Never bow hunted- where to start?

[mattri]

Been hunting with a rifle all my life, have never hunted with a bow. 

When we were kids we had bows, little fiberglass things, nothing special.

Where do I start?  I know to go to a local shop but what kind of questions should I even be asking? 

Looking at a compound, I know my draw lenghth, where to go from here? 

[ShooterSATX]

A Pro Shop is exactly where to start. Litening to the likes of other folks would just confuse you. So many variables involved. You can always pick up a used bow, but you'll still have to visit the pro shop to have it set up to fit YOU.

So many makes and models to list. Go with what feels good to you...please try out several different models!

At the end of the day, it'll come down to what you want to spend. By the time you add in a sight, rest, release and arrows, it can become head-spinning.

Good luck!

Shooter

PS. Wife and I both shoot Bowtech. I have a Guardian and Admiral while the wife shoots a Soldier.

[mattri]

Thanks for the reply.  The plan so far is to pick up a bow, then look at sights, arrows etc down the road.

[kinslayer1965]

As shooter said the place to start is at a pro shop.

Don't get overwhelmed by all the gizmos and gimmicks pointing you at hyper speed bows with computer controlled drop away rest and battery operated fiber optic pendulum sights. Keep it simple.

Pick a bow that you can comfortably draw. Start with a PSE, Mathews, BowTec, Hoyt or Parker and you will be fine. All make good bows for beginners that won't have you robbing a bank to pay for it. I know there are others those are just bows that I have experience with. Put a basic whisker bisquit and a basic three pin sight both of which are relatively cheap, easy to adjust and sturdy.

The one thing I will not skimp on is arrows. Buy the best you can afford and it will be money well spent. I started using Carbon Force Pro 300s a couple years ago and firmly believe them worth the price especially when it comes to shooting fixed blade broadheads.

I hope you enjoy bowhunting as much as I have. I warn you though it is terribly addicting. I ended up all strung out on scent controll clothing, climbing tree stands, deer calls and many other wonderful things.

Have fun.

CR

 

[mattri]

Thanks for the good advice, that's exactly the way I plan to go about this.  I have a year until hunting season, which should be enough time to get sorted out.