Getting Started / Questions and Fears

[Slipfox]

Howdy, sorry for the relatively lousy thread title, didn't really know how else to phrase it. I have been a long time lurker here and on other bow hunting forums.

I personally have never hunted, never shot a bow of any kind, and haven't been camping in years. I am in alright shape, in that I am not about to die and I play ice hockey a couple times a week, but otherwise don't do much in the way of anything physically demanding. I am probably 40 lbs overweight and I would say that although I am not weak for my size but I am definitely not strong. I am 27 years old.

Nobody in my family has ever hunted, never wanted to hunt, and it was always generally frowned upon. (Not that I think that way, or that really effects my way of thinking about hunting/bow sports in general). Pretty much nobody I know hunts, or wants to, to be honest.

For the past couple years I have been flirting with the idea of starting up with bow hunting. I subscribe to Bow Hunting World to get my fix. I just can't get over this really strange fear of actually going into a pro shop and getting started with buying a bow. I wouldn't be interested in actually hunting for at least another couple years. Frankly I don't think I am mature enough to take the life of any animal, but that is a goal I have in mind in the next 5-10 years of my life.

Coming up pretty quickly is tax season and with that I tend to get 400-800 dollars to spend recklessly. I know that is enough to pickup a mid-range bow, but is that the best course of action? Should I try and find a used bow? Should I go and rent some equipment and take lessons? How do you get started when you don't know anyone/anything already involved? What can I do to physically get ready to shoot? What if my draw weight is 40 lbs?

Is it worth it?

I guess I am just really struggling to find a comfortable bridge between my life and a more outdoors lifestyle, including bow sports, and hunting in general. I used to be more interested in being outside in the woods than being in front of the TV, and I want that back. Furthermore, archery/bowhunting is something I would like to be able to share with my daughter when she is old enough as well.

Again, very sorry for the absolute pansy thread, but I think maybe I just need to get my thoughts out there and get a discussion going in some format. I think it is obvious from the things I wrote that this has been eating me up inside!


Regards,
R.


PS: I am literally going to just hit submit and run away from the PC, hopefully I didn't make too many spelling errors!

[wheelie]

Go to a bow shop and shoot some bows. They come in all different ranges of pounds. Then you will know your draw length and poundage you need to decide on a bow. Get your self a target and a bow and find any field or back yard and practise away. find some 3d shoots in your area and have fun. Hunting animals is a very tinny part in the fun of bows. Good luck and have fun. :) :)

[tazzman]

Hi Slipfox,

Great to hear you are interested in bow shooting(notice I did not say bow hunting).
What wheelie says is true. Find a bow shop that is willing to help you out.
Many towns frown on shooting a bow openly, so check that out if you are thinking of setting up a bow target outdoors.
Check if you have bow clubs in your area. Chances are they will have an arena/gym where they can shoot indoors. Get your membership, they will probably have club equipment on hand. Don't be shy about asking what people shoot and why. That is he way you can increase your knowledge at a low price. Once you have made a choice, however broad it may be, then go to your archery store and ask them for a selection of stuff on hand. They should point you in the right direction. Don't try to go overboard($$$). Set yourself a budget and stick to it.

Second-hand eqpt is available but remember, you get what you pay for.

Cheers,
Phil aka tazzman

[jcrayford2001]

Slipfox, welcome!!!

No need to feel any anxiety about the post, or about trying to get into something new that no one you associate with is a part of; some of the best leaders in the world are those that chose the unknown path to others....

It would help to know which part of the country you reside in.... That way, members of the bowzone community can help you out with local shops near you and, knowing this group, even meet up with you and help you by introducing you to shop owners and help getting you started.

It's a small & faithful community, but a very friendly one....

I'll spare some time as well if you're in Cowtown...

Remember, we all started somewhere and very few of us invented the equipment/products that we all use; we had to go into a shop as well and know what that's like for the first time....

J.

