hunter07 Report post Posted November 6, 2006 Im trying to get into bow hunting, but i have absolutely no clue what to do first. How do i figure out wich draw length and pull and stuff like that is right for me? and how much dose it cost to get completely set up, ( bow sights rest ect.) Any help would be greatly apreciated. Thank you, Mark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ghost hunter Report post Posted November 6, 2006 Find someone whose already a bow hunter and ask lots of questions. Check out what they have. Then go to a good archery shop. Look at what they have, ask alot more questions. Read through lots of websites, most all have an archery section. Pretty soon a pattern will start to show. From there, go back to the archery shop and have them help you pick which one will fit you the best. Then the fun starts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ultramag Report post Posted November 6, 2006 mark go to a few shops ask the same questions and make sure they are willing to let you try a few bows. Before you pic the one YOU want and not the one they think you should have.as far as money goes a starter setup around 500.00 bucks with arrows etc..and fine tune from there perfect archery is your next purchase away.....you can spends thousands Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TATAat27 Report post Posted November 6, 2006 Do your research and buy the very best you can afford. I know a lot of people who buy mid-range price bows every couple of years and never seem satisfied. After you are all set up, shoot, shoot, shoot and then shoot some more. Practice is key. Archery is awesome! Have fun and good luck. By the way, some shops are more helpful than others and don't be discouraged if you run into the "I know it all and dont have time for your silly questions" guy, I seem to run into him from time to time. Customer service isn't what it should be with some people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coueshunter84 Report post Posted November 6, 2006 First things first. Where are you at? That so folks can pitch in with shops local to you. Thats the important part. Start with a good archery shop. I use Shooters Edge in Tucson. its on 29th just East of Swan, Right next to The Marksman pistol range. Find a good shop and they will measure you for draw length, after that it wont take but a few minutes to find a starting draw weight. Then after you get your length figured out. Shoot every bow they will let you shoot. Pay attention to how they feel in your hands, and how you think they shoot. Then go find another shop and shoot everything they will let you. A good reputable shop should let you shoot about anything you want. ( I hope your not a lefty) Then go to another shop and do it all over again. YOu will have to hit several different shops to get all the different brands of bows. And dont discount brands you havent heard about or arent main stream. Darton for instance. Figure out what feels best and shoot best for you. Dont listen to anyone on here about which type of bow. ( I shoot Hoyts) Go with whatever the shops have in your price range. And find the one you want that way. Every bow maker out there today has quality equipment in several price ranges. Go with what feels good to you and fits your wallet. Then you get to choose accessories. For that you can come back here and I'm sure we can twist you in several hundred directions. LOL. And that aside from what they will try and sell you at the shop. Oh and the " the arrows are reusable so it wont keep costing that much" only works for so long. After that one wears out your on your own. Hopefully the boss lady will understand by then.. Again get what feels good. And dont settle for the first one you get your hands on. You might end up going back to that one, but dont stop there the first time around. Good luck,, And oh the best advice I can give you. Stick to the rifle. LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mulie hunter Report post Posted November 6, 2006 Mark, these guys are right on go to a good pro shop, they will hook you up. I agree that you should buy the best you can afford. I reccomend the PSE pro shop in Tucson if you are near the area, a indoor and outdoor range, try it before you buy it! Pse pro shop has set ups in all price ranges. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobbyo Report post Posted November 6, 2006 Before buying any expensive set up I think you sould try an inexpensive used bow or even borrow one. of coarse you need a friend or mentor to help you get set up. If you absolutely don't know anyone that shoots archery hang out at the range and you will quickly meet people. Archers are free with their knowledge and like helping others. Remember there are only two type of archers; beginners and experts and you can't be an expert unless you teach a beginner. Please follow the the number one rule in archery. Avoid people that shoot Hoyt. They are complete freaks. