getting started

[dnick]

 As someone just getting started in primative archery I dont like seeing that the last post on this was two months ago, what can you tell me about picking the right arrows and finding the right anchor point. My bow is a self bow of hickory at 55 lbs draw any advice is welcome. Duane

[pilgrim]

     Since you are starting out Primitive,  you will be sighting  by arrow tip/target.   If I remember correctly, there are two (3) anchor points.  Right hand shooter uses  2-3 fingers on bowstring to draw arrow.  sometimes 1 finger above arrow and 2 below known as "Split",  other times all 3 fingers under arrow, known as "3Under".   Whichever is most accurate for you.  As for Anchor points,  Right hand corner of mouth,  Center of mouth (lips), and Under Chin.     I will try to get some research info to post here to better help you  than this "Old Sagittarian".

     http://www.raymondburton.com/shooting-a-longbow/

     http://www.floridafrontiersmen.org/archery%20basics.htm

     

[Red Badger]

As someone just getting started in primative archery I dont like seeing that the last post on this was two months ago, what can you tell me about picking the right arrows and finding the right anchor point. My bow is a self bow of hickory at 55 lbs draw any advice is welcome. Duane

There are several master archers here who should be able to assist you... I personally have a 62lb Osage Orange bow and am still learning the in's and out's of it...

[Dogshirt]

At the seminar last year, all of the bowyers cautioned against holding your draw. They agree that this builds undue stress on the fibers of the wood leading to breakage. Not sure I worded that right, but they all stated that you should draw and release. We worked with
4 or 5 types of wood, so I don't think it was endemic to just one type.
Also, at least here in the Northwest, there seems to be a lot of variance and contention as to what arrows and arrow materials are
allowed in competition. If you plan on shooting in competition, it might benefit you to check with some local groups before spending a lot of time and money on materials.

[dnick]

Thanks for the help everyone, not enough time this year but would like to hunt with it next year.

[Red Badger]

Dogshirt is right about not holding but draw and release in a smooth operation... I lost a very expensive Yew Longbow I made in England (while in the USAF) because it was mishandled when I was away on Temp duty and some idiot decided he could draw and hold a 71/2 foot English Yew Longbow...   I was never able to figure out the draw weight on it but the instructor and I both figured it was in the 150 to 200 lb pull range...   

[dnick]

that was a very stout bow, don't think I could handle a 150-200 pound pull.

[Hank12]

Same here dnick, I shoot a 55 and that's plenty. When I was younger I used to shoot a 75 but that's too heavy for me now.  Re shooting the bow, I shoot bows just like I shoot my rifles.  My left hand instead of holding the forend is holding the bow and my right hand is on my cheek right where it is when I'm shooting a rifle and my body is positioned the same way as when I'm shooting the rifle. I shoot instinctively and have won a lot of primitive matches that way.  I shot a lot of small game as a kid with a rubber powered sling shot, shot it exactly the same way. Hank