Newbie to bowhunting. Need advice/suggestions.

[shockeere]

I am looking into getting into bow hunting for this year's deer hunt. I shot a recurve bow in boy scouts, but that was a long time ago. I am really wanting to know what you all suggest for a set up to get started. I do have a range membership that has a an archery area, so I have a place to practice secured already. I'm 6'3 185lbs and a laborer, so I wouldn't worry about draw weights being too heavy etc. What should I be looking at? What should I avoid? Thanks all.

[Machias]

Just make sure your draw length is correct and your arrows match your set up.  Then use only a couple of pins and look in the mirror and tell yourself you won't shoot past 30 to 40 yards no matter how big the antlers are.  Promise yourself you'll only take high percentage shots on relaxed game.  You'll be way ahead of alot of guys.  Go to a pro shop and shoot different bows and get first hand advice from a good shop.  Good luck!!

[dromero]

For what it's worth, Look into Martin Archery. Made in Walla Walla. I shoot a Bengal. You can get it in a package deal any where from $800 to $460 depending what you are looking for in the package. I've been shooting it for 3 years and am happy with the performance for an American made bow. Also the customer service at Martin is outstanding. I lost a piece to my quiver, they replaced it for free. When I was there I asked about a part for an older Martin bow that my buddy needed, they gave that to me free as well. Couldn't be happier.

[JBR]

1+ on Martin.  I have a Firecat and love it.  Matthew's has a great line called Mission that also has several great models that are reasonably priced.  I just picked up the Mission Craze for my youngest son yesterday.  It has 30 lbs of draw weight adjustment, but it's a smaller bow intended for younger users.  As stated, the best options is to go to a proshot and get first hand advice while trying out several bows. Good luck. 

[Gobble Doc]

Glad to hear others are newbies as well.  I just got my son a bow this past year, compound.  For what it is worth we went to Cabelas.  I had a mixed experience there.  In the end I'm confident that they put everything together correctly and got all of the measurements correct.  In fact several guys spent about a half hour back giving him shooting tips since they weren't very busy.  For us it was a good starting place because now we have correct measurements etc. and he has shot it a lot so now we can go into other stores knowing more.  One thing I found irritating about Cabelas is that they guys always want to you fill out an on line survey with their names on it so that they get some kind of points.  Whatever.  My son is having a great time and I hope you do also.  We're waiting for our blind in the mail now. 

[buck man]

  Welcome to the world of archery. I too got my start in scouts. Good stuff. As stated shoot lots of bows and make sure your draw length is correct after that its totally up to what you like. As for me and mine we all shoot hoyts.(all 6 of use in my family.) They now offer several options in the 400-500$ range. I love my carbon element and maxis and my wife loves the vixen. I would look into the Rampage if I was you.

[shockeere]

Hey all! Thanks for the helpful responses. I just came across a thread talking about Whidbey Island Bowman's club which is local to me. I Think I'm gonna give them a buzz and see if I can get some hands on help with all those measurements and the like.

I do like the idea of supporting local hunting businesses, even if the prices get a little bit higher. I absolutely hate importing things from China and I legitimately do my part to avoid that at all costs. I'll have to check up Martin and Hoyt.

[ZogTheFuzzy]

...tell yourself you won't shoot past 30 to 40 yards no matter how big the antlers are.  Promise yourself you'll only take high percentage shots on relaxed game.

 

What Machias said!  Also, practice guessing distances all year long.  Figure out how many paces 10 yards is, then whenever you're in the woods or about town, guess distances to trees, mailboxes, whatever, then pace them out.  Perfecting your distance-guessing skills may mean getting a big buck instead of just having a story about almost getting a big buck!  (I have one of those stories!  The arrow was aligned perfectly with the big buck's vitals, only it stuck in the ground right under him)

Practice shooting at a paper plates, grouping all your arrows in the plate consistently at 10, 20 and 30 yards.  Paper plates are cheap and represent a deer's vitals fairly realistically.  And, once you have perfected your shooting at the regular range, get lots of practice at 3D ranges (ignore yardage markings).