Well, I've been lurking around reading this stuff for a while, finally have post material....

My #1 hunting buddy lives out in Montana and is an old school Hill type bow guy.  He's one of those great hunters you've never heard of...he's killed a bunch of stuff all over with his Hill type bows, moose, caribou, mt lion, mt goat, 15 or so elk, a giant bighorn ram, stuff in Africa etc.  He's also a VERY bad influence.  

I decided this summer to monkey around with a longbow a little bit, and after quite a bit of research picked up a Northern Mist Shelton used from the classifieds.  It fit the bill for what I wanted - string follow/mild locator grip, but its a bit shorter than I wanted (66 inches) and a bit lighter (55 lb at my draw) however it is really a sweet shooting bow, and really spits out an arrow.  The few Hill type bows I have shot a few arrows from in the past had the bad manners you hear about - this Shelton NOT SO!  I was very surprised at the total lack of handshock with hunting weight arrows and the ease of shooting this bow.  I've always shot high wrist recurves, and the only thing I changed with this bow was shooting low wrist...I know, I know, it ain't "Hill Style"...but I shoot this bow very accurately with the locked bow arm, deliberate draw, and solid anchor I use with my recurves.  I lost 1/2 inch draw length with this bow, and get a true 29 inches out of it.  I like this bow so well that 2 weeks after I received it I called Steve and put in an order for one a bit longer (68 inches) and a bit heavier (63-64 lbs) - should be done this April/May.

I packed the 55 lb Shelton along this week to Iowa to fill my doe tag. Shot her with a 620 grain arrow and a big Snuffer at 10/12 yards, complete penetration on the lung/liver shot, and she went about 150 yards.

First kill with the longbow for me.  I don't think I'll convert over 100%, but I'll surely use the Hill bow part of the time.  These things are addictive to shoot!

Best wishes to you all, and keep the thread moving - lots of interesting information on here!

Ryan


 

Nice Longbow kill, Ryan.  I'm still looking for my first.

So what you guys think, I think I get 29" with my Classic, so 63#(60#@28) I like to shoot 160 to 175gr points, what spine wood cedar or DF, should I get. I'll have a bow scale soon, so I'll know exactly the # at my draw. I draw 31" on my recurve, 30" on my R/D long bow, so I guess I'll be in the 29/30 with the classic....
Thank you.

That's some cool stuff right there, Ryan.  The Shelton is on my want list for sure.  The string follow design is so pleasurable to shoot.  Congrats on your first longbow kill.  I'm sure it was very exciting.  

Hey is that Classic Bowman Rover you're wearing?  I really like the look of that Timber Plaid.  Seems to have worked for you.    

Congrates Ryan! Nice picture also. I too broke the Hill style bow ice with a NM Shelton and also am on Steve's list for another one. They are sweet. Fine shooting  

Nice going, Ryan..

I have a NM Shelton too, it's a super bow.

I know to never say never, but I'm pretty happy shooting these Hill style bows..  I anticipate a long happy relationship with them !

Congrats Ryan!

Sheltons can't be beat for smoothness of draw and absence of ill manners.

So I stumbled across this video when googling for other reasons today.  The title got my attention: "Why are Hill-style longbows SO long?"

And then I was looking at a picture of myself from earlier this year retrieving an arrow using the ever-versatile Hill-style longbow....

 

Thought y'all would enjoy.

-Dave

Oh, and had a great morning in the woods on Monday.  Set up under a holly tree next to a giant poplar.  Cold morning, but didn't bother me like it usually does.  Watched the sun rise and the world come to life.  Was absolutely beautiful.  Unfortunately, the cameraphone just doesn't do it justice:

 

I had about 7 does come in a little after that.  They danced around for about 20 minutes, coming within 35 yards.  Interesting that the thread went to the topic of long shots and wood in the air that same day.  Never did take a shot, but it left me smiling.  

As I left, I realized there was a better spot closer to the main trail and creek crossing in the crown of a oak knocked down by Sandy.  Carved myself out a little blind area before heading home and am looking forward to giving it a try this weekend.  Still have hope for a late deer with my Hill.

Anyone know the center cut had John Schulz had on his glassed bows?

Awesome deer bow and picture Ryan!

Ryan,

Nice bow, nice doe, nice job buddy!!  That was cool post you made.  You are correct, a Shelton is a heck of a bow.  Good on ya man!    

Bob.

Ryan- great photograph!

Oh yea.... I need a new arrow rest. So, what is the best glue to attach the leather and what kind of leather is the best?

I like duco or barge cement

WAY TO GO Ryan!

Those Sheltons are fantastic longbows!

Your gonna catch the fever now....

Shoot straight, Shinken

 

Thanks Kyle

I'll be home in about 7 hrs to open the JHill!!!

Finished my season today.  This is my 3rd deer with the longbow but the first where the arrow went exactly where i was looking.  There are few things better than watching that.


  http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w364/typical2/Resampled_2012-12-27_17-14-12_23.jpg  

Eric

Another nice longbow freezer-filler. Congrats!