Why did I get into this

[ljsommer]

Finding the right arrows? Rocket science and everyone's got a different opinion. Same with broadheads.
Setting up a compound bow? Rocket science and everyone's got a different opinion. Hours upon hours and I still can't get a bullet-hole on paper. Arrow is traveling all over the place. Videos, guides, nothing's working.

The good news is that at this rate I'll be able to take an ethical shot at an animal in about 3-4 years.

[Rubenation1981]

I understand your frustrations. Happened to me when I first dove into archery.

Take it in to a bow shop. Have them give it a once over. If it's shooting fine at the shop or the bow technician is able to shoot bullet holes then it's probably your form.

As far as equipment... Shoot what you can afford and shoots good for you. Don't sweat the small stuff, you'll drive yourself crazy.

[huntnfmly]

I understand your frustrations. Happened to me when I first dove into archery.

Take it in to a bow shop. Have them give it a once over. If it's shooting fine at the shop or the bow technician is able to shoot bullet holes then it's probably your form.

As far as equipment... Shoot what you can afford and shoots good for you. Don't sweat the small stuff, you'll drive yourself crazy.

 

[Seahawk12]

 
It's a style of hunting that takes a lot of patience.
Have someone record you taking 10-20 shots and compare what you're seeing to videos of pros shooting form.
There are tons of reasons for an arrow to not give a good paper tune.
Incorrect spine, rest set incorrectly, nock point off, fleching not oriented correctly, etc etc.
What is your set-up?
Maybe we can narrow down the possibilities.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Finding the right arrows? Rocket science and everyone's got a different opinion. Same with broadheads.
Setting up a compound bow? Rocket science and everyone's got a different opinion. Hours upon hours and I still can't get a bullet-hole on paper. Arrow is traveling all over the place. Videos, guides, nothing's working.

The good news is that at this rate I'll be able to take an ethical shot at an animal in about 3-4 years.

Where do you live?


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[h20hunter]

I'd be calling nock point. Ask for cost to basically break your bow down, put it back together and tune. Then shoot with them and paper tune. A cold beer says you walk out shooting bullet holes.

[Crunchy]

I wouldnt worry about getting a perfect bullet hole.  Just get it close.  You will likely end up finding true center shot when you walk back or french tune.

[mburrows]

Its all part of the fun. Enjoy the process and hard work that goes into it!

[Fullabull]

Download the Eastmans tuning guide.
https://eastonarchery.com/2016/11/easton-arrow-tuning-guide/

[jstone]

Lots goes into archery.! I love the challenge. It’s an accomplishment when you figure it out. Then go out and get it done. Nothing better. Every year I get to within 80-100 yards of deer and elk. Sometimes it works more times it doesn’t. I have lots of cool videos on my phone of my stalks. That could be part of the reason it goes array. But I love it. This year I had the muti season deer tag. Shot a 4x4 opening day rifle. Fun. But not the same.

Good luck. Lots of people to help

[Lucky1]

Yeah. Try to have fun with it. You don’t have to be able to get a 4 inch group at 50 yards to have fun and kill some game.
I dont think it’s possible to perfectly paper tune a recurve or longbow. There have been lots of animals killed with them.
Figure out what your maximum effective range is and try to get that close before you shoot.
The shooting is just a part of it. Getting yourself within range is the hard part.
Nothing beats the thrill of getting one with your bow. It might/will take a couple years to make it happen. That makes it sweeter when you do. Good luck.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Its all part of the fun. Enjoy the process and hard work that goes into it!

 

[ljsommer]

Finding the right arrows? Rocket science and everyone's got a different opinion. Same with broadheads.
Setting up a compound bow? Rocket science and everyone's got a different opinion. Hours upon hours and I still can't get a bullet-hole on paper. Arrow is traveling all over the place. Videos, guides, nothing's working.

The good news is that at this rate I'll be able to take an ethical shot at an animal in about 3-4 years.

Where do you live?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

University Place. I went to Great Northwest Archery a couple times but they didn't look at my bow either time. I thought that paper tuning would be easy. 40 sheets of paper later...

[Tinmaniac]

Pm sent

[Special T]

For new shooters Pro shops are a God sent. I wouldnt get too hung up on the kind of arrow the length spine and poundage often can be looked up. finding a compentent shooter to show you the ropes will help. some times its YOU not the bow. I know it was when i first started.

