New to primitive archery, and I have some questions

[Ishi1234]

Hello everyone, I really like the website so far but I have a few questions. For a while I have been trying to get into primitive archery. But to do that I would need a bow, but I have been saving up for one. The bow I'm trying to get would be an Ötzi style yew longbow (inspired by shawn woods' videos on the topic). But if I could get that bow it would be my first bow that I have ever owned. Do you guys have any advice about a bow that could serve as a starter bow to give me some expearance with bows?

[Badger]

    Ishi, for starters you would need to know a comfortable draw weight and draw length. You can have a friend involved in archery help you with this. If you are not going to be hunting with the bow and have no previous experience in archery I would suggest a 1st bow of around 35# or 40#. You will need to know how to treat and store a woodbow. Not much to learn but you don't leave them braced wehn not in use. You try to store them in a relatively dry place but not too dry. You never draw them past what they were built to draw. You don't dryfire them with no arrow in place. You may need to maintain the finish and touch it up now and then. Just basic stuff.

   I would really recomend you make your own. If you start with a board and your first 3 or 4 are failures you will still be shooting for under $50.00 and know how to make a bow.  Good luck. Steve

[bubby]

Steve nailed it, it's much more satisfying to create your own bow than just buy one,and you can get all the free advice you want right here

[Parnell]

Absolutely.  Look at some of the board bows being built and go for it.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[Drewster]

I would like to re-emphasize NOT to over-bow yourself to start with.  A lighter bow will allow you to develop better form as you learn to shoot.  I would suggest not go over 35# for starters and you can move up in weight over time as you progress and build some muscle tone.  Have fun and be safe.

[Knoll]

I would like to re-emphasize NOT to over-bow yourself to start with.  A lighter bow will allow you to develop better form as you learn to shoot.  I would suggest not go over 35# for starters and you can move up in weight over time as you progress and build some muscle tone.  Have fun and be safe.

Yep.  Lighter-pulling bow lets you shoot 'n' shoot 'n' shoot without tiring.  Tiring is a sure pathway to bad form.  Good luck!

[Ishi1234]

Thank you all of the advice! Also one of my moms friends does archery and he can show me some things or two. Also his father does more of medieval archery.

[duke3192]

Post location and see who is close that could help.