I’ve been a hunter for a long time and thinking about starting bow hunting but know nothing about bows. Where do I start?
Any specific mid-range brands to look at or stay away from? Specific accessories that I will need or would be convenient?
Also does anyone use recurve’s or just stick to a compound?
What about arrows and heads? That’s a pretty big spectrum to decide on too.
anyone?
It has been a very long time since I bow hunted, so I couldn’t tell you about the newest technology. I would stay away from the recurve as they have less power, are harder to hold drawn and are more likely to wound.
Go to a dedicated bow shop to get outfitted, it will cost you more, but you will walk away satisfied. Expect to pay $500 for all the equipment and practice, practice, practice.
What state are you in?
[quote]Testy1 wrote:
I would stay away from the recurve as they have less power, are harder to hold drawn and are more likely to wound.[/quote]
Not to be argumentative, but what evidence do you have to support the claim that a recurve is less powerful and more likely to wound? 50 pounds is 50 pounds and a bad shot is a bad shot, regardless of the bow type.
[quote]Testy1 wrote:
Go to a dedicated bow shop to get outfitted, it will cost you more, but you will walk away satisfied. Expect to pay $500 for all the equipment and practice, practice, practice.[/quote]
This is good advice. You will probably pay a bit more up front for a bow from a shop, but they will set you up and get you shooting right. You may be able to save some money from an on-line store, but unless you know how to set it up (or have a buddy that is competent) you will end up spending your savings having the bow shop set it up for you.
I shoot traditional gear (LBs and recurves). LBs and recurves are much easier to tune, more reliable (I have never left my hand in the truck or had my “sights” break) and just as effective at taking game as compounds. However, traditional gear does requires you to practice regularly. It takes a lot more effort to get to the point where you can consistently put an arrow in a paper plate at 25 yards with traditional gear than it does with a compound. As such, you will typically need to get closer to game for a high percentage shot. I enjoy the challenge and truly appreciate the deer that I have taken with my recurve after stalking to within 15 yards.
If you are starting out new, you might also consider going the used route. There are guys that buy new bows every year and you can get a sweet rig for about half what it would cost new. Do not be afraid of older equipment. I know guys that shoot bows that are close to 15 years old and kill deer every year.
You also need to practice. Check out http://www.3dshoots.com/ and find a club in your area. Most archers are more than willing to help a newb out. 3-D is a great way to practice for hunting shots as well.
You might also consider asking this question on http://www.bowsite.com (compound) or http://www.stickbow.com (traditional) Lots of guys on these forums that are willing to help you get started. Both sites have excellent classifieds sections too.
[quote]VanderLaan wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
I would stay away from the recurve as they have less power, are harder to hold drawn and are more likely to wound.
Not to be argumentative, but what evidence do you have to support the claim that a recurve is less powerful and more likely to wound? 50 pounds is 50 pounds and a bad shot is a bad shot, regardless of the bow type.
[/quote]
While it is true that pound for pound they are they same, most recurves are in the 45# range, with a typical compound shooting 65-70# range. Also, due to the cams the acceleration is greater with the compound. Additionally, the compound will probably have 40% let off, enabling you to hold the draw steadier and longer, providing a cleaner shot.
I am all for the tradition and skill needed for a conventional bow, I just don’t think they are as good for beginners. But then again, it may make for more clean misses.
Head over to the Archery Talk forum.
Personally I think the compound bow is the way to go. My spouse is partial to the Mathews brand. There is a good market for used equipment. My spouse’s favorite is a model that’s 2 or 3 years old.
All the gear used to equip the bow, like the sight and such, are important and must be dialed in for your body. I disagree that the bow shops will do a good job on this. My spouse is constantly re-rigging people’s bows that were set up poorly by the shop.
For stalking deer, you need to make yourself invisible with the right camo and as scent-free as possible, and use the wind correctly. Of course you need to get much closer to the animal than you would need to when hunting with a gun.
For shooting the deer, you must hit the right spot that will kill it quickly. You have to get within YOUR range (this depends on equipment and skill) AND have the right angle of shot without obstruction in order to take a responsible shot at the animal. The angles and location are well understood and have names like quartering away, etc. You may have to take some archery safety course, depending on your state, where they will go over this in detail.