[jnordwell]

Pro shop will help a ton. With saying that I can shoot thru paper with all sorts of grips and get a different hole each time. I quit worrying over bullet holes.. shoot and get it close. Broadhead tune is way more important unless your shooting target only. Shoot a lot and then more.. it’s all on muscle memory. Hit 3D shoots they are fun and you might meet a new hunting partner.. enjoy the ride.. you will love soon enough.. PM if you want to b.s.

[luckyman]

Most of the time it seems to be grip and follow through that causes bad results. Draw length not set right.
Spine being too far off will have you going in circles to.
Like others have said a good shop or at least shoot with someone who been through the learning process.
3D shoots are a great.

[bracer40]

Finding the right arrows? Rocket science and everyone's got a different opinion. Same with broadheads.
Setting up a compound bow? Rocket science and everyone's got a different opinion. Hours upon hours and I still can't get a bullet-hole on paper. Arrow is traveling all over the place. Videos, guides, nothing's working.

The good news is that at this rate I'll be able to take an ethical shot at an animal in about 3-4 years.

Where do you live?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

University Place. I went to Great Northwest Archery a couple times but they didn't look at my bow either time. I thought that paper tuning would be easy. 40 sheets of paper later...

Call Denton at Rock Creek Archery in Enumclaw. Let him know what you're challenged with and ask for good time to bring it in. This is an ideal time of year to do this sort of work. I drive down from n Seattle for all my bowwork. I've read of guys driving over from the other side of the mountains as well.
He does great work and is tenacious in making sure his customers are set up. You could also schedule some basic shooting lessons there as he has a 20 yd indoor range. Recommend an appointment for that (after basic bow setup/tunings complete)
One of the benefits of getting your bow tuned in person is you can learn a lot about arrow flight, how setup changes affect point of impact, etc..as long as one asks the questions.
One of my favorite types of questions to pose when I'm with someone who's more knowledgeable is..."help me understand....or why this or how......"
Good luck!

[ljsommer]

I've got to say, I am touched and heartened by the many really nice comments and offers to help. I only have a few items on my bucket list. One of them was having a kid (success: born in September!) and another one is hunting a bull elk with archery. These are very early steps towards that goal.

Thanks again for the suggestions and I may be reaching out to some of you who have offered help.

[Iamyourhuckleberry]

Ljsommer, if I lived closer, I would be there to help. I started bow hunting back in '84 when rifle hunting failed to challenge me. I'd shoot both my deer and elk within a day's time...the season was over and I was sitting at home instead of hunting. That said, it took me four years of "trial and error" with archery gear before I successfully arrowed an elk. Now 33 years later, I have never looked back. Bow hunting is the blood which courses through my veins. I actually have used my bow to see and travel the world.

I love your goal approach. By the way, congrats on the new family member. Establishing goals is important in so many ways. The goals led to plans, saving for the plans, and then executing the plan. Do your best to keep things real, keep trying, keep learning, and be patient-no expectations. It is amazing how, all of a sudden, everything seems to come together. little steps start turning into giant leaps and bounds if you stay with it! trust me. seek and you will find...

[theleo]

You're probably just trying to bite off more than you can chew for just starting out. Get to a pro shop so they can get you lined out and just shoot field points for the time being. Start worrying about broadhead flight around May. By then, if you're consistent about practicing, you should be a consistent enough shooter that getting that last bit dialed in without any problems should be easy.

The thing with broadheads and arrows is there's dozens of both that work, just the archery community likes squabbling over which is the better mouse trap. Have the pro shop set you up the first year, then once you've got some real world experience, start modifying your setup.   

[ljsommer]

Well I'd love to get out into the woods next Wednesday but between my newly thrown-out back and my archery equipment challenges I think it's likely I'll be missing this season. I am still gonna try to get to a pro-shop tomorrow.

[eastsidemallard74]

My noks slid, and that threw it all out of whack.

[pianoman9701]

Pro shop, even get a couple of lessons. 

[NOCK NOCK]

As far as gear goes, don’t get all caught up in the this is the best, arrow, broadhead, bow, sight, rest, etc. mind set. It all works, some are just more expensive. Some will argue this, and to an extent it may be true, but remember folks kill critters with the cheap stuff too (self included) and shoot a good buck every year with cheap Cabelas arrows.

[ljsommer]

As far as gear goes, don’t get all caught up in the this is the best, arrow, broadhead, bow, sight, rest, etc. mind set. It all works, some are just more expensive. Some will argue this, and to an extent it may be true, but remember folks kill critters with the cheap stuff too (self included) and shoot a good buck every year with cheap Cabelas arrows.

