I understand that the late Paul Schafer was an outstanding point-of-aim/gap-shooting marksman. Are there any books, videos, or articles that clearly describe his style? I have read that he shot with a very high anchor point (Did he shoot 3-under?), drawing the arrow past his anchor, then "settling in" to it. I have also read that he used an elevated rest. True?

For you point-of-aim guys...do you use a different anchor point, i.e. lower on the face, when shooting long-range targets that are beyond your normal point-of-aim? I realize that most shooters' point-of-aim, even with a pretty high anchor point, will be at or beyond any reasonable, ethical hunting distance, but I am curious about how that shooting method would be modified to permit long field archery/roving shots.

Cleotis

I hunted with Paul for 15 years and lost thousands of T-Bone steaks to the man while "stump" shooting on the way back to a bunch of different camps. Heck, he even wanted to start shooting for dates with my daughter, but I was way to smart for that!

Schaf shot aluminum arrows over an elevated rest. We had some heated arguments about my use of wood...always friendly, I might add.

He did draw slightly past his anchor point and then "settle in" to his anchor. Each time he did this, one of his elbows "popped". It was a cool noise...probably caused by some old football injury.

He did not shoot three under and his anchor point didn't seem all that "high" to me.

Point of aim/gap shooting??? I'm not even sure what you mean, or what you THINK you mean. Schaf just looked at something and then shot it! He used the same technique that a skeet shooter or good wing shot uses. Look at your target and your eye is subconsciously in line with the "barrel" or arrow shaft. He didn't have some magic formula or special way of aiming.

I shoot the same way and I don't think about anything but the spot I have chosen to hit. I don't think yardage...neither did Schaf. You look at a spot, drill a hole in it with your eye, and draw and release.

What Schaf did have was an unbelievable hunting ability and tremendous hand-eye coordination. He was the finest hunter and shot at animals I have ever seen. I seriously doubt that this world will ever again see his equal as a pure bowhunter...and that includes some of our current "Heros".

Too Short

If I am not mistaken didn't Paul also shoot plastic vanes and Exkimos 4 blade broadheads? I also believe that he used a four fletch arrangement on his shafts.

Several years ago Gene Wensel did an article on him prior to his death. It was a great read and some of the things that Paul did would cause a stir on the Leatherwall, i.e., elevated rests, plastic fletching, etc.

Paul did anchor with the middle finger in the corner of his mouth. He also practiced at long yardages thinking that if he could hit the target at 60yrds then a 30 yrd shot would be a piece of cake.

The original Silvertips were actually designed to be shot off an elevated rest by the way. One other point, the first Silvertip model was a one piece and the takedown model didn't come along until sometime later. Alot of people don't realize that.

The address below may take you to a picture of my 2 sons with a bear that I killed one spring while hunting with Paul. Please notice the t-shirts the boys are wearing. Paul came knocking on my door one afternoon with the first childs one piece recurve that he had ever made and the 2 Silvertip shirts in his hand. They were gifts to my sons. Days later, when I came home with the bear, they wanted their picture taken while they were wearing the t-shirts. I'm glad that I obliged them.

My boys are now 22 and 24 and they still have that little bow. Unfortunately the shirts are long gone, although the memories will always remain... for them and for me.

www.geocities.com/marriahcustombows/corypaulbear.JPG

Thanks for sharing that info with us Gene. Ain't life grand?

Thanks for the stories about Paul guys, they sure were appreicated. I would like to read more about the man, as I,m sure others would. Thanks again. Whittler

This is the best thread I ever read. Paul or Gene should write a book on the guy. Although, I suspect Schaf wouldn't approve.

Luke

I don't know how anyone could write a book on Schaf. I'm not sure that if you took 10 of us who hunted with him, you could do it right. I also suspect that many of our stories of Schaf would not be believed. I saw him do things that normal mortals could not do.

I also know that Gene Wensel has a story about "The Schaf" that he heard around a campfire in the North West Territories, that Gene STILL doesn't quite believe...right Gene? Heh, heh, heh!

The man was super human. I know of no other way to say it. He loved kids and young people. He was generous and humble in the extreme. He would never let a friend down.

