I have never bowhunted before never shot a compound bow and really have not gotten heavy into modern rifle hunting, but the season seems longer for bowhunters but is it that hard for whitetail hunting, and what does it take to get started, in terms of bow and just anything in general

atleast you got one thing right so far.......being here!!!!

datruthab--it will be challenging but the end is worth it. If you have a bow shop around you, go to them and have someone show you their bows--shoot them until you like the feel of one of them. Then practice like crazy with your bow until you are very confident in your shooting. After that, its getting in the woods and gaining experience.

BOWHUNTING is in a class all by it's self as far as the thrill of it. I've laid my hunting guns down for the thrill of big game hunting with a bow. Often times when first starting out it may feel like an "Exercise in Futility," but once it all comes together, you become addicted to it. IT draws you in like a drug, and as the season ends a mild depression sets in. I believe "successful" bowhunters oftentimes develop an intimate understanding of the game they hunt, and tend to become better hunters as they learn to watch the game they are hunting and observe and study it's behavior. I know that I have a much greater understanding of and repect for deer after having bowhunted them for the last 16 seasons. And I hope that I can continue to bowhunt until the end of my days on this earth. If you are not ready to have something that draws you and interrupts your thoughts during the workday, fills your dreams at night, and consumes your spirit while you are doing it, then DO NOT START BOWHUNTING!!!

If you dare venture, go to a GOOD pro-shop, and get measured, shoot some bows, figure out what draw-weight is most comfortable for you, and then research everything you can. Find a bow that feels comfortable in your hand and on the draw, don't WORRY about speed, the name on the limbs, the bow your friend shoots, etc, get what fits YOU best. Put a few thousand shots on it, and then get ready to tune BH's. Fight with the rest, tweak the pins, adjust the nock point, get everything in perfect place, and then regardless of all of that practice, totally MISS the first deer you shoot at!!!! Don't worry, MOST of us did, that's what shows our character as hunters, the ability to get back "on the horse", correct what we did wrong, and ride again. That first bowkill is like no other a moment, embossed in your mind forever. The draw of the bow as the animal's head goes behind a tree, the pounding of your heart waiting for its vitalsto clear the tree and enter the shooting lane, the excitement you feel as you settle that pin right on the pump-station, and the beauty of watching a perfectly placed arrow disappear into the hair of that hide. Watching the animals let loose in it's glorious deathrun, knowing that you just became one with nature and one of hers is now yours. A quick clean kill, an animals dashes until it's body can run no more, and falls in sight. ONCE YOU EXPERIENCETHIS, your body and mind will come to NEED it, just as it needs food and hydration. Your soul will YEARN for the changing of the leaves so it can be re-united with its maker. Then and only then can you be at your one true inner peace.

Bowhunting is my HEALTHY addiction that I live each day wishing I could be doing. Not playing baseball, or basketball, or chasing a white ball around on a golf course that some idiot can never hit where it is supposed to go in the first place. It's an addiction that makes you addicted to archery as well, yearning time and time again to feel that "Oh so sweet" feeling of and arrow hitting its mark, the bittersweet feeling of a tip hitting a nock and knowing that you've just struck your first "Robinhood."

I'll never find another "Hobby" in life that can change me, re-define whoI am and what I do, and keep me entranced in it to such an extent again.

My best advice,venture carefully, choose wisely!!!

Find a shop and shoot every bow possible, even used bows. Don't let someone talk you into a bow that doesn't feel good and shoot good in YOUR hands! Get the correct spine arrows and start shooting and shoot some more, it will all come to you after that and you 'll be having fun, which is the most important part! Jump on in!!!!!!

Find a friend that bow hunts, have him take you to a good pro shop in your area, talk with the owner and some of the customers in there and get the feel for the enviroment. Look at some bows. Have the dealer suggest one for a beginner. If hes honest he wont try to sell you a 500-800.00 bow. Get a bow that you can afford and one that is comfortable and FITS you, the dealer can help you with this. Find a few you like and ask if you can shoot them. make sure the draw legnth and weight are suitable. This is critical in becoming a good archer. Once you pick ou the bow you like the best. Have the dealer set it up. Expect to pay anywhere from 75.00-300.00 in accessories, quiver, release, arrows, sight, rest, etc. Even if you buy a 329.00 bow, it can easilly turn into a 600.00 setup over time. Ten once you have it all set up, practice. Practiceis the most critical part of bow hunting and shooting. Get to know your gear and how to use it. Havefun with it. Once you get good enough or have enough faith in yourself and the equipment, take it to the woods.I do not recomend taking your bow out to the woods the first year afte buying a bow. If your dealer has techno hunt, go shoot some with some buddies, its a blast and can help you get familiar with the kill zones and differnt shot placements at different angles. I knwo it sounds like alot of work and it is, but once you get started, youll be hooked. Have fun with it.

Read everything you can get your hands on.....get fitted for a bow........and get a comfortable stand.

The rest will take care of itself. I promise.

This is a Great place to start! There might even be a fellow HNI brother close enough to help you get started. Lots of good advice already given.

One thing to always remember is keep it fun!!

Dan

I think the biggest challenge to starting, especially from absolute ground zero, is the financial requirement. Lets face it, this stuff ain't cheap, and if you've got to get everything.....bow, accessories, arrows, broadheads, camo, layering clothing, treestand.......boots......scent elimination..........to start with absolutely nothing and get what you need will be expensive. There is no way around that. There are ways to cut a corner here and there, but........If you start out w/ nothing, and need it all.....be prepared to spend some grip.

That's about all I can add to what's already been said.

Visa will be there for you...
Entry level to mid level to higher end gear...
~ Bow, case, site, rest, quiver, arrows,broadheads, release, tree stand = $800 - $1,200 - $1,600.

Seeing deer in the woods close enough to shoot them with archery is awesome in itself.
Tagging a deer is another memorable experience which is...
PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!