Traditional or Primitive Archery are terms we use to describe certain types of gear. In some cases the terms have been forgotten about all together. What defines Primitive or Traditional? I have discovered that each of us has our own accepted definitions. I want to open this section with a bow that I believe to exceed most of our high-tech standards.

My first ideas fell short, in my opinion, of what is truly traditional. Recurves that are made from anything but wood. Bows made in a high tech shop, using computers to measure size, lengths, and weights. I do agree that this process will produce a good and near perfect piece of equipment, but I wanted something with heart. I found Danny Smith of Blue River Bows.

Danny made me a Flat bow from Osage wood. It shoots 55lbs at a 28-inch draw. The flight is quick and the strike is hard. In less than 6 arrows, I was putting a nice group on the target at 15 yards. My experience with this type of shooting is limited, but will be greatly increased over the next few months. I gave this flat bow a couple of long pulls, just to check. It is designed for no more than 28 inches, but held well. The stringing and unstringing process is easy enough. The string is designed so that one side stays attached and the other end has a larger loop. You simply bend the bow until the loop fits onto the end.

There are several traditional bows available for purchase. Why did I choose Blue River Bows? It was because of the way Danny makes the bows. There are no power tools used in the process of making these bows. Bow making is an art, and Danny has managed to master it. You can't just grab a limb off the tree and tie a string to it! He has been making these bows from age 7. The art was learned by watching his grandfather and other elders, from the Creek Indian tribe. Engineering at its Primitive form. A man, a piece of wood, and some hand tools. What better way for me to add a traditional archery section than to open with a bow made by a man from the Creek Indian Tribe?

Blue River Bows have made bows for the "Mummy Movies". That's right your favorite wrestler, The Rock, will be using one of Danny's bows in this new movie. That's pretty cool, in my opinion.

I was looking for more than just a bow; I needed something with roots and background. Blue River Bows provided that to me. Danny is a good guy. He is a moderator in our forum section and will become more active with OEG in the future. He knows as much about traditional archery as anyone I have spoke with.

If you are looking for something more in a bow, something that lets you have an experience rather than just shooting arrows, please contact Blue River Bows. www.blueriverbows.com or give him a call
(580)443-6018 or (580)443-5217