I miss him. When I hear a Bull bugle, I sometimes look around to see if he is there grinning at me, the way he did when we heard our first Bull of the day. I miss him.

Too Short

Gene, "shooting through a tube". I haven't thought about that in years. When I shot instinctive I used to imagine that there was a tube, or funnel, attached to the bullseye. It's just one way of telling yourself that there arrow HAS to hit the center. Basically the same thing as picturing the flight or the arrow.

JRW

There are some good stories about Paul on the Silvertip website. I wish someone would compile all the stories into a book. I understand that this would be a large project but I believe it would be an inspiration to all bowhunters.

Gene - Thanks for sharing, good stuff! Also, keep sharing your 'philosophy', it gives bowhunting an attitude adjustment! Thanks

Since you brought it up Gene, I'm curious to know what kind of setup Paul used to take his buffalo? For God's sake, there ain't many sane men who would go after them with a cannon much less a recurve!

What a place this Leatherwall; listening to Gene Wensel, Paul brunner and Ric Anderson tell stories about Paul Schafer. Pretty neat. Thanks guys.

DAMN!!!!! Paul Schafer was at the SSL in 'Bama? Gene, what year was that? I met Barry there in '86'ish, I believe. Several other "celebs", too. Never new Paul was there. I would have loved to shook his hand.

Like Gene and the lil' feller I too shared many hunts and campfires with "Schaf". In fact it was Gene Wensel who first introduced me to Paul in the spring of 85' and on that same memorial day weekend I also met the imfamous "too short" Brunner as well. Thanks Gene! That following fall I moved to Missoula where I enrolled as a freshman at the U.of MT. Looking back that was one of the greatest times of my life. During my years at the University, I spent many nights at the Wensel and Brunner table. They always opened thier doors and thier hearts to me. Because of them I was never alone in Montana. Gene and his wife Donna treated me like a son and Brunner always provided me with a place to hunt and a kitchen full of tasty viddles. Paul Brunner and both Wensels made my college years very memorable. They were and still are two of my favorite friends. Thanks guys! P.S. Brunner I can still out walk, out shoot and out wrestle you any day! Oh....Gene....Wheres my van??

As for Schaf. He was my friend and my mentor. His shooting stlye was a joy to watch. He just drew, anchored and released. Paul would focus intently on his target and like Gene said he would actually pull past his anchor. He would then let his middle finger come forward until it rested against the corner of his mouth. He had a tendency to hold for several seconds at full draw. His release would come when it felt right. Paul used to coach me on my shooting and I vividly remembering him saying "pick a spot" and hold tight to it, draw, relax and release. He would tell me not to make it difficult just do what feels good!

Like others have said. Schaf was like no other. He was one of a kind and for those of us who knew him we are all better because of him.

Peter Iacavazzi

I thought you'd finally get to this post, Peter. :-)

How's the hunting now? What's next on your agenda?

Yak-a-hooie! I only wrestle with girls!

I can definitely outwalk you, it'll just take me longer than it used to.

I don't know about outshooting me. You were half O.K. back in the old days. I guess we'll have to see about that one.

Jump over any rattlers in the sage brush lately? Heh, heh, heh!

You forgot to tell them how I let you sit in two of my stands two different days and you lucked out and took two HAWG Whitetails. Short guys are sure generous! I'm still a good cook, too!

and humble...

Too Short

Someone needs to tell his story. Gene? Paul? I'll send you my money for it now. Okay? George

I don,t know about you guys, but I would love to read some stories about Gene & Berry Wensel, Paul Brunner and other known people. Just some short tidbits to read on the leatherwall. It sure would be nice. Just a thought. Please please beg beg. Whittler

Elvis was only the King of Rock & Roll. Paul was a hero's hero in my book. I think if more of us were like him,there would be no anti hunting movements today.

Anyone out there know where I could find the story about Paul Schafer's Bighorn or Goat hunt (I don't remember) where he arm-curled the critter up to himself from a ledge down below?? I don't remember all the details and was trying to tell my 13 year-old son about it as we read through this thread. At the time I read the story I had no idea who Paul Schafer was but thought that this guy was an amazing individual. Super-Human. Someone should make a motion picture about him.

