want to get into archery, but dont know how to start.

[syoungs]

When I was a young buck, 6-9, I shot bows pretty much every day, I outgrew my bow right about the time I outgrew the passion, other things took precidence over my bows.

 Now that I want to start shooting agian, I dont know where to start, Its been so long sense I have shot, im quite sure Ill make a *** of myself if I were to go to the local sportsmans to test fire bows, and the technology has changed so much it leaves me scratching my head as to whats hype and whats not.

I looked the other day at some, either made by g5, or that was the model, that sportsmans had, it felt good in my hand, I drew it a few times, but never shot it.
I know form is important, how do I go about learning that on my own? how do I get started again?

Im not in a hurry to start either, after waterfowl season this year im going to set up a "range" at my house, and go from there I guess.

[whack em]

I'd recommend you find your local pro shop and go from there.  Ask plenty of questions, there's no such thing as a dumb one, especially if you're going to just be getting into it.  If they make you feel uncomfortable or play the car salesman routine, move onto the next shop.  (I must have hit 5 shops before I finally settled on the right one for me as a beginner).  Also shoot several different bows under their guidance to see what feels right in your hands, and don't buy into the hype, it truly comes down to whatever works for you.  Heck, see if they offer lessons, it would be well worth your time, trust me.  Some shops are only Bowtech, Mathews, Hoyt, ect...fanatics and will push their line of bow most.  Go with what you like, and you can't go wrong.  (Kind of like Ford, Dodge, and Chevy) 

There is some great information in the Archery forums on here, well worth perusing.  Also check out Archerytalk, tons of gouge there as well.  The best thing about archery, is that I've never stopped learning, and never cease to come across others to share their stories, opinions, and experience with.   

I will tell you when it comes to archery, there are more opinions than you can shake a stick at.  Ultimately, it comes down to the shooter, and what they are comfotable and proficient with.  Have fun with it, and take your time before you pull that trigger on your first bow purchase.  You won't be sorry you did.  Good luck 

[coyotecrazy]

First I think you should decide if you want to try traditional or compound. Then find an archery shop that has a good reputation and get measured for your draw length. There, you can also look at bows and ask questions about what's right for your, ie: axel to axel length, brace height, speed, etc. then decide your budget and start lookin.

[buckfvr]

You will have to sort out opinion vs. fact..........an awful lot of opinion rendered as fact. 

Id start by reading all that you can find so you understand modern terminology.  Start that now, then when you are ready, go to a shop or a club and start asking questions........dont always assume the answer you get will be right. 

There are alot of different accessories, and many of them are equal, even though everyone you talk to will insist what they are shooting is the best. 

Not knowing where you are, Id say try and use one of the shops on here even if its a drive, because I believe the guys that come here will likely be accountable.

All said and done, join a club and shoot often.  You will make friends and learn each trip to the club.......even learn alot of wrong stuff, but you'll sort that out as you go.

[huntnnw]

+1 on a Pro Shop...A good one will anwser eveything u need to know and get your dialed in and set up the right way.

[Crunchy]

I would stick with a name brand bow as in Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech etc.  Those brands have been around for long time and proven themselves over the years.  I dont know much about G5 so I cannot say if it is a good or bad bow.  Not that you cant buy a bow at a local box store, you are much better off going to a pro shop near to where you live.  Until you have shot several different brands of bows you don't really know what feels good to you.

[Special T]

Nearly any bow you pick up today new will be light years ahead of what you shot as a kid. Pro shops are a great place to start. I know i have receive tips and guidance on my shooting and how to get better because i shop there. There are some great videos out there as well. Find a Bow Club in your area and join. You will meet a great group of guys and get plenty of help getting dialed in.

[KB88]

Go to a few shops and shoot what they offer in a decent range. Buy what you feel best with. This is my first year in archery as well and only guidance I have is pro shops when I go in asking questions. I learn every day. Archerytalk.com is great site as well. For my first season coming up in 2 weeks, I'm only comfortable at 40 yards (for ethical kill). Don't feel bad about shooting your first few arrows. It's fairly basic at most point blank ranges at pro shops.

[Jellymon]

Go here and download the PDF in the first post. It's free and has a ton of usefull info, both basic and advanced.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1399457

[Jellymon]

Grip is overlooked by most beginners, but is one of the most important aspects of shooting. Here is a great article from a very respected instructor.

http://arrowtrademagazine.com/articles/jan_08/Jan2008-WiseOnBowHandBasics.pdf

[Fl0und3rz]

Keep them coming people.  I am sure there are more people than just the OP interested.

[syoungs]

All great advice so far! thanks alot!

[bowjunkie]

What everyone else is saying and I can't stress enough if it feels good to YOU no matter the brand buy it.  My hunting partner shoots a 200$ Parker he bought off ebay and I shoot a 1000$ hoyt and bowtech and he can do everything I can with that bow.

[JJD]

I shot everything I could get my hands on when I went to purchase my current bow.  Everything from Mathews to PSE.
I won't say I had an unlimited budget, but I wanted good stuff cuz I have no plans of replacing my bow for may years down the road.
I ended up with a G5 Primal, almost went with a Prime Centroid, but I didn't like it that much better and was not thrilled with the dealer.  Both are G5 products.  Both felt great to shoot. Ended up going with the bow attached to the dealer who's pro I felt most comfortable with.  The decision has paid dividends many times over.  The guy has been a huge help and makes or instructs me on minor adjustments.  I think most dealers sell some good bows, the dealer pro is important unless you have been at it a while and can set it up perfectly yourself.