Archery is a great outdoor activity. Whether your interest is Target Archery, Bow Hunting, Traditional or Hi-Tech, it’s a hobby the whole family can enjoy. I started shooting traditional long bows and recurves at a very early age. My first real bow was a 43# Ben Pearson Colt. I managed to take my first archery deer with it way back in 1972.

In the late 70’s I decided to try my hand at Hi-Tech and acquired my first compound bow. Accuracy improved and I decided to try my luck at some of the Ohio Bowhunter 3-D shoots.

This soon turned into more serious shooting and more Hi-Tech equipment. This group of photos shows my last compound bow, A Hoyt ProVantage. The target is at 50 yards. The arrow at the three o’clock position has a hunting broad head on it and the others are target arrows.

After many 3-D archery shoots and more deer than I can remember I came full circle and returned to Traditional equipment. Granted, I can’t shoot those tight 50-yard groups or make those long shots on big game. It’s just more fun to make your own equipment and shoot or hunt with it.

I’ve built several self-bows over the past few years. A self-bow is made from one solid piece of wood. Most any of the hardwoods and some of the softer woods can be used. My personal favorite is Hickory, specifically Pignut Hickory. If you would like to try your hand at making your own bow I have posted complete instructions on the forum. Click here to build your own bow

This nice Doe was taken October 22nd, 2004 Near Bremen, Ohio with a homemade self-bow that was made from a Pignut Hickory that I cut down, split, quartered and dried. The arrow was made from a piece of Ash and was fletched with turkey feathers from a turkey that I had harvested. The point is an original Indian flint head that I found a couple of years ago. This doe was taken at 10 yards on the ground. I’ve taken my share of big trophy bucks over the years but this Doe now ranks at the top of my list. Steve