Wow.. What a thread!! Thanks for all the input Gene, Paul, C.M., Peter and all. You guys have the history, experiences and stories that tie the rest of us stickbow guys to the past and our sports MVPs. Without you guys and your stories we have very little to go on accept an occational clip that we come across now and then.

Thanks and remember we're always thirsty for more.....

Thanks, Dan Meyers Elizabeth Colorado.

Hey Joey, Right now I'm busy looking for muley and elk sheds. Turkey season is next month and I'll be after a big ol Tom. I'll be at the P&Y convention in Salt Lake next month....will you? If so dinner is on me!

Hmmm...Dwarf. Ok...I admit I did shoot two big 160" class whitetails out of your spots! But I did it for you! Somebody has to prove that your a gracious guide. So for all you guys out there...Let me state, Paul Brunner may be short, tiny, almost petite, but he's a top notch hunting partner and cook! As for the great rattlesnake incident of 86'. Lets just say that while elk hunting with the lil' "Dwarf" over in central Montana. I was so focused on getting Brunner into a big ol' herd bull that I was willing to step over a 5 foot rattler for him. I also wanted to prove to the liitle guy that I could jump and run faster than any man on the planet! So, I simply used that big ol' vicious venomous angry rattler as my starting block!!! Thats my story.....and yes, I'm sticking to it!

As for you guys seeking Schafer stories. Go to the Silvertip web page and you'll find several stories regarding Paul. Or if we ever cross paths, I'll buy ya a beer and tell you about one of the finest men I've ever known.

Hey lil' tiny bowslinger, will you be at the MBA in Bozeman at the end of the month? I believe you owe me dinner....or maybe I owe you?

Peter Iacavazzi

Peter, if you were willing to share stories of Paul, I would gladly buy the beer! I read an article about Paul during my first year of archery by Jeff Murray in Outdoor Life, shortly after Pauls death. I felt like I was ripped off, having never known of the man during his all too brief life. He seemed super-human, and transcended everything I believed in.

The topic of a book a book of Paul's exploits was brought up here about a year ago. I e-mailed the Dwarf, and the Wensels about videos featuring Paul [no dice, so don't ask, I was bummed!]. Don Thomas, and Noelle Naiden were solicited to author the book. I also e-mailed Dave Windauer about a book about Paul. Dave told me that his father Bob, was considering writing a book about Paul after he retired, next year I believe. I know this much, as soon as the book comes out I am buying 2 copies, one for me, and one as a "lender".

Good shooting

Murray Daly

Sorry, Pete, but flying from Molokai to Montana to attend a Bowhunting convention isn't really smart, in my book. Here I can hunt Axis Deer, Pigs, and Goats in da morning and dive He'e and Ulua in da afternoon, brah! Deah, I be in da snow and da cold! I da short kine bowhuntah, not da dumb kine!

See what happens when I start talking about being here, Pete....I staht talking story in pidgeon, brah!

Schaf would have really enjoyed bowhunting and spearfishing over here. Another one of those things we didn't get to do together.

Too Short

Ah...My Lil' Dwarf. Once again you are living the life! Do the islanders ever mistake you for a "Howli' Pigmy?" Becareful I understand that they still practice cannabalism in those parts! But then again you'd be viewed as an appetizer anyway...so you might be safe! Get in touch with me when you hit the mainland. We need to talk about Africa, and Utah Mulies and all the other hunts we need to share! My love to the family! P.S. If you need me to come teach you how to shoot those little "sun pigs" I'll once again make the sacrifice for ya!

Hey Murray, Daves father "Bob" is a good man and was a close friend of Pauls. At Pauls funeral he wrote a very beautiful and moving eulogy. If he were to write a book regarding Paul, I'm sure it would be special. Paul was a man we all loved and knew. He had a way of always making his friends feel loved and comfortable. My friendship with him helped to shape my life. The Paul I knew was much more than the worlds greatest bowhunter. He was my friend. Together we hunted, fished, shared tequilla, lauged and at times cried. I am a better man because of Pauls friendship. I'm sure that all who knew him would have a story or two about him. But one thing you'd find, is that we all loved him. Even now many years after his death, he still touches us all. thats what made him special. Not his hunting ability, nor his strength, or his superhuman feats. It was Paul the man we remember. His life was like a legend, he was what is best in us all. never a day passes that I don't think of him or miss him. He lives in my heart and my memory. If you ask any of us who had the pleasure of calling him a friend you will see that we miss Paul the man, the friend.

