Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Serious Deer Talk Forum Interest In Bow Hunting

I’m looking to get into bow hunting next season. Haven’t shot a bow since middle school archery. Just looking for suggestions on where I can find a good entry level compound bow around Mobile County, possibly used, that won’t break the bank but that I can also use for the first few seasons and upgrade later on. Also, any advice or tips for getting ready for the season such as distances to practice shooting, arrows to practice with, any attachments/equipment that are necessary for bow hunting, etc. Thanks!

Classified section here

Bowhunter pro shop in Saraland is where I bought my last one and I was very pleased with the service and setup. I shot just about every bow they had in stock before making my decision.

I would find someone who knows what they are doing and see if they will help you learn the ropes

Just get your money together and go throw it in a hole. That's about what bowhunting does for you. Of course the last couple I killed were with old recurves that cost under a $100. So, there's that. Most of the time, tho....

You can get a good used compound for a few hundred bucks. So like 3 fillups of a truck.

Start going to archery shops and shooting different bows. You will find the one that feels good in your hands. Then have it properly set up to fit you. That's where you get started. Then practice practice practice

Don't be a he-man and get something with too much draw weight. It don't take that much umph to kill a deer. Also, find someone to help you figure the right draw length. Then get you a bow with those settings.

Quint's and Bow Hunter Pro Shop in Saraland
McCoy Outdoor in Mobile
Scott's Outdoors in Jay Florida (probably closer to you if you live in Monroe county)

Been at it 50+ years

Thanks for all the help fellas

Go to a bow shop or to someone who is very knowledgeable about bows and get them to determine your draw length. Once you know your draw length, shop on the classified or ebay and find you a good bow package with the proper draw length. You will not be happy if you purchase a bow with a draw length that is too short or too long. If you look hard, you find a complete package with arrows, broadheads, quiver, release, sights and etc. at a low price.

Bow hunting takes lots of practice and fine tuning of your draw and release mechanics. If you don't have the time to practice - go the crossbow route.

I know it depends on the person but do you think from now until bow season there’s plenty of time to get good with a bow? I could practice every day if i wanted to

Modrern compound+rangefinder pretty easy. Couple weeks be good. Trad bow gap shooting you need a month probably. Instinctive start yesterday.

Another option is a takedown recurve.

Consistently hitting a target good enough to kill a deer at 20-30yards isn’t hard at all. The ability to make it happen in a real hunting situation can only be done by experience. Don’t over think it. Get a bow practice when you can and hunt. Know your limits though. Don’t sling arrows at the first deer inside 70 yards. Set u a limit and stick to it until you get a few under your belt. I’ve been bow hunting since I was 15 and my limit is 45. I can consistently shoot further but a lot can happen in a hunting situation so I don’t.

Ignore the "couple weeks and you're good" comment. That's why a lot of animals get wounded. Most serious bow hunters shoot throughout the year, simply because they love it but, proficiency is key. The bows have been mentioned but, invest in a good release too.