I have a bow that I dearly love but I am not sure if I will be able to shoot it any more although I am working on it. It is a Fredrick Yeoman, 56# @ 28", reverse handle, 56" long, trapezoid limbed bow. I ordered it at Denton Hill over 15 years ago when Fritz was still in the business. Some of you may remember his bows. He did beautiful work and his Yeoman was kind of unique.

I would like to try and find something with a similar design. I need something lighter in draw weight, something in the 42 to 44 pound range. That would be too much of a reduction to try on my current bow.

If anyone knows of anything similar being made today I would appreciate a suggestion.

There was a Yeoman that just sold on eBay on April 2, I think it was around 37# draw weight--the only one I've ever seen.

J.D. Berry Taipan model should be quite similar. I don't think he makes them that short, but mine has a forward handle and trapped reflex/reflex limbs. Very well made.

I just talked to J D a couple weeks ago and he doesn't build the Taipan bow anymore. I was going to try one and he didn't want to build it.

Bummer. I really like mine. Guess I'll look for another on the used market.

So far I have not found something being made today which is close to the design of this Yeoman of mine and no one here seems to be aware of something. I guess I will begin looking at all of the shorter bows out there now and see if something appeals to me. Looking for something about 58'.

I am reluctant to order something without trying it first but may have to do that since I don't think I will make it to any of the bigger shoots this year.

Oops. 58' would be a really long bow. Make that 58".

Can you post a pic of it unstrung, the whole profile? Shawn

Here is the Yeoman.

Another pic.

And another.

Last one.

Is the Shrew still being made? The design of the Yeoman is very similar to a Shrew. But I had a chance to shoot a Shrew once and it did not handle quite as nicely for me. I believe the limbs of the Shrew are wider. My Yeoman has very narrow limbs.

Take a look at the Toelke Pika. Phenomenal bow that I'm confident you will enjoy.

Second the Toelke Pika.

I am asked about the Taipan often, so I am going to take in some orders for this model. Thanks guys. ..OE

Hey JD. I picked up a used, but like new, Taipan a few months ago. All I can say is Wow! Workmanship is immaculate. One helluva good shooting bow. Have been shooting sticks for more than 50 years, and this one has moved to the top of the order. Just want to say thanks for a job well done. Keep up the excellent work.

Look at the Javaman Falcon per the following url:

http://www.javamanarchery.com/Falcon.html

I believe Javaman (Greg Coffey) used to make the Shrew line.

Some excellent additional suggestions have been posted. They all look like nice bows. JD Berry's Taipan appears to be closest to what I am looking for. Glad to hear he is considering taking orders for it. I PM'd him to see what he has to say.

Thanks for the suggestions. They all look interesting.

Bill back in the mid-1990s, Fredrick was a very good customer. He ask, if he flew out west would I teach him. Yes, his bows are a lot like mine, Very nice guy.

Orion, Thanks, Designed the Taipan in 1995, great forward handle bow, I always liked them. ..OE

JD, check your PM's. I am definitely interested in possibly ordering a Taipan. My Yeoman is very nicely made and it shoots great in my hands. But I really have to go lighter. I want something fairly short. I also like the limb profile on the strung Taipan.

Fritz told me the reason he built the Yeoman at 56 in. was so it fit behind the seat of his S 10 pickup.

Whatever his reason was it worked for me as well. It is a very light, handy bow that feels like nothing in your hand. and for such a short, light bow it behaves very nicely when shooting it. It is not tolerant of sloppy form when shooting but if you do your part the bow does its part.

One of the Shrews from the mid-2000's will get you there. I would also look at Kanati, not quite there but close. Shawn

Bill - Ron's Shrew sounds like the perfect fit for you and yes they are still being made for him by Jim Belcher of Sky Archery. I just bought one last yr. Wait time wasn't bad either.

The Shrew is very similar in design to my Yeoman and I have managed to get onto the web site and check it out. It is one of a couple of bows that I have considered as a replacement. I also like the Kanati and that bow is a little more affordable for me so I believe that is the way I will go.

Java Man besides other bows, he makes the Elkheart and Falcon wgich are also very similar. I believe he was one of the past builders for the shrew also.

http://www.javamanarchery.com/Falcon.html

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