Yeah at this point I just want to know that my bow is shooting correctly. I practice my form often and I am not looking for perfection. As long as I can shoot 20 yards accurately I feel good about going into the woods. I don't expect a kill for years, but I want to at least start participating and practicing.
I just need one bull before I die. That's all.

[ljsommer]

Does anyone have recommendations for bowshops on the south end *other* than Great Northwest Archery? Sean's amazing but I've asked 3 separate times to have my bow configured correctly and each time I am just sold a piece of equipment.
This sport is confusing as hell with a million variables and I need to be able to have someone properly setup my bow so that I can go practice and work on my form. Not adjusting my rest. Not adjusting my sight. I'm going through enough arrows to pay a months mortgage.

[scotsman]

Not being a wise guy here, but have you considered a traditional bow? One string, a bow needing minimal adjustments (nock height, brace height, easy to match arrows, no sights - just hand / eye coordination and muscle memory) Ah, simplicity. If you are serious about keeping your lethal range 20 yards and closer your instincts will get you there very quickly. They work.... people have been feeding their families and discouraging enemies with stickbows roughly  5000 years before compounds were invented. And this is the most natural way to get kids involved too.

[ljsommer]

Not being a wise guy here, but have you considered a traditional bow? One string, a bow needing minimal adjustments (nock height, brace height, easy to match arrows, no sights - just hand / eye coordination and muscle memory) Ah, simplicity. If you are serious about keeping your lethal range 20 yards and closer your instincts will get you there very quickly. They work.... people have been feeding their families and discouraging enemies with stickbows roughly  5000 years before compounds were invented. And this is the most natural way to get kids involved too.

I haven't but I may be soon. I am so discouraged with compound bows and bowhunting in general. I've been straight up told not to even bother trying, and that I am looking at a decade before I get a shot at an animal. I got into this sport with the idea of putting my own meat on the table, for moral reasons, but at this point I feel like I might as well just light my money on fire and continue buying farmed me at the store.

[scotsman]

Where are you located? I’m in Gig Harbor and have plenty of equipment and time. Be glad to show you options and a lesson or two.

[elkboy]

Lon Lauber's book "Bowhunter's Guide to Accurate Shooting" helped me immensely. You can get it on Amazon.

Stick with it. Archery is very challenging, but not impossible!

[brew]

Not being a wise guy here, but have you considered a traditional bow? One string, a bow needing minimal adjustments (nock height, brace height, easy to match arrows, no sights - just hand / eye coordination and muscle memory) Ah, simplicity. If you are serious about keeping your lethal range 20 yards and closer your instincts will get you there very quickly. They work.... people have been feeding their families and discouraging enemies with stickbows roughly  5000 years before compounds were invented. And this is the most natural way to get kids involved too.

I haven't but I may be soon. I am so discouraged with compound bows and bowhunting in general. I've been straight up told not to even bother trying, and that I am looking at a decade before I get a shot at an animal. I got into this sport with the idea of putting my own meat on the table, for moral reasons, but at this point I feel like I might as well just light my money on fire and continue buying farmed me at the store.

That's total B.S. if someone is telling you it will be a decade before you get a shot...i'm sitting on my couch laughing out loud wondering why someone would tell you that and why someone would believe it.  C'mon man...Talk with the guys at Lucky Shot in Centraiia.  Come on out next Saturday and we'll go down there.  While you're out here you can shoot my bow. 

[ljsommer]

Not being a wise guy here, but have you considered a traditional bow? One string, a bow needing minimal adjustments (nock height, brace height, easy to match arrows, no sights - just hand / eye coordination and muscle memory) Ah, simplicity. If you are serious about keeping your lethal range 20 yards and closer your instincts will get you there very quickly. They work.... people have been feeding their families and discouraging enemies with stickbows roughly  5000 years before compounds were invented. And this is the most natural way to get kids involved too.

I haven't but I may be soon. I am so discouraged with compound bows and bowhunting in general. I've been straight up told not to even bother trying, and that I am looking at a decade before I get a shot at an animal. I got into this sport with the idea of putting my own meat on the table, for moral reasons, but at this point I feel like I might as well just light my money on fire and continue buying farmed me at the store.

