I ordered a Northern Mist American and Steve recommended 68" for my 28.5" draw. I'm a little concerned about that length for hunting. I need to call Steve and just ask him about it but wanted feedback from you guys. Can I get away with 66"?
Thanks

You are talking about 1" on each end, I would stick with what Steve recommends.

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The length of an ASL is just something you get use to when hunting. Sure, you may not be able to hunt in some enclosed blinds, but otherwise, you adapt quickly.

Think about it, if you are a compound convert, any traditional bow is a lot longer and you simply adapt.  The same is true when handling an ASL in the woods.

Mark, I had the same concern when talking with Steve since I normally hunt with nothing longer than 62" and 60" being my go to length. When talking about his Whisper and Sprague models he said I could get away with 64" but said he would recommend a 66" bow. Initially I was thinking it's impossible to hunt with a bow that long out of a tree stand because I didn't want to trim so much that I would stick out like a sore thumb. But in thinking about it, it's only 3" longer on each end of my shortest bow which when you think about it isn't all that much. Hope this helps. Fred

I have a 66" Ramer that I hunt with out of tree stands with no problem, like said above you're only talking an inch or two longer on each end, not much when you think about it.  You just have to pay closer attention when setting up and trimming around your stand.  I have more trouble when trying to use it in a tent, shooting from a sitting position.


Jason

I've had no problem taking deer from a treestand and turkeys from a DB blind with bows made by Steve that were 68" and 70".  I have an honest 28" draw and sure like the longer length ASL's.   

I'd go with Steve's recommendation.  You could get away with a 66-inch bow if its was reverse handle, but (at a 28 1/2 inch draw) 68 inches is much better for a traditional handle and a lot of set back. Two inches doesn't sound like much, but the longer bow will be a lot more comfortable at your draw length.   

Go with Steve's suggestion I hunt with a 64in whisper you get used to the length very quickly it'll be normal before you know it

Az,
You could def get away with a 66, it would feel decent since you shoot lighter weight, but a 68 will be sweeter in that style of bow @28.5 for sure.  Steve wouldnt steer you wrong. 

I'd do what Steve says.  Longbows are "long" for a reason.  A 68" bow will work from trees with no problem.  I have used them a lot.  Nice, smooth draw too.

Steve is a great guy to talk to and answer all your questions. I am going with the 68" American. I am also thinking about ordering a 64" Baraga as well.

You can get away with a 66" American. Any longer than your draw and you would want to go to 68". The design of that bow, mainly due to the taper in that limb, makes them pretty draw length specific.

I'm not very tall....maybe 5' 10" on a good day.

My Ramer is 66", and I love it. Absolutely no issues hunting with it from a tree,the ground,out of a boat...no problem.

I just answered this question in  a PM, but it bears repeating...

When I order a bow from Steve, I choose the model,poundage, and color (usually green).

I let Steve decide on core materials and length. He knows what works best with which combination.

Trust your bowyer, especially if your bowyer is Steve Turay.

He isn't just copying a style. He has worked the details out through trial and error.