Activity
Mon
Wed
Fri
Sun
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
What is this?
Less
More

Memberships

TradBowhunter-Ethical Predator

1.4k members • Free

16 contributions to TradBowhunter-Ethical Predator
Back at it
Life has thrown some bad curve balls lately with my wife’s health so with my duties revolving around my wife, kids, and being the sole income, archery unfortunately took a spot on the back burner for a while. I finally got back out yesterday and was expecting the worst. After a few bareshaft shots to verify my stance and mechanics, the first group was far better than I could ask for from 20 yards. The bigger group was at 30 yards and while it needs improvement to get to where I was, I’m optimistic for turkey season starting Monday.
Back at it
2 likes • 13d
@William Stormoen I’ve broken my fair share of arrows but one thing I have found is when you break a couple arrows, it’s an opportunity to build a new set… haha
0 likes • 13d
@Ed Wagtowicz thanks
Huntstock 2025 (MA)
Is anyone going to this? I was wondering if anyone had been in previous years that might know about the archery range. I know they have a 3D course set up and mention a range but they definitely seem to be focused on the 3D and I've never done that before and not sure if I would embarrass myself. 😂 Also, any info overall on the event in general? I've never been to something like this before and it's REALLY close to me (only about 30 miles!) so I am VERY tempted to go and bring my bow. 👀 https://huntstockevents.com/massachusetts?utm_source=HuntStock%20Retargeting&utm_medium=Retargeting%20Video&utm_campaign=Retargeting%20MashUp%2030SEC&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLvCrFleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqyMbkm_3_AEeZTkflp_GBccik_Xyh1xwo8hpb8GPYwlNZcspiKrH-Jp7MXbKdNMune94zWg_aem_nb8GWGXWoJD0xw-c8cFjNQ&utm_id=120225837053750780&utm_content=120225842085640780&utm_term=120225837054120780
1 like • Aug 2
I haven’t been to that one yet myself. However I can say with 100% confidence that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. I was anxious myself the first event I went to and definitely missed a couple targets. The guys I met that day went out of there way to assist me in shooting better and finding my arrows. Also, even the guys that shoot all the time will miss. It’s part of the fun. Especially when the crack shot of the group pulls a shot. Check it out, you will be very happy you did.
How long should arrows be?
Hi! Getting my first bow, arrows, etc. I’m getting a black hunter bow, but not sure if there’s anything I should know about getting my first arrows. Like how long they should be (I’d this standardized? Based on draw length?) what type of arrowhead, etc. This is just for learning not hunting. Thank you all!
0 likes • Aug 2
There is a lot to unpack with this question. One, what kind of arrow are you shooting? Woods and carbons are going to be different. If carbons, your length of arrow will depend on your tune. There is a helpful spine calculator with 3rivers to get started but your final length will depend on draw length, draw weight, type of arrow, tip weight, what kind of insert, type and how many fletchings because of weight, standard nock or lighted.
1 like • Aug 2
@Nicholas Loumos if you’re setting up for just target with a 29+ draw, and want to run carbon, a 30# recurve should do well with 600 spine and the light aluminum inserts that come with the arrows. They’re typically 15ish grains and run a 100 grain field point. If you install your inserts with hot melt, you can remove them to cut the arrow back as needed without having to remove the feathers. If you’re just starting out, I’d personally start your setup with a full length 600 spine. You will benefit more from learning form and proper technique much more than a perfectly tuned arrow and a 600 spine will get you there. Carbon arrows are the most difficult to tune compared to woods and aluminum however a good quality carbon is much stronger. Go with a standard diameter arrow, none of the micros because they’re not as robust assuming we’re talking budget arrows. If you have a Cabelas or bass pro nearby, the blackout line is a fantastic budget friendly option. All this said, I am no professional. I do have lots of experience from doing things wrong however with my setups as well as trad and compound setups for all of my kids. Best of luck and don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions.
Edit: heartbreak
Well, the beautiful bow has become a winter project. I really enjoy shooting this bow as I swear it feels like it was made for me. Having said that, when I got the bow, there were two small sports of cloudiness that my friend and I talked about extensively. He had shot the bow on and off without anything changing for a couple years. He has I believe a 28” or just under draw whereas I have a 29 1/4” draw. Well, I put quite a few arrows (hundreds) and suddenly there was a strange new noise as the bow shot and the three times I shot, same arrow for bareshafting, the arrow went a bit haywire. I found the spots to have spread and for there to be more of them. I reached out to the builder as well as a local bowyer and talked to Shane from Great Plains traditional bow company. Unfortunately, it has a full on delamination going on. I added a couple photos, the camera doesn’t do it justice compared to what can be seen in person so I added red marks next to the delams. I have some plans to see if I can bandaid it for the season, but I’m not sure I want to shoot it at all at risk of breaking it. I think I’ll be attempting to sand the belly to wood and try to fiberglass and refinish it. Shane was telling me that this is kind of common with zebra wood as the wood grain is a mix of hardwood and softwood. He explained it much more scientifically but my simple brain understanding is that haha. Life goes on, I’m going to build a new string for a sanlida hermit x8 I have to take out hunting as I really don’t want to take the compound back out again. Fingers crossed. ———————————————————— Attended the poke and hope even in Maine yesterday and worked out a trade with a good friend for a beautiful trad al reflex longbow. I have been looking to get into the reflex word for a while and I’m very excited for this bow. It’s 48 @28 but I’ll be around 50-51 with a 29.25 draw. Zebra wood with elk tips and elk on the riser. First longbow I’ve owned coming from compound to recurve. I think a great northern quiver is in the future.
Edit: heartbreak
0 likes • Aug 1
@Ryan McCutcheon it’s held by Maine traditional archers at the Durham rod and gun club. They have a page and group on Facebook. Should check it out, pictures and videos are there from the last event and schedules. Also check out white mountain traditional bow hunters. All awesome people and the Maine and New Hampshire groups work together for different events. Thanks for the bow comment. Unfortunately I have found it to be developing a pretty bad delamination problem. Probably going to make it a winter project at this point.
0 likes • Aug 2
@Ryan McCutcheon it’s all very family friendly and a few kids will show up. One of mine has been and my youngest will be joining the next one.
I did it!! 😀
Final exam for the Maine bow hunter required safety course. I have my field day scheduled for the 16th for the general hunting safety certification and I'll be good to go in time for the season! My uncle has some land up in northern NH, so I'll likely be up hunting with him a bit not too far in the future!
I did it!! 😀
1 like • Aug 1
Congrats, lots of good hunting here in Maine. What area are you planning?
1-10 of 16
Steven McGarey
4
84points to level up
@steven-mcgarey-9118
My name is Steven. I have been an archery hunter for 15 years. Started dabbling in traditional at the start, now I’m nearly only traditional.

Active 4d ago
Joined May 20, 2025
Powered by