbows and recurves to see which you prefer. I have been a bowhunter for over 50 years, starting before compounds were invented so prefer the simple side. Although I did hunt and target shoot with a compound for a few years I got bored with the mechanical aspects and went back to stickbows. Not coincidentally I have built around 100 recurves, longbows and countless arrows.
I have successfully taught bow building and coached traditional archery to many youth and adults. We have 6 acres here in Gig Harbor with target butt and a couple of 3d critters - also I have been a member of Kitsap Archers for 30 + years.
I’m hesitant to say this because some folks take it wrong... I’m definitely not a ‘trad purist’, but I find that when I go into the woods carrying a compound I feel like an intruder, a mechanic. Carrying a light, simple stickbow I become part of the woods... I belong there. I start to think like a predator, moving quietly anticipating where the prey is.
So, if you want to know more about the simple side of archery I will be happy to give you some pointers. And its certainly fine with me if you want to stay with the compound - we are all brothers of the bow.