Taking a step toward traditional archery

[heretohunt]

Someday I would like to use traditional gear to kill my game. I have multiple archery opportunities at elk every year at close range and we have very little trophy quality bulls in my area. It wouldn't be a stretch to use either a long bow or a recurve. Does anybody have any recommendations for draw weight, style etc. to get started? I don't believe that I need to spend all the money to get the best one but I certainly wouldn't want one that would need to be replaced if I ever got a little bit more serious. I would even consider making my own bow just for the story.