Hey guys,

I have been a gunhunter since I started hunting4 years ago. I would like to get into bowhunting so I have more chances to get into the field. I have done ok gun hunting taken a bear so far, and our moose party has been successful (not myself yet but I have been there for a few kills). No luck with the whitetails yet. My question bascially is where do I start to get into bowhunting? I live in the city unfortuneatly and don't have anywhere to practice. I also need to get all the equipment etc etc etc... So where do you guys who live in a city practice??? having never shot a bow before where do I learn how to shoot so I know one that feels good to buy? Then when i get one where do I practice so when I get a chance at a deer I will be confident that I can take the shot. I have read to many of the "wounded one posts" to go out and just start shooting at deer. Then I get into the whole debate about which bow to buy. So many questions????? Sorry for the rambling guys just hoping to get more involved in this sport I love. Thanks!

Yellow pages-------Archery-------Archery equipment. Alot of pro shops have indooor shooting. You live in Canada, I know you can find an open field to practice also ehhh.

I was in the same situation last December. I went to an area sporting goods store and looked at some bows....not knowing much about them. The guy there told me off the record I should go to a archery shop and have a pro fit me for a bow and get the right arrows and indoctrination, etc. So I did and it's the best advice I can pass on. Get a bow that is right for you, have a pro set you up with it, and usually they have a range you can shoot at. The guy guaranteed me within an hour after I bought the bow I'd be shooting an 8 inch group at 20 yds.....which I did. They got me started off right and I'm glad I got the tip.

just like the others said go to a local bow shop, many bow shops, even if you have to travel. shoot as many bows as you can try them all out. dont think of anything but how each bow feels to you. get the one that you are most comfortable with. the one that just feels right. dont buy the first bow you touch. look for a bow in the 55-70 lb range. then talk to the shops and see who is more then willing to go the extra mile to set you up even if its not the nearest shop.
hope this helps.

I am also new to bow hunting. I have learned alot right here on this forum. I agree about going to a pro shop. I didn't. Let's just say lesson learned. I bought my bow from a major sposting goods store. I couldn't shoot it or even try to draw it . Thank goodness it has 8" of draw length adjustment. After fighting everything about the bow I went to a pro shop and they had me straightened out in no time. I have been back to that shop several times now, sometimes spending money, sometimes just needing advice. I was there this AM about an anchor point problem I've been having. 5 min. and no charge later my question was answered. Solving the problem is up to me and my form but I couldn't have found out what I needed to know at the chain store where I got the bow. Good luck, and don't let anything stop you, I was frustrated but now I really love archery. Oh yeah, I've been doing this archery thing for about 2 months now. I was a gun hunter for several years and am ready to give up all guns except my ML. With my percussion ML and my bow I just gotta get closer!

The suggestions to go to a Pro Shop I believe are right on the money!Get properly measured for your draw length and have the person at the shop help you with the right selection of the other equipment necessary.
I don't know if you have a particular budget that you are working with for the purchase of equipment,I would suggest that you go easy initially until you determine if you are in it for the long haul,most manufactures mid price range bows are plenty good enough from a quality and performance perspective.The best possible situation may be used equipment.Some archers turn their stuff over every couple of years,there are some great deals to be had on top of the line equipment in those instances.Some shops will take bows back on trade in,You may want to ask the pro shop about that.
The last suggestion I would make is go easy on your draw weight,you want your shooting to be comfortable,much better to err to the side of slightly to easy to draw than slightly to hard.The pro shop should tell you the correct way to draw the bow and should be able to tell if you are comfortably drawing the bow.Start low and build your draw weight higher through muscular adaptation and technique.Any pro shop willl be aware of places to shoot,either they will have a range or will know of places to direct you to.Don't be afraid to take a lesson,a couple of lessons will speed your learning curve and enforce the right way to do things.The pro shop should be able to provide names of certified instructors in your area.If they don't try an internet search on The National Field Archery Association.They should be able to tell you of coaches in close proximity to you.
Good luck to you Archery is a great sport and archery hunting is awesome,you are in for some great times!!

Definately find yourself a good local pro shop. For starters, I'd suggest a PSE Nova (only because that's what I got a few years ago as my starter bow), it's inexpensiveand it's a reliable bow.Practicing is tough in the city. Try to find someone with a long driveway or big back yard that'll let you practice.
Good Luck...

I guess I am going out to find a local (or not so local)bow shop. thanks for the advice guys! I will let you know how it turns out.

My 1st bow was PSE nova which i had last year and it killed 1 deer for me.

Let me be one of the first to welcome you to our sport. I think you will really enjoy yourself once you get comfortable with the basics of equipment selection and the slight change in hunting tactics. As the others mentioned, an archery pro shop is the best place to initially head to get to setup and started shooting. They should then also be able to supply you with a few local clubs in the area that might sponsor regular shoots and have a more extensive outdoor range.

Good luck.