How much to get started?
 

I'm planning on getting a bow this winter and hunting deer next fall, but I don't really know the first thing about it.

How much should I plan on spending on a bow and the various accessories(rest, quiver, stabilizer?, arrows, heads, etc)? I don't want to spend a ton on a bow, but I also don't want to get something I'll end up replacing this time next year either.

I know there's no way to say for sure, I'm just looking at a ballpark estimate here. Any recommendations for good bows to look at would be appreciated as well.

Thanks,
Matt

RE: How much to get started?
 

Here is a suggestion to help you get started low budget, if the bow season has ended where you live check out the local pawn shops, a lot of people will drop some big bucks on a bow and then hock it when the season is over, I picked up a nice black powder gun tis way last season.

First thing to do though is go to your local bow shop and explain your situation, many times they will have perfectly good used bows with all the gizmos already on it. The biggest advantage to your local bow shop is they will fit and tune the bow to you which is crucial.

You should decide at this time what kind of broadheads you are going to shoot to where you can get field tips for your arrows that macht the weight of your broad heads.

Try to just stick with the basic needs starting out and pick up the other bells and whistles later, basically all you need to start off is the following:

Bow
rest
quiver
sights(if not included)
1 dozen arrows(6 for practice and 6 for hunting)
target/targets
arm gaurd
release
(I am sure I forgot something)

You need to practice a lot so be prepared to get your arrows refletched several times before the season opens.

As the season approachs you must establish you maximum kill range and stick with it, the way I set mine is if I can put 6 out of 6 arrows in a pie plate consistantly at a certain yardage I subtract 10 yards from that figure and stick with it. This allows for the nerves and difference in shooting a deer and a target.

I am sure you will have a ton more questions and there are folks here who know a lot more than me so ask away.

Oh yea you wanted an estimate of total cost, lets put it this way, do not tell your wife if you are married! LOL Actually I would say you should be able to pull it all off for less than $500. I think, maybe less, but remember do not buy junk and for know only buy what you need.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

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RE: How much to get started?
 

Matt,

Tazman and Dog are right on it..

Talk to the local bow shop or the sportsman club in your area. There are alot of guys that are looking to step up their equipment and are willing to sell what they have pretty reasonable. Most of the time they will sell the bow, arrows, broadheads and the case. The key is to find something that is comfortable. The broadheads and arrows are very important. I shoot with a release, but its not for everyone. Hopefully you have a hunting partner to shoot with, because it takes a lot of practice. Tazmans distance chart is a great way to tell your range.

Good luck, shoot straight

RE: How much to get started?
 

Great suggestions from the other members.

I would only add this..

Spend as much as you can afford and buy the best you can afford.

Bow hunting gear can be like buying fishing equipment. You can get by with cheaper stuff, but you will probably enjoy the sport a lot more in the long run but buying better equipment right from the start.

I bought cheap fishing equipment when I went back to that sport. I would up buying the better stuff later. It simply costs more to buy it twice.

Like others have said, I'd rather have a quality used bow in good shape, than a lower quality bow brand new.

RE: How much to get started?
 

Parker and Bowtech both offer excellent package bows that come with most of the acessories you'll need to start . Find a dealer who sells both and go check them out . I'd say you'll be out between 500 and 600 bucks . Hoyt also has the magnatech if you want to out fit it your self .

If information provided by the members of this board have helped you please let us know .

RE: How much to get started?
 

PSE Archery has the Team Fitzgerald package bow for around $200.00. It is a good starter bow if your draw length is short enough. You'll still have to buy a peep sight, limb savers, arrows, pratice tips, broadheads, and targets, but that could get you started if you want a new one at a cheaper price. I agree with the other posts though, go to th pro shop after the hunting season is over and the manufacturers come out with their new line of equipment. Someone will want to sell their old bow to buy a new one. You could end up with $700 or $800 worth of equipment for $200 or $300.

KEEP IT LEGAL. KEEP IT SAFE. OR WE MAY NOT GET TO KEEP IT AT ALL.

RE: How much to get started?
 

Thanks for all the info guys, it's been a big help. I had budgeted $600-700 to get going, so it looks like I should be able to get in well under that amount, which is always nice.

I went the incremental upgrade route when I got into saltwater flyfishing years ago, and the frustration and extra expense over the long term made me vow never to start with cheap-o equipment again. I figure I'll stay away from the bottom of the line models and get something just a bit nicer in hopes that it will last me at least a few seasons before I decide I need something better.


-Matt

RE: How much to get started?
 

MATT the most important thing that I must remind you of is practice a lot, you will know when you are getting there when it starts to feel natural.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

RE: How much to get started?
 

Tazman- Thanks for the advice- I've already found a couple of places locally that have indoor ranges and offer open shooting a couple nights a week during the winter. I'm hoping to get in a lot of practice this winter so I'll be ahead of the game come springtime.

I'm sure I'll be pestering you guys with all kinds of quesitons over the coming months.

-Matt

RE: How much to get started?
 

I am with VC on this one... Buy the best that you can afford... You can get a $200 bow and go out and kill deer... but if you are going to truly be confident, shoot and hunt alot.. You should go get the best that you can... No sense spending $300 this year and then Spending $600 next year for something top quality... If you buy the more expensive bow, then you can upgrade the components as you go... I bought the mathews Legacy, and as I go I will upgrade the sight, rest, ect. But I don't have to replace the bow. that is the most expensive part... That's just my 2 cents, but I hate junk... Especially in the woods... I don't get to go as much as I would like. So I want my time in there to be the best it can be.... Good Luck

RE: How much to get started?
 

I agree with the other guys on the nice bow option. Think about it, here in Michigan you can bow hunt nearly three months of the year. Most guys here spend at least 500-1000$ for a gun to hunt two weeks of the year so why not spend the same for a bow????

RE: How much to get started?
 

Check out the HighCountry Powerforce. My nephew got started into bowhunting this year and he got the bow with sights,rest,quiver,release,6 carbon arrows and a carrying case for about $450. The price may suggest that this is an entry level bow but its shoots great,its quiet,reasonably fast (around 265fps with a 29" draw set at 65#). My opinion is that Matthews and HighCountry are two companies that you can expect to get quality products no matter the price.

RE: How much to get started?
 

Here's my Setup, has been great and I don't see a need for anything else for a few more years.

Buckmasters G2 bow: $300
Savage systems pendulum sight: $50
C-Peep: $10
Boodoodle zapper 3000 rest: $40
1 dozen Easton 400 grains Excel Carbonaeros (arrow): $55
Muzzy 100 grain 3-blade arrowheads: $30
"The Block" target: $50
Tru-fire Release: $30
Bow Case: $50

---------------------------------------

TOTAL: $615 (Minimum)

-Don't really need a stabalizer, every shooter has their own preference
-Don't need treestands if you have great trees to sit in
-Asuming you have Camo clothes already


* Never shoot at the first deer you see, wait for the MONSTER that's lagging behind *