New Archer, New to Washington, Basically a NOOB. HELP?

[NANNERPIEZ]

Hey everyone my name is Michael Moore I'm originally from south eastern Kentucky and grew up there hunting for about 10 years. The Navy brought me out to the great northwest, the past two years I have had the hunting itch come back so I saved some money and picked up a Bear empire this weekend. Accessories-HHA OPTIMIZER LITE, QAD Ultra Rest Hunter Fall-Away Rest, Tru-Fire 3-D Hunter Release, anchor sight and 12 arrows with 100 grain tips for practice, also an anchor sight I am going to try that out first to see how I take to it. The only thing is I have no experience with sighting a bow in. is it as easy as some people make it look? Also my draw length is 30.5" so I've heard of people that need longer arrows to go with certain ones with a stronger spine?? Im not sure if the guy was just trying to sell me the most expensive ones but I understand just like with everything quality comes at a price. any advice or help would be greatly appreciated, hell even meeting up somewhere to help figure this thing out would be awesome to. Im open to all suggestions.

[Eli346]

Welcome to the site and WA. I think your best place to get all the help you need for now is an archery pro shop someplace.  They can get it sighted in and adjusted for your draw and probably just start you out in the right direction. You might also run into some people there with like interests. This forum is also a good place to do some research, meet some good people, and get a few questions answered. Don't let these guys give you any crap for being a newbie. We all have to start somewhere. Seriously though; there are a lot of good people on here with a lot of knowledge. Getting them to share it is usually not a problem once they warm up to you. Good luck.

[NANNERPIEZ]

thanks man, I was going to head to the knock point in mountlake terrace tomorrow to see if someone there could help me out and get everything set up. Ive got my draw length set up and a D loop put on, the guy at wholesale sports got me fitted while I was there. I love this state! Its so beautiful here. reminds me of the Appalachians but just way bigger and wet as hell. I guess the wet weather is good for not spooking everything in the woods out while your making your trip in the morning and afternoons. Back home in KY the foot deep dry leaves in the mountains would spook the whole woods haha.

[MLBowhunting]

i could show you a few deer spots down my way 

[bone collector 12]

  welcome,on this site the search tool is your friend,dont be afraid to post questions

[huntnphool]

 

[sled]

  IM an archer part time, but not a pro.  Van winkeles  in Everett has some knowledgeable people.  Maybe contact d rock.  I think he used to work there.

[sakoshooter]

Welcome to WA and thanx for your service.

[D-Rock425]

  IM an archer part time, but not a pro.  Van winkeles  in Everett has some knowledgeable people.  Maybe contact d rock.  I think he used to work there.

nope never worked there. I do cover time to time when they are gone at shows or what not.  I'll shoot you a pm.  We can hook up and go shoot.

[NANNERPIEZ]

  IM an archer part time, but not a pro.  Van winkeles  in Everett has some knowledgeable people.  Maybe contact d rock.  I think he used to work there.

nope never worked there. I do cover time to time when they are gone at shows or what not.  I'll shoot you a pm.  We can hook up and go shoot.

That would be awesome Drock!

[Stick em]

Don't discount the local range. Lots of great guys out there willing to share their knowledge. Do a search and you will find that there are tons of 3-D shoots and tournaments from now until the end of August. I would suggest getting to as many of those as you can and you'll be in good shape for hunting season. Only 26 more weekends until the opening of deer. Good luck, your among bow addicts now 

[JJD]

Don't discount the local range. Lots of great guys out there willing to share their knowledge. Do a search and you will find that there are tons of 3-D shoots and tournaments from now until the end of August. I would suggest getting to as many of those as you can and you'll be in good shape for hunting season. Only 26 more weekends until the opening of deer. Good luck, your among bow addicts now 

 
Having someone help with your form will get you there faster than someone trying to sell you equip.

[D-Rock425]

Don't discount the local range. Lots of great guys out there willing to share their knowledge. Do a search and you will find that there are tons of 3-D shoots and tournaments from now until the end of August. I would suggest getting to as many of those as you can and you'll be in good shape for hunting season. Only 26 more weekends until the opening of deer. Good luck, your among bow addicts now 

. I run one of the local ranges.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Welcome to the site! Sounds like you gots hooked up with the right folks up north there.

