Hey guys. I just got a new Keyson Country Store's Bowhunting catalog and have seen several package bows under the $300.00. Now I'm really interested in the sport. Has anyone here ever purchased a package bow? I'm a newbie to bowhunting and have been to my local proshop but the bows that I saw, both new and used, were too expensive in my honest opinion. Is it a good idea to purchase one of the packages and just get it set up at a proshop or is it better to get a used bow for around the same price and buy all the accessories separately? What are your thoughts?

well first of all, welcome to the sport. The addiction will begin soon. In my opinion, i would suggest getting a moderately priced bow and buying good accessories. I looked for nearly 4 months before finding the "right" bow. I understand you may not have that kind of time but be patient. Second, in my opinion the accessories can make the bow. Good sights, rest, etc. will do you right. You can also keep these items and put them on a new bow if you decide to do so. Good luck. Check you the free classifieds at Archerytalk.com

welcome hunter E, ditto everything dwd2001 said plus what about your draw, if you go to a good shop and be "fitted" for a bow you'll be a lot happier in the long run. if you have any kind of problems the shop will help, what will a mail order place do, besides you sending the bow back, if you know for sure all the things you need to know, draw lenght, rest, sights, set-up, arrow selection, broad heads, feathers, vanes and all go for it. but otherwise like i mentioned i think you'd be better off finding a good shop

Well....I was in the same situation that you were in 2 summers ago... My parents purchassed some timber to build a house on so i decided to try bowhunting... I looked around for about a month before i finally bought my bow... Since i am an inexperienced hunter and didn't have a whole lot of money to spend i ended up buying a package bow. It was the 2002 model but i got it for cheper but it was a decent starting bow. I bought it at scheels in iowa city and i spent 3 and a half hours there getting everything set up on it. They adjusted the draw weight, the draw length, cut my arrows, put in a peep sight, put a sting loop on for my release, and the whole 9 yards. I then practiced every day before the season started... IMO package bows are good starter bows if you get them set up for you... I graduate from college in may and im hoping to get a government job at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque New Mexico....But as soon as i get a job, im gonna invest some good money into a nicer bow and put everything on it exactly how i want it... I am glad that i bought this bow that i have now because it was something good to learn with and it was something that i used to make sure that bowhunting is something that i really want to do... I love bow hunting, and im 100% positive that im going to stick with it.

I agree with what everyone says. Make sure that the bow you get is setup for you. But also remember this, bowhunting is 90% mental and 10% equipment. Get the bow setup for you and just practice as much as you can.

If you're looking for a package deal because you're not sure if bowhunting is for you don't worry, It is! A package bow might be a good start if you fit the description above but IOO(In our opion) it's best to get properly fitted with the bow you choose from a reputable shop. Pse for example sells bows and there shop has accessory packages if you want to go that route but in the long run I believe you'll be happier if you pick out a good rest and sight. IMO these are of the two most important accessories you'll add to your bow. A quiver and stabilizer will also help but I think you'll be happier in the long run if you don't end up replacing the package accessories next season because you want something a littler better.

Welcome aboard and stick around. Even through the off season. There is a great bunch of guys hear who know a lot and have probably literally thousands of years combined experience with archery and bow hunting. You've found the right place!

It is just about critical to have the propper fitting bow to be a consistant shooter. Some options I would consider would be to at least have someone measure your draw length. Knowing this will at least allow you to order the correct draw. But it is also a question of fit. I like a thin grip and others like them thin. My build is stout and lean which includes kinda short (27.5" draw). I dig my setup and you might hate it because it doesn't fit. Short brace height vs. your skill level can get you a little over you head at first too.

Consider a big name used bow? Some of us can only go a couple seasons before we upgrade to the new stuff. Nothing wrong with the old.

My first bow was a package deal but from a Hoyt dealer. The money I spent felt good but after shooting it for a while I replaced just about everything (sites/rest...) hoping to get it to shoot better. Just didn't fit correctly.

Thanks to all who responded. Yeah, I think I might have to keep checking out some different proshops. This is the setup that really got me interested in going with a package set up:

http://www.huntersfriend.com/deerhunterpkg.htm

I'll let everyone know how everything works out.