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elmergoo Report post Posted November 7, 2006 Before buying any expensive set up I think you sould try an inexpensive used bow or even borrow one. of coarse you need a friend or mentor to help you get set up. If you absolutely don't know anyone that shoots archery hang out at the range and you will quickly meet people. Archers are free with their knowledge and like helping others. Remember there are only two type of archers; beginners and experts and you can't be an expert unless you teach a beginner. Please follow the the number one rule in archery. Avoid people that shoot Hoyt. They are complete freaks. Bob I never see people who own Hoyts shoot. They just sit down on the benches at the shooting ranges talking about how awesome their bows are. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coueshunter84 Report post Posted November 7, 2006 Elmergoo, I have a $20 bill and a 120 yard pin. Bring it on. First one who connects with the cash keeps it. LOL Oh and I shoot Hoyts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BowNut Report post Posted November 7, 2006 Elmergoo, I have a $20 bill and a 120 yard pin. Bring it on. First one who connects with the cash keeps it. LOL Oh and I shoot Hoyts. I will make elmergoo's target bigger I will add another $20 to that. Iam IN!!! Mark, What everyone else said learn as much as you can and buy the one that fits and feels best for you. You can not beat a great archery shop for the info you need. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobbyo Report post Posted November 7, 2006 Elmergoo, I have a $20 bill and a 120 yard pin. Bring it on. First one who connects with the cash keeps it. LOL Oh and I shoot Hoyts. I will make elmergoo's target bigger I will add another $20 to that. Iam IN!!! Mark, What everyone else said learn as much as you can and buy the one that fits and feels best for you. You can not beat a great archery shop for the info you need. I would like to get in on this, but I only have a 150 yard pin. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coues4x4 Report post Posted November 7, 2006 I'll have to recheck my 500 yard pin but i'm sure it is on. Ya all smokin ghangee mon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elmergoo Report post Posted November 7, 2006 Elmergoo, I have a $20 bill and a 120 yard pin. Bring it on. First one who connects with the cash keeps it. LOL Oh and I shoot Hoyts. Geez just tellin what I see out at the range.Coueshunter 84 I will be down in the Old Pueblo for the Jan archery hunt. I will send you a PM. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hunter07 Report post Posted November 7, 2006 Thanks for all the information. Im in Globe and i usally get stuff i cant find here (thats a majority) down in the valley. I think theres one guy up here but i dont think he sells them just repairs and sizing arrows and stuff. ill definately look around. Thanks. MArk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobbyo Report post Posted November 8, 2006 Mark, Sorry we kind of highjacked the thread being goofballs and were not that much help with specific information. First off you do not need a top of the line expensive bow to go hunting or to shoot well. In the late 80s I shot the fastest bow at the time I think it was a pse Mach2 with STEEL CABLES, HATCHET CAMS AND A OVERDRAW REST. It went 195 feet per second. it weighed about 8 pounds and sent a mean vibration throughout my body everytime I shot it. Most serious archers walked around with an ice pack on their elbow. Still, this setup would go clean through an elk at 50 yards. Today, an intoductory new bow would blow my Mach 2 away in every aspect. You could probably find a pse nova or a browning adreneline set up ready to shoot for under 300 dollars at archery shops.. Add another 100 for arrows and release and you are hunting.(Archery is expensive) The most important thing to consider for beginners is draw length. The shop will measure you, but this is just a ballpark figure. Once you develop a shooting style. you will know your true draw length. So for beginners you need to make sure your bows draw length is adjustable. Many of the high end bows are not adjustable. In your situation I would contact your local guy first. He could measure your draw length and might have a loaner or used bow laying around, just so you get use to pulling back and flinging arrows. He also might have a line on any used bows that are for sale. I would say a 2002 or newer bow in good shape would service you for a few years until you know what you want from your bow. Check out ebay to see if they are selling the bow for a fair price. Forget about what the seller paid for it. Bows go down dramatically in value. Similar to computers. If you just have to have a new one find a reputable shop that will set you up right with what you need. In Tucson it would be Jesse at Sahuaro Bait and Tackle. Jesse is humble(rare for a archery shop guy) and make you feel comfortable enough to ask any question, plus he will not rip you off. My last and most important advice is don't go to the darkside and buy HOYT. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites