Top 5 Recurve Bows for Hunting: Buyer’s Guide

Do you dream of the quiet thrill of stalking game with a traditional bow? Many hunters love the challenge and connection to history that comes with using a recurve bow. But when you look at all the different models available for hunting, it can feel overwhelming. You want a bow that is powerful enough for a clean harvest, yet easy to carry through thick woods.

Choosing the wrong recurve for hunting can lead to frustration, poor accuracy, and missed opportunities in the field. Finding the perfect balance between draw weight, arrow speed, and overall durability is key to a successful hunt. You need clear advice to cut through the confusing jargon and technical specifications.

This guide cuts straight to what matters most. We will break down the essential features, materials, and setup tips you need to select a recurve bow that will perform reliably when it counts most. Get ready to transform your hunting setup. Let’s dive into finding the perfect recurve bow for your next adventure in the wild.

Top Recurve Bow For Hunting Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Samick Sage Archery Takedown Recurve Bow 62-inch - Right & Left Handed - 25-60lb - Archery Recurve Bows for Teens & Adults - Beginners to Advanced, Hunting & Target Practice
  • 【Size & Strength】 The Samick Sage Recurve Bow has a length of 62" and a draw length of 28". Choose a draw weight between 25 and 60 pounds based on your strength and skill level to personalize your striking experience.
  • 【Complete Archery Set】 The set comes with an assembly manual, a stick-on arrow rest for recurve, two fiberglass-laminated bow limbs recurve, and a 14-strand Dacron bowstring. The bow limbs can be bought separately and are interchangeable.
  • 【Hand Orientation】 Use your left hand to hold the bow and your right to draw the string. Using your left hand, pull the string while holding the bow with your right.
  • 【High-End Features】 Includes pre-installed brass bushings with threads for a variety of modifications and attachments, including a brass plunger, recurve bow stabilizer, recurve bow sight, recurve bow quiver, and bow limbs recurve.
  • 【Ergonomically Designed】 Risers have an ergonomic grip and are made of lightweight maple wood, making them simple to grasp and preventing hand fatigue.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Sanlida Archery 60" Royal X8 One-Piece Bow Traditional Wooden Hunting Bow Handmade Hunting Bow and Arrows Kit for Adults & Traditional Archers, RH Only (45lbs, Dark Wood)
  • 【World’s NO.1 Archery Kit Brand】 Sanlida's mission is to Build a Perfect World of Archery Recreation for All Mankind.
  • 【Complete Full Kit Design; Matched Suitably; More Accurate】This can guarantee that the archers will get the proper level and quality of accessories easily, and the bow kit will be more matched and accurate, the archer will get the better records!
  • 【Crafted Hunting One-piece Bow Kit】 Sanlida Royal X8 One-piece Bow is 60" AMO length traditional wood hunting bow, crafted from American solid wood, excellent central line, micro vibration and smooth arrow flight, great performance is suited for traditional Hunters.
  • 【F2C from Manufacturer Business Model】 Sanlida Archery is the largest archery manufacturer in China with over 25 years’ history. Our Factory to Customers directly business model can guarantee that the archers will get the best bows at the lowest costs!
  • 【Materials】 Laminated wood riser with solid wood from America, lightweight and durable. Limbs are made of multi-layers of maple wood core and fiberglass which provide stable, strong and durable shooting experience. Combined the different solid wood into the handle as well as crafted grip for soft and smooth shooting.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Sanlida Archery 60" Royal X8 One-Piece Bow Traditional Wooden Hunting Bow Handmade Hunting Bow and Arrows Kit for Adults & Traditional Archers, RH Only (40lbs, Dark Wood)
  • 【World’s NO.1 Archery Kit Brand】 Sanlida's mission is to Build a Perfect World of Archery Recreation for All Mankind.
  • 【Complete Full Kit Design; Matched Suitably; More Accurate】This can guarantee that the archers will get the proper level and quality of accessories easily, and the bow kit will be more matched and accurate, the archer will get the better records!
