Hi guys
I am thinking about getting into bow hunting this year. I have never hunted a thing in my life but think that this is as good a time as any to start. So I am looking for some tips or what not to do’s
I am pretty new to archery as well. I shot when I was in high school. Then had a 14 yr rest. I purchased a Golden Eagle raptor last July and fell back in love with shooting. I sold that and got a Hoyt Ultra mag. Sold that and am now shooting a bow tech pro 40. I can’t get over how smooth the draw is and how accurate I am with it. I’ve had the bow for a few weeks and had to start shooting the 5 spot targets because I ruining the fletching on the others.
Any suggestions for a new hunter would be great
Thanks

Just read thru these forums and you will learn alot. Pay attention th the wind and learn to love WHITE FLAGS!!

You lamo, what kind of name is DOPVFT?

Nice to see you. Welcome to the forum. There are some great folks here and I am sure they will make you feel welcome. Just beware of Cardeer....

ruining fletchings allready... thats a good sign well not for your arrows but for your groops

I admire your determination. You sound as though you are hooked already, but just wait till you draw down on your first deer, whether it be a buck, doe, whatever. It is the coolest feeling in the world. Welcome to the forums. There is an awefull lot of good information shared here. I have learned how to fletch arrows, crest arrows, tune my bow, pick the right broadheads, the list goes on.
If I could give but one piece of advice to a new hunter, it would be to be the consomate student. Always to strive to learn. Read what you can, and study the habits of your quarry.
And above all, have fun out there!

I think you will find the art of hunting FAR harder than the art of shooting. Stick with it and try to absorb as much information you can. You will see what works for you and what doesn't soon enough. Not every hunting tip will work in all areas of the country. There are however a few that will and they are:

1.Watch the wind. Try not to get yourself in a position that you are up wind of what you are hunting. Sometimes the wind shifts on you and that can't be helped but you should always know the direction of the wind in conjunction to where you are hunting.

2.Watch your movement. This is important, a deer can pick up movement very easy and it's a good way to get busted and most times you will never even know there was a deer there.When I'm in my stand I imagine there are deer all around me and I just can't see them (that's usually the case where I hunt) so I am very aware of how much and when I move.

3. Have the right equipment. I don't care if you have a new bow or an old bow. As long as you maintain it and keep it in reliable working condition, match it with the correct arrows and broadheads you will be prepared for your shot. This goes for your clothing stands, etc...
Also, get to know your equipment very well. How it works, why it works, all the details and nuances about it. This will help you be more comfortable and confident with you equipment. I should add though, know your limitations. Don't try a repair or service to your equipment unless you feel you can perform it right. There are some things I just won't do and thats why I bring my bow to someone qualified who can. On the other hand if that's something that interests you, there are people on this board that are very skilled and can help you with pretty much anything bow related.

4. Be ethical. Please don't think you NEED to kill something to prove to you or anybody else you area hunter. That will come with time. Don't take shots that you are not 100% sure you can make and make consistantly. This will only lead to bad habbits and lost deer. Do it right from the start and you will enjoy the whole experience much more.

Did I mention watch the wind?

Good luck...ask questions and welcome to hunting.

I would also recommend you take a bowhunter education course. You may be old enough to be exempt from the course to get a tag but should take it anyway. You will learn a lot about do's and don'ts, shot placement, timing, etc. Will also allow you to meet some experienced hunters that can help you out locally.

Guys, some great advice. "Mike" is a good friend of mine from down at the shop. We have been shooting together for some time now and Mike has progressed to become quite the consumate shooter. Hopefully he takes to bowhunting like he has to 3D and target.

Dopvft,

Welcome aboard and best of luck to you in the hunting woods, be safe andget ready to create some lasting memories, soak upevery element of the hunting experience, its extremely rewarding, addicting and educational.

guys thanks for the advise and tips. Frank thanks for the kind words.
Mez, Pa requires a hunters ed class before a hunting license can be issued. I plan on taking it this summer / early fall. I sat through the first day last year found it interesting and then got screwed into going to work so I missed the Satuday class. I am sure that I will be able to complete the course before it is too late for this season. I am really looking forward to getting out this year and spend some quality time in the woods during the best part of the year. and maybe even get a buck