Beginner questions

[Florida_Native]

So I've wanted a bow for a while now and I think i might pick one up in the next few months. I shot the PSE Stinger today at Cabela's.

My first question is what is a good draw weight for an all around hunting bow. The one i shot was set at about 50 lbs and was very comfortable.

Is there anything i should look for in a bow? Anything to watch out for?

I'm not sure what else to ask, I'm kinda ignorant to bow hunting at this point.

Thanks!

[pianoman9701]

This is a good place to ask. Start a relationship with a local archery shop and try out a lot of bows before you make any decisions. I believe Spokane Valley Archery is a good shop but the local guys will chime in on that. What do you plan to hunt with it? Deer, Elk, Bears, what? How much money do you have to spend on a bow and all the peripherals? Any physical limitations? How old are you? If you're completely new to archery, consider joining Evergreen archery or another archery club and glean experience from other archers. Welcome to the obsession.

[Florida_Native]

Not sure what I'll hunt. I hunted bear and turkey this year because the area i hunt has a 4 point deer minimum. That and my wife hates staying home alone.

I really just enjoy shooting but definitely want to be able to hunt anything and everything with it.

I'm 33. no physical limitations with the exception of my budget.  Honestly $400-500 is on the high side this time of year but I could make it work. I've been keeping an eye on craigslist as well.

[Bean Counter]

I shoot at 65 pounds. IMHO The more weight you can tolerate safely and accurately, the better. Your trajectory will be flatter and therefore more forgiving if your target is at 43 yards instead of 40. 

[turkeyfeather]

If you are liking the PSE's go see Greg at Whitetails Plus in Deer Park. He deals primarily in PSE and Bowtech and will meet or beat Cabela's price. And he is very good at setting up a bow. Stay away from Spokane Valley Archery. Unless you wanna drop at least a grand on a Matthews or Hoyt they aren't interested in you.

P.S. GO GATORS!!!

[Florida_Native]

Hahaha. As long as they take a tomahawk to the head at the end of the season i'll root for them all you want!

Thanks for the info.

[Florida_Native]

Oh and did the PSE Surge replace the Stinger? I cant find it on their website.

[wadu1]

Hahaha. As long as they take a tomahawk to the head at the end of the season i'll root for them all you want!

Thanks for the info.

Yes I know, had a buddy from Florida stay with us last week it's Florida and Florida State. He did me a favor  and loaded War Chant on my computer at home~~~LOL~~~ Live and learn

[LeviD1]

If you are liking the PSE's go see Greg at Whitetails Plus in Deer Park. He deals primarily in PSE and Bowtech and will meet or beat Cabela's price. And he is very good at setting up a bow. Stay away from Spokane Valley Archery. Unless you wanna drop at least a grand on a Matthews or Hoyt they aren't interested in you.

P.S. GO GATORS!!!

A BIG +1. Greg at whitetail plus in deer park is the best. Super knowledgeable. I became a better archer after talking to him the first time I went there. They are the only ones that touch my bow anymore. I've never been to valley archery buy havent heard any great things. Worth the drive to deer park. I buy everything from him. If he doesnt have it in store he can order it to. I recommend everyone to him. You will not be dissapointed.

[Band]

I shoot at 65 pounds. IMHO The more weight you can tolerate safely and accurately, the better. Your trajectory will be flatter and therefore more forgiving if your target is at 43 yards instead of 40. 

This is good advice but don't get caught up in overdoing it on poundage.  There are guys who go 80 or 90 lbs. from what I hear but in my opinion that is overkill.

I shoot 60 lbs. and I can tell you that a good shot will send my arrow in one side of an elk and out the other with no problem.  I'm guessing the 50 lbs. you pulled back will do the trick as well, but the flatter trajectory that Bean Counter speaks of is an important consideration as well.

[Bean Counter]

  if you're going to be sitting in a tree stand in the cold you probably don't want the 80 pound limbs on 

[LeviD1]

I would suggest on your draw weight to pull back whatever you can draw and hold back for at least a good minute and a half, more would be better without shaking excessively because there will be times that when the animal will walk behind a tree so you draw at that moment then it will stop to feed and you need to hold it till it steps out and still have good form so you dont botch your shot. If you can only hold at full draw for 30 seconds your pulling to much weight.

[turkeyfeather]

With the speed of today's bows anything more than 50-60 lbs is unnecessary IMO. Beyond that it's just a macho contest.    I am a firm believer that if you struggle to draw and shoot your bow a couple dozen times it's much to high.

[724wd]

i know of a couple bows for sale from evergreen archery club members.  might post a WTB on the facebook if you dont mind used.  i know one of the bows is a VERY nice PSE