Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Shooting and Hunting => Topic started by: Hilongbow on April 19, 2022, 07:12:56 am

Title: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: Hilongbow on April 19, 2022, 07:12:56 am

Aloha all,

It's been a while since I've posted, but yesterday I finally had my first harvest with a selfbow! I was able to take a small wild sheep from about 18 yards.

It was the first selfbow I made, and I've put a lot of hours in practicing with it (way over 10k shots through it), and a lot of hours finding and stalking wild sheep. The stave was from a fellow PA member who I traded with in early 2019. I posted the build here http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,66507.msg934765.html#msg934765 and the bow is still in great shape. It actually has gained ~2lbs of draw weight since then, despite taking a little bit of set. It has also developed a deep honey color.

Thanks to everyone who has provided great advice for building selfbows, and for anyone who has tried hunting with one but hasn't had much success, keep at it! The feeling of accomplishment is worth it. I've carried this bow well over 100 miles on various hunts in hot sun, cold, wind, rain, all of it.

I made a video of the hunt, but I can't remember if we are allowed to post YouTube links here (my channel is not monetized). I'm happy to share if I can.

Aloha and happy hunting!

Title: Re: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: WhistlingBadger on April 19, 2022, 01:31:40 pm

Congratulations on getting it done the hard way!  It seems like youtube vids are permitted as long as they aren't commercial.  I'd love to see it.

Thomas

Title: Re: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: Hilongbow on April 19, 2022, 03:55:38 pm

Thanks! Here's the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of2iCTbwdy0&t=7s

Please excuse my chattiness haha

Title: Re: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: WhistlingBadger on April 19, 2022, 04:30:20 pm

Cool.  Are those feral sheep good eating?

Title: Re: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: Hilongbow on April 19, 2022, 06:39:57 pm

Oh yeah. Some of the best meat I've had. Great in stews, roasts, BBQ. Haven't tried it as steaks.

Title: Re: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: TimBo on April 22, 2022, 10:23:21 am

Awesome!  I appreciate the extra work and challenge of videoing as you go - it was fun to almost be there with you.  And good inspirational message too.  Nice job!

Title: Re: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: Deerhunter21 on April 22, 2022, 10:37:37 am

Congratulations man! Very exciting!

Title: Re: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: bassman211 on December 16, 2022, 06:15:29 am

Good for you.

Title: Re: First Selfbow Harvest
Post by: bjrogg on December 17, 2022, 07:29:23 am

Nice hunt and stalk. Really enjoyed your video too.

Congratulations and so glad you stuck with it

Bjrogg