On the night that Barry Wensel called me to tell me of Pauls death, I sat down and wrote these words.

"There comes a time to every journey, when we must turn and say goodbye, for now that time has come, please forgive me that I cry.

Alone, you must now go, for the owl calls your name and yet this world without you, will never be the same You will live with me forever, buried deep within the hallways of my mind, and I will comfort in the knowing, we'll visit from time to time

so let your spirit fly, into that precious kingdom that now awaits your journeys end, and for all the days of my life, you will be my friend"

Peter iacavazzi

Very nice, Peter.

Would it be possible, maybe once a week for some of the "elders" to tell a little story about some of their hunts. Threads like this one about Paul are awesome! It gives all of us in the "dream" stage of our hunting careers hope to read about what others have actually done. This is a fantastic forum and it would be nice to hear some more stories and ask questions to those that have done it all. I would love to hear more about some of those pioneering hunts Mr Brunner did in Sibera for example.

what is the web address for Dave Windauer's website?

Bonedaddy,

Go to the sponor search and click on Schafer Silvertip bows and the link is provided.

Dan meyers I have had the handle "silvertip" for 2 years now, Is there any way you could pick a diffrent handle to keep the confusion down..thanks Scott Langston "silvertip"

Sounds like Paul was one tough hombre! Wish I could have met the man! How and when did he pass on?

I think the book needs to be written and made into a movie!!!

Travis

I'm going to be in Bozeman as well and would enjoy getting to meet all of you. I'll probably be sitting at my table in vendors row most of the time, so come on by for a visit.

Sure makes a man sad that he never got the chance to meet such a man. Thanks fellas for the storys. Stephen H.

Scott Langston... Sure I'll change my alias as its really not a big deal to me. I have used it since ordering my Silvertip in Sept 98' but I'm fairly new to Stickbow (a couple of months). You have the squatters rights I guess.

I'll come up with something different. Dan M.

Chad,

Thanks for the invite! Your on, you get the steak and I'll get desert! I'll be at the MBA, probably sitting with Dave Windauer and Beth, if you can't find me just ask Dave or Scott Koelzer and they'll point me out! Ric, which is your booth? I'll certainly pay ya a visit!

Thanks, everyone for your kind words. Paul would be proud and knowing Schaf he's up there smiling down right now!

I hassled Schaf for over a year to build me a 56" take-down. He had never built one shorter than 60" at the time. He finally built it for me and it was an awesome bow. I hunted hard with it and took I don't know how many critters with it.

One day I was sitting on a rock with Schaf and the Bulls had pretty much quit whistlin' for the morning and I happened to look at what he had written on the riser. I had seen it dozens of times, but this time I really READ it. I looked at him, held the bow up, and said, "Why you dirty Bast@#d!" He started laughing like crazy. He said something to the effect that it sure took me long enough to figure it out and then made more disparaging remarks about my mental abilities.

It said..."May the wind always be to your back!"

Stories? I could sit around a camp fire and I could keep you going for hours and hours and a couple of kegs of beer.

The best of all my memories was the Schafer grin. We NEVER ONCE hunted elk together that we didn't turn and give them 'Possum grins to each other each time a bull bugled.

I learned more from Schaf about hunting, shooting bows, and woodsmanship than I have from any other person. There will never be another like him.

It is a great thread, guys...unlike a couple of others I have been involved in lately. I wish we could keep them all like this.

Too Short

Peter, just look for the Marriah bows table and you'll probably see me sitting behind it. Looking forward to meeting you.

Ric, I'll see ya there! Peter

Dan M thanks for the handle change...I hope I didn't sound rude...Scott Langston

"That'll be fine."

I heard that so many times.....

