Harrelson Traditional Archery
Bowhunting the way it was meant to be!
by Kevin Lee McIver
Experienced bowhunters know how frustrating
compound bows can be at times. Not only are they noisy even when equipped
with tasseled cable silencers, but they require every gadget available
just to shoot them.
Add to that having to worry about knocking
a sight-pin out of alignment, or seeing your intended target through a
small-diameter peep sight, and compounds become almost a liability at
times.
Yes, compound bows can be a lot of work,
especially when you consider your target will probably be a mere 20-30
yards away. Well, I found the perfect solution for unsatisfied compound
bow shooters -- traditional bows.
Last weekend, I visited with Lynn
Harrelson, the owner of Harrelson's Traditional Archery in Montgomery,
Ala. This long-time archer and bowhunter produces a fine line of archery
products -- to include takedown recurves made from the finest exotic
woods.
Harrelson began making bows in 1990 as a
hobby, but his fine products were quickly noticed by friends whom kept
buying every bow he produced. In 1993, he turned his archery expertise
into a part-time business, and has since then sold some 400 bows around
the country.
Customer satisfaction, not mass production
is the principle behind Harrelson's great archery line. Each bow is
tailored made for the intended shooter, to include draw length and weight.
But the perfection doesn't stop here, as
even the bow grip is customized to the shooter's hand, making it fit like
a glove. Coupled with additional features like customized inlets, and you
have a bow not only great for shooting, but also beautiful to look at.
I must say it has been years since I had
picked up a traditional bow and remembered how easy they are to shoot, but
Lynn quickly remedied this.
Stepping outside his archery shop, we put
down the pen and paper, and did some old-time shooting. Two 3-D deer
targets (with many holes in them), are located just outside the door, some
20-yards away.
Lynn quickly demonstrated his archery
expertise by placing several arrows in the vital heart-lung area of the
target. I was impressed, but fearful, as it was my turn next.
My first shot went high, and my second went
a little lower -- but then I instantly got the feel for the bow, and the
third hit dead center. As we were shooting and talking some more, Lynn
mentioned he would be heading to Canada soon for a bear hunt.
Motioning toward another target, a black
bear 3-D about 40 yards away, he locked another arrow. Now 20 yards seemed
possible without any sights, but 40 -- well he hit dead center with the
first shot. Now that's some fine shooting.
Picking up one of Harrelson's bows, the
first thing you'll notice is how light they are compared to a compound
bow. I didn't ask, unfortunately, but if felt about 2- to 3-pounds.
They are also perfectly balanced. You can
hold it up with two fingers in the middle of the grip, and it levels
without tipping. Attempt that with a compound and you'll be trying to
catch it before it strikes the ground.
When shooting a Harrelson bow, you'll
notice two things -- virtual silence and a flat-shooting arrow. Unlike
modern compounds, which sound like a trash can banging around when you
shoot them, you'll only hear the arrow striking the target with a soft
"thump". Any whitetail bowhunter can sure see the advantage
here.
They are also flat-shooting. My compound
bow "lobs" arrows into the target like a mortar round
(high-angle hell, as the military calls it). Traditional bows, on the
other hand, shoot flatter -- requiring less effort when sighting on your
target, as you don't have to over estimate elevation. In other words, get
it on the target, release, and you'll hit the target.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line
traditional bow for either hunting or target shooting, look no more. You
can purchase a hand-made, finely tuned recurve or traditional bow from
Lynn Harrelson.
Prices are around $200 to $500, depending
on the extras, and currently, there is about a three-month wait. Not bad
when you remember you are getting a one-of-a-kind, hand-made, precision
shooting bow worthy of passing on to your grandchildren.
Being an avid whitetail bow hunter, I have
found the answer to complicated compound bows - Harrelson Traditional
Archery. You can reach Lynn by telephone at (334) 215-3040.
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