Traditional Archery
The Most Rewarding Way to Hunt.
From recurves and longbows to traditional broadheads and cedar arrows — gear built for hunters who choose skill over technology.
Traditional Archery — No Cams. No Excuses.
There’s a reason traditional archery is one of the fastest growing segments in bowhunting today. The simplicity of a recurve or longbow, the skill it demands, and the deep connection to hunting’s oldest traditions makes every shot earned, and every harvest unforgettable.
At Foxtrot Heather Outdoors we carry a carefully selected lineup of traditional archery gear built for serious hunters and beginners alike. From Bear Archery recurves and longbows to October Mountain Products , accessories, and quivers — plus traditional broadheads, carbon and wood arrows, leather shooting gloves and everything you need to build or maintain your setup, we have you covered from the bow to the target.
Choosing Your First Traditional Bow
- Start with a recurve — they’re easier to learn on than a longbow and more forgiving at close range
- Draw weight for hunting should be 40–55 lbs for deer — enough for clean ethical harvests
- Choose a bow length that matches your draw length — longer bows are smoother and more forgiving
- Bear Archery’s Grizzly and Super Kodiak are proven starting points trusted by hunters for decades
Traditional Arrows & Broadheads
- Cedar and carbon shafts are the two most popular choices — cedar is traditional, carbon is more consistent
- Arrow spine must match your bow’s draw weight — a spine chart helps get this right
- Fixed blade broadheads are the go-to for traditional — 2-blade cut-on-contact heads like Zwickey or Bear broadheads penetrate best\
- Feather fletching is preferred over vanes for traditional — better arrow flight off the shelf
Essential Traditional Accessories
- A leather shooting glove or tab protects your fingers and ensures a consistent release
- A good side quiver keeps arrows accessible and quiet in the field
- An armguard prevents string slap — essential for beginners and veterans alike
- A bowstringer is a must — never step-through string a recurve or you risk twisting the limbs
Hunting Setup Tips
- Traditional bowhunters typically shoot at 20 yards or less — practice at 15 to build confidence
- Scent control is even more critical at close range — invest in quality scent elimination apparel
- A low-profile treestand or ground blind works best — traditional shooting requires more movement than compound
- Practice shooting in your hunting clothes — bulky jackets affect your form and release
