Traditional bows — recurves and longbows — account for only a tiny segment of the archery market today. That said, traditional bows can still be an effective hunting tool in the hands of a practiced archer, and shooting targets with a recurve or longbow is like stepping back in time. If you want to simplify your bowhunting gear and get back to the basics, then here are three topnotch traditional bows sure to please.
Bear Take Down
Modeled after Fred Bear’s 1969 take-down bow design, the all-new Bear Take Down provides options — two riser lengths, two finishes and two limb lengths — so that trad bowhunters can build the bow to their liking. The arrow shelf is equipped with the Bear Hair Rest and a leather strike plate, while the risers flaunt fiberglass accents and are coated in a durable satin finish. All of this in a packable take-down configuration makes the Bear Take Down an excellent option for the traveling bowhunter. MSRP: Price varies. Contact: www.beararchery.com
PSE Shaman
Interested in trying traditional? Look no further than PSE’s Shaman. It’s the company’s latest trad bow featuring a 62-inch length and showstopper looks thanks to carefully selected woods and meticulous manufacturing. Integrated is a stabilizer bushing, and a 7 ¼- to 7 ½-inch brace height provides generous arm clearance even with cold-weather clothing. Available peak draw weights are 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 pounds. The Shaman brings incredible quality at a price point most can afford. MSRP: $229.99. Contact: www.psearchery.com
Tomahawk Bows Kiska SS Longbow
The Kiska SS Longbow draws on Wisconsin’s rich bowhunting heritage. It makes its mark in history through flawless beauty and intricate design. A partnership between 3Rivers Archery and Blacktail Bows has created this marvelous bow using precision CNC and the finest materials. The riser is Cocobolo Dymondwood surrounded by black phenolic and highlighted with maple and Purpleheart inlaid accent stripes. Limbs are hand-selected Pacific Yew and stained Bamboo, which sandwich the core laminations consisting of rock maple and Stabil-Kore. It includes a limited lifetime warranty. MSRP: $999.99. Contact: www.3riversarchery.com/brand/tomahawk-bows.html
