Should I start bow hunting?
 

I've never tried it. Gun hunted for years though. Can I acquire the skill? is it worth it? What about cross bows -- any respect for them?

Thanks!

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

i use a crossbow and aways have i like them they are differenet then a gun and harder. im going to use a compound bow next year though i just got one this is my first

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

O, and yes it is worth it and you should try it.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

I don't really encourage anyone to be a bowhunter without becoming an archer first.

Ask yourself if you are willing to put in a couple hours a night for a few months to become proficient and learn archery. There's nothing worse in my mind than a guy who picks up a bow for a couple weeks before the season and calls himself a bowhunter.

Don't let this come across as negative. It's just my opinion that bowhunters should be archers, not opportunists trying to get in a longer hunting season. I think a profound love of shooting bows and arrows should be as much a part of bowhunting as the hunt itself.

Just my $.02 worth.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Ak, i guess you are the best at everything[:@]

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Well put Doug.[:-]

Whats up with this comment n23?
Oh! I see now.
[:o]

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Nitro- You asked. I have never said I was the best. I am far from it. I will not be drawn into a peeing contest with you.

However, the bowhunting world is now wrought with slobs and I believe a lot of that comes from not taking the archery side seriously. I can forgive misses, I can even forgive lost animals. However, I hate hearing about these things from guys that just pick up a bow to get an extra season, but don't put in the time to become a good archer.

I would recommend that ANYONE start shooting archery. It is a life altering sport to me. There is a magic to shooting an arrow that very few sports can match. I could care less if you shoot traditional or compound, the magic for me is the same.

If you are not considering spending time at being an archer, then I suggest that you keep shooting your cross bow. I actually see nothing wrong with that.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

The rewards are definately worth all the effort it takes to become proficient with a bow. And for myself, I never stop learning while bow hunting. If you get a rush from gun hunting wait until you try bowhunting. If possible, try to hook up with a couple of 3D shoots during the year and you will get a whole new dynamic of bow hunting instead of just hitting a target from 20 yards. Try it, you wont like it, you will love it.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Yes you should give it a try. It's a rush. It won't take you that long to become proficient with todays equipment. Go to a good pro-shop and get set up.See if the owner or someone will give you some help with your form and the basics.

Your better shooting a few arrows at a time then two hour, 200 arrow marathons when you start.

Well that's exactly why I picked up the bow about 15 years ago. I was ready for the woods when it came time to hunt. Still don't shoot all year long. When the walleye/salmon are biting I'm fishing. Still am a fanatic when it come to bow hunting.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

I started bow hunting 2 yrs ago and I love it. I thought about starting 5 yrs ago
but I didnt think I could be good enough with a bow to shoot a deer. a friend talked me into it, and another buddy works at a pro shop and he set me up.
I have shot 3 deer in the last 2 years, all it takes is a tuned bow and practice,and a good stand set up of course:D

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

I always grimace a bit when I read or hear someone say that learning to be proficient with a bow is not that difficult and can be accomplished in a short time. I have been shooting bows for over 40 years and bowhunting deer for 39 years, and I am still making mistakes and still learning. That is just in the "archery" (only) area. Bowhunting is a separate area of learning, and the application of what is learned differs from person to person and area to area.

I can take an individual that has never shot a bow, put a compound in his or her hands, provide eyes and hands on instructions, and within a short period of time I can have that person shooting fairly accurate and grouping decently….on a target. However, in most cases, consistency will be inconsistent and far down the road.

Once I instructed a person to (just) shoot a bow with some proficiency and then I walked away, would be like abandoning a person in the middle of a vast forest without a compass, a map, and a sense of direction. Some would immediately become confused, disoriented, and just walk in circles until they gave up. Some would stumble around until they found their way out. However, it would take a long time and most would not fully comprehend how they found their way out.

Learning all that should be known about archery and archery equipment, and hunting large game with a bow, is not an easy task that can be accomplished in a short period of time if a person is to be a fully competent archer, shooter, and bowhunter. It just does not work that way.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

AKDoug and nub said it all.
Practice and get good and you will enjoy it.:) Just pick up a compound and go hunting and you will join the rest of the ranks, Asking about tracking a wounded deer when its to late. [:'(] Practice doesn't make perfect, but it will put deer in the freezer:D

If you can't find the patience to practice and learn, where are you going to find the patience to have a deer walk under your stand?

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

It doesn't take monthes to become profecient with todays equipment.

How is what I said so much different then this?

Some of you people are a little too full of yourselfs.

You guys are right it's rocket science.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Last post on this thread. I'm sure you can acquire the skill you'll need to take deer with the bow. It's not that hard at least it wasn't for me. Takes some dedication that's for sure, but it's not like your joing a buddist temple to learn Kung fu.

Isit worth it? Sure is , most pure form of hunting there is. You've already been hunting for years so you proably know your way around the woods.

Oh Master may I leave the temple now.lol.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

No doubt, since the mid to late 60's the number of hunters in the field using bows has increased dramatically. I once read an article that said in the 60's to early 70's the number of bowhunters in Michigan was estimated to be 35,000. The estimate is now 300,000…in just Michigan.

I wonder what percentage of those 300,000 bowhunters heard archery and bowhunting was not that difficult to learn in a short a period, bought a compound, finally hit somewhere on a target with at least 3 or 4 arrow, and went deer hunting?

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

:) Try it. You"ll like it. Seriously, go to a pro shop and level with them. Tell them you are a complete novice in need of help. Most of the pro shops are more than glad to spend time with a beginner. It's just good business sense. Try some bows at their range, if one is not available go to one that has the facilities. More than likely, once you try a few bows & shots your interest will either rise or fall. Give it a chance before you go overboard on expensive equipment. Best of luck and Merry Christmas to you.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

why is it that when someone levels with the truth, about how difficult bowhunting can be and how much time and dedication it takes, others see that as an oportunity to make themselves look like idiots trying to bring down the true archers/hunters....

etothepii, give a bow a try for a while, and then add the hunting later.

