I wanna start bowhunting!
 

I wanna start bowhunting, but I have never even held a bow. I have nobody to show me what to get to start off with. I DO NOT PLAN ON HUNTING THIS YEAR!!! I want to practice a lot before I go into the woods. What is the best way to go about getting into shooting?

RE: I wanna start bowhunting!
 

Go to a local archery store/range. They'll hook you up with the correct equipment and will show you how to shoot. Do some 3D archery during the winter, etc.

RE: I wanna start bowhunting!
 

Im in the same boat....want to get into it but know it will be best to wait till next season and practise practise practise.

I would suggest along with talking with your local dealers that u pick up some books and begin reading up on some basics like tracking, field dressing, ect....

RE: I wanna start bowhunting!
 

I started out the same way. Everyone here at this site got me into it. I would say first thing is to find a bow that fits you. Work on your form. go to a pro shop and have them check your form and show you how to shoot a bow. try to find people you know who bowhunt or shoot a bow. a local pro shop should be able to set you up with all teh equipment. it's tough teaching yourself, but if you have people there to guide you along the way, it makes it quite a bit easier. try and find a pro shop and somewhere you can shoot indoors over teh winter. i built a small range inside our shop/shed. it was only 10 yards long, but i was still able to work on my form all winter. It's good to see you guys just sitting out this year. i saw a guy down to cableas the other day that was planning on buying a bow, arrows, and all the other toosl and planned on going out in the next week. practice practice practice in teh off season. good luck

slayer

RE: I wanna start bowhunting!
 

The hardest part about starting is making sure your getting a good deal on your equipment. I have mixed opinions on pro shops. Some are just out to sell you something. Some will actually take the time to teach you something. Good Luck. I would agree with deerslayer find some ppl in your area you know and go to the same pro shop.

RE: I wanna start bowhunting!
 

I would also pickup a good book about bows such as "The Complete Hunter, Bowhunting Equipment and Skills"

I went to my local hunting store and started looking at bows. I figured they would help me choose the right bow. The certianly helped me choose a bow. I walked out with a nice used package that I was very excited about. After reading, practicing and posting questions here and there I soon learned that my bow was not at all tuned for my frame. Draw length was waaay too long. Taking it back the draw length was adjusted as low as it would go but on the bow I had it was still too long (only adjusted down to 29", I needed 27").

If I would have educated myself better about equipment I would have made a much better choice but I relied upon someone else and lost. So, my advise is to take some time, read and ask questions here when your stuck.

Jeremy

RE: I wanna start bowhunting!
 

u might not actually hunt but u can still go hunting...if nothing else to scout good spots for next year...the more time u can spend in the woods the better

RE: I wanna start bowhunting!
 

Don't buy the cheap stuff, and spend time looking before you buy. I got a cheap rest, then I went and bought a wiskerbisquet. I found once you buy the bow you have to get all the goodies with it, this price adds up fast! Take your time finding the sight, rest, and stablizer. Get some good arrows too, and save half of them for next year for broadheads.

RE: I wanna start bowhunting!
 

I'm still new to bowhunting myself - my second bow season and just got my first doe last weekend. I started out on the cheap - used bow, cheap rest, arrows, etc. - then upgraded as I improved. It worked for me because it was a very forgiving setup and I was able to concentrate more on my form...

One warning - you are about to partake in a VERY addictive sport. You will soon love to pratice and enjoy the "mystical flight of the arrow". My 6 year-old is addicted too, so that just adds fuel to my passion.

Good luck and so try to find a local archery club or 3D range. I have found other archers to be very helpful to the beginners (just look at this site for example).