Too Short

The bow that Too Short was talking about above is on Ebay right now. Check it out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1811678269

Hey To Short if your feeling up to it and have the time I would like to invite you to the Rapids Traditional shoot at Coon Rapids MN on June 15-16. Its been a long time since we have seen your handsome face in the Minneapolis- St.Paul area. I hope your recovery is going well.

How did it grow from the 56" bow paul describes to the 62" bow on E-bay?

I`ve shot that little 56incher and the other 56"that Paul made,and I do not believe my short drawing buddy would ever part with either one of them.

Question for those who may know, when Paul shot his recurve did he have a broken wrist grip with the heel down on the grip, or did he shoot it with a straight wrist?

Thanks Ramhunter

I read an Article in the August 1994 issue of Outdoor Life about Paul Schafer. I still have that magazine. After reading that I knew I had to get back into archery. I would really love to someday own a Silvertip, though I doubt my finances will ever allow it. He sounds like an incredible person.

I was at Paul's house looking at ordering a bow and after shooting a 65# Silvertip, he let me shoot one of his personal bows, I think it was 80#. I think he was impressed I could shoot the weight, but it pulled smoothly. He had an exercise bench with some weights but said he was getting out of shape because of some back problems & was hoping it would heal so he could get bad to where he felt he should be. He surprised me when he said he had been playing a little golf and it was a lot of fun for him, kinda' like archery. As chance would have it, I had made friends with two Chinese women they were traveling with me (long story, haha) on our way to Glacier Park. Now, you can imagine what they thought seeing Paul's trophies, his bow building, and everything else. I doubt they had seen anything like it back in China...I have a pic of Paul and myself standing utside his garage where he made his bows, one of these days I'll find it and post. Unfortunately, when I was shooting his bow, I never asked him to shoot and didn't think about observing his style.

David A. - -

Shortly before leaving the army I went to a buddy's wedding in Bozeman. I was just getting into bowhunting (compound)and asked him to take me to a shop around there to see their stuff. There was some modern gear and some trad gear... I picked up a pamphlet of sorts... On the front was Paul w/ Hunter in the backpack and a elk bugle tube in his hands... I remember reading the article on him (this was shortly after his death). It struck me then that he must have been a hell of a man. I held on to that pamphlet (for no good reason) and have read it often although it was only years later after discovering the Leatherwall that I really got a feel for what a giant of a man he must have been. Paul, Peter, Gene etc- you were all some very lucky men... Rhett Whoever said their dad might write a book on him - DO we have to beg or bribe him???

Carbonman, just email me. [email protected]

thanx,

David A. - - - - - - - - - -

reading threads like this one, is the reason I put up with alot of the crap/bickering that I read on the wall. Thank you for sharing the memories and insights that most of us were not fortunate enough to experience with the Schaf. Legends still live, many have left threads here today, glad to hear your alive and well Too Short. Thanks again guys, this WILL be a good weekend.....4finger

ttt

Why aren't there good threads like this one anymore? Now it is full of arguing over equipment and shooting styles. I love reading these older threads. Rob

Thanks Blue Monday for bringing it up. Enjoyed it very much.

You couldn't have said it better.

Ha! We argued just as much back then, blue monday. Board bows vs log staves, osage vs whitewoods, carbon vs wood (sound familiar?), round vs flat bellied selfbows, carbon vs Al, recurves vs longbows, selfbows vs everything else. fast vs slow, kinetic energy vs momentum. Some of the topics are different. A lot of the old time selfbow bow makers left or lost interest George Nagel, Pablo, Dean Torges, Tim Hamblen, Tim Ott, Tim Baker, Will Stefan, Jim in O, Ojibwa, Sean, Cooter and many others left. DCM drops in now and then as does John Scifres. We have other selfbowyers and that is good. That's the way the internet goes. Jawge

Paul was the man in my book. I can remember as a young man looking at a picture of Paul with a bighorn sheep. He was wearing a t-shirt and his arms were bigger than the sheeps horns. What a man and what a hunter. He had a big influence on me as a young bowhunter. Thanks to everyone that keeps his memory going. Thanks for your time here on Earth Paul.

Thats the way message boards and chatrooms go. You have some who never tire of it n stay forever , but most tire of it mainly because theres only so much you can talk about, and move on ot other things.

