New Traditional Bows for 2022

Nov 15, 2023

(Author photo)

Although I enjoy shooting and hunting with my compound bow in most situations, I’d be lying if I didn't admit that sometimes my recurve or longbow ends up with me in a treestand once the calendar flips to November. There's just something special about feeling the string slip from my fingers and watching the arrow glide towards fur and bone with lethal accuracy. In my opinion, its one of the most enjoyable experience in the bowhunting world, and with more and more compound hunters flirting with the stick and string, now is a great time to consider some options.

Although Bear Archery has certainly grabbed a share of the compound bow market over the years, loyalists are drawn to the brand bearing Fred Bear's name and the traditional bows he carried. Building upon the popularity of the Mag Riser A-Handle last year, this year Bear is adding its larger cousin to the mix with the Mag Riser B-Handle. Still available in Fred Bear Classic Camo or Moss Green, this 19" riser is constructed from cast aluminum and incorporates an adjustable center shot plate for precise arrow tuning, as well as stabilizer and quiver bushings. It also features their signature grip that sits solidly in your hand, and with Bear's legendary latch limb system, you can use any of their takedown limbs to deliver an AMO of 56" to 64". To sweeten the pot, Bear is also adding #2 limbs to their takedown limb lineup this year as well. When paired with the B-Handle, they deliver an AMO of 62", which is the sweet spot for many shooters. www.beararchery.com

A great entry-level option for the compound shooter looking to dabble into traditional archery is the new Mountaineer Dusk from October Mountain. Developers of quality traditional bows that virtually anyone can afford, the Mountaineer Dusk Takedown features the same riser design as their popular Mountaineer 2.0 and is crafted from dymondwood with exotic padauk wood accents that deliver a distinct traditional look. The riser is equipped with sight, stabilizer and plunger bushings to ensure a customizable setup, and the limbs feature quick-reacting bamboo cores with a black glass laminate and reinforced limb tips for fast-flight type strings. www.octobermountainproducts.com

For the longbow crowd, it's hard to beat the quality and affordability of the Old Mountain Mesa at 3Rivers Archery. Originally available in old 64", but this year they add a 60" model to the mix, making it an ideal option for bowhunting. The Mesa has a reflex/deflex design to deliver both speed and whisper quiet accuracy, and with the combination of exotic hardwoods with accent stripes crafted into each riser, you’ll have the look of a one-piece custom built longbow without the custom built price. The limbs incorporate a clear fiberglass backing with bamboo cores, and reinforced tips for today's high-energy bow strings. www.3riversarchery.com

Striker really needs no introduction in the traditional world, and its latest is just another example of the quality bowyer Dusty Ellis has been crafting for 25 years. The smooth drawing Grizzly Jim Signature Series is available in either 60" or 62" and incorporates their interchangeable limb system so the shooter can choose between recurve or longbow designs without the need for custom fitting. The riser features a sight window cut past center, and is crafted from charcoal action wood with maple and black phenolic accents and overlays to deliver a stunning traditional look. The limbs feature responsive bamboo cores with Zebra wood veneers that add a handsome contrast to the riser you will find hard to put down. www.strikerbows.com

Dryad Bows are no stranger to the traditional bowhunting crowd. Now that they were recently acquired by bowyer and traditional bowhunter South Cox, you can expect them to get even better. Handcrafted from multiple exotic woods, the 3-piece Dryad Orion is a solid, all-around hunting bow that has a fast, smooth and forgiving nature you'll find hard to put down, and even harder to take your eyes off of. It's available in four riser lengths ranging in size from 13 to 19 inches with either static recurve or longbow limb designs. AMO lengths range from 54 and 66 inches as well, so you’ll have no problem finding your sweet spot. Limbs feature a hard rock maple core with carbon and black glass overlays, but can be upgraded to a more responsive bamboo core if desired. www.dryadbows.com