Hi Folks,

I've been into Black Powder Shooting / Hunting for years but thought I'd return to Bow Hunting now that the Kids have left and I have some more time.

While I've done a search on this forum, I can't find much for suggestions for getting started. I've had a couple of compounds in the past but it's been 20 years since I've taken a serious look. I don't think carbon arrows were even out yet.

I'd really like to pick up a used bow at first to make sure I'll use it before sinking in the big bucks.

Suggestions on getting started?

There are quite a few manufacturers out there that make a decent bow for a decent price; Bear, PSE, Diamond, Martin.

The important thing is a bow that fits you and you shoot well.

If you didnt want to go used and get a nice new bow thats not to expensive id try out the bowtech assasin its a package bow. They were going for like 600 something last year so this year probly get it for 5 something at the right dealer. Just an idea. But deffintly shoot some bows at a bow shop and see what you like. Good luck. Im sureyou will love bow hunting!

Go to a good reputable Archery Shop and check out the new Bows,You'll find most are reasonably priced and have good life time warranties when bought new!Some times buying a Used Bow can cost You more if they weren't taken care of unless You can get one from a Friend that takes care of their equipment?Always have a Used Bow checked out and especially the string!

The new Mission Bows are nice and reasonably priced and made by Matthews so Your getting a good quality Bow.You should try out many different Bows to see which one fits You the best and is more enjoyable to shoot!

Bows have come a long ways over the years and each year there is something better about them that makes them faster,quieter and more reliable.Resale on Used Bows are pretty low because of this.

I would suggest Carbon Arrows,a good hand/wrist release,putting a D-loop on the string,using a good drop-away rest and a simple 2 or 3 pin sight,a good sharp fixed 3-blade like the Montec G-5 or NAP HellRazor among other things You'll need to get started!

This is exactly right. And they recommend that you change your string every 2 years and more often for the more avid shooters. So you will have to take that into consideration when buying a used bow, you might have the additional expense of replacing the string and cables.

Josmund, as others have stated, definitely make sure you get into something that fits you both draw length and poundage. Bows have come a long way over the past 20 years that I have been in archery. I encourage you to visit a few archery shops and shoot some different bows. Even if you find a good used bow, make sure to look it over really well or have someone help you with this. Today's bows are transferring a lot of energy and a slightly cracked limb could result in a bad injury for you or someone around you if the bow were to blow up as they say. All the bow companies I have dealt with have warrantied there products whether you are the original owner or not. Carbon arrows are also the way to go IMO. They are either straight or totally useless from a bad impact. No need to worry about a bent arrow like we did when shooting aluminum. Most of the companies market package bow deals that start between $400.00 and $500.00. They usually include everything you need to get started except a release and arrows. Keep in mind that they usually don't put very high end accessories on these package bows so if you think you might change out the rest, sight or quiver any time soon, you might be better off buying a bare bow and adding the accessories that you want. Also keep in mind that if looking at a used bow and it is more than say 5 years old, it is not worth a hole lot. Bows do not hold value like a good gun does. Also, don't get hung up in the Ford is better than Dodge which is better than Chevy type of debate. Every bow company out there, including the ones you have probably not heard of, will warranty their products usually for life. Buy a bow that feels good to you when you shoot it and you will be happier in the long run. Good luck. HD.