That's total B.S. if someone is telling you it will be a decade before you get a shot...i'm sitting on my couch laughing out loud wondering why someone would tell you that and why someone would believe it.  C'mon man...Talk with the guys at Lucky Shot in Centraiia.  Come on out next Saturday and we'll go down there.  While you're out here you can shoot my bow.

Why someone would tell me that: I live in Western WA and I am hunting blacktails. I assume it's because 1.) I am new with nobody who knows what they're doing to help me out and 2.) blacktails are ghosts.
As for why I'd believe it: I have no reason not to, rifle season around here is a joke and bowhunting...well, exhibit A.

[pianoman9701]

Brew's offer is generous and you should take him up on it. At least acknowledge it. 

[ljsommer]

Brew's offer is generous and you should take him up on it. At least acknowledge it. 

You're right, of course. Apologies, and thank you Brew. I ended up spending my day out shopping for and assembling parts of an archery backstop. I'll post pictures later today. I'd very much love a visit to Centralia if for no other reason than to hear some wise words. I don't know if I can make Saturday work (newborn baby and two other sons, gotta check in with the missus) but I'll reply via IM.

[Bobvernon2]

Not being a wise guy here, but have you considered a traditional bow? One string, a bow needing minimal adjustments (nock height, brace height, easy to match arrows, no sights - just hand / eye coordination and muscle memory) Ah, simplicity. If you are serious about keeping your lethal range 20 yards and closer your instincts will get you there very quickly. They work.... people have been feeding their families and discouraging enemies with stickbows roughly  5000 years before compounds were invented. And this is the most natural way to get kids involved too.

I haven't but I may be soon. I am so discouraged with compound bows and bowhunting in general. I've been straight up told not to even bother trying, and that I am looking at a decade before I get a shot at an animal. I got into this sport with the idea of putting my own meat on the table, for moral reasons, but at this point I feel like I might as well just light my money on fire and continue buying farmed me at the store.

That's total B.S. if someone is telling you it will be a decade before you get a shot...i'm sitting on my couch laughing out loud wondering why someone would tell you that and why someone would believe it.  C'mon man...Talk with the guys at Lucky Shot in Centraiia.  Come on out next Saturday and we'll go down there.  While you're out here you can shoot my bow.

Why someone would tell me that: I live in Western WA and I am hunting blacktails. I assume it's because 1.) I am new with nobody who knows what they're doing to help me out and 2.) blacktails are ghosts.
As for why I'd believe it: I have no reason not to, rifle season around here is a joke and bowhunting...well, exhibit A.

BS you can and will get opportunity on a blacktail. Do your scouting either by boot or game cameras at 2 week intervals. I passed on two during early season and rattled in a few during late but wasn't paying full attention. Believe me it will happen. As for the bow it takes time but when it comes together it's freaking gorgeous. Last word of advice I took to heart this year is KILL KILL KILL. it's all about mentality. When your minds in the kill zone 24/7 you will get a shot.

[ljsommer]

Not being a wise guy here, but have you considered a traditional bow? One string, a bow needing minimal adjustments (nock height, brace height, easy to match arrows, no sights - just hand / eye coordination and muscle memory) Ah, simplicity. If you are serious about keeping your lethal range 20 yards and closer your instincts will get you there very quickly. They work.... people have been feeding their families and discouraging enemies with stickbows roughly  5000 years before compounds were invented. And this is the most natural way to get kids involved too.

I haven't but I may be soon. I am so discouraged with compound bows and bowhunting in general. I've been straight up told not to even bother trying, and that I am looking at a decade before I get a shot at an animal. I got into this sport with the idea of putting my own meat on the table, for moral reasons, but at this point I feel like I might as well just light my money on fire and continue buying farmed me at the store.

That's total B.S. if someone is telling you it will be a decade before you get a shot...i'm sitting on my couch laughing out loud wondering why someone would tell you that and why someone would believe it.  C'mon man...Talk with the guys at Lucky Shot in Centraiia.  Come on out next Saturday and we'll go down there.  While you're out here you can shoot my bow.

Why someone would tell me that: I live in Western WA and I am hunting blacktails. I assume it's because 1.) I am new with nobody who knows what they're doing to help me out and 2.) blacktails are ghosts.
As for why I'd believe it: I have no reason not to, rifle season around here is a joke and bowhunting...well, exhibit A.

BS you can and will get opportunity on a blacktail. Do your scouting either by boot or game cameras at 2 week intervals. I passed on two during early season and rattled in a few during late but wasn't paying full attention. Believe me it will happen. As for the bow it takes time but when it comes together it's freaking gorgeous. Last word of advice I took to heart this year is KILL KILL KILL. it's all about mentality. When your minds in the kill zone 24/7 you will get a shot.

