Bowhunting - where to start?!

So I'm thinking about getting into bow hunting this year. My wife killed her first deer last year and really wants to keep going. With her going more this year, I will likely let her kill a couple does and/or bucks to fill the freezer, and I'll just shoot bucks that I'll shoulder mount or at least skull mount. I've been basically doing this the past few years anyway, with it being my old man that does the meat killing. I think bow hunting will give me an opportunity to get in the woods earlier, and it will work well with how we HOPE to hunt together this year (same area, but not same stand all the time if that makes sense)

Anyway, I'm not really even sure where to start. Obviously the bow first. What brands and models should I be looking at? From what I've read on here, I understand I need to go shoot a few and pick the best to me, but where to start looking? Also, what all else is needed and how much can I expect to be spending? Arrows, broad heads, sights.....etc.

Any info pointing me in the right direction would be GREATLY appreciated!!

i havent bow hunted in many years but go to a archery store/shop and start there you can always buy cheaper later but you need to see what type is best for you.

oh you can get into much more expense than rifles.

Just depends on how much u wanna spend. It can get expensive quick. U can get a mid level bow for around 400. The high end bows are 800 and up. Then u got the sight, arrow rest, quiver and stabilizer. Then u got arrows, a release and a target. Probably more stuff I'm not thinking about. If your climbing don't forget a safety harness.

Yeah wow, taking notes on all the accessories and other necessities.

So, what really separates the high-end bows from the mid-level gear? I'm a firm believer in paying for quality, but at the same time don't want to waste money if it's not really necessary and especially if I won't be able to tell a difference. I guess this is where trying several out will make the biggest difference.

Smoothness, drawcycle, speed, vibration, weight just to name a few. Things that honestly a beginner probably wont notice anyways but the best 1st step is establishing a budget. You can get into it for 3-500 for a lower end Bear or PSE (which are still awesome bows) and thengo from there adding accessories. A lot of those bows come in RTS (readytoshoot) packages also though. It will come with a basic quiver, a whisker biscuit rest and $30 pin sight. Which is fine for you to learn the basics and mechanics of shooting. My advice is to start sooner than later because October will be upon us fast and you need to become proficient and establish some good habits between now and then.


Are you the type of person to drop things and loose interest or the type to go full speed ahead and jump in with both feet? You already love hunting so if you are the latter and can afford it Id advise getting something higher end to begin with because you will become addicted. Hunting with a bow can be the most frustrating thing but its like getting cooter, once you score your whole life will change.

Randy, you probably need to find a good dealer and a person who bowhunts. If all you want to do is bowhunt, most mid-range combo set-ups are just fine. I have a BIL that has killed more deer than most with an old Bear bow. Don't get caught up in the hype. The most important things to get right is YOUR amount of draw weight and YOUR draw length. Get that right and probably 80% of the bows are acceptable to just bowhunt.

Randy

Call BassPro in Leeds and find out when Ben is working. He will get you fixed up. He is as good with bows as anyone in your neck of the woods. In the last two decades 3 people have worked on my bows (I am extremely ticky) and he is one of them. The other two are well respected Bowsmiths and champion bow shooters.

Start with a good mentor. Don't go buy a bow, hit the woods running, and wonder what and why everything is going wrong. Learn proper shooting techniques, shoot several bows, get a USED one for a decent price, practice, and go hunt.

^^^ THIS

And If you can't find a good mentor ...

Find you a few used bows for sale and post them here. The guys on this board will help you pick a good one.

Find an archery shop near you that has a shooting range so you can practice a lot and ask questions from the pro at the shop whem you are there

Read the bow hunting forum every day and ask questions

This is hg\ow I got started last year

Pick out a few brands that you may be interested in and go shoot them. Most shops will let you shoot before you buy. After you find one that you like you can buy it at the shop or go to the archery talk classifieds and buy it already decked out for a lot less than buying new.
http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=100
Also take a look at this section.
http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1399457
When you need a new string pm Shaw on here, he'll get you fixed up.

Don't do it .... Bow hunting is addictive !

Very addictive!

Bow must fit you, regardless of how high end it is...so don't just buy a bow...buy your bow. Get someone who knows what they're doing get your draw length. Then find a bow that fits you, get it set up for you (peep, kisser,etc...). Tune it...practice...get hooked!!!

Thanks for the info everyone! Taking it all in. I will definitely get with a good shop to help me with what I may need and am on the look out for used bows. I just joined a new club and would like to bow hunt it. I shot archery when I was a bit younger but just never got into bow hunting...mostly bc my pops didn't bow hunt. I also know someone at work that bow hunts and shoots 3D all the time, so I'll consult with him for pointers as well.

I HAVE A BOW I WILL LET YOU SHOOT AND IF YOU LIKE THEN ILL SELL IT .. IT IS A BARE BOW AS OF NOW WITH NO SIGHTS, IT IS A REDHEAD KRONIX MADE BY BOWTECH

ITS RIGHT HANDED

Axle-To-Axle Length:30-1/4"
Brace Height (in):7-7/8"
Draw Length:26"-31"
Weight:3.5 lbs.
Arrow Speed (fps):305

Thanks, I will keep in mind. Going to hopefully go try several bows this weekend if time allows.

You are doing the right thing. Try them first. Bows are personal, one bow that will be good to me may not be your cup-o-tea. Be sure you are fitted with the right draw length. Only an experienced bowhunter can help you with that. I see way too many people shooting too long of a draw length. Go used if you can. That way you'll get most of your money back next year when you get the fever worse!

Nothing better than finding another bowhunter that has been there and done that to help you get started. Plan on spending a lot of time in the back yard shooting at targets until it is second nature, then when you hit the woods let nature take its course.

Contact Buddy (former Mark's Bow guy)at Nichols Outfitters in Pelham. He will take care of you!

Buddy is great!!! I would highly recommend going to him. You will definitely need to setup your targets in the backyard and practice, practice and practice. It's a lot of fun and definitely addictive.

Just bought my Chill R from Buddy at Nichols. He will do all he can go make you feel welcome. Super nice guy.