When you mention you own a pro shop to most archers, their immediate mental image is of compound bows. But the "traditional" archery market is alive and well.

Dan Quillian is the former owner of Archery Traditions, a Georgia-based manufacturer of traditional bows. He is now sales manager of Tallahatchie Woodworks, a company which makes wooden arrow shafts.

In general, he says, traditional shooters fall into two categories. First are those who see recurves and longbows as "real bows." For the most part, these are different customers from those who buy compound bows.

"They have a little different attitude," Quillian said. "They look at it as 'I don't really care if I kill anything or not, I just want to go out there and hunt. I'm going to do it the hard way.'"

The other group comprises experienced compound bow shooters who may be looking for something involving a little less "technology."

"He's ready to move on to what he considers a greater challenge," Quillian said. "When you demonstrate to him that he can hit a target with that traditional bow, he'll buy it."

One advantage of selling traditional bows is that you have much less competition from discount houses.

"You can make a good solid markup on this equipment," Quillian said. On many bows, he makes more than 40 percent over cost.

"You'll make two to three times more profit as you make on a compound bow," he said. "Then your customer needs a back quiver. Then he has to have a hunting quiver. Then he's got to try three-side quivers to find out what works best. Then he's got to have wood arrows. Traditional archery can be good for your pro shop."

Another advantage is repeat sales. Quillian says customers are more inclined to purchase a new recurve or longbow than they are a new compound bow.

"They won't buy a new compound. It costs $600. But they'll buy a new longbow or recurve if you get them to try it," he said.

Many archers who shoot traditional bows also collect old archery equipment. This can lead to some unusual sales, especially if you're tuned in to the antique value of certain items.

Quillian cites the case of a customer who traded in his old Bear bow. Quillian called the Fred Bear Museum in Gainesville, Fla., with the serial number.

"The bow was made in 1947. It probably cost $29.95 new," he said. Quillian hung the old bow on the wall. Later, another customer came in and asked Quillian what he wanted for the old bow.

"I don't want to sell it," he said.