Progression
I started with a commercial lemonwood long bow, went to a fiber recurve when they became available. thru compound when they became available. It wasn't long before I went back to fiberglass; much lighter, much handier, not nearly as much junk to carry, and if the compound's cable snaps or the string gets cut, you're out of luck until you can get to a shop - puts a damper on the hunt. With fiber the only shooting equipment you need is the bow, a few arrows and an extra string. There is a learning curve, but not difficult to master. I really never learned archery until I built my own bow from a log. This is when I learned bow/arrow dynamics. This is when I really learned to hunt deer. I did not need a machine to do it all for me. My hunting companions think me odd, but I do get more deer. I am also nearing the end of the hunt, and like to get maximum enjoyment from what time I have left.