Gonna pick up Archery, what the heck do i need...

[krism83]

I will admit it, I know next to nothing about Archery hunting, and even less about what equipment is needed. I know you need a bow and some arrows, you need to move silently, and cover your scent as best you can. Other than that I am at a loss. However that does not deter me from picking up this challenge, I am highly interested in picking up archery hunting for Blacktail and maybe do some turkey hunting with a bow. Now what do you hardcore archers suggest as a starting point? Keep in mind, I dont plan on going out next year with a bow, but possibly the year after so I might be a little more profecient with it.

[vandeman17]

I would go into an archery shop and talk to one of the guys there. He should be able to get you set up with a nice beginner bow and then you just need to practice practice practice. As mentioned, it might be good to either join a club or maybe take a lesson or two so that you learn the correct way to shoot. As for the actual hunting, the only way to really learn is to get out there and do it. Trial and error is pretty much your best teacher. I will warn you that it can be frustrating but it is also very rewarding. Good luck!

[nw_bowhunter]

I feel that finding a bow you are comfortable shooting is key. Go to a pro shop and shoot multiple bows. Don't get hung on the brand.Also understaning and learning how to judge yardage Is huge in being successful. Practice, practice and practice shooting.Really take the time to develop your form and bow setup is very important. A good range finder is also essential bowhunter tool. Quality arrows and broadheads that will fly as good as field tips. Understanding how to site your bow in for up and down plus left to right. I read an article that if you practice shooting at further distances it will really help dial in your shots at 20 to 50 yards.

[krism83]

I guess what I was wondering is aside from a bow and some broadheads, what other pieces of equipment do you guys suggest I try or look at as a begginer...

[DoubleJ]

 If you start now, there should be no reason you couldn't be proficient enough to hunt with a bow next season

[DoubleJ]

I guess what I was wondering is aside from a bow and some broadheads, what other pieces of equipment do you guys suggest I try or look at as a begginer...

Your season will be at a different time so your clothing will probably change a bit.

[DoubleJ]

And get an allen wrench set to make bow adjustments with

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I guess what I was wondering is aside from a bow and some broadheads, what other pieces of equipment do you guys suggest I try or look at as a begginer...

Get a bow and some arrows with feild points, broadheads come later.
If you are using a compound you will probably need a release.
Arm Guard
Quiver (sometimes on bow)
Target

[gaddy]

would the wdfw bow hunters course be benifical? i am not a bow hunter & dont know anything about the course but there was a thread on here a while back.
the thought of going archery has crossed my mind also.

[DoubleJ]

And find a pack of adhesive backed bear hair/mole skin etc.  For the first few times you shoot your bow, if you pay attention, you're going to find all kinds of places you'd never think of where the arrow will hit the riser and "Clank".

[DoubleJ]

And, hope I don't get into trouble for this but, http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/ is your friend.  TONS of info on there and their classified section has lots of new and used bows on there from individuals and dealers at lower prices I've seen anywhere else.

Also, read through this:  http://www.huntersfriend.com/carbon_arrows/hunting_arrows_selection_guide_chapter_1.htm

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

would the wdfw bow hunters course be benifical? i am not a bow hunter & dont know anything about the course but there was a thread on here a while back.
the thought of going archery has crossed my mind also.

The NBEF course is awesome for new archers !! I took it back in 1987, but I am sure it is still worth it...

[DoubleJ]

My best piece of advise would be to use every resource you can find to weed through the crap.  Archery hunting does not have to be expensive if you can find what you need instead of what "They" are trying to sell you.

[ShirtGuy77]

My best piece of advise would be to use every resource you can find to weed through the crap.  Archery hunting does not have to be expensive if you can find what you need instead of what "They" are trying to sell you.

Exactly what I am going to be leery of this weekend when I head out for my first bow.  As I am sure you all were at one point, the head is spinning on all the new things I need to learn.  But looking forward to it.

[Austrian Hunter]

You need a bow  check my classifieds!!!    Good luck and have fun!

[uplandhunter870]

obviously you need a bow, hold and/or shoot as many as you can eventually one will "speak" to you. as far as draw weight, find a weight that you can pull back smooth and relatively easily. theres no need to try and give yourself a hernia when drawing your bow back. as well as some arrows and field tips, broadheads come later, talk to someone at a pro shop they will have a good idea of what spine will match your bow.

just to get shooting:
you'll also need a sight (front and peep for compound), release (if you go compound), eventually a quiver, stabalizer (length is person preference) and a target if you plan on shooting in the backyard or away from the range (i prefer to make my own with a good sized box and some cans of Great Stuff foam, PM me and i can elaborate), a set of allen wrenchs and a rest
i dont like arm guards personally to me getting slapped on the forearm is a sharp reminder my form is not what is should be.

