[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Hunting Help!?!?!?!? #11083

I’m actually not a flatlander. I live in a 3 story house. Seriously though, out here in eastern Pennsylvania, I see hills not mountains. I have been to Colorado to ski, so I have a feel for what I’m up for, but not ever having done it before, I am sure I am underestimating. I am glad you mentioned the camping aspect as well. I was hoping to use some of my OCIE from the army (sleeping bag, polypros, etc) but I would still need a tent and a backpack with frame. MREs would be the main staple, and I would need to make sure there is a water source nearby. Otherwise, I think it will be an adventure of a lifetime as so far my hunting consists of a few hours after work at a local farm I have permission to hunt. Thanks for the advice.

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Recurve or Longbow… #10208

Again, point well taken. I don’t think I will be getting anything new any time soon (the Mrs. will actually make sure of that:(). As I get more experience, I meet new people at the archery club or during outdoor events, so I hope to have people who can give me some hands-on advice as well. Thanks again for the suggestions. Really big help.

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Recurve or Longbow… #10189

Smithhammer,

Thanks again for the reply. This is exactly where my dilemma is in terms of hybrids. If you have a center-shooting hybrid, do you still cant the bow to shoot? If not, what advantage do the straight(ish) limbs give you over the recurve limbs? The technical aspect I am referring to (again, it’s probably more lack of knowledge and ignorance on the subject of traditional shooting) is getting used to true instinctive shooting, canting the bow equally each time, worrying about spine (this includes broadhead weight, arrow, etc). I am sure all of this will become second nature with time and practice, but the center-shooting recurve seems a simpler start. Again, I could be wrong. Just something to think about. All this started because I feel my 45# recurve is too light for anything over whitetails. I figure it I go chasing the big’uns, I might as well settle into a bow that I will be using from now on and practice all I can with it. So this is the time to make the changes, when I am still in the crawl phase. I’d hate to get to the walk or run phase just to go back to crawl with another bow/style. Again, I really appreciate all the input. Definitely food for thought.

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Recurve or Longbow… #10045

Thanks for the reply. I was seriously considering a hybrid, but the one thing that keeps me leaning the way of the recurve versus the longbow is the increased technicality. I (probably more from simple paranoia more than any real-world event) just see myself forgetting arrows for my longbow on that once in a lifetime hunt and not be able to find any in the correct spine to match my bow. Recurves are easier to find arrows for as they can take a wider range of arrow spines. Might not be an actual reason, but it works for me. At least for now. I agree that shooting multiple bows is the way to go. Around me (Allentown, PA) traditional bows are somewhat of a rarity. Most mom-and-pop shops have little, if any, traditional equipment; nor do they have the knowledge to suggest anything. Places like Cabela’s have some factory made equipment that you can try, but it is more of a one size fits all thing. The big money is in selling the latest compound gadgets, so that’s where they concentrate. I’m still relatively new to all this, so I have a long way to go. The journey will definitely be fun. I am glad for these forums where I can get help from people with more experience and knowledge. Thanks again for the reply.

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Hunting Help!?!?!?!? #10029

Amoose,

Point well taken. As a matter of fact, that is one of my biggest fears. I am almost more worried that I will be successful than I won’t be. I would not want to waste an animal because I am ill prepared. I definitely want to take as much time as I can and research the entire process. Afterwards, I might just decide that it is a bit too much for me. Also, I might just see if I can make any friends who are willing to o along. I originally wanted to look for a guide, but after looking at prices I figured I would take the chance of doing it on my own. Who knows? Like I said, it might be too much, or maybe I’ll go on a mini hunt for whitetail and build myself up. All I know is that elk is on my list of things to do, but then again so is moose, caribou, bear, hog, mule deer……

😀

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Newbie looking for first longbow #9339

Rambler,

One more thing I forgot to mention to give you even more to think about is the hybrid. There are some bow makers that put enough curves on a longbow that it picks up some of the advantages of a recurve, while still being a longbow. Just some more food for thought. I don’t think you can go wrong with the sage you described. Just remember that going from compound to traditional you may want to drop you dra weight a bit. There is no let off, so it will feel a bit different.

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Newbie looking for first longbow #9336

Rambler,

You seem to have a situation similar to mine. In the campfire forum I have a post about recurve or longbow. I have received some good advice. The main thing I was told is to slow down. It actually makes sense. Here is my input and I hope that some more experienced hunters will correct me if I am mistaken.

Recurve – Advantage is the shorter length and more power from the shape of the limbs. You are also shooting more center (inline with the string) so arrow spine is not AS critical. Disadvantage is that it is usually shot in a vertical position. It also doesn’t have the “versatility” of a longbow.

Longbow – Advantage is the versatility. By this I mean that shots can be taken from all different positions once you are comfortable and get lots of practice. Get some insight on instinctive shooting. It will help. To me, a longbow seems more durable as well. The limbs are thicker and can take a bit more punishment as compared to a recurve. Disadvantage is that you are not shooting midline so arrow spine becomes more critical. Also, you adjust windage by canting the bow. This adds another element to your aim. It is not critical, and can be picked up through repeated shooting, but it adds an element of technicality. Also, the added length can make crawling through brush for a stalk a bit more difficult, but then again, it can be shot faster as you don’t have to wait for a spot to turn your bow vertical.