[Riverbc]

welcome to your new addiction! :D

Great idea to go to a local archery club and pick some brains there. Learn about releases, D-loops, and things. Most clubs are more than happy to talk about stuff. Definitely go to an archery shop (not big box store) and get some personal service. Have them set up some bows for you to shoot. Get them to go over the basics techniques, ie form, anchor points, etc... Then shoot some bows. Some bows just feel better than others. Don't rush into the purchase. There are quite a few quality bow manufacturers these days, all with different models. It's like buying a car...do your research...then test drive! As you are unsure if you are even going to like the sport, you may want to hold off on spending the big bucks. Get a bow like a PSE Stinger ...just for example. People have killed lots of deer with them over the years. If you do decide after a year or two...that you really like the sport...then maybe go with a higher end bow....and you can still sell your starter bow to someone else. Remember...things add up. Bow+ sights+rest+quiver+arrows....price them all out, so you know what the final cost will be for...at the start. :D

Cheers

[benamen]

I recently purchased my first bow and getting ready to hunt with it this coming fall. Beginning at age 58 and starting out at 50 lbs. I want to comfortably be able to shoot 55 lbs come hunting season. A pro shop is a good place to start to look for a bow. I went in looking to get a good used bow and thats what I picked up. I purchased a bag target and set it up in my garage. Only 8 yards and but it allows me to work on my form and to tune my bow. Another target out in the yard lets me shoot to 18 yds whenever the weather allows it. I have a desk job and find that my bow arm is a little weak. To help strengthen it, I have a 4 lb weight that I lift and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat as necessary.
Been hunting with a rifle for over forty years now. Finding that the chase is more exciting than the kill is. I have passed on quite a few animals even though I had them dead in my sights. Very interesting what a buck will do to throw you off his his trail when you are tracking him.
Take the plunge and give it a try. You can always sell the equipment if you decide archery and hunting is not for you.

[Slipfox]

Hey guys, just wanted to pop back in and say thank you. I got an overwhelming amount of responses between the forums I posted on and I am now just waiting on the money to get started. Already had a couple offer of tagging along for hunts too!

Seems like a community I want to join.

Seriously, thank you.

[thwacker]

ALWAYS nock an arrow before drawing your bow..........always

[jcrayford2001]

I recently purchased my first bow and getting ready to hunt with it this coming fall.... Finding that the chase is more exciting than the kill is. I have passed on quite a few animals even though I had them dead in my sights....

Man, are you guys in for some fun.... If you take to bow-hunting (notice I said "hunting") anything like most of the rest of us have, the rifles will take a far-away (but not out of reach) back seat to the bow-hunting side of life.

My hunting partner that has rifle hunted all his life took up bowhunting last year when I sold my previous bow to him. You should have seen/heard his reactions to everything that happened in the field for him. His most memorable moment came when he was open grassland stalking on a Mule Buck, and heard a thump behind him.... Turned around slowly to see a Doe at 10 yards staring at him... He was so excited, but couldn't do anything about it because she had already spotted him, and to top that off, the little 2x2 buck that was with the bigger one he was stalking came within 15 yards of where he was trying to lay down and hide from the Doe.

Said he's never experienced anything like that before!!! I told him to wait, 'cause it only gets better with time...

[coyotekiller82]

Some sound advice has already been given, good job guys!!

All I can say is try not to be overwhelmed, there's lots of info out there, just go at your own pace and ask lots & lots of questions. Most archery shops are quite accomodating to beginners & just as well should be if they expect any type of business.

Good luck in getting started & as stated above...you're in for some fun!!

[ElkHunter]

Don't do it. You'll just get addicted and be forever seeking the ultimate experience. Joking of course, it is the best sport going, will get ya out in the outdoors, and motivated to get in shape and have a blast every time you go out.
Great therapy as well, just shooting a bow.

[skid]

I started bow hunting/shooting last summer and found it was relaxing to come home after work each night and shoot for an hour or 2, then I went moose hunting with a friend of mine that is quite knowledgeable and all i gotta say is the adrenaline when something that large and that close is addicting, and although it was that close neither one of us had a shot because that moose out smarted us, but what an enjoyable time.