New here and to bows

[bowbound247]

Hi, I have always wanted to hunt and I would like to get right into traditional bows. I feel like it takes more skill and would be more rewarding. I haven't shot a longbow since I was in boy scouts. Just wanted to introduce myself and if anyone has a link to a good starting point that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Russ

[Cessna Flyer]

Welcome back, I know you will enjoy it. If you are looking for a bow, Chek-Mate are fine bows, I ordered it from Chad, he frequents this forum.

[bowbound247]

Is the falcon a good beginner bow? And is it alright to start with a used bow or is it better to buy new?

[LBR]

The Falcon is an excellent bow, if it fits you (if you don't have a draw length longer than 29" or so).

Both new and used have their positives and negatives.

New costs more, but has a warranty (if the bowyer/dealer will back it--I know of cases where they wouldn't, even on bows that cost near $1,000)

Depending on your finances, you might be able to afford several used bows, or one new bow.

Usually you can get a used bow for a lot cheaper than the same bow new.

You can't get the grip, tiller, woods, etc. made to order on a used bow.

And on it goes. It took me several years before I decided on my first new bow, and even then it wasn't exactly what I wanted. No fault of the bowyer, I just didn't know what I liked best at that point.

If I started out new, it would be cheap. Get something to start with, and get an idea of what you like or don't like. I haven't delt with used bows for a while now, because the prices went way up on them.

Another thing I've learned--the bow won't make nearly as much difference as the monkey pulling the string.

[DCM]

There's a lot of traditional archery in Kalamazoo, MI Russ. If you could inquire locally, maybe the archery pro shop, inquire about 3d shoots etc. where one might meet other archers. That's the trick, is to get amoung folks toting and vendors of traditional gear. Then you can see and handle, potentially shoot, a variety of stuff and begin to get a sense for what you like.

I'd also get a subscription to a couple of magazines, Traditional Bowhunter, http://www.tradarchersworld.com/ . They usually have lots of ads for trad stuff, bows, maybe some classified ads. Might order a catalog from one or two of the big houses, 3 Rivers, Kustom King, to get an idea for what the accessories market is like, arrows, etc.

[LBR]

Huge expo in K-zoo, in Feb. I think. Won't see nearly all of them there, but a good sampling.