I've been shooting a longbow for about 5 years now. Mostly at paper. It's definitely a humbling experience. I haven't ever shot at anything larger than a grouse with one, but it's fun and satisfying as heck once you hit one!
Also I have made a number of self bows. Most have become firewood, but that's a whole other obsession.
Welcome to the world of traditional archery.
Cheers
John
www.highlanderhunting.podbean.com