Never Bow Hunted, Need some guidance.

[irishevox]

i would say get a diamond archery bow from cabelas... they run about 300 - 1200 and i would recommends some good carbo arrows cut right for you and some broadheads

[MikeC]

Well dang it! My brother was wondering why he had not gotten notification of drawing the multi-season elk tag. Turns out he never finished the application    So....  I drew solo, now I am wondering if I should call wdfw to see if they can restore my points. I applied as group leader and was with my bro when he was doing the online application. Apparently it never went through. He called and they have no record of his app. He just about bought a new bow last weekend, glad he didn't.

[dmr400]

 Mike, my advice...hunt it! If you are able to have a close encounter with a bugling bull and if you are wired like i am you'll never go back to rifle hunting. For a certain kind of person, its a life altering experience.

[pianoman9701]

Mike, my advice...hunt it! If you are able to have a close encounter with a bugling bull and if you are wired like i am you'll never go back to rifle hunting. For a certain kind of person, its a life altering experience.

  x2

[irishevox]

I WOULD SAY HUNT IT TO!   but pratice pratice pratice!

[Bean Counter]

Definitely a used setup is the way to go. You'll save 50%+ off the cost of new. Just be aware that buying a bow is like buying an RV or a boat... the expenses continue even after the initial purchase. New strings, new arrows, accessories, etc.. If you don't have a rangefinder already you can  count on buying one of those, too.

[Bean Counter]

I myself also shoot cheap arrows. Cheap means $5 each. Some ppl spend $12-15 per arrow 

Spending more money doesn't make you a better hunter. Practicing smartly does.

[pianoman9701]

I myself also shoot cheap arrows. Cheap means $5 each. Some ppl spend $12-15 per arrow 

Spending more money doesn't make you a better hunter. Practicing smartly does.

This is only true to an extent. I agree that practicing is extremely important. However, the tolerance of cheaper arrows is a bigger range, possibly as much as +/- .006, instead of +/- .003. If you're shooting arrows at 10-20 yards, this would make a nominal difference, if any. However over 20 yards, the differences can start to become quite pronounced. You also at least want to make sure that you're shooting the correct spine.

Once you start getting good with your bow, the lower tolerance on the more expensive arrows might make that difference at 40+ yards between getting a kill shot in the general lung area, or nailing the heart. I definitely noticed a difference when switching from Cabelas Game somethingorother to a lower tolerance Beaman ICS Hunter.

[Bean Counter]

I myself also shoot cheap arrows. Cheap means $5 each. Some ppl spend $12-15 per arrow 

Spending more money doesn't make you a better hunter. Practicing smartly does.

This is only true to an extent. I agree that practicing is extremely important. However, the tolerance of cheaper arrows is a bigger range, possibly as much as +/- .006, instead of +/- .003. If you're shooting arrows at 10-20 yards, this would make a nominal difference, if any. However over 20 yards, the differences can start to become quite pronounced. You also at least want to make sure that you're shooting the correct spine.
...

From 0.003 to 0.006 is 2x improvement, but as far as overall numbers go its still pretty small..

Well I've never shot expensive arrows so I might not be the most qualified person to make an opinion. I just know that I can tell when I shoot if its a technique problem or a  gear problem. most gear manufactured to machined to specific tolerances is usually more consistent than the person shooting it. Any objective tests out there?

[Broken Arrow]

I think better equipment gives you better confidence, which may or may not make you a better hunter. If i'm sitting on a hillside trying to spot game with a pair of Swarovski's  vs a cheap pair of Tasco's. I probably will spot more game and be able to put myself in the position to be successful. Again, doesn't make me a better hunter though I might be be more successful. Could go on and on with all kinds of gear, from cheap Wall-mart boots, to high end stuff. I guess its a personal choice, but don't like to shoot cheap arrows or cheap bows.

[Bean Counter]

I make an exception when it comes to optics, only because I spend so much time behind them and you can literally see the difference and see stuff you wont see with cheaper glass. I don't think that under real world hunting conditions that the difference between 1/2 and 1/4 moa at 300 yards is worth an extra $1,000.

[coachcw]

the old xs75 and 78 superslams work well but weigh a bit more . the higher end wieght forward arrows fly a broad head better the closser you are to the legal limit .