Well that sounds great! I have been led to believe by about half a dozen people and more than one book that in WA for blacktail I am looking at around 7 years time investment. I had game cams full of animals all year round and as soon as hunting season opened they all vanished. Trying to figure out what to do with that information. So many hours of scouting and so many miles wasted.
I think my main problem was I started hoping for success. I need to redefine success and just enjoy my time in the woods and forget about seeing animals. I love being in the woods I just started getting hopeful and that's where I went wrong.

[huntnfmly]

Not being a wise guy here, but have you considered a traditional bow? One string, a bow needing minimal adjustments (nock height, brace height, easy to match arrows, no sights - just hand / eye coordination and muscle memory) Ah, simplicity. If you are serious about keeping your lethal range 20 yards and closer your instincts will get you there very quickly. They work.... people have been feeding their families and discouraging enemies with stickbows roughly  5000 years before compounds were invented. And this is the most natural way to get kids involved too.

I haven't but I may be soon. I am so discouraged with compound bows and bowhunting in general. I've been straight up told not to even bother trying, and that I am looking at a decade before I get a shot at an animal. I got into this sport with the idea of putting my own meat on the table, for moral reasons, but at this point I feel like I might as well just light my money on fire and continue buying farmed me at the store.

That's total B.S. if someone is telling you it will be a decade before you get a shot...i'm sitting on my couch laughing out loud wondering why someone would tell you that and why someone would believe it.  C'mon man...Talk with the guys at Lucky Shot in Centraiia.  Come on out next Saturday and we'll go down there.  While you're out here you can shoot my bow.

Why someone would tell me that: I live in Western WA and I am hunting blacktails. I assume it's because 1.) I am new with nobody who knows what they're doing to help me out and 2.) blacktails are ghosts.
As for why I'd believe it: I have no reason not to, rifle season around here is a joke and bowhunting...well, exhibit A.

BS you can and will get opportunity on a blacktail. Do your scouting either by boot or game cameras at 2 week intervals. I passed on two during early season and rattled in a few during late but wasn't paying full attention. Believe me it will happen. As for the bow it takes time but when it comes together it's freaking gorgeous. Last word of advice I took to heart this year is KILL KILL KILL. it's all about mentality. When your minds in the kill zone 24/7 you will get a shot.

Well that sounds great! I have been led to believe by about half a dozen people and more than one book that in WA for blacktail I am looking at around 7 years time investment. I had game cams full of animals all year round and as soon as hunting season opened they all vanished. Trying to figure out what to do with that information. So many hours of scouting and so many miles wasted.
I think my main problem was I started hoping for success. I need to redefine success and just enjoy my time in the woods and forget about seeing animals. I love being in the woods I just started getting hopeful and that's where I went wrong.

Doesn't sound like time or miles wasted.If you already been getting them on camera.
Hang in there

[pianoman9701]

Brew's offer is generous and you should take him up on it. At least acknowledge it. 

You're right, of course. Apologies, and thank you Brew. I ended up spending my day out shopping for and assembling parts of an archery backstop. I'll post pictures later today. I'd very much love a visit to Centralia if for no other reason than to hear some wise words. I don't know if I can make Saturday work (newborn baby and two other sons, gotta check in with the missus) but I'll reply via IM.

[brew]

just an FYI that we have been e-mailing back and forth as well as a phone call.  I know its hard just starting out hunting and trying to get it done with a bow with no experience or guidance.  I'm just trying to help him get his bow tuned and take him out to give him some pointers on deer hunting.  Not saying that i am the best person around to do this but I feel that i have enough experience to get him started in the right direction.  Just trying to help a fellow hunter so maybe some day he can pass it down to the next generation

[Jimmy33]

You got in to it because it’s awesome and frustrating all at the same time. I shot my WA elk on day 7 and my deer on day 17 this year. I blew more stalks on deer this year than the previous three years combined. I wanted a rifle so bad and swore off archery hunting...until I shot my deer. I have shot my bow every day since and while I own and still hunt with a rifle and a muzzleloader at times, there is nothing like the challenge of using a recurve or compound on mulies. I love it.


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[kyle dillehay]

Have you read the thread from Radsav about the little things at the top of the page?  Great tips there, I studied his post and soon I was "Robin Hooding" my arrows from 20-30 yards.