Most bowhunters that I speak with have a dream hunt but what is the dream bow that you would take on that hunt?
One of those special hunts on my list is to one day make it to Africa. Over the years, I've read posts and talked with friends like Tim King, Bob Burton, Bisch and many others that have made the trip. I have also done my own research and have a list (a small list of 5-7 species) of what plains animals I want to pursue.
When it comes to bows, I know that making the trip with a bow that can be taking apart would probably be the best because it could be easily stored in my luggage and not cost extra shipping fees. There are few bows I shoot that are takedowns which would be ideal for such a hunt but as I think of this once in a lifetime hunt, in my heart, I want to pursue these animals with a one piece straight-limbed longbow. Out of all the bows that are available it's the one that the most dearest to me. I'm sure that we all have that one style of bow that we like the most. So, as I'm dreaming of hunting plains game in Africa, I'm doing it with a straight-limbed longbow.
What's your Dream Bow?
That's an interesting question, one ive thought of before and one that actually gnaws at me a bit.
I LOVE longbows. Mild r/d or ASLs are what drew me into this long ago and what I enjoy the most. I shoot them split finger and mostly instinctive because the gaps are pretty large under 30 yards. Some days are decent, some aren't and the first cold shot can sometimes be a toss-up. I'll admit that I have wounded animals and those long unsuccessful blood trails really bother me.
I also will sometimes pick up a heavy risered three piece recurve, shoot three under with a 30 yard point on, hold and aim... and I'm simply more accurate. First cold shot is consistently good and effective range of 30 yards feels comfortable.
I've come to reconcile the dichotomy by viewing the two different shooting styles and bows akin to guns in the cabinet. My ASL (in my hands) is like a pistol, quick and close whereas the 3 piece recurve is the rifle, deliberate and more range.
This brings me back to the "dream hunt and dream bow". My dream hunt would be stag in New Zealand. Probably never happen but if it did I think I'd likely take the bow I shoot the best, a 3 piece takedown recurve. Which model? Don't know because like mentioned I don't get excited about recurves. ;)
I guess my current "dream bows" (excluding compound bows) are a 40 inch Turkish bow at 50 to 60 pounds, and a 72 inch hickory English Longbow, of the same weight, both shoot off the hand.
I might be able to order the Turkish bow in 50 pounds, next month (leather covered fiberglass limbs) and the Longbow in January or February.
Both will be strictly for target shooting, maybe non-competitive 3-D.
My hunting days are behind me, I fear.
A Bighorn or Dall sheep hunt has always romanced me. A Sunset Hill ASL (both as primary and backup) are what I picture with me on that hunt.
That said, a hunt that special may tempt me to take pretty special Schafer Silvertip too.
Probably my old Bear Mag TD. But I would have an extra just in case. But I doubt with my “girls weight “ bow I would be allowed to hunt anything bigger than rabbits.
One-piece 64-inch Howard Hill Archery Legend Stick that is 55# at my draw length.
Some sort of ASL ( ish) bow. They just feel right.
Alaska for Caribou, Moose, or Dall Sheep.
ASL in 56 - 65# by Miller, or Northern Mist 57 - 65#, PO Cedar, or Sherwood Df wit HH, Schulz, or Grizzly file sharpened. serrated edge.
Northern Mist was mentioned and I agree Steve’s bows are very nice. I own a classic and shelton both are great bows. I know you said you wanted a one piece straight end longbow but I would suggest on an African trip one of Steve’s takedowns. It’s a great system, you won’t even notice its a take down. To answer your question I have a dream Sunset Hill in my head. A guy has to dream big right. Why not dream about a bow that’s virtually unattainable.
I completed one dream hunt quite a few years ago -- moose on the Moose John River. I used a one piece 64-inch, 66# Robertson longbow to kill a very nice moose. Carrying it in a PVC tube as checked luggage really wasn't an issue. Today, though, I'd probably use one of my Bear TDs.
My dream bow is my Northern Mist Shelton. I've had it for several years and have been pleased with it. It looks good, feels good, and shoots very smoothly. Although age and health make it only a dream now my hunt would be elk in the Rocky Mountains.
Mine is Moose!