Best Hunting Bows for Beginners: Recurve Bows

Harder to master than compound bows but a much more unique feel on the field. You have to know right away that recurve bows expose more your flaws than compound bows but the satisfaction of shooting dead center will be more rewarding for that reason. 

The best hunting Recurve bows for beginners will always be the one that you are comfortable to shoot with. Nothing new here. Don't ask how much you should spend on a bow but, of course, always invests accordingly to your budget. You would be surprised how an entry-level recurve bow would fit you more than a flagship. The reason why I am saying that is; when you master your bow, it doesn't really matter which bow you have.  Don't get me wrong here, a flagship will offer you much more options but it doesn't mean hunting success. That will depend on your skills, the setup of your arrows and your hunting techniques.

That being said, there are few elements to consider when you are looking for a recurve bow for hunting. First, and the most important thing, the poundage of your bow. If you invest in a one-piece recurve bow or a takedown, you must have 40 and higher pounds of draw weight for hunting. Most states have a mandatory minimum poundage to allow you to hunt in their state. The purpose of that minimum poundage is to make sure to reduce the chance to only injure your target instead of killing it. The more poundage you have the more kinetic energy you develop to take down properly and cleanly an animal. It is ethical and crucial while hunting. It is, then,  important to keep that in your mind when you select a bow because even if your purpose is to hunt, there is no reason what so ever to make them suffer uselessly.

To ease your learning, takedowns will be more suitable as you can evolve with your bow as you can change the limbs when you master a lower poundage. Which should be your option if you never shot a recurve bow. On the other hand, if you are an experienced shooter, a one-piece bow would be a good option.

The following selection was based on the versatility of the bow. Second, the quality of the bow for the price and finally, the tunability of the bow allowing you to improve your experience. These bows are not for beginners who start shooting, they are a ranking of bows for beginner hunters. However, some of them are also good to start shooting with, especially, the takedowns which allow you to swap the limbs and lower or raise your poundage.

 

Martin Jaguar Elite

Definition

Beautiful design with the Martin Jaguar Elite. This takedown recurve is vibration-free and comfortable when held and shot. Jaguar riser is lightweight and sturdy explained by the aluminum and magnesium that compose the riser. The bow is accessory friendly and allows you to attach easily all of them. The arrow rest is adjustable and the limbs are made from wood and laminated with fiberglass which makes them resilient to bending. 40 pounds and higher limbs are available for this model, the necessary weight to hunt ethically and cleanly. 

Features and Specs

• The Jaguar Elite features a smooth draw,
• Powerful shot,
• Durable riser,
• Thermal V protective dampening grip prevents slipping from your hands
• Laminated wood and glass limbs
• Comfortable grip.
• Accepts ILF limbs.
• AMO Length: 60”,
• Brace Height: 6.75”-7.5”.
• Weight: 2.6 lbs.

Martin Jaguar Elite Package Includes

• A bow stringer
• String
• Brass inserts to install a sight, stabilizer, and/or Berger button

Pros:

• Sleek, comfortable to hold design
• Includes bow stringer
• Fantastic accuracy and reliability
• Accessory friendly for hunting

Cons:

• Assemble and disassemble not the easiest.
• Replacement limbs are harder to find than other Brands.

 

Bear Grizzly 1-piece Recurve Bow

Definition

A magnificent 1-piece riser built from a red hard-rock maple with overlaid clear maple limbs combined with high strength black fiberglass.

Designed for hunting but also a great bow for target practice. Built by a legendary manufacturer and made to respond to your highest expectations.

The Grizzly offers a nice transition from lower weights to higher poundage. It is clean, quick and accurate despite your level of shooting. This recurve is more for traditional hunters that don't need many accessories. However, if you ask yourself if this bow is for a beginner hunter, worried that it might feel too heavy for you, stop worrying right now. In fact, I would say that this is a perfect recurve for you, providing, of course, that money isn’t an issue.

The draw cycle is smooth and minimum vibration occurs, not to say no vibration at all. Light and small, the bow is easily maneuvrable in hunting situations.

Features and Specs

• Laminated construction
• Durable weather- and scratch-resistant, satin gloss finish
• Generous shelf with BearHair™ arrow rest
• Length: 58"
• Brace Height: 7.5-8.5"
• Limbs - overlaid with clear maple, backed and faced with high strength black fiberglass.

Package includes

• Dacron Flemish string.

Pros:

• Excellent for beginner and more advanced archers
• Great for both hunting and target practice
• Superb accuracy and durability, great arrow speeds
• Resistant to all types of weather
• Ready for shooting out of the box 
• Best value for your money

Cons:

• Higher maintenance since its a 1-piece bow (not really a con)

 

OMP Mountaineer Takedown Recurve Bow

Definition

The OMP Mountaineer 2.0 presents a nice traditional look and was designed to withstand the rigor of the hunt. The Mountaineer 2.0 is accurate and forgiving and has enough power to easily take down a deer or even an elk or a black bear.