Anyone in here that thinks its not hard and you can go out and pick up a bow, shoot it a few times and then go hunting, you are just food for anti-hunters, oh well, ill see you guys in the next "i cant find my deer, help!" post on here.....

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Well I lied one last post.

15 years I've lost two deer with the bow. I have a kill ratio of about 96%, sorry if thats not good enough for you real hunters.

Anytime you folks want to shoot some arrows let me know.

Never said anything like that, don't try and put words in my mouth.

This is what I said.

Am I wrong? Shooting for two hours might lead to some form problems.

Yup, when I started bow hunting I did to get extra time in the woods. At that time I didn't know how much I would eventually love the sport. I did however know what I owed the animal when I did hunt. A clean kill.

I know I'm not a real bowhunter because I don't shoot 12 monthes a year. I also like to fish and I run a youth foot ball league. Sorry about that. Can I still go in the woods?

Actually I'm one of those people that get calls to see if I'll come help find a deer. I'm also the type of gut that will give up a day to help someone find a deer.

My son has been shooting since he was 5 he's 13 now and will go bowhunting with me next year. I think he's ready. He's been hunting with me since he was in the secong grade. He knows deer anatomy as been on quite a few blood trails.

Mossy and C903, The truth is you don't squat about my hunting abilities. If I showed this post to some people that knew me they would bust a gut laughing. Sorry I told the guy to go to a pro shop and take some lessons. Did you guys find it hard to shoot your compound bows?

Unbelievable cya.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Well etothepii, ignore the negative talk between the ones arguing. I just started last year and I love it. I have been gun hunting all my life but felt a need to challenge myself. This year I havent even went hunting with my rifle. I love it. But before I hunted, I shot everyday, got help from a bow shop to help me set everything up, and practiced some more. Still its a habit for me to shoot everyday I'm home no matter what the weather or conditions. I practice shooting from the ground standing, kneeling, squating, and any other position possible. I climbed a tree with my climbing stand in the woods around my house and shot continuously from there. Still , everytime I shoot, I learn something new. Its important to make one shot at a time. That means, not just getting out there and shooting arrows for the hell of it. After every shot, look back on what you did, and how it affected your shot. There are many different kinds of setups to use. Just do a little research on this forum or bowhunting magazines and theres accessories for everything. Some I have tried and liked and some I haven't . Its just trial and error and personal preference. It is definately worth the money and time. Good luck and I hope this has helped.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

ET,

Definitely get into bow hunting. I've been using a bow since I was 10 yrs old with some breaks in between for various reasons.

Go to a good archery shop, talk to people that hunt with them, get all the info you can before buying. Understand, it takes a lot of practice and time. I used to be quiet good with a bow and missed deer and boars within 10 yds, when I could consistently hit cigarette pack at 30. There's no in between, you'll either love or hate hit.

I started hunting when only recurves was legal in Georgia. I have been shooting a compound since about l977 or so. My compound is a PSE Nova, however it only has about 35 lbs let off. Because of arthiritis, I'm considering buying a new one with 65 or 70% let off, even so, I'll still have to break the poundage before the letoff happens.

Crossbows, I only have to say that I like it for those who need them for various reasons. Two of my friends can no longer pull bows back because of medical problems and they got permits to use crossbows.

Buy one, enjoy it, and you'll find rifle hunting lacking a little.

Good luck,
dog1

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

i dont see "Charlie P" anywhere in my last post.....

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Bow Hunting is worth it, but not near as easy as gun hunting IMHO. But it takes time to get good. If you do get yourself a bow, look into doing 3D shoots. I shoot with my two sons, we have a great time at the 3D shoots. The 3D shoots make me much more confident in my shooting and distance judging.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Take every thing you read on this site with a grain of salt somewhere in-between what the drama queens and every body else has to say lies the truth .Take up archery. Chances are you will like it. If you are relatively coordinated and are willing to put in the time With a little help from some one that knows what they are doing you can purchase a quality bow tomorrow and be ready to go out next fall .there will limits on what you can shoot but if you are honest with your self you will know what your limits are. Stick to 20 yard high percentage shots (stay away from any frontal shots) make your mistakes, learn, have fun and respect the animal you are hunting. jmho

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

AMEN BROTHER!!!!!! I will never rifle hunt again for Deer or Elk, unless physical conditions prevent me from pulling my bow back

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Charlie P:

I am not aware that I singled you out in any of my posts!! You have your opinions based on your experiences, I have mine.

I am not trying to convince "etothepii" not to take up bowhunting; just the opposite. He should know that if he desires to be a skilled archer and bowhunter, learning everything that needs and should be known about archery and bowhunting can be a daunting task until he is in the groove. Then, it's still an ongoing learning process. That is what makes archery/bowhunting a unique hunting experience that never becomes boring.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Yes you can learn to shot a compound. It just take time and practice.

And No, I have no respect for a crossbow.

RE: Should I start bow hunting?
 

Somewhere between practicing everyday for years and shooting 3 arrows and heading into the woods lies how much practice you will need. Only you can determine that. It will go a lot easier if you have a knowledgable person tune your bow. From there you want to practice like you will hunt. Tree, ground, sitting, standing etc. Shooting is only 1 variable to the equation. The other things more important than shooting are discipline and remaining calm. Shoot only YOUR shots. Which for a beginner should be 20 yds or less, and broadside or slight quartering away aiming for the ribcage. Don't force your shots and don't panic. Having hunted before should help you there.

Good luck.