Both are available in takedown. You also have a good point that you can get a riser and start with a lower poundage, then upgrade the limbs while keeping pretty much the same bow.

While I think Cabela’s has become too commercialized, it does have the advantage of letting you try the bow out. No matter what you choose, take your time in making a decision and you will have many years of happy shooting.

I hope this helps, and I hope any of the more experienced shooters out there can correct anything I may have inadvertently mislead you on.

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Newbie looking for first longbow #8953

Rambler,

Have you considered something pre-owned? You mention longbow. Bear has several options right around your price range. I shoot recurve, so I don’t have much experience with the longbow, but search online and you may find a good deal out there. For example, my recurve is an InterNature 58” 45#. I got it from an online auction. I paid under $150 with shipping. I figured if it was horrible, I was only out a bit. Turns out it is a great dependable take-down bow. Doesn’t mean every online deal is a good one, but do some research. I’m sure you will find something that will keep you in the woods for years to come. Oh, I almost forgot. Someone gave me this advice on one of my posts, so I am passing it on. Have you considered MAKING instead of buying? Just a thought.

Hope it helps,

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Hunting Help!?!?!?!? #8835

Can’t wait to get it. Thanks for the advice. This is definitely a work in progress. I think planning will be fun as I will get a chance to read and learn quite a bit. Beyond that, every hunt I have been on has been “successful”. I went out, I hunted, I came back. To me, taking an animal is not the measure of success. That’s why we call it hunting, not killing. 😀

Thanks again,

Alex

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Recurve or Longbow… #8827

All,

Thanks for the replies. I knew I would get enough to think about for a long time. I agree with everyone’s opinion about going slow. I don’t plan to go out in the next weeks to get anything. I was just thinking that if I will make the switch, should I continue taking the time to practice. Honestly, I am more inclined to keep shooting the recurve. The main reason is technical. Canting the bow while shooting to compensate for windage and looking closely at spine because you are shooting off center all add a technical aspect. Anyway, I appreciate the replies. I will definitely be shooting my recurve for a long time to come. I was just worried that 45# is a bit “light”. I understand that a moose can be taken with a .22LR, but a 45-70 is much more ethical. Lastly, I am using Simmons Sharks. I believe they are 175 grain screw-in and I have them on aluminum shafts. Definitely need to get them razor-sharp, but I still worry about the draw weight. The last thing I want to do is wound any animal. I hope to be out for whitetail in a few months, so I will see how it goes.

Thanks again,

Alex

😛

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: @#&^%*$ Bear! (Update: Bear wins) #7717

wildschwein,

LOL!!! 😆

What a great story. Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed reading how it all panned out. Don’t give up. Fall season is just around the corner.

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Is camo necessary? #7712

I cannot say I have great experience, but just a thought on strict logic…

People were taking game before camo was created. Many moons ago our ancestors could sneak up on animals wearing a loin cloth and face paint. These days many hunters have trouble sneaking up on animals wearing full camo. So is camo necessary? Probably not, if your stalking skills are up to par. But it could help a bit if they aren’t. Just remember sight is only one of the senses animals use to survive. Hearing and smell are just as (if not even more) important. Also, don’t forget that natural cover works both ways, so learning to use it to your advantage also decreases the need for camo.

Lastly, I just want to point out some observations on the whole camo craze. Look at just about any catalogue out there and you’ll see that just about everything comes in the latest camo pattern. Example: camo undies / base layers. Really????? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose since you will be covering it up anyway? I mean how bad of a hunter do you have to be to need your underwear to be camouflaged? How about truck seat covers??? The deer/elk will never see you, especially if your seats match your clothing. It will appear to them that a truck is driving itself. They will be so amazed, they will come over to investigate, and then… Seriously? 😕 But, camo is big business, so people are buying.

Hope this helped.

Alex

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Hunting Help!?!?!?!? #7701

Wayne-

Thanks for the reply. The book is on order, I am just waiting for Mr. Petersen to get back from his trip so he can mail it. 😀 I agree with you completely. I have very minimal experince with field-dressing (I assisted, never did start to finish). Also, I have not yet taken any game with a bow of any kind. Only rifle. I hope to this year and with the way practice is going, I feel it may be the recurve. I look forward to the experience and can’t wait for the early archery season to start in September. Thanks again for the advice.

Alex

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Hunting Help!?!?!?!? #59773

Thank you all for your time and advice. This is definitely something I plan to do. I hope to be able to do it next year, but only time will tell. My biggest issue (as some of you predicted) is my lack of experience as a camper, and in dressing animals. I would consider it a great disrespect to any animal take not to use it to the fullest. I would hate to spoil the meat by not treating it properly. That is why I am reading up on it as much as I can and getting out there to practice (every aspect, not just the shooting). My last hurdle will be (I feel) the bow. I am shooting a 45# recurve. I think it is a little too “light” for an elk. This means I will eventually need to upgrade and then “re-learn” to shoot on the heavier bow before I go. I guess the good news it that I still have time. I have been on many an FTX in the army, I aced Land Nav (besides, I have a GPS) and I truly feel I have a passion for this. Only time will tell, but I feel good about it. Thank you all, again, for your time in replying.

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: InterNature… #56888

Thanks for the info and tip. I am sure I will eventually upgrade as 45# just isn’t enough for some species. But for now I am really having a blast getting the hang of this. Thanks again.

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