I think it is funny that on Archery Talk, they apparently have controversies and raging debates just like here on T-Nation. For example, they recently had a big fight over types of arrows.
I am a complete newb at hunting in general but always wanted to try out bow hunting. I have shot traditional long bows with some good accuracy. I watch the hunting channel a fare amount specially when it comes to stalking and setting up stands. I get super spastic when the guy is about to draw and make the shot. My room-mate says I sound like someone watching the super bowl.
Nothing like a slow roast of bambi!!!
[quote]Testy1 wrote:
VanderLaan wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
I would stay away from the recurve as they have less power, are harder to hold drawn and are more likely to wound.
Not to be argumentative, but what evidence do you have to support the claim that a recurve is less powerful and more likely to wound? 50 pounds is 50 pounds and a bad shot is a bad shot, regardless of the bow type.
While it is true that pound for pound they are they same, most recurves are in the 45# range, with a typical compound shooting 65-70# range. Also, due to the cams the acceleration is greater with the compound. Additionally, the compound will probably have 40% let off, enabling you to hold the draw steadier and longer, providing a cleaner shot.
I am all for the tradition and skill needed for a conventional bow, I just don’t think they are as good for beginners. But then again, it may make for more clean misses.[/quote]
You can get a stickbow in any weight that you want. You can kill any animal in the lower 48 with a 45-50 pound bow.
Bows today have let-offs in the 65-80% range. However, you still have to be able to pull it back and roll the cams over. The lack of let-off with a stickbow only becomes an issue when someone has a bow that is too heavy for them.
Speed has its advantage and disadvantages. All things equal, a faster shooting bow will give you a flatter trajectory, which minimizes/negates errors in yardage estimation. However, super-fast bows are generally difficult to shoot accurately, as any form flaw is magnified by the speed. Conversely, a relatively slow and long bow is more forgiving of form flaws. In short, you need to weigh trading speed for accuracy/forgiveness.
There are pros and cons to each type of bow. It all boils down to whether or not the OP is willing to put in the time necessary to become proficient with the bow that he chooses and if he is willing to limit himself to ethical shots. If he fails to do this, it does not matter what type of bow he chooses.
[quote]andersons wrote:
Head over to the Archery Talk forum.
My spouse is partial to the Mathews brand. There is a good market for used equipment. My spouse’s favorite is a model that’s 2 or 3 years old. [quote]
Mathews makes a great bow. However, I would not classify Mathews as a mid-priced bow. They are definitely a top-tier bow. Around here, a used Mathews will go for about $500 - without any of the extras. Add in the extras and you are looking at spending a minimum of $800.
[quote]andersons wrote: I disagree that the bow shops will do a good job on this. My spouse is constantly re-rigging people’s bows that were set up poorly by the shop.[quote]
He needs to find a reputable shop that does good work.
[quote]andersons wrote: For stalking deer, you need to make yourself invisible with the right camo and as scent-free as possible, and use the wind correctly. [quote]
Camo is designed to extract money from the hunter’s wallet. You can kill deer/elk/bears in a tuxedo if you use the wind and watch your movement. I usually bow hunt in army fatigues and a grey and white flannel shirt or a brown windproof sweater. If you think camo is key to success, please explain how all those deer/elk/bear died before the advent of camo clothing?
True. Get a group of guys together and they will likely argue over pretty much anything. The sad thing is when people get personal.
This thread is making me miss my days in the northwoods of WI and MN… I haven’t shot a bow in far too long. 
[quote]VanderLaan wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
VanderLaan wrote:
Testy1 wrote:
Speed has its advantage and disadvantages. All things equal, a faster shooting bow will give you a flatter trajectory, which minimizes/negates errors in yardage estimation. However, super-fast bows are generally difficult to shoot accurately, as any form flaw is magnified by the speed. Conversely, a relatively slow and long bow is more forgiving of form flaws. In short, you need to weigh trading speed for accuracy/forgiveness.
There are pros and cons to each type of bow. It all boils down to whether or not the OP is willing to put in the time necessary to become proficient with the bow that he chooses and if he is willing to limit himself to ethical shots. If he fails to do this, it does not matter what type of bow he chooses.
