Getting into Bowhunting
 

Hey, I am thinking of getting into bowhunting soon , and I was woundering if you guys can give me a genral list of all the stuff you need from practicing to clothes to your weapon.

Thanks

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

Ishoot a bowtech bow, vapor arrows (the old ones)G5 montec broadheads,a jim fletcher fletchunter shorty release, and a 1970 model ben pearson recurve. But, there are alot of good products out there.

Scentlok clothes have become a staple for me in the last few years and I really noticed a difference this past season when a pin from my ol' man climber decided to detach itself from my stand on the walk in, so I hunted on the ground and had a3 1/2yr old8pt walk within 10yards of me from downwind.I keep myclothes in a bag, witha scent wafer and wash them in scent elimnating wash. I suit up just before going in the woods.

Shooting a bow is just like learning to do anything else, practice makes perfect. Just and hour a week in the preseason will keep you sharp and eventually it will just become second nature. Shooting 3D targets and shooting from the stand you plan to hunt from is a good way to prepare.

If you happen to be around Memphis,TN stop by Everything Archery I'd be happy to let you test shoot some bows and help you learn to shoot.
Good Luck.

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

Welcome to the boards, glad to have ya around. Do a search, there is alot of threads like yours about getting into bowhunting. First piece of advice, is to shoot alot of bows, make your decision based on what feels the best toyou as the shooter, and not something someone on here tells you to buy. There are alot of great bow companies out there. Also get your self set up at agood local archery shop. If they seem to be pushing you out the door or hurrying the sale, go elsewhere. Find someone who will take there time to work with you and set you up right. Best of luck buddy.

Shane

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

Welcome!!! The best thing to do when you are first starting is to just read the posts. You will learn so much, from common practices to equipment to the lingo we all use. Then, when you have, specific questions, ask away.

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

Visit your local archery shop (NOTthe sporting goods section of Wal-Mart!).For a beginner, they are probably a better source of info than this website because on here, things can bevery technical and specific (and overwhelming/confusing to someone who doesn't know the first thing about archery). The pro at your local archery shoploves archery and you will make his dayby walking in the door and saying "So, what's this archery stuff all about?" Archery guys lovetalking about archery and they love introducing people to thesport. Just go in and talk to the guy(s). Don't feel like you need to buy anything right away, just ask questions the first time you go. Then, once you know some of the basics, you can start reading the forums on here to build upon the basics. Also, I find good ol' books to be a good source of info. I noticed a revised version of the Field and Stream Bowhunting Handbook just came out. The original was a great intro to bowhunting, and I'm sure the revised version is as well.

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

This first, MOST important, thing you should remember is NEVER buy a bow because "it looks cool", "someone toldme to" or"all the ads say...". The only bow you should buy is one that feels good to you! Period!

When you pick up a bow, DO NOT pull the string back!! The only time you should do that is on the range, with an arrow nocked! I have seen too many beginners dry fire a bow. [:'(]This can cause some damage and depending on the shop, you may wind up buying that bow. Not good. [:'(][:'(]

Ok, on to a basic list. I reccommend that you shoot with a release, because it is the most efficient way ofshooting an arrow.

Bow (That feels good to YOU)
Release
D-Loop (The release attaches to this loop instead of the string)
Arrow Rest
Sight
Peep Sight (This willhelp your accuracy...it's like the rear sight on a gun)
Wrist Sling (This keeps you from gripping/torquing the bow upon release)
Stabilizer(This helps balance the bow and reduces vibration/noise)
Arrows
Armguard (If your draw length is right you won't need one, to keep from smacking your arm. I use mine on cold days, to keep my jacket sleeve out of the way.)

Clothing is pretty subjective. If you already hunt, you'll likely have what you need to bowhunt. If not, then just to start; a long sleeve shirt and pants, for the warmer months. Bibs and a jacket for the cooler months. A good pair of boots is essential. Scent free laundry soap is a MUST.

A good pro shop will help you get set up. Have them measure your draw length, with your release. When I first got into it, they measured me without a release and the draw length was too long. I smacked my arm more than I cared to!! [:@]

You don't have to buy ultra expensive stuff to have a good setup. Remember, the indians whacked deer with sticks and stones!! lol

One more thing...don't try to beMr. Macho and pull 70 lbs!! You'll probably wind up tearing a muscle. Check your state's regulations on the minimum draw weight for hunting, just to see what you HAVE to be able to pull.You'll beusing a lot of different muscles and it takes time to build them.Some bows you'll be able to pull and others you won't...it's not you, it's the engineering of the bow.

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

Very well said Monie!

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

Monie is on the money! Great advice. I'll emphasize to go and get measured for a bow. If you get one that does not fit you, you won't enjoy it as much. You may get good at shooting it, but you'll probably pick up some bad habits along the way. Shoot a bunch of bows in your price range and pick one that feels right to YOU. Nobody else will be able to tell you what feels right to you. Good Luck!

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

Heres a few random tips for you.

1) Scent-free! Even if its just a basic bottle of Scent Killer.
2) Be patient! Very very patient!
3) Practice like hell
4) Stay away from gimmicks like Scent Lok and Scent Blocker....therefore you save money that would have otherwise been wasted.
5) Stay registered on HuntingNet. Most everyone is here to help and do a very good job doing it.


And when you get your oppurtunity to take a deer YOU want, take it. Every deer is a trophy. Never let anyone tell you that your deer is any less of a deer than someone else's. If you think about it, you have to shoot every deer the same way.

RE: Getting into Bowhunting
 

AMEN