I killed my first deer with a longbow in 1991. I was 15. My first deer period. Second in 1992, same, except a biggun. Killed most of my deer with a longbow actually, including big/small, doe etc. I’ve been a bit of a fanatic for over 30 years.
I’ll say some key things and most have been mentioned but they are truly key. I make longbows and teach folks to shoot often.
Shoot a bow that’s easy to shoot. Probably always. There’s no magic weight, but make sure you’ll be able to put arrows through it. Yeah hunting I’ve killed with 40-55#. All lethal. I’ve seen people kill easily with 32# LB. No issue.
Probably have someone who knows how to shoot show you how. I can get people shooting in a short session, they always walk away happy. What I’ve seen though, is frustration because if I’m not tweaking their form or concentration, they lose some details and start to have issues. I’m not a coach, but know enough to help with form. I think a coach of some sort is a good idea. But you have to listen and be open to criticism as an archer. There are actually archers who are very good with very different form, and that’s ok. But starting with a solid base is important.
I would never recommend carbon arrows until you’re experienced. Too stiff, too hard to tune, too fast of a recovery, too many issues. Aluminum are the easiest to replicate and are forgiving like wood. Major differences here vs carbon. I always get people started with aluminum, and then they can either expand to carbon on their own when they have the experience and confidence, or even go to wood where it’s super fun and just like aluminum but more work. I am a fan of carbon, but not generally with a Trad bow unless it’s very center shot or past center.
Some people don’t have a problem, but if you shoot well tuned aluminum vs carbon from non-centershot bows, aluminum will win for most. So, when you think you suck, switch to aluminum and make sure. Lol. I know this can be argued but I have seen it many times. And I’m partial to wood or aluminum. Carbons are TOUCHY. Not what I want. I’ve never shot an animal and thought “wish that was a carbon arrow”. Ever. Most carbon break if they’re sticking out of a deer just like any.
Get close to your critters. I kill normally at 10-18 yds. Maybe closer. Lol
Gain confidence and experience by killing animals and fish etc when available.
Be willing to pass shots and not whine about it. The kill makes great Instagr..photos but who really cares. Don’t whine about misses either. Just learn and get better. I’ve shot giant deer and missed giant deer..enjoy the hunt.
I think I’ve missed 18 elk with a longbow, bulls and cows. Hunting I have down…killing at 40+ yds I don’t… funny how I can return from missing elk and lace deer…
Dedicate time to Trad. Don’t keep going back to wheels. Stick with it. I mean you can go back and forth, but to get good you gotta do it.
Use simple easily sharpened COC 2 blade heads.