Author Topic: So, How do I get started?  (Read 676 times)

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Offline AlbanyCO

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So, How do I get started?
« on: July 28, 2009, 08:06:44 PM »
Hey there folks,

     I am here to pick your brains on how to get started in bowhunting. I have an area I can hunt in that shows deer activity, I have a treestand...(it's ANCIENT but it works) but I don't have a bow. I tried shooting my grandfathers bear whitetail but the draw length is too long and nothing fits the bow. The original arrow rest broke so I tried installing a prong rest...no go. So I need a new bow. Craigslist and Ebay have not turned up anything I can use. Just from measuring my arm span I've determined I need about a 28 inch draw. I plan to shoot with a release. My question is: who makes a very affordable starter bowhunting bow that can take modern sights, a quiver, a QAD drop away rest and all that? About how much would a bow shop charge to set up a bow? Is that something I can do myself? I am a member of a club with an extensive archery range with 3D targets so I have a place to practice at different ranges. What do you guys think?
If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. -George S. Patton

Offline hunt-m-up

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Re: So, How do I get started?
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2009, 04:46:29 AM »
I would talk to the guys at the club you mentioned. They will give you the skinny on what local shop is the best and may even turn up a used bow that someone could help you get started with. I'm a fan of good condition used bows a couple years old because in general the depreciation on hunting bows is pretty great.

Watch that old treestand so you don't end up on the ground in pain or worse and get a full body safety harness. Speaking from experience, trim those small dead branches that you want to use as steps or handholds when you're climbing the tree. Climbing sticks or tree ladders are quicker, safer than individual steps, and you can pull them off to keep others from stealing your stand. Get a locking cable for the stand anyway and don't make a habit of telling others about your stand locations or you will be minus a stand.
Crosman Slingshot, Daisy Red Ryder, dull butter knife

Offline Empty Quiver

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Re: So, How do I get started?
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2009, 05:12:21 AM »
I'm assuming you are wanting to do this on the cheap. Go to an archery pro shop, find a used bow that is already set up by previous owner. The bigger the pro shop the better the selection I find. Secondly those club members most likely have a boot box full of accesories that they aren't using, and may well give away, or at least let you try before you buy.

I would not fret over what is wrong with a used bow. The 3D crowd changes bows like they are underwear, looking for some new magic. Not a thing wrong with the old one at all. If you do find an older hunting bow a new string and harness might be a good idea, getting the bow tuned up at the minimum. If you are paying for a tune up the shop owner should throw in a fitting as well. Get your arrows at the same time as the fitting to be sure they are tuned for your set up, now is not the time to try and save money, that arrow is where the rubber meets the road. Expect to pay a bit more for a used bow from the pro shop. One correct bow is less expensive than two that were very close but not quite.

Those accesories are where the archery industry makes its rent payment. Ten $ profit for every doo dad you hang on there, and they will encourage you to use them all and add adapters to hang more on that bow. The used bow that includes those add ons may save you a ton of money, if, they work for you.
**Concealed Carry...Because when seconds count help is only minutes away**

Offline rex6666

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Re: So, How do I get started?
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2009, 08:22:19 AM »
I was lucky to find a good bow shop, after buying a new Mission on ebay
they showed me a range of sights, rests and other hangons
a price range so i could pick the price. Find a GOOD shop and stay with them
if they feel you will stay i think they will treat you right.
Rex
GOD GUNS and GUTS MADE AMERICA GREAT

Texas is good for men and dogs, but it is hell on women and horses.

Offline AlbanyCO

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Re: So, How do I get started?
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2009, 01:25:45 PM »
Thanks for the advice fellas!
If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. -George S. Patton

Offline AlbanyCO

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Re: So, How do I get started?
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2009, 02:35:29 PM »
Well, I took the advice.

I went to a local proshop, had my draw length measured and purchased a bear lights out. Nice bow, sweet shooter, not blazing fast but plenty quick and very quiet. I purchased a release, sights, whisker biscuit, arrows, arrowheads and all that stuff. Cost me a pretty penny but it shoots well and fits me well also.
If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. -George S. Patton

Offline pozoutdoors

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Re: So, How do I get started?
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2009, 06:14:17 PM »
Thats what counts!!! I shoot an "outback". When is fast, fast anough?? There are alot of faster bows out there, but shoot what feels good!!! If you shoot your bow anough, you can kill just as far as anybody with a hyper fast bow and do it quiet!!!! good luck and happy shooting!!!!!

Offline rex6666

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Re: So, How do I get started?
« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2009, 03:41:56 AM »
Good Job, hope you enjoy it as much as i enjoy mine. ;D
Rex
GOD GUNS and GUTS MADE AMERICA GREAT

Texas is good for men and dogs, but it is hell on women and horses.