I grew up hunting, but never deer hunting. After I got out of the Air Force, a relative took me gun hunting for deer, and I loved it. I continued this for a couple of years until a friend suggested I try bowhunting. I didn't know much about it, and there weren't a lot of bowhunting pro shops in this area. This was back in 1985. So I started looking into bowhunting and realized that instead of just one week gun hunting for deer, I could hunt for a month and a half (back then, longer now). So I got my first bow and some arrows, and met a guy who helped teach me how to shoot. My first time out in the woods in October sold me!! I had read everything I could get my hands on during the summer concerning bowhunting. I became a student of the subject. I was amazed at how close deer would come in if I was set up properly. I was also humbled in the fact that no matter how good I shot in the back yard, I wasn't as good when there was a critter standing out there at "estimated" yardages. I quickly learned that first year that a bow, some arrows, and a few sharp broadheads were the bare minimum in terms of gear that I needed.

So, after almost 20 years, and somewhere close to $20,000.00 worth of equipment later (no, I don't have that much equipment now, I seem to sell it as fast as I buy it), I'm now thinking about getting back into it. I've laid off for a couple of years because of the target panic I developed shooting competition. Hopefully, I can get back into the swing of things.

By the way, for those just starting, take it from me (and ArthurP can back me up) keep it simple. I've tried damn near every gadget ever introduced, and some work, most don't. Keeping your gear simple reduces heartache, and cost.