Author Topic: Newbies (Read 614 times)

savageT · « **on:** September 03, 2003, 01:13:15 PM »

Take it easy on us guys! My grandson and I (ages 13 yrs. and over-the-hill 60 plus) are about to take the NYS Bow Hunters Course in about two weeks. Can you think "Dumb as a Rock" Beginners?

?? I need a little help getting started in bow hunting for whitetail and turkey....Ya Right! No, honestly, we're absolutely clueless as to what to expect or what kind of gear we're going to be using. All I remember is as a ten year old, I received a long bow with a few target arrows for Christmas many, many years ago. Probably was doing everything wrong back then, so where can I get up to speed in a hurry? Any help would be a tremendous improvement over what Granddad knows today! P.S........That's me on the GB Military Arms Site, so I do know which end to stuff the bullets in an M1 carbine! Ouch!

Jim

longwinters · « **Reply #1 on:** September 03, 2003, 03:51:48 PM »

Well, you dont have to spend a fortune to get decent gear...unless you want to. Most pro shops have deals on bows/arrows etc... I would suggest you start with a shooting release. With your rifle savy it will be much easier to get used to than shooting fingers. Make sure they set you up with a poundage you can handle and that your arrows are the correct spine for your draw weight and draw length. I would not buy (if starting out) from a shop where you cannot shoot the bow setup. This will save you a ton of set up time and you wont have to recreate the wheel. Then make sure you touch the bow string to the same place each shot(called your anchor) and follow thru...in other words do not let the bow drop until the arrow hits the target. Being consistent is very important in archery, so shoot short distances like 10-15 yds until you are very consistent. If the shop owner knows his stuff you should be shooting good groups at 15 yds in less than an hour or two. Enjoy

long

JeffG · « **Reply #2 on:** September 03, 2003, 04:01:02 PM »

First of all, welcome! The only "dumb" beginner is one that won't listen and learn. The current state of bowhunting can be confusing...gear is completely re-invented about every 10 years or sooner. Out of date gear is a fact of life, you always will be looking at a new accessory. You have to start somewhere, though... How about videos that can be rented or borrowed from your local pro shop? And while you are there, strike up a conversation with some of the people, opinions can be pretty strong but they will help you make some basic decisions...1. Do you really want to bowhunt? Some people just prefer guns. 2. What kind of archery tackle do you want...traditional or current tech. 3. Is the game animal that you intend to hunt, lending itself to being hunted with a bow in your area? Are there enough, say, deer to hunt with a bow, and can you take the time and effort to do so? There is a lot of product promotion literature out there, but if you can look past the brand names, there is good info out there...at times, a good local "guru" can give you a good direction to enjoy the sport...good luck to you!

Tony D · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2003, 08:57:10 AM »

How much time do you have to practice? If you're the type to be real committed and can shoot nearly every day, I would recommend going with a recurve. Why? You can't get more simple and a recurve in the hands of someone who can shoot is just as deadly as the newest, fastest wiz bang compound out there.

Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of time, so I shoot a compound with release and sights. If you don't have the time either, then that's the way to go - a real steep learning curve and like a fellow poster said before, you'll be shooting proficiently in short time with a good coach.

Have fun!

longwinters · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2003, 12:18:29 PM »

Yes a traditional bow can do anything that a compound can do . . . but the key is multi facited. Very good eye hand coordination and have the skill, drive and discipline to master it.

long