Wanting to get into bow hunting

[kazpilot25]

So after about 4-5 years of hunting, I'm wanting to get into bow hunting. I've never shot a bow and have zero experience or knowledge of the subject. I'm curious what equipment I need to get started? I know a bow, but what accessories are needed as well? Any info would be awesome.

[coues..crazy]

You should go to a pro shop and shoot a couple of different bows to see which 1 fits you best. They will set you up with everything you need.

[Curtis Reed]

Most of the major manufactuers sell complete bow packages, and since you are new to archery I would recommend one of those packages. It will take you a while, maybe years, to find out what you like/dislike with gear and accessories. Nearly every bow made today is quality stuff. The competition is so high in archery that if there was a junk bow manufacturer out there, it would be out of business sooner than later. You cant really go wrong with any of them as long as you shoot it and it fits you. Bowtech, PSE, Mathews, Hoyt, Elite, ect are some of the leaders in the industry. Parker bows are really nice and VERY underrated. They dont spend $ on advertising so most people dont know too much about them, but that savings in marketing is passed down to the consumer with low prices. I am very interested in shooting a Parker Viking.

 

If you dont buy a package bow, you will need a sight, arrow rest, quiver, rangefinder, arrows... Do your homework before buying arrows, its not as simple as just picking up a box. You need to buy arrows that are "spined" correctly for you and your bow. Hunter's Friend has a very good read on this subject. http://www.huntersfriend.com/compound_bow_selection_guide.html

 

I sold my 2009 Bowtech Admiral and bought a 2013 Bowtech Assassin from Robert at Broken Arrow for $499 (bow only). That is a very good bow for that price. I recommend shooting it to see if you like it. You can get that bow with the ready to hunt package, but I am not sure on the price.

[Scooter]

Buy the bow that fits and shoots in YOUR hands the best. That implies that you are going to have to travel around a little and shoot lots of new bows. It's hard work, but it's a lot of fun and you would be amazed at the different flavors out there. Don't worry about what brand, poundage, speed, looks, price or anything! I recommend going with a quiver, 4 pin sight, and a Whisker Biscuit rest to start with. Most bow packages can come ready to tune (no bow is "ready to shoot" out of the box) with these items. Arrows? Just make sure they are the right spine, and that they're cut and glued well.

 

After you shoot and talk to other archers- you'll upgrade, and upgrade, and upgrade, then go back to what you started with, and upgrade, in a never ending cycle. Take a few lessons as well. You should find a good shooter and have them watch you as you start off so that you don't get into the real bad habits and "practice them" into muscle memory.

 

Welcome to the madness. Once you sink an arrow into an animal the bug never goes away or gets overshadowed!

[Curtis Reed]

Welcome to the madness. Once you sink an arrow into an animal the bug never goes away or gets overshadowed!

 

+1 You will be hooked right away

[sjvcon]

Depending on what part of town you are in, there are some great shops out there that can steer you right.

[mattys281]

Do you have a buddy that's in to archery already? Best thing to do is pair up with someone that's already involved & maybe has a bow you can shoot & play around with a little bit.

 

Depending on on how much you want to spend, you can find some really great deals on bows that are a year or two old on ebay. A lot of times you can find brand new bows that are last year or the year before models for hundred less than what they cost in pro shops. The down side is that if you buy in a proshop they'll set it up & tune it for free, but if you buy online & then take it into a proshop, they'll usually charge you for setting it up or you'll be on your own. I usually put my own together anyway & it is definetely not rocket science.

[kazpilot25]

Thanks for the pointers guys. I figure I can probably set it up and tune it myself once I get the one I want. I'm in this adventure alone, so we'll see how it goes.

[Scooter]

I would recommend against DIY initial set up and tuning... I'm not trying to insult your intelligence or mechanical aptitude. I just feel like a person specifically trained to set up and tune a particular brand of bow would be the best and safest bet and will save some headaches for you. I do execute fine adjustments myself- but if I feel like my bow is the slightest bit out of tune or needs work that requires a bow press, I take it to the pros. Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

[wtlathen]

+1 on doing it yourself in the beginning. There is all kinds of variables. Tuning will include timing of the cams, cam lean, tiller and also making sure your string and cables are installed at the proper lengths. You could easily put strings on a 70 lb bow and end up with only 64 or 65 lb draw weight or accidentally stress the limbs too much and end up with 74 or more. Then you have rest tuning and drop away timing. make sure your arrows are of the correct spine. My honest opinion, if you have a "friend in the business", be with them on the set up. That way you get a good idea of what it takes. When it comes to paper tuning or any other tuning, shoot the bow yourself. You can put the bow on draw boards and hooter shooters and you will be able to get the bow to tune but, it will all change when you put the bow in your hands. I am very picky when it comes to this. I shoot with a lot of people and I can honestly tell you that a lot of them have incorrect draw length. Most of all, be patient. If you rush things things can go south quickly and frustration is the worst enemy when it comes to archery. Message me anytime if you have any questions.