Need Advice on a Bow

[STUMPJMPR]

I'm looking to get into bow hunting.... I'm not sure if I will like it or not.... What would be a good beginner bow package?

[huntswithdogs]

Stump,
Shag yourself down to a good bowshop and talk to the guys/gals there. Get yourself measured for the correct draw length. Be realistic with yourself on your needs and abilities. Most folks, myself included, buy a bow with too much draw weight. Most of the package deals out there, are capable of killing deer within reasonable range. They come with different rests and sights, most of which are inexpensive but work just fine.


 Buy your arrows at the bowshop. If they need cutting, they'll do it and put the inserts in. I wouldn't buy the best arrows available, either. Down the road? Maybe. I bought carbons. After missing the target more than once and smacking into my backstop(my outbuilding), I've ruined only 1 arrow. These things are much tougher than aluminum.


 Last nite, I was looking at Cabelas 2008 archery cataloge. The bow packages were listed from $300 on up. I bought mine, last June(07) while at Basspro's archery shop, for around $300. I replaced the original rest with a Whisker Biscuit, had a peep added, bought arrows, target points, and a good release. All told, I think I spent maybe $450 and was able to shoot it that afternoon.

Hope I didn't ramble on too much, but these are some of the things I didn't know when I first went looking.


HWD

[STUMPJMPR]

Its kinda difficult to choose everyone has a different opinion on whats best.... I was looking at a fred bear lights out....Its going to set me back about $565 to my front door..... A friend who shoots helped measure me up and said I need 30" draw length.... I'm looking for a bow around 55lbs something that is comfortable for me.... Once I get above 65lbs I really start to feel it kinda fast...

[whiskey101]

If you are going to hunt with it, I recommend a whisker biscuit arrow rest. Some folks don't liek them, but I have tried about everything over the past 20 years and I only hunt with a whisker Biscuit.

Get a bow that goes to 60 pounds. You can turn it down to 50 or so to start and then crank it up when you get ready.

Often you can get a good deal on a used bow at a bow shop. Bow shooters are bad about horse trading every year when something new comes out. That puts lots of great bows on the used shelf.

[mg66]

Cant emphasize enough the importance of getting a bow tuned for YOU, not your brother or the guy down the street but you. It makes the world of difference to shooting accurately. Thats where buying from a pro shop helps. You can ask questions etc, even get a few months free at their indoor range if they have one. also getting a good rapport with the pro can save you money with discounts, etc. 

If you are going to hunt with it, I recommend a whisker biscuit arrow rest. Some folks don't liek them, but I have tried about everything over the past 20 years and I only hunt with a whisker Biscuit.

.... I am one of the ones whiskey101 is talking about, I dispise the Whisker Biscuit. On the other hand a lot of people use them, it comes down to personal preference.

[huntswithdogs]

Buying a bow from a cataloge is about like buying a pair of boots the same way. Looks good in the magazine but just never seems to FIT RIGHT. Shooting and hunting with a bow is centered around FIT. If it doesn't fit, you'll be shooting all over the place and getting frustrated, soon to be giving someone helluva deal on a bow. I've seen it happen too many times.

[STUMPJMPR]

I ended up making a trip to Bass Pro Shop today... I ended up buying the Fred Bear Lights Out...I was out the door set up with arrows and case for $560.... The new line of Bear bows are great... It was a very smooth shooting bow and super quiet... I am pleased with my purchase.... To top it off If I applied for there credit card I got another 15% off... I haven't had a chance to shoot it much yet except at the bow shop but I think I'm going to like it...

[mg66]

Way to go and good luck this hunting season.

[huntswithdogs]

Good for you! Hope ya get a biggun with it this year!

Just remember to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE !! Shootin a bow is a lot like shooting a handgun for me. When I ain't done it in a while, I can't shoot for crap!