  • 【Crafted Hunting One-piece Bow Kit】 Sanlida Royal X8 One-piece Bow is 60" AMO length traditional wood hunting bow, crafted from American solid wood, excellent central line, micro vibration and smooth arrow flight, great performance is suited for traditional Hunters.
  • 【F2C from Manufacturer Business Model】 Sanlida Archery is the largest archery manufacturer in China with over 25 years’ history. Our Factory to Customers directly business model can guarantee that the archers will get the best bows at the lowest costs!
  • 【Materials】 Laminated wood riser with solid wood from America, lightweight and durable. Limbs are made of multi-layers of maple wood core and fiberglass which provide stable, strong and durable shooting experience. Combined the different solid wood into the handle as well as crafted grip for soft and smooth shooting.
Bestseller No. 4
Black Hunter Takedown Recurve Bow, 60" Right Handed with Ergonomic Design for Outdoor Training Practice (35lb, Right)
  • Durable & Sturdy Bow: This recurve bow consists of an ergonomically designed wooden handle, 2 high-elastic fiberglass limbs (bamboo laminates technology) and black bowstring, each joint is fixed with sturdy screws
  • Specs & Uses: Draw weights:35lb. Draw Length: 28 inches. Perfect for hunting or target practice. Warm Note: We suggest removing the bow string after each use to protect the limbs from twisting
  • Easy to Assemble and Disassemble: Please keep in mind that using a stringer tool is the most safely way to properly take down and put together the hunting bow, it's easily dismantled for storage
  • Best Experience: With the Takedown feature you will always be able to change your bow limb to increase or decrease the weight to give to you to practice
  • Warranty: We offer a 12-month after-sale service to all customers who purchase recurve bow. we are dedicated to your satisfaction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us
Bestseller No. 5
Deerseeker Archery 62" Takedown Recurve Bow Set with Right Hand & Left-Handed Riser Laminated Limbs 20-60 lbs for Adults & Youth, Archery Practice & Bow Hunting (40 lb, Right Hand)
  • 【Perfect and durable hunting bow】 Deerseeker 62" recurve bow set, take-down design and pack easy; Max Draw Weight is 60 lb, perfect for hunting deer, elk, wild boar, and bow fishing; Min Draw Weight is 20 lb, friendly for beginner and target practice
  • 【Multi-laminate limbs & riser】 The limbs are laminated with fiberglass & maple wood, based on a recurve shape, which could give this bow a faster speed and low vibration; the riser is combined with hard and high-density Dymond wood, so it is fairly strong and could support the max draw weight 60lbs
  • 【Superior raw materials & Reliable quality】 selective wood and fiberglass, Dacron B-55 bowstring, elaborate details, comfortable ergonomic grip; Deerseeker has more than ten years of experience in manufacturing bows, which means reliable quality and durability
  • 【Pre-installed threaded bushings & Aluminum pockets on riser】 Easy to various attachments and upgrades, such as Brass Plunger, Stabilizer, Sight, Quiver, and Bow fishing reel; Aluminum pockets will guarantee exact limb placement for improved performance and accuracy as well as reduce the overall weight
  • 【Plenty of useful accessories & 1-year guarantee】 bow string, stringer tool, finger tab, arm guard, arrow rest, and Allen key; Deerseeker Archery provides a 1-year guarantee for our clients, any questions about the recurve bows get in touch with us freely, please
SaleBestseller No. 6
Toparchery Archery 56" Black Hunter Recurve Bow Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow Metal Aluminum Riser Crack-Resistant Design for Hunting & Competition Archery Right Hand Black Long Bow(50lbs)
  • Recurve Bow Specification: Total bow length: 56", bow riser length: 17", bow limb length: 53", Max draw length: 30". The long bow is very Nicely Polished & Cool & eye catching and offer excellent performance. Aluminum / Carbon Arrows are recommended.
  • Innovative Riser: Our hunting bow forged from High-quality metal aluminum alloy, eliminates traditional lamination cracks, bow handle breakage injury yourself and warping for lifelong durability. The bow limb has a maple core and a fiberglass layer, providing stability and sturdiness.
