going to start bow hunting

[Fishaholic]

and need advice on a decent bow under 800 bucks? or do i need to spend more on a good bow.  is it possible to shoot 40 to 50 yards with a bow accuratly and kill a deer or elk? thanks.

[Fishaholic]

i really like the looks of the martin firecat. does anyone have or know anyone with one that they like?

[hoyt2002]

I don't know anyone with that bow. I do know martin bows are good. I know lots of martin bow owners that swear by them. I've shot deer out to 50 with mine. Some peaple say it's to far but to each their own. Lots and lots of practice when you get it.

[bobcat]

I have a Martin Pantera. I'm only good out to 40 yards, but I don't practice much. Haven't hunted with it yet.

What ever happened to buying a 22-250 and moving to Montana?

[hillbilli]

havent played with the martin.. yeah using a modern compound and release, which most modern archery folks do, 40-50 yards is perfectly doable.. go online and watch some archery elk video's.. i had to pass on a 50 yard shot this year because I broke the quiver on my compound right before season and was using my recurve- but yeah if I have been using my compound I would have taken the shot. My buddy that did kill one was at 40yds. and i've killed a number of deer at around 40yds. highly recommend going to an archery shop and shooting bows from some of the major manufacturers... it will give you an idea what you are looking at, and give you a feel for the differences.. look for a minimum IBO speed of 310 or so, minimum brace height of 7" or so, cam type doesnt really matter, solid or split limbs doesnt really matter. Noise and Vibration do matter, and aside from speed is the biggest difference you'll see between bows of different price ranges.. just like rifles everyone has brand preferences. Martin has had some limb cracking issues, but they are local to WA, and seem to have decent warranty service. Look up a bow called the mission venture.. it built by mathews, and isnt ridiculously priced.

[Mudman]

Dont buy what looks good.  Get out and shoot some and see which one feels the best for your wants.  800 will get alot of good bows.  50yards is doable if you are good.  But remember its not about just the shooter, the animal has half a second to move after you release at 50yards.  If your bow was very fast and shot a true 300fps that is 150ft in a half second.  50y x 3ft is 150feet or half second.  Its happened to me on an elk which meant arrow hit too far back as elk took a step.  That was 42y.  Not good.  Sure I could probably hit an elk clean at 80y with practice but that would have to be a perfect scenario and still not a good idea.  I could dodge an arrow at 80y if i saw you shoot, Thats 3/4 a second.  Maybee, dont want to try!

[splitshot]

best of luck.  it  helps if you have lots of time and steel balls( that means nerves of steel).  practice and practice more.  mike w

[bobcat]

You don't need to spend $800. I got my Pantera off eBay for $265. Then I got a new Trophy Taker rest for $50 and a sight for $15 off eBay. Picked up a quiver for $30 from a local bow shop. So I'm in it for a total of $360.

[stickbuck]

You can go to Cabelas right now and get a good bow package for less than $600. Dad picked up the PSE Bow Madness package for $450 last year. That will leave you with enough left in your budget to get a release, a dozen arrows and broadheads. It's very addictive once you realize how loud your heart beats when you call an elk into five yards. Good luck!!

[Fishaholic]

i am one step ahead haha i have a release i found its a tru ball. are they decent releases or should i pick up a better brand?

[kisfish]

Dont buy what looks good.  Get out and shoot some and see which one feels the best for your wants.  800 will get alot of good bows.  50yards is doable if you are good.  But remember its not about just the shooter, the animal has half a second to move after you release at 50yards.  If your bow was very fast and shot a true 300fps that is 150ft in a half second.  50y x 3ft is 150feet or half second.  Its happened to me on an elk which meant arrow hit too far back as elk took a step.  That was 42y.  Not good.

x2 they all have a diffrent feel. you can get a great used set up for a nice price. Do you know your draw length

[kisfish]

i love my tru ball

[Fishaholic]

I have a Martin Pantera. I'm only good out to 40 yards, but I don't practice much. Haven't hunted with it yet.

What ever happened to buying a 22-250 and moving to Montana?

still going to buy a 22-250 haha and still moving to Montana. just want to bow hunt i can buy a modern firearm tag and kill deer with a rifle muzzle loader and bow with a modern firearm tag.

[Duffer]

Major +1 on trying some different bows!

Go down to Cabelas or a local archery shop and just shoot some. Get measured for draw length. Don't start crazy high on your poundage (for better form) but leave adjustment room to grow.

If I was to do it again myself as a beginner, I would hit Cabelas (for instance) on a weekday morning (when they are not real busy) shoot lots of different bows. Then maybe hit Wholesale Sports and do the same. Then the local shop if you want to shoot brands not found at the big box stores..... and promise myself that I was not going to buy ANYTHING on my first outing! 

and try ( this is the hardest part) not to get stuck on a certain hyped up brand until you have considered (and shot) lots of brands.

NOW you are more informed. Armed with a bit of experience and newly obtained knowledge.

[Fishaholic]

my draw lenth is 29-1/2 inches. had it done up at lacy. then when i went to shoot the guy said i had to wait til he came back and after 15 mins of waiting i said im done waiting and didnt end up shooting the bow i was looking at.