Items to get later for hunting:
a good range finder
camo to match hunting area
broadheads
quiver (if not already obtained) your hunting style will help decide bolt on versus detachable

the most valuable asset in my opinion is find a buddy who bow hunts or buddy up with someone at a local range. that person's experience, advice and guidance is worth more than any gadget or doodad.

[Button Nubbs]

Take a lesson. Nip those bad habits before they start.

[buckfvr]

 

[funkster]

I have a full set up in the archery classified. You can see it here http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/for/2730306193.html

I am flexible on the price,the bow is ready to shoot!

If it is not what you are looking for I would suggest a stop in at  Nock Point Archery in mount lake terrace 425-672-8080! You will not find better customer service!

[Bean Counter]

If you start now, there should be no reason you couldn't be proficient enough to hunt with a bow next season

Yep, just try to schedule it out. write out days on the calendar you must shoot--after several months regular practice you'll get up there.


+1 for the used bows. Lots of 'used' bows out there for sale that are less than a year old. I got an $800+ setup for $400 when I started. Just make sure you shoot that particular bow and that it feels good.

[PolarBear]

The number one, most important tool in archery is patience! 

[huntnphool]

 Make sure you get a bow with training wheels.......depending on how the vote went you might think about picking up some lumenoks after the regs come out too.

[carpsniperg2]

Make sure you get a bow with training wheels.......depending on how the vote went you might think about picking up some lumenoks after the regs come out too.

 

[DoubleJ]

If you start now, there should be no reason you couldn't be proficient enough to hunt with a bow next season

Yep, just try to schedule it out. write out days on the calendar you must shoot--after several months regular practice you'll get up there.


+1 for the used bows. Lots of 'used' bows out there for sale that are less than a year old. I got an $800+ setup for $400 when I started. Just make sure you shoot that particular bow and that it feels good.

I got a $400 set up for $200.  Don't be afraid to get a bow that's older.  Mine was made in 2000.  I bought it in 2010.  It killed plenty of deer and elk for the old owner just fine.  Newer may be better but older works just fine.

[huntnphool]

Make sure you get a bow with training wheels.......depending on how the vote went you might think about picking up some lumenoks after the regs come out too.

 

 Its a joke Carps, relax.

[DoubleJ]

And finding a release that you like is important too.  Most on the market are wrist releases.  I hate those.  I like to have the glove style with the dowel that fits in my hand.  Just makes me feel like I'm pulling it better.

[DoubleJ]

And remember, Sims Vibration Labs/Limbsaver is a local company based in Shelton

[DoubleJ]

And go ahead and sell your rifle.  You won't go back

[carpsniperg2]

Make sure you get a bow with training wheels.......depending on how the vote went you might think about picking up some lumenoks after the regs come out too.

 

 Its a joke Carps, relax.

What part of my post wasn't relaxed? If you want to see me not relaxed I can show you but its not a pretty thing

[high country]

I would just get a longbow or recurve.....then you don't need all the trinkets. My compound is a few years old, but never sees the sun with my trad gear handy.

[pianoman9701]

You could easily be quite proficient by next season. If you have the means to get the right equipment, go get it and find your local bowshop to get set up and start shooting, It's really addictive. If you have the safe space at your house to set up a range, even better.

[SniperDanWA]

We joined an archery range several years ago.  Now, we joined another range too and that has both firearm and archery.  My son and I are working through the process, as you are.  He is finally ready to pull the weight needed, so maybe next season we will be archery.  We have older bows and I just got new releases today.  I'll be putting whisker biscuits, dlinks and peep sights/new range sights on now.  We have both recurve and compound bows.  Go to a pro shop, speak with them.  I bought arm guards, now not needed.  The new quiver is a must.  Before too long, I'll buy another setup.

[DoubleJ]

Get a good quiver.  I hate mine

[krism83]

And go ahead and sell your rifle.  You won't go back

My pops wont start hunting archery, so to go elk hunting with him I have to go modern.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

And go ahead and sell your rifle.  You won't go back

My pops wont start hunting archery, so to go elk hunting with him I have to go modern.

You could always go Archery elk together, bring him along to help pack, and then go with him modern to help pack, unless you hunt on your own and just share camp, whats the diff ?
Beleive me, the first time you get an elk up close, destroying the landscape and screaming at you, modern firearm season will never be the same.

[krism83]

So I was looking for a good bow shop/club in my area and I turned up ONE (1)!!! Shop in Kitsap County, after further investigation from Hunters on here and on the web reviews say that the shop around here is terrible. Do you guys know a good Pierce/King/Thurston county shop or club I should look into?

[hughjorgan]

So I was looking for a good bow shop/club in my area and I turned up ONE (1)!!! Shop in Kitsap County, after further investigation from Hunters on here and on the web reviews say that the shop around here is terrible. Do you guys know a good Pierce/King/Thurston county shop or club I should look into?

Go see doug at great northwest archery on the south hill of puyallup.

http://www.gnwarchery.com/