[Camo Queen]

thanks man, I was going to head to the knock point in mountlake terrace tomorrow to see if someone there could help me out and get everything set up. Ive got my draw length set up and a D loop put on, the guy at wholesale sports got me fitted while I was there. I love this state! Its so beautiful here. reminds me of the Appalachians but just way bigger and wet as hell. I guess the wet weather is good for not spooking everything in the woods out while your making your trip in the morning and afternoons. Back home in KY the foot deep dry leaves in the mountains would spook the whole woods haha.

I LOVE The Nock Point! I went there years ago as a total newbie and Bill (owner) spent probably 4 hours with me letting me try different bows and getting me all set up.  I learned a lot in that little shop. Haven't been to the new place yet though..

[h20hunter]

New place is nice.....open pro shop where you can see them working....BIG area for shooting.

[NANNERPIEZ]

thanks everyone for being so helpful. I appreciate all the advice! hopefully I will see you guys out there somewhere. Just look for the dude with the huge beard, gnarly tattoos, maybe the just got out of prison look and thats me haha.

[gaolista]

I'd love to piggy back a little off this thread.  I'm pretty new to bow hunting and really appreciate as much or as little those with experience are willing to share.  I've learned a lot just reading the posts not just in this thread, but all over the forums.  I was planning on learning to bow hunt about 10 years ago, but ended up moving out of the country for a while and have just returned after 7 years of living in China...not a lot of bow hunting going on there.   
I guess what i'm wondering is if anyone knows of some places on the east side of the lake (renton, bellevue, kirkland, issaquah or redmond) to go to get my bow tuned and start shooting.  The nock point seems like a good place, i was just wondering if there is any closer places.
I'm the type that believes anything worth doing is worth doing well.  I am completely willing to put in the work, hike, walk wherever to really know/understand bow hunting well, and at the same time realize you can only watch so many videos online and read so many forums, the real growth comes when you get your boots muddy.  I just need a little push in the right direction.
Is it a good idea to carry a firearm while out archery hunting just in case you surprise a black bear or cougar?
Does anyone have opinions on if trail cameras are a worth-while investment?  if so which brand/model is a good one.
i apologize if my ignorance is offensive, i guess its better than pretending you have it all together when you don't, right?

thanks in advance for any help.

[Special T]

http://www.silverarrowbowmen.com/
Our business meeting is tonight at 7pm at the clubhouse. the 2 closest afordable clubs to everett is Silver Arrow Bowmen,  or Granit sportmans club in Granit falls. D-rock is heading up thier new archery program there and I do a bunch of work for Silver Arrow Bowmen. I think going to Nock point or Van winkles will get you taken care of. 

[D-Rock425]

Granite falls archery course is having a work party Sunday about 9 for those who want to come check out the course I'll give you a personal tour.   I'm buying all the helpers lunch than we will all go shoot a round on me.

[Camo Queen]

What kind of work are ya doin D-rock? I'm going to try to make it

[D-Rock425]

I got some new trails cut and weed wacked ned to be racked.  Few bag targets need stuffed setting targets.  Nothing to difficult.

[mtbiker]

gaolista, IMO there's a void of really good bow techs in the Seattle and Eastside area.  My personal experience with the Nock Point was just okay at best and I took my new Hoyt (purchased from the Nock Point) to Ryan Black ( blackopsarchery@gmail.com ) to make a few things right that they did a sub-par job on.  BTW folks, not trying to start a, "my bow tech is better than your bow tech" war.  There's been no shortage of those threads on this site.  Just saying what my personal experience has been.  Anyway, there is Outdoor Emporium in Seattle.  I've heard that that Steve and Andy (if he's still there) do a fair job when it comes to bow work.  I would call first and find out what days they work before you make the trek from Snoqualmie to Seattle.  Other options are Rock Creek Archery in Enumclaw and Great Northwest Archery in Puyallup.  Both have ranges onsite, as does the Nock Point.

As for learning more I would suggest joining an archery club.  Most everyone is very friendly and willing to answer whatever related questions you have (like here).  The closest club/range to Snoqualmie is Cedar River Bowmen ( http://www.cedarriverbowmen.net/ ).  It's not close to Snoqualmie, but it's something.  I've been a member there for a few years now and have had very good experiences with other members.