Hi everyone, live in Iowa so I started out shotgunning...got tired of hearing bullets whizzing overhead so I went to muzzleloader which I love. Problem with that season has been time which is limited for me. Owning my own business some weeks I have more time to hunt than others. Really interested in taking up a bow and I love the fact of the longer seasons and more skill involved aspect. Have shot my father's bow and do quite well for a beginner but it's length of pull is a little short for me. Looking at bows as several shops it's overwhelming of what brands are good, what to stay away from? Big thing for me right now is budget, as I don't want to spend a lot on a bow right now and can upgrade in the future if I wish. So what would you recommend for a first bow that's easy on the pocketbook and still decent performance?

Oh and I should mention that I'll be hunting both on the ground and from a stand. Over the years I've gotten pretty good with spot and stalk, most kills were within 30 yards. But I'll also be hunting land that has established tree and ladder stands.

Take a look at those shops again and see if there are any bows on consignment. Guys/gals change bows like I change women for christs sake! You can get a steal if you just look around. See what the store wants and ask who the owner is and "make him/her a deal". I haven't shopped for a bow since 2003 and cringe about the thought of buying new. I'm sure you can get a new setup for under 500...maybe not. Someone will chime in and maybe throw a few models your way. Hoyt, Bowtech, Mathews, Browning, and PSEare a few that stand out. Hit all the Manuf. sites and start drooling.

Check out this link...they have some of the best prices on the net if you're not into all the top of the line gear. I passed on the package deals because I like to pick and choose what accessories I like.

http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowpkg2.htm

First things first, go back to those archery shops and have them size you up. Then shoot a few different brands and styles of bows. What works and feels good to me or someone else might not feel good to you, so get something that you feel comfortable with. Then once you get that done and you find one that you like and falls into your budget, have them cut and fletch your arrows to fit the bowand accessorize accordingly. Practice a lot but not all at once, 20-30 minutes once or twice a day shouldwork good. Most of all, have fun and good luck hunting with it. Everyone here has a passion for itand that is why we are here.

I've only been bow hunting myself for two years now. I love the challenge in bow hunting. I started off with an older PSE Polaris that I bought on Ebay. I used it for the first season and this year I just bought a new Hoyt UltraMag. If you're looking for a good beginner bow, I would consider one of the PSE package deals. You can get a complete set up for around $200. If you can afford to spend a little more and want a top of the line quality bow for under $500, I'd consider the Hoyt UltraMag. Check around, I found the Hoyt UltraMag on sale at Outdoor Outfitters in Oklahoma City, OK for $459 with all Hoyt accessories. Without the accessories it was $359. Everyone I talked with recommended either Hoyt or Mathews as some of the best bows around. Like I said, I'm new to bow hunting, but I really love the new Hoyt UltraMag that I bought....and I just got my first deer with it this past weekend. Not only my first deer with a bow, but my first buck too!!! I'm probably getting ready to sell my older PSE Polaris on Ebay. If you're looking for a used bow let me know and I'll give you the specs and what I'm willing to part with it for. Otherwise check out some of the sales on PSE package deals or really consider the Hoyt. Good luck and have fun bow hunting.

Where in Iowa are you?
I buy all my stuff from Roger at Scheels inCedar FallsIa.
He knows his stuff and will treat you right.
They sell PSE,Hoyt and Mathews
Lots of used bows too.

I live over by Backbone State Park near Strawberry Point. I'll have to check Scheels out, thanks!

Gotta ask ... just how often DO you change women?

Check out the 2006 Tomkat. There's a thread on the forum discussing the 2006 lineup with a link to the picks of the bows in Bowtech's 2006 bows. The Tomkat is the least expensive bow in the lineup, but is one quick, quiet and smooth shooting bow. I have to qualify that by saying it was a 2005 single cam Tomkat that I shot. For 2006 it is dual cam with modules and the option of a smooth or fast module, or both. I ordered mine with both! Below is the link to the pics and descriptions of the 2006 Bowtech lineup:

http:/www.huntersfriend.com/2006-bowtech-bows/index.htm

Bill

JK fellas...I knew it would raise a eyebrow. It was the only anoligy (sp)I could think of of at the time. Underwear woulda been gross. Been happily married for 9 years.