I'm new to Traditional archery and looking for advice

[howie1968]

hello   i am the hog hunting moderator on this forum  and  shoot a compund,  i made the switch to tradtitonal  and need some starting points.  my  Bow   is a wing  falcon 45@28  my draw lenth on a compound is 29 so i assume  my draw lenth on a recurve will be  27-28 so ill probally be shooting a 29 inch arrow.  what arrow  should i start with?  i shoot carbons out of my compund   i realize shooting off the shelf i will meed feathers

[Woodbutcher]

Dear Howie:
 You ain't new, just making a fresh start.
 May I suggest wood arrows and stump shooting? A very addicting game. Especially using hardwood arrows. I'm not knocking cedar for shafts, but hardwood stands up to unbelievable abuse. Ain't nothin wong with carbons either, but somehow I don't think you'd make a habit of stump shootin  with them.
 Don't cut your shafts too short. You'll work out the proper draw length with a little experience with that bow. I've found that it's a whole lot easier to shorten arrows than to make 'em longer. For some, a little bit of arrow sticking out the front helps get things pointed a little better.
 Some guys wrap the leading edge of the fletching down for maybe a half inch, or less, sorta like wrapping fishing rod guides. Feathers last a little longer that way.
 Now if you try flu-flu arrows and thrown targets, you just might surprise yourself. Do add a couple of inches of length for those.
                                                                  Woodbutcher

[Mac11700]

Howie:

I think your in for a treat...shooting a traditional set up is a-lot of fun..have a look at this site..they can answer just about every question you'll have on arrow selection for your recurve...I just ordered a dozen carbon Gold Tip Traditional XT Hunters for my 60lb Sky recurve...along with a 1/2 dozen Montecs G5 broaddheads...I got them all duded up with a real nice wrap that looks like it was custom dipped and painted...and true flight feathers...Everyone I have talked with says carbon is the way to go now-a-days.. and after bending 3 of my 2315's in my last practice session...I am tending to believe them...I plan on getting in some practice and hopefully will be able to at-least try my hand before the season runs out here...with your poundage and draw length..looks like the 3555's xt's will work great for you...

Here's the link...http://www.huntersfriend.com/arrowhelp/arrow-selection.htm

Hope it helps...

Mac

[howie1968]

I got my bow yesterday  it is a wing Falcon 62 inch 45@28   i was amazed  as  i was actually hitting  i was only shooting out to 25 yards  but realize  with the power of the bow  that will be my self imposed limit  on hogs  i get that close to them all the time,  im struggling with deciding what arrow to use  and all that  and my friend  has a couple long bows  and he uses the gloldtips traditional  they are nice arrows.  i am told  my draw lneth will probally grow an inch  or so  since im not used to shooting  traditional.   alls  i know is that it is addicting  i found myself shooting all day long.  i have alot ot learn   but i think   im going to paper tune   for nock point height  to make sure my arrows are leaving  right  not even sure how to tune these bows.  i like the fact  tha the bow weighs less  then 2 lbs  very light  and for hunting hogs  you end up taking quick shots   cant do that with my compound

[Dan Chamberlain]

I'm new to it as well.  I'm not quite ready for prime time, but I ordered a Viper Delux long bow.  A buddy got me interested after letting me shoot his bow.  In truth, back in the 60s I had a long bow (all wood) that I shot a great deal.  It had no shelf, just a cord wrapped for a grip.  I was a pretty good little Indian with it.  

A month ago, my buddy handed me his custom long bow and I paced off 20 yards from his pig target.  He suggested I move a little closer as I hadn't shot traditional in over 30 years.  Well, not wanting to brag too much, I'll say I centered the pig's shoulder with the first two arrows and the third was a mite far back.  Now I'm hooked again.  

Already investigating making a self bow and then moving on to laminates.  As if I need another hobby.

Dan C

[Woodbutcher]

Careful Dan! This stuff is addicting! Maybe try a backed board bow, easier.            Woodbutcher

[Dan Chamberlain]

Thought about it.  Is the backing applied in the same manner, i.e. using a form, or is it simply glued on and wrapped until it dries?  

Dan C

[Woodbutcher]

Dear Dan:
 Either way, and I've seen pix in the Bowyers Bible about the Perry reflex. Put a brick under the middle and weight the ends, built in reflex.
 Seems like it can be as complex as person wants to make it, or as easy.
 I like hickory or maple for backing, maybe an eigth or less.
                                                                   Woodbutcher

[SingleFan]

Hi Howie-

Traditional archery is truly a great time in the woods.  After working for an archery shop in Oregon for a couple of years while in grad school, the fellas got me hooked on Traditional so I hung up the compound and haven't looked back.  Haven't had any need to.

Since you are asking for suggestions, I hope you don't mind if I throw in my .05 worth with respect to broadheads....I love the Wensel Woodsman.   Because of the blade design it should prove to be excellent for piggies.  These are very strong, very sharp, three blade broadheads.  Many whitetail have fallen to that broadhead out of my bow.

[hdj2520]

Check out a Rodney Wright  Firestick. It is a reflex-deflex hybrid that
is an outstanding shooter. Extremely light with no hand shock and mine
loves heavy arrows. I use ash 11/32 arrows and a 160gr broadhead.
These things penetrate.