My first shaffer came without a rest but he had told me to use a stickon such as a hoyt or bear. And yes it was a one piece, kinda shaped like a howatt. I had told him if he ever made a td I wanted one so in the 80's, I'm thinkin mid 80's maybe, he called that he now had a td. Of course I ordered one. Paul, back then never realized just what a great guy he was, or didn't act like he knew anyhow.

Hope you hung on to both those bows GLF.

Sure wish I could have Gaur. I had a fire a little over 12 years ago n it got all my bows, mounts, and pics except my bear collection that wasn't at my house and a family photo album that was also in storage. Luckily some of my Fred Bear pics were in the family album along 3 or 4 deer pics. It also got my 2 brackenburys(a shadow n a legend). I still got the letters from Jim he sent when you ordered from him but no bows. My 1 piece Shaffer was still my go-to bow up until it burned. The td shot well but not as well as the 1 piece.

Ya know Gaur I was just thinking. I used to complain about the money spent on that storage unit all the time to my wife. It just had all the junk you normally stick in a closet or the basement. Old archery mags, old bows, and the family stuff you can't replace but never use. Little did I know when I was complaining that "junk" would be all that was left one day. Btw I still keep a storage unit just for that reason. Sorry for the highjacking.

Sorry for your loss. I'd love to try shooting an original Schaffer bow. I learned about him here and then went and read all I could on him. Guess no one has written a book about him yet that people talked about on this thread. Thats a shame.

I shot Paul's hunting bow at his house a few years before his accident. It was 75#, I believe. I showed up with two Chinese girls that had gotten stuck in Montana and needed rescue, but that is another story. It made Paul's day, I think, however. He seemed to be a regular guy other than his near total dedication to bowhunting. The only thing I can add about him that probably isn't well known is that he like to play golf and got a kick out of booming the little white ball...

TBM magazine wrote e few artcles on Paul. I don't recall which issues though.

This is a great guys. Hope there is more to come.

There are a few tribute articles on Paul and Bart Schleyer on our Brothers of the Bow .com site. Mike

Great thread! Awesome comments and stories.

Ditto Blue Monday !!!!! spot on.

great blast from the past....the good old days.

keep em sharp,

ron herman

Paul has been my biggest influence in this sport. His equipment works for me and the stories motivate me to be a better person and hunter.I wish some of the guys early in this thread were still posting, they are a wealth of information and have great stories of their own to tell. Mike your book was very inspiring to me as well. I did a short solo hunt early in October with backpack and tent. I didn't shoot anything , but had a great time planning the trip and packing for it and enjoyed the camping and solitude as well. I will go on another next year. It is much different than having a camp to stay at. I think the preparation for the hunt was as much fun as the hunt itself. It makes you see that you really don't need a whole lot of stuff to get by. George I know there will always be the bickering, but I just love threads where you learn something instead of hearing twenty different opinions on the same old drivel. Rob

This thread is awesome, possibly the best I have read on LW.

This thread is awesome, possibly the best I have read on LW.

Thanks for bringing this thread back to the top!!!

Thanks for bringing this back...I like to think that I may have actually met Paul back in the seventies when I was attending the University of Lethbridge...it was not at all uncommon for us to cross the border into northern Montana without really having a reason...that was untamed country back in those days and you would never find friendlier folks...I like to think Paul could have been one of them...I made a motorcycle trip through Waterton/Glacier International Peace Park back in 1980 and ended up staying in a little place called Essex...I think I bought my first drink and that was the last one I paid for

DDave

I own two of his two of his 62in take downs he made me checkered grip camo limbs. I think of him when I look at them. I shouldn't have but never shot them after his death. Just a humble man and great hunter No bragging or pat himself on back. After 22 plus years still a loss for all of us. We could learn a lot from him as for as being a good person

The first time I ordered a bow from him one of the last things he said before we hung up was "Don't worry, I'll make you a good bow". This was the guy who in my opinion made the best recurve ever made and he was humbly reassuring me. I know it sounds silly but that impressed me more than anything he coulda done. Not one bit of bragging in any of our conversations. They broke the mold after he was born.

