eastwood,

Back in 1991, about this time of year after the gun season, I realized that there had to be more to deer hunting than what I experienced. I shot 3 deer that season with a gun and the last one was at 30 yds in a tree stand. When the deer breathed air for the last time, I felt terrible. I don't know why, but it just seemed "cheap" (I guess is the term). A friend said try bowhunting. After some discussion on what it was about, I was excited to get started and bought me a bow in Jan. I decided to get a good one so I wouldn't half-ask it. Not knowing much, I bought a 60-80 lb'er and it was set at 70 and was really too much based on what I know now. Between shooting as much as possible and drawing the bow while watching TV at home, 70 lbs became easy. I don't recommend this avenue now. Now is where the best info I know has been already said by Ausie: "Then go and join a club and shoot some 3d that will teach how to judge distance as well as to where to place the arrow". Join a club and get involved with fellow archers. It will speed up the shooting, bow knowledge, and shooting process by leaps and bounds. Now take what you know about deer and try to be as close as possible to deer routes. You'll need it to bag a deer. Thinking like a gun hunter (where can I see the most territory from one stand) is over. You need to think like a deer when it comes to traveling. Oh, and I did like I said. I shot 3d all spring/summer and arrowed 3 deer my 1st year of bowhunting. Needless to say, I haven't picked up a gun since for deer. I've some very nice bucks that wasn't close enough for a shot. But I've never wished I had a gun, just so I could kill him. If I can't get within bow range, let him walk. It's the hunt and getting close that is the most fun. Hundreds of acres are available, but you come within yards of a deer. That is what it is all about. Sorry so long winded..........Good luck and I hope you are hooked. "The hardest tasks are more gratifying"