How much to get started?

[cbzdel]

My wife was kinda jealous that I get to take a mini vacation to try out hunting.  I invited her but to come but it is just not her thing because she does not enjoy shooting powerful rifles.  She asked me the other day if bow hunting was something I would be interested in.  It has came to mind before but never a 100% lets do this.  But now that my wife is interested I am wondering what it cost to go from nothing to fully equipped, with a compound bow setup. Off the top of my head it sounds like all you need is a fully outfitted bow, arrows, a release, and targets.  I would not want to get cheap gear that would need to be replaced soon, but I would not want to get top of the line gear in case she is not as interested once she tries it out.

[BULLBLASTER]

I would think that 700-800 would get a quality set up for a women's bow. The bow itself isn't really the expensive part. Accessories are pretty expensive also. Archerytalk has pretty good classifieds as well as hunt WA too. AT has much more selection. May be cheaper with some.use equipment.

[cbzdel]

is it safe to trust used equipment? I have done some minor research and it tells me if you dry fire a bow its ruined. I guess there is a risk with buying anything used, it just seems like this is more than an average risk?? 

[h20hunter]

How about looking into a .243, .260 rem, .257 roberts...something like that. I would think you could look into a used bow and have it checked out.

[sebek556]

most of the time a dry fired bow will be easly spotted. when buying a used bow look over the limbs for cracks, look over the cams for cracks,bulges or bends.check the string for frays.If your really worried about it ask the seller if they could meet you at a pro shop to have it looked over. most shops will look over a bow for nothing. your first step though is to find out her draw length and weight. Her draw weight will increase the more she shoots until she hits her peak. some bows you can have the draw length adjusted, others the draw length is set.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Is this your first time hunting? Have you bowhunted before? and wouuld you be looking at bowhunting with her or will you hunt separate seasons? I apologize for all the questions but they are pertinent if you are talking about setting up both of you and learning together or your looking strictly for info on "ladies bows and equipment".

[BULLBLASTER]

You could buy bare bow and arrows brand new. And buy used accessories... sight rest release etc. For a fraction of new cost. The pse chaos is a great youth/women's bow for a great price. The bare bow is under 300. I would not trust any used arrows however.

[bearpaw]

There are plenty of good used bows cheap because people are always wanting the latest/greatest. Check out the classifieds on here, buy from another member who has been a member for a while and you can probably trust what they tell you about the bow. You could even post in the wanted section.

[cbzdel]

Actually it would be more along the lines of get her totally set up and let her practice and see if she really likes it, and if she does then I would get myself set up as well and I could take he out next season.  If she doesn't like it, I would probably sell her things and set myself up.

I am going out deer hunting for the first time tomorrow morning. I am 100% sure it will be a yearly thing for me, I have been wanting to go for years but never found anyone to go within until this season.

[DoubleJ]

You have a PM.

[GT]

The Bowtech Diamond Razor Edge "Ready To Hunt" package from Hunter's Friend ($479 to your door) is a very good deal for what you're looking for.   I ordered one for my wife from them in Hardwoods Camo last year for the same reasons as you.  Started her off with the 15-30# limbs so she could easily handle the pull and work on refining form and technique.   She worked her way up to the point where we changed out the limbs to the 30-60# in March.  She's now pulling 45# and consistently grouping on a 10-inch paper plate from 40 yards.  She's become enthusiastic about her archery skills and is now my hunting partner.  If nothing else, its worth your time to check the package out at: http://www.huntersfriend.com/2010_Diamond_Razor_Edge_Ladies_Package/pink_diamond_razor_edge_bow_package.htm.    Hunter's Friend are good folks to deal with in my opinion and deliver as promised.

[crowinghen]

sent you a PM
also had a long post that was deleted when I tried to spell check it 
but basically I'd go used, take it to a Pro before you buy to have it checked out if that makes you more comfortable- doesn't have to be latest/greatest when you're just checking out a sport. Lots of guys buy their  wives  bows and the wives dont get into it and you can pick up  practically brand new bows for pretty cheap.  check out the youth/women's bow section at Archerytalk.com
I hunted the early seson with an ancient Martin Lynx Magnum-- discovered I loved it , then upgraded. No big risk-- I was into it 75 dollars  off Craigslist.
My new bow is an older model closeout, new in box.Bought a bow off craigslist that was a kid's bow with good components so I bought it for the components,  and put them on my new bow. so about 425 bucks I have a new bow.
I've heard good thngs about the Diamond razor edge, but  it'll run you 350 plus. It's very adjustable though. I didn't like the way it felt in my hand though.

susie

[SniperDanWA]

Why don't you go over to Skookum Archery this Thursday and try it out.  You and the wife can shoot.  They have a free night on Thursday.  Then, go see Doug in the pro shop.  He can price one out for you and you can get advice, no pressure from him.  I did it 6 years ago and now have 4 bows fr me ans two of my kids. I only bought one at Great Northwest (Doug's shop).  The others are used, online-eBay.

[crowinghen]

 

Get there nice and early though, I heard Doug on the phone talking about it- it can fill up.

[bloodhound]

you can set up an appointment and its only 25 bucks for a half hour as i recall and doug will set you up different bows to try to see if she interested or which one she likes best and you dont have to deal with other people and not having his attention the whole time.