Interested in Bow Hunting

[SilkWWU]

Ok, so rumor has it in my Elk group that it is a slight possibility that we may be switching to Archery next year.  Any advice on a setup?

[demontang]

I would go shot some bows and see what you like. I had people telling me shot all sorts of bows and I shot those bows but didn't like them. There are a lot of good bows out there and everyone like of dislike on brand or another, Its kind of like the dodge,ford,chevy debate. Make sure you get one that you could pull back and hold after hiking not being able to rest. I came across an elk this year and had held back my bow for 10-15 min before I finally let off, and then pull it back again and waited another 5min before I had a shot.

[NW-Eric]

hes right everyone is different... personnally i love my martin and you cant beat it for the price... and i dont see my self switching brands anytime soon but go get yor draw lenght measured and start testing them out

[archery288]

my suggestion as well - shoot every bow you can!  one will fit and feel good to you... or should at least! haha i wouldnt trade mt bowtechs for anything.  i have shot hoyt and mathews as well and they just fit and feel better.  which in turn will make you a better shot!

[elkoholic]

+1

hope you don't want to ever rifle hunt again.. bowhunting is an addiction

[X-Force]

+2 shoot every bow you can get your hands on. having the right draw length and poundage will make every difference in the world. bow shopping is about the only shopping where i want to try on everything   when it comes to pins, rests, arrows, fletching, broadheads, releases, quivers and stabilizers its all about what your comfortable with and what you want to spend.

elkoholic has a bow hunting problem 

[300rum]

I would look at a used bow first, especially If your not sure that you are going to archery hunt permanently.  Look on craigslist for a used bow, especially right now, you can find a bow that is a year or two old that is going for half of what a new bow is and they usually come with some aftermarket stuff like a sight, rest, quiver etc.  Before hand just get your draw length measured so you know generally what your drawlength is, ask one of the guys here how to do it.  I am 5'10" and I like a 29" drawlength and I shoot 64lbs as I want the least amount of movement as possible to draw my bow back.  I personally don't care so much about speed.  If your somewhere around 6 foot and a male you probably want a bow that has an adjustable drawlength to 30" and adjustable poundage to 70. 

It is nice to shoot all the new bows but you can have $1,200 into a hunting setup in no time.  You can buy a used one and have everything you need for $300.  I found a 2 year old PSE on craigslist in Yakima for my cousin 3 months ago for $300 and it had everything but arrows.  He replaced the string and put on a whisker biscuit and bought a new release but if you are hunting I would suggest that you have spares and carry two releases with you or at least a spare in the truck.  I have a spare sight, release and rest.   

[Bscman]

I'm not sure I'd buy used....too much to deal with.
Worn out strings, bunk equipment, hidden cracks, loose serving, has it been dry fired...etc.

Buying new is safer (Warrantee) and right now is a great time to buy--shops are getting ready to put everyone on discount for the new, incomming models.

I agree you need to shoot every bow you can--whether it's in your price range or not. It will help you decide what you want/need in a bow.

Lots of great bows out there in all price ranges, by a big handful of well known manufacturers. It's hard to go wrong with just about any bow. There aren't many that should be avoided...

Throw out a price range and I'm sure we could help you out with some bows to look at!

Just don't forget to add ~$100 on top of the bow package just for arrows and field tips...and at least another $100 if it's a bare bow for entry level accessories.

[billythekidrock]

Silk - Lots of great advice above but I thought I would add this. If you are not sure that this will be a regular thing, don't worry about the newest/fastest bows. Most of the mid level bows shoot great and should give you some time to evaluate your interest in the sport. Once you decide you are going "full on" then you can step up and purchase the latest/greatest bow and have your starter bow as a back up.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[nw_bowhunter]

If it was me I would spend a ton time shopping around, looking at all of the options and make sure the bow will meet my needs for while. Bows are expensive! Also be careful where you go and make sure the guy who is selling you the bow has your best interested vs just getting you into the next popular bow set-up.

[Ray]

Get a longbow or recurve. Never goes out of style (unlike compounds which are outdated after a few years according to some people), durable, never needs an expensive tune up which you cannot do yourself, no sights to wiggle loose, lighter than heck, very versatile and not very cumbersome like compound bows. As simple as can be - a stick and a string. Place an arrow in and shoot. Not much to fail with and not much to fiddle with.

K.I.S.S.
Keep
It
Simple
Stupid

[rewent12003]

i agree shoot some of the different brands to see what you like, pse makes a good bow so does hoyt, mathews has a nice bow. every bow shoots different. but be prepared to put out some money to get your bow the way you like it.

[EastWaViking]

look on ebay after the season, there are some great deals on nice setups there.

I've had PSE, Martin, and Bowtech..... I love my Bowtech!