I just remembered what it was I told a friend later the day I ordered my first from him. After our conversation I thought it was almost like he didn't realize he made such great bows.

Whatever form of aiming/shooting he used, it was deadly.

Great thread and one I have read through many times. Good to see it back up top. Seems like a good place for it...

We could all use a dose of Paul Schafer stories every week!

I consider myself blessed owning one of his bows and a lefty too!

I have a 1pc 60 64@28 that was a gift from Comanche (Danny Rowan). Very fast and very smooth. I love the grip on it.

When I got started in trad. One of the guys who worked at the archery shop I started going to was a stick bow guy. He shot BW bows and praised them up all the time.

The one time he and I were talking about bows and how he and I loved BW bows and everything about them. Well he tells me if you ever get a chance at a Shafer Silver Tip to buy it as it was one of the best bows out there. Sadly I never had the money or opportunity. I never even shot one I might just have to see about that.

I love hearing the stories of the 70s-early 90s from you Montana boys!!

I was also very inspired by Paul Schafer and wish I could have met him. Threads like this are awesome and very rare these days

I often wonder what Paul would think of Leatherwall and Tradgang

He would probably think there is too much bickering. So would Bart. I never met Paul, but I knew Bart - went to MSU at the same time. I wish I had a bow either of them made. Maybe someday I'll run into a Shafer 'tip, and if I do, I'm buying it with some of my Montana shed horn $$. Losing both these guys left a huge void in the archery world, and in their friends' hearts.

I agree. I don't think he'd be too impressed with most of what transpires on these sites. Probably just shake his head and then go into the field and hunt hard.

Very glad this surfaced. Good, real good to hear about such a fine man.

I knew there was a very good reason I loved archery and golf. Arnold Palmer and Paul Schafer! Two of the best, finest men that ever lived! And Arnie is still at it! Too bad about Paul's early death, he must have been as good as they come, in most every way. Wished I could have met him, and yes, I did get to meet Arnie, made me feel like I was the only one in the room!

What a great memory. I only got to meet Paul once during the years I was in Bozeman at MSU. I believe he was also one heck of a "running back" for the cats and I think also wrestled. Like many others, I followed his bowhunting and bow building through reading about this incredible man. And his bows were certainly special!

Guys like everyone, I have totally loved this thread...I have a Schafer built by Dave, to make a long story short..my nephew had to have one and while talking to Dave he passed on to me that someone in Dave's family, I think his dad was trying to put together material to write a book about Paul...now I don't know if this is fact or a much desired dream of Dave's...so don't quote this as fact, just hope it might be true. Like I said, this is just hear say, but I hope it is fact.

Though Bob Savage can be critical of other bowyers, especially Jack Howard, he has high praise for Paul Schafer who he taught to build bows. He told me Paul faced the same problems wth hitting weights, when he struck out on his own, that Bob had faced. However, it wasn't too long before he he was building beautiful bows. Bob told me you wouldn't even believe such beautiful bows could come out of such a messy shop!

Joe

Yes, his garage shop was a total mess. His house upstairs a few notches better. I was going to do a new brochure for him, never happened.

This thread was an absolute joy to read. Thanks for bringing it back up!

Was Paul at the first PBS Banquet in Ohio?

Remembered!

Mr. Schafer, thank you for the inspiration. Our younger generations need guys like you to look up to.

Good read for others to see , so... TTT

May this thread never die.

Thanks for bringing up this old thread.

Thanks for reviving this thread. Some of us younger generation were not blessed by Mr Shaffer, and only the stories that speak about his life. A few years have passed since it was started. Is Too Short still around and in the islands? How about GrizzlyPC or Gene Wensel? You'll have to forgive me but I am just not old enough to know these men and their own stories. To bad today's society is so short of men like them, there are still some really good people here on the Leatherwall, but it does appear the Golden Years may have passed.

-Bones

Thx for bringing this back up. Enjoy reading it every time!

What a great bunch of memories. Takes me back to my years in Bozeman and my original Schafer Silvertip. I even went right out and got some pink and white vanes (just like Paul's) and 4 fletched them on my 2216's and shot them off the Bear Weather rest as Paul suggested. Flew like darts.

