Anybody hunt with a recurve?

[WildHawg]

I've been seriously considering going back to archery for the opportunity to hunt the Trout Creek Mountains for Muleys.
Catch is, its traditional bows only--hence the recurve.
I know it will take more practice than my compound, but I think the opportunity would be worth it.
Does anybody out there hunt with a long bow?

[Critr Gitr]

Recurve .... for many years now. I used to shoot field archery competition growing up, compounds and such in the 70s and 80s. Hunting deer in the south with a compound was like shopping at safeway - mainly tree stand stuff. I've been back to the curve for about 15 years now and have taken my share and enjoyed missing my share also. So much easier to carry around and I figure I'm pretty capable up to 40 yds. Its a whole new experience. Of course it does make you think twice when a big'n is out there at 60yds. :whazzup: Oregon is blessed with some pretty good bowyers. A close friend of mine does long bows - makes his own. Even uses Sturgeon and Halibut skins on them for an added flair. Something about taking game with an arrow and/or bow you made yourself.
If you decide to start shooting traditional -
a) practice, practice, practice.
b) don't switch back and forth between compound & curve
c) enjoy....

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[Hoosier Daddy]

Critr Gitr, who is the guy that does skins on his bows? I've been wanting to do that too and I'd love to pick someone's brain on how it's done.

Oh, and I will be hunting a recurve for the first time this year (broke my self bow!).

[ 08-26-2003, 02:36 PM: Message edited by: Hoosier Daddy ]

[Tempered Steel]

WildHawg - I've been flinging sticks with a recurve for my entire archery career and Crit'r Git'r is right on. Especially when it comes to practice. You will be surprised how well you can shoot just starting out, but practice year round, and you will be good enough to hunt. Your range won't be what you can get out of the compound, but a recurve will make you a better hunter. Shoot as many bows as possible before you decide to buy and you won't regret it.

The Trout Creek hunt would be a great one. I have spent some time in that area and it has some serious quality bucks. Mostly open sage country though which can be kind of tricky to hunt, but doable. Good luck and e-mail me if you would like more info.

Crit'r - Is that Ted Fry from Hood River you are referring to? One of the best self bowyers in the country in my opinion, and easy to talk to.

Hoosier D. - If Crit'r is not referring to Ted, he would be a great source for that type of info. You can look him up by searching for Raptor Archery.

T.Steel