Although this recurve bow was made for hunters, at the low price point for the quality, anyone could be thinking of grabbing it even if only for recreational shooting or target shooting. It is best suited for intermediate and advanced archers but definitely good for beginner hunters.

The bow is accessory friendly and with the money saved from its initial price, you can allow yourself looking for some extra arrows and broadheads.

Probably one of the best hunting recurve bows on the market. With this bow, any accuracy problems are caused by the archer, not the bow.

Features and Specs

• 3 piece take-down design allowing for an easy transportation and storage.
• Draw Weights: choice of 35 to 55 lbs by increment of 5 pounds.
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• AMO length: 62"
• Suggested brace height: between 7 1/2"- 8 1/4".

Package includes

• Comes with Dacron and Flemish twist string.
• Sight, plunger & stabilizer bushings are installed.
• Standard limb bolts
• Toolless limb bolts
• Owner’s Manual
• Warranty Card

Pros:

• Mountaineer has solid performance and rugged design.
• It has a fantastic price offering value for its quality.
• Dacron String and Dacron Flemish Twist String both are included.
• It produces less sound during hunting. Rugged and solid performance.

Cons:

• No bow stringer included

OMP Smoky Mountain Hunter Takedown Recurve Bow

Definition

Made of Hard maple and DymonWood, the Smoky Mountain Hunter offers a sleek design. With its multi-laminated limbs of hard maple and black fiberglass, the Smoky from October Mountain Products is simple but effective. These materials enhance the durability of the bow even if the bow takes a beating.

The bow features reinforced limb tips allowing you to replace the manufacturer's string with any string that suits your needs.

Not the smallest recurve but easy to maneuver. The bow weights a bit less under three pounds and allows you to add as many accessories that you desire. It is lightweight and ergonomic allowing you to hold the bow without feeling any fatigue even after few hours.

Draw cycle of the Smoky is a charm and stays quiet when released. A little vibration that can be stopped when you installed whisper biscuit. 

Any types of arrows can be used with the bow so you can create your own combination of arrows and broadheads that matches your hunting or target-shooting style.

The Smoky Mountain Hunter is suitable for beginners and more advanced archer. The bow combines perfectly affordability and efficiency. The Smoky is quite forgiving for poor stance and technique. Available in increment of five pounds to assure you to hunt any targets.

Features and Specs

• Three pieces take-down design for easy storage
• Equipped with sight, plunger and stabilizer bushings
• Reinforced limb tips offer Fast Flight string compatibility
• Slim grip design
• Recommended brace height: 7 1/2″ to 8 1/4″

Package includes

• A set of limbs
• The Smoky Mountain Hunter riser
• Dacron bowstring

Pros:

• As equal to flagship bows at a more affordable price
• Forgiving recurve bow made for beginners
• Accessory friendly
• Accurate, quiet and powerful

Cons:

• No bow stringer included

 

Southwest Archery Spyder Recurve Bow

Definition

Elegance and practicality define the most the Southwest Archery Spyder. Those two elements of definition come from the fact that the Spyder is an improved version of the well-known Samick Journey. However, with its own redwood finish riser, improved rounded edges and limb pockets, fast-flight compatible, reinforced limb tips and improved flush limb bolts. High-quality features for an affordable price tag. 

This bow has proved itself to be very versatile and like all takedown recurve bows, easy to transport and storage.
 
The bow is really forgiving for any level shooters making it a great bow for bowhunting of target shooting.

Features and Specs

• Draw Weight: 20 –  60 LBS
• Draw Length: If your draw length is over 29″, please choose XL-limbs
• Bow Length: 62″
• Available For: Right Hand or Left Hand

Package includes

• 3 piece takedown bow, 
• An Allen wrench for assembly,
• A string,
• An Arrow rest

Pros:

• Has everything and more the Samick Journey has
• Plenty of options regarding draw weight
• Easy to transport
• Fantastic looks
• Extremely sturdy
• High quality
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• No bow stringer included

 

Conclusion

It is always a good move to purchase from brands that you trust. That said, when you make your own research you might find better deals for high-end features recurve bows at a more affordable price tag. This article gave you a few more options.

I have to give a special mention to the Bear Archery Super Kodiak which is a superb recurve bow but a bit pricey in my humble opinion (High quality has a price indeed). If money is not an issue, I would strongly recommend you to have a look on this bow.

As a reminder, look for a bow that will be forgiving and has many limb weights. You want to "grow with" your bow as much as possible. 

Thank for reading us. Do not hesitate to leave your appreciation on Best Hunting Bows for Beginners: Recurve Bows.

Have a nice Hunt.