I just finished reading this thread. It brought back some great memories. I just wish people would learn the proper spelling of Paul's name. It's Paul Schafer. Just in this thread alone Paul's listed as Shaffer; Shafer; Schafe; and Schaffer. No one ever refers to Fred Bare or Fred Behr. I don't understand... anyway, thanks.. Jean and Berry Wenzel.

Simply the best thread of 2018 this far. I own 11 of Paul’s bows and shoot his style long before it was diagnosed - it’s not gap shooting, at least for me. God bless and love to hear the stories of folks who actually hunted with him. Mingo

I was just thinking about you the other day, Barry. Found an old vcr tape about hunting whitetail by drives and what not. Bunch of characters in that one. Good you're still around.

I read an article Paul wrote many years ago & a few things I remember was he liked to practice at long range 80 yds with zwickey broadheads & he considered a strong bow arm the most important part of accurate shooting

Jean and Berry Wenzel, ha, LOL!

The men we are talking about they are short Barry five foot tall Pete four foot six and Paul To short four foot tall and gene is five and a half Inches tall. Keep the wind in your face

Ha! Now i know why i shoot so badly. Im too friggin tall! Lol! I knew it wasnt my fault haha

Goes to show, stature ain't measured by how tall you are, its how your measured by those who respect and admire you.

Its been three years since I read this thread, and I liked it just as much the second time. My Schafer stays strung most of the year and I shoot it 3-4 times a week...sometimes I feel it talks to me...am I nuts or in love with a piece of wood and glass. Just joking, but it is my go to bow and it goes with me each year chasing elk. Thanks fellows for the memories.

Admired and respected Mr Schafer since I was in my teens back in the 80's..... this thread is AWESOME!!!

Ttt

Re-read the threads on TrdgGang about Mr. Schafer, I'll look up the article in Bowhunter again. Can relate to Mr. Schafer as I did several of the sports he did in my younger days. But I was a meer mortal, compared to his exploits. Also in respect to his bowhunting accomplishments. It is good to know that some of the greatest at what they do are also the most humble about what they have done. Requiescat in Paz, Paul.

The Robert Windauer Book about Paul Schafer is not now. It is called "Silvertip: The life and adventures of Paul Schafer, Master bowhunter and Bowyer"

Available at the Schafer silvertip bow site

The Paul Schafer book can be purchased Here.

http://www.schafersilvertipbows.com/bookstore

It's crazy to me that when this thread started , 9/11 wasn't even a thought in our heads.

Good threads die hard. I have my book in hand. Time to start reading.

When I think about Paul Schafer now, more than his shooting or accomplishments, what I think about was his timing and instinct. I mean, he was he right man at the right time and at the right place there in Montana.

I think the Gene and Barry also had that timing to have moved from back East. Paul Brunner also in starting up his trad. archery company back then. Montana was and still is a epicenter for trad. archery/bowhunting.

I'm always curious about how people end up where they end up and doing what they do...I guess a lot is invariably luck and happenstance, but one can design a life to some extent and make the dreams come true rather than counting on luck. And that can be anywhere (don't forget how cold Montana is much of the year, haha)...

Have ordered the book and look forward to reading it.

I just bought 1100 acres in Montana. Just retired and am going to build a lil place to hunt. At least a base camp

West of Virgina soon! I'm happy for you, congratulations! I wonder whether going west might even be instinctive. I mean literally it seems to be a compass thing with some people (myself included).

Would really like to get some land in MT, have to persuade the MRS.

Just finished the book and was captivated by it. I am still trying to process the story of Paul's life. A very full 44 years on this earth. An incredible man. I would have loved to have met him.

Does anyone know what became of his son, Hunter? Is he back out in Montana? Is he an outdoorsman? I figure that he would be about 30 yo now. Really curious and was hoping that the end of the book would provide some info.

I just finished reading " Silvertip " it's a great read and an inspiration to anyone, Robert windaur did a fantastic job, I ordered a silvertip in January now I really can't wait to get it !!!

https://images.app.goo.gl/7mWeKCmrnAa6 rU8g6

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