  • Unparalleled Performance: This black hunter recurve bow offers extremely fast arrow speed, extremely precise shooting and simple drawing. You will enjoy a longer shooting time and less fatigue, making it the perfect choice for outdoor competitions, hunting, training and shooting practice. It is very suitable for adult hunters or teenagers to hunt and take photos
  • Trusted TOPARCHERY Brand Seller: We are a professional archery bow seller with over ten years of experience. Please trust our after-sales service. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, including the need for other accessories or other bow and arrow products. We will give you a satisfactory response within 24 hours.
  • Recurve Bow Care and Storage Consideration: If you don't plan to shoot for more than three weeks, you can untie the bowstring. It is recommended to store it in a warehouse.Do not place it in overly hot areas (such as the trunk of a car) or overly humid places (such as basements). Do not place it vertically in a corner (as it may affect the accuracy of the bow over time). It is suggested to hang it horizontally or store it horizontally in a bow bag or box.
Bestseller No. 7
TOPARCHERY Archery 60" Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow Set for Adults Practice Competition Longbow Kit with 6pcs Fiberglass Arrows Right Hand Black (50.00)
  • 🎯【Upgrade Your Hunting Game】Experience the power and precision of this specially designed wooden recurve bow and arrow from TOPARCHERY. The innovative lamination technology used in the riser combines multiple natural woods to create a striking bow that's perfect for adult hunters.
  • 🎯【Perfect Specs for Archery】With a total length of 60" and a string length of 57", this takedown recurve bow has a brace height of 7-8" and a draw weight of 30-50lbs. It's the ideal choice for archers of all levels who want to improve their marksmanship.
  • 🎯【Premium Quality Materials】The 16 strand Dacron strings ensure that the bow is strong and reliable, while the 15" wooden bow riser length and max draw length of 30" make it easy to handle and shoot accurately, this recurve bow is perfect for both beginner and professional archers. It's designed for right-handed shooters and comes with everything you need for outdoor sports and games.
  • 🎯【Unmatched Performance】This bow delivers blazingly fast arrow speeds with an extremely accurate shot and easy draw. You'll enjoy longer shooting sessions with less fatigue, making it perfect for outdoor competition, hunting, training, and target practice.
  • 🎯【Complete Recurve Bow Set】This set includes a takedown recurve bow, 6pcs carbon arrows, a string silencer, an arm guard, a hand guard, a bowstringer tool, and an arrow case. It's the perfect package for anyone looking to upgrade their archery game.
Bestseller No. 8
New Sanlida Hermit X8 Standard ILF Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow for Adults and Hunters, 60 Inch Wooden Recurve Bows Package for Outdoor, Hunting and Practice 25-60Lbs RH Only (40Lbs)
  • 【World’s NO.1 Archery Kit Brand】 Sanlida's mission is to Build a Perfect World of Archery Recreation for All Mankind.
  • 【Take-down ILF Hunting Recurve Bow】 Experience the pinnacle of archery with our Hermit X8 Take-down ILF hunting bow. Designed for easy storage and transport, it features a robust grip with an international ILF plug-in system and universal ILF limbs. Crafted using high-quality materials and modern manufacturing techniques, this popular hunting bow offers exceptional shooting smoothness. The massive riser, weighing 905 grams, enhances stability and precision.
  • 【Standard Hunting Recurve Bow Kit】For those starting their hunting journey, the Sanlida Hermit X8 is the ideal standard hunting recurve bow. Beginners seeking a reliable option for training and practice can opt for our Sanlida Noble recurve bow and arrows kit B0C1SDV1GR.
  • 【Bow Specs】 This archery bow available in lengths of 60 or 62 inches, String lengths of 57.5 or 59.5 inches, Brace height ranging from 7 to 8 inches, Weighs approximately 2.3 pounds, draw weights options from 25lbs to 60lbs@28" draw length(each 5lbs Increments). Let everyone enjoy the fun of shooting archery!
  • 【F2C from Manufacturer Business Model】 Sanlida Archery is the largest archery manufacturer in China with over 25 years’ history. Our Factory to Customers directly business model can guarantee that the archers will get the best bows at the lowest costs!

