Hey Maelstrom, I enjoy the skill needed for a bow.. and perhaps something of what Judge said earlier about the history of the weapon. I've fired scoped air rifles and found that fairly easy - never fired a proper gun before though, living in the UK has a lot to do with that.. I've not used a compound bow, though have drawn a 40 odd (can't remember) pounder.. hard on the arm!
I prefer the simplicity and skill required of a barebow (no sights or weights), a friend has a longbow he's never used that I'll get restrung as I fancy comparing it to the recurve. I also fancy getting into the catapult and sling..
I'm interested in your sling/alatle hybrid.. is the alatle the throwing stick used by Australian Aborigines? I'd like to see what you've come up with!