[/quote]
While everything you say is technically true, accuracy comes down to trajectory and how well you can hold and aim a drawn bow. Most people will have an easier time holding the draw with a significant let off, I know I always did.
I started off as a 10 year old wandering the fields with my 35# recurve, and I was a pretty good shot, but never as good as with my 65# compound.
I agree that none of this matters if you don’t put in the time, that’s why I no longer bowhunt.
Tradition bow hunting all the way!!!
its an absolute addiction.
Compounds make things easier… Traditional takes more skill… but its also more fun and cheaper. It can be just as accurate… its more a matter of practice. Personally I think compounds are people being lazy and it takes alot of the fun out of it.
Personally I shoot a 52" recurve that I bought on ebay thats an awesome shooter. It only cost me about 60$. The important part of shooting is learning technique before pciking up alot of bad habbits which can be hard to break.
Thanks everyone. I went to a few sporting goods stores and talked to people. A few were very helpful and took their time explaining stuff to me. I ended up buying a 60-70lb Bowtech compound. The sales guy was awesome. A semi-retired guy that’s been bow hunting all his life. He was so enthusiastic about teaching and showing it was amazing.
I spent the weekend looking around the net and on ebay but decided to spend a couple hundred more for a new one since I really don’t know enough to tell a junk used one from a good used one.
I’ve only put about a dozen arrows through it, but damn it’s accurate at 25 yards. I haven’t shot one since I was a kid shooting a cheap K-mart bow and I put every single one in a 5inch group.
I also really like the idea of a recurve or long bow. I think I might get one and start practicing on that for a while and maybe get comfortable enough with it to take it out a few times later in the season or next year.
I absolutely agree on never taking an unethical shot. I think those that do should have their trigger finger cut off. They give all hunters a bad name.
To whoever asked, I’m in Oklahoma and bow season is continuous from October 1st to January 15th and gun is only from Nov. 22nd to December 7th with an end of December special antlerless. So my main motivation for a bow was the much longer season… but I think I’ve found my new addiction.
Good for you. Bowtech makes nice gear.
Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but: is it possible to hunt boar with a bow? Or does that a bad idea?
[quote]LUEshi wrote:
Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but: is it possible to hunt boar with a bow? Or does that a bad idea?[/quote]
Look up Howard Hill… http://www.howardhillarchery.com/the-legends-story.html
Part of his kill list is.
* Elephant…3
* Buffalo…1
* Lions…2
* Leopard…1
* Zebra…1
* Impala…4
* Wildebeest…2
* Thomson’s Gazelle…2
* Hartebeest…1
* Grant’s Gazelle…2
* Wart Hog…3
* Forest Hog…1
* Cheetah…2
* Buffalo…1
* Moose…4
* Elk…3
* Wild Jackass…12
* Black Bear…6
* Grizzly Bear…1
* Mule Deer…27
* White Tail Deer…7
* Dwarf Deer…2
* Black Tail Deer…36
* Pacific Coast Deer…4
* Pronghorn Antelope…4
* Mountain Sheep…3
* Wild Goat…129
* Mountain Goat…2
* Peccary…6
* Wild Boar…101
* Cougar…5
* Jaguar…1
* Lynx Cat…3
* Bobcat…12
* Timber Wolf…1
* Coyote…5
* Bull Hairy Seal…6
* Bull Elephant Seal…1
So yes, definitely possible. I’d want to be sure I knew what I was doing though, they can be some mean critters.
Howard Hill has been asked many times to tell the facts on bagging an elephant with a bow and arrow.
Following is a list of questions and answers.
That is so god damn manly hair sprouted on my back just from reading it.
[quote]VanderLaan wrote:
Good for you. Bowtech makes nice gear.
[/quote]
Thanks for your insight.
Like you, I was trying not to come across as too argumentative, not always an easy thing to accomplish on the web.
[quote]Testy1 wrote:
VanderLaan wrote:
Good for you. Bowtech makes nice gear.
Thanks for your insight.
Like you, I was trying not to come across as too argumentative, not always an easy thing to accomplish on the web.[/quote]
Not a problem. Discussion is a good thing. In this day and age, it does not matter what gear someone uses. It is more important to get people in the outdoors.