Choosing Your Recurve Bow for Hunting: A Buyer’s Guide

Hunting with a recurve bow is a thrilling and traditional way to connect with nature. A recurve bow has limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung. This design stores more energy, giving your arrow more speed. Picking the right one is important for a successful and ethical hunt. This guide will help you choose the best recurve bow for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a hunting recurve, certain features make a big difference in performance and comfort.

Draw Weight

Draw weight is how much force you need to pull the string back to full draw. For most adult hunters, a draw weight between 40 and 60 pounds works well for medium-sized game like deer. If you are new to archery or smaller in stature, start lower (around 30-40 pounds) to build strength. Never choose a weight that causes you to struggle; good form is more important than raw power.

Limb Material and Design

The limbs hold the power of the bow. Look for laminated limbs. These combine different materials for strength and speed. Modern hunting bows often use fiberglass or carbon layers bonded to wood cores.

Brace Height

Brace height is the distance from the bow’s grip to the string when the bow is unstrung. A shorter brace height generally means a faster arrow but can be louder. A slightly longer brace height offers a quieter, more forgiving shot, which is great for hunting.

Riser Construction

The riser is the center handle section of the bow. It anchors the limbs. Look for durable materials that resist flexing under pressure.

Important Materials Matter

The materials used directly impact how long your bow lasts and how well it performs.

  • Wood: Traditional risers often use hardwoods like maple or hickory. They look beautiful and absorb shock well.
  • Metal Alloys (Aluminum/Magnesium): These are common in higher-end takedown bows (bows that separate into three pieces for transport). Metal risers offer excellent stability and consistency.
  • Fiberglass/Carbon Laminates: These materials are essential for the limbs. They provide the necessary flexibility for speed while resisting warping over time.

Factors That Influence Bow Quality

Not all recurve bows perform equally. Certain factors boost quality, while others reduce it.

Factors That Improve Quality:

  • Takedown Capability: Bows that break down make transport and storage much easier, which is vital for hunters who hike far from their vehicles.
  • Precise Limb Alignment: High-quality bows ensure the limbs fit perfectly onto the riser. This alignment prevents wobbling and ensures the energy transfers smoothly to the arrow.
  • Durability of Finish: A good finish protects the wood and laminates from moisture and scratches encountered in the field.

Factors That Reduce Quality:

  • One-Piece Design: While sometimes cheaper, one-piece bows are harder to travel with and are more prone to damage if dropped.
  • Cheap Plastics: If the grip or sight components are made from very cheap plastic, they will likely break or degrade quickly when exposed to sun and cold weather.
  • Poor Limb Set: If the limbs twist or warp, the bow will shoot inaccurately and lose speed. This often happens with poorly constructed, all-wood limbs or bows stored incorrectly.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use your bow dictates the best style.

Stalking and Mobile Hunting: If you walk long distances, you need a lighter, often shorter bow (under 62 inches). Takedown models shine here because you can pack them away safely.

Ground Blind Hunting: In a fixed spot, you can use a slightly heavier or longer bow. Stability is key. Metal-riser bows offer great stability when shooting from a seated position.

Practice vs. Hunting: A bow that is easy to draw smoothly during practice will be easier to handle when an animal appears. Always choose a draw weight you can shoot accurately for multiple arrows without fatigue.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hunting Recurve Bows

Q: Do I need a special license to hunt with a recurve bow?

A: Yes. Most states require a specific archery license or permit in addition to your general hunting license. Always check your local regulations.

Q: Can I use a stabilizer on a hunting recurve?

A: Yes, many hunters add stabilizers. They help dampen vibration and make the bow feel steadier when aiming, especially in windy conditions.

Q: What is the difference between a barebow and a hunting recurve?

A: A barebow has minimal accessories (no sights, stabilizers, or clickers). A hunting recurve is set up specifically for the field, often including a quiver and perhaps a simple sight.

Q: How fast do arrows fly from a hunting recurve?

A: Speeds vary greatly based on draw weight and arrow weight, but a good hunting setup might launch an arrow between 160 and 190 feet per second (fps).

Q: Should I choose a one-piece or takedown bow for hunting?

A: Takedown bows are generally recommended for hunters. They are easier to transport safely in a backpack or case.

Q: What is the ideal arrow spine for a hunting recurve?

A: Spine refers to the stiffness of the arrow shaft. You must match the spine to your bow’s draw weight and your draw length for safe and accurate shooting. Check the manufacturer’s spine chart.

Q: How do I care for my wooden riser in wet weather?

A: Keep it dry! After hunting in rain, wipe the wood down immediately. Never store a wet bow in a closed case. A light coat of wood wax helps repel moisture.

Q: Is a high draw weight always better for ethical hunting?

A: No. The most ethical shot comes from an archer who can maintain perfect form. A lower weight that you can shoot accurately is far better than a high weight that causes you to rush the shot.

Q: Do I need a bow sight for hunting?

A: Many traditional archers shoot instinctively without sights. However, a simple, single-pin sight can greatly increase accuracy, especially when shooting through brush or at longer distances.

Q: How long will a quality recurve bow last?

A: With proper care, a well-made recurve bow with laminated limbs can easily last for decades, often passing down through generations.