My next door neighbor listens to all my hunting stories. He claims he wants to deer hunt, but only with a bow. He feels that it's more sporting. This guy has never hunted a day in his life. That's cool. I'm all about helping another into our incredible sport. But how? Between bows and camo and calls and whatever, I've collected enough stuff over the years to outfit three hunters, so that's not the problem. Problem is - he's anxious to join me in the woods this coming season. I don't have time to take a green archer who's never picked up a bow in his life to hunting ability in a handful of months. What do I say to this guy? How do I help him out? I've never run into this in 24 years of bow hunting. Thanks for the input.

Direct him here, give him the URL. When you can't help him, we can.

i agree with washington hunter, as to what to say to him, thats a different story, i suppose you could tell him if you know him well enough, that maybe hes not quite ready, but definatly get into some 3d shoots for practice and to get to know his bow!! hope this helps!

I would say that if he is REALLY serious about it and he is old and mature enough to handle what it would take then tell him to get outfitted as soon as possible. Tell him that when ever you go to the local range or 3D shoot or just practice in the back yard that he should come with you. Do a lot of shooting at the pro shop where the "pros" can help give him a lot of instruction and take some of the pressure off of you so that you can get in some shooting time also. After he has all of the basic skills then take him to the 3D shoots or just practice in the yard at unknown distances so he can learn to judge distance.

Explain to him that if he really wants to do this he will need to put in the time to practice as much as possible. Let him know up front that if he is not willing to put in the time then he will have to wait until the next season to put his newely learned skills to the ultimate test.

If he is willing to do what it takes I think you should be OK with your time frame.

Basically made it abundantly available to him to practice with you.

Hey if your willing to take the time with him, and he is serious about hunting then teach him, I wish i had someone to teach me when I started, If her is willing to work hard and practice then I don't see why he wouldn't be ready for this fall, like Washington Hunter said when you cant cant help him send him here, I am sure all these guys can help in some way...

definetely good advice is to send him here .I would also take him out as well,but you take him to one bush and you go to the other and get him to meet you at a certain time and he won't spoil your hunt ,of course that's if you've got 2 properties close together .I would also put him at the other end of where your hunting ,he just might spook something your way,who know's it could actually work in your favour.I've never worried about taking a green hunter in the wood's with me ,i have 2 kid's that go with me as well ,we all have to learn somewhere and who's better than yourself to teach them. Take him with you and put him in a position where he won't be near you. Tell him to stay put till a certain time and if he doesn't then you tried, and he doesn't come back.

nubo

Oh no I agreeing with Nubo. Who knows maybe I turning a new leaf. I would let him borrow a bow and pratice until he can atleast shoot to 30 yrds and take him in the woods.

Being that I hunt resisdential and some in places I have climbed back down the tree, changed cloths and packed up with a dozen deer 15 yrds away watching me the whole time, I'd hunt 75yrds away with a camcorder. I'm sure that would be the funniest video to watch years down the road.

Just tell him the truth. You'd rather take a deer than help him get started.

I guess nobody took time out of their busy lives to help you along?

Get him shooting as soon and as often as possible. If he can't make the shot when presented there isn't much point in sitting in a tree waiting and I'd let him know that.
IOM bowhunting is a passion. You have it or you don't! If you have it shooting 4-5 times weekly is fun and rewarding. If you don't it becomes a chore and form, accuracy and determination will wither and suffer. I'd get him shooting and see which he is. If he has the passion and is willing to put the time, effort and dedication it takes in, then you've got a great seed.
As far as hunting, it may be easier to pick up an inexpensive hang on stand and scout him a spot rather then take him to your honey hole. I don't know your land situation so that may not be possible.

Most importantly I think he should become proficent with his weapon, and should be taught good ethics. If he's never hunted before you may want to show him a couple of hunting videos where the animals dies. This could change his feeling about hunting, it's not for everyone and I've seen people with lots of regret because they weren't prepared mentally for the harvest.

Good luck and thanks for you efforts to increase our numbers

Actually, no. My Dad gave me a bow on my 12th birthday and I went out and learned about everything I know on my own about hunting. I really sucked the first few years because I didn't have a mentor. It's not that I don't want to help this guy, just don't think I'd be able to devote enough time to properly help this guy out. But a little help is better than nothing I suppose.