Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: Hunter mike on November 27, 2009, 01:58:05 PM

Title: New guy
Post by: Hunter mike on November 27, 2009, 01:58:05 PM: Hello everybody! Just wanted to introduce myself before I start rattling off questions...

I'm new to the board and also to hunting in general. I grew up fishing and in the outdoors, but not hunting although I've always wanted to get into it. I've been out the past couple of months scouting for next season when I hope to make my debut. I'm still a bit on the fence between archery and modern firearms but I've been leaning towards archery due to the much longer seasons and friendlier regs overall. I've been lurking at this site for a while and I've already learned a lot from the posts.

My dilema is finding a servicable archery setup on a tight budget. I've priced out new outfits and $5-600 isn't in the cards anytime soon considering the other gear I will need. I notice a lot of inexpensive equipment on craigslist - just not sure exactly what I'm looking at :dunno: I'd appreciate any advice on getting a rig to at least get some practice (and hopefully good enough to hunt with and maybe keep as a backup when I upgrade eventually). I plan to get some lessons and join a local club when I get some gear. Also still have to get hunters ed out of the way when I find a class.

Thanks for everyone and their posts that I've learned from, see you in the woods!
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: boneaddict on November 27, 2009, 02:01:56 PM: Keep an eye on the classifieds. Lots of gear on here usually. Welcome to the site!
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: Machias on November 27, 2009, 02:11:15 PM: Welcome aboard, if you tell us what your looking for, ie draw length, poundage we can help you keep an eye out for some reasonable gear. I just sold a complete setup to a friend for $250, which we a real sweet deal.
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: Grizzly95 on November 27, 2009, 02:23:32 PM: Welcome to the site! First off where you at or general area so we know where to send you to talk to the right people? If you are in the Spokane let me know, I can take you out to a couple shops. I would find a couple shops and see if you can draw a few bows and maybe shoot a few, that way you know where to start i.e draw length, weight, and what what breed of bow you may lean towards. Listen to all the advice people give you, but remember it's only advice everyone is different. Don't be afraid to be different. I shoot an older Martin that my buddies call a dinosaur, it does the job and I am comfortable with it. I will admit I am going to be looking at new bows next year so my wife can shoot my old one to see if she likes it. Remember the end result is you shooting it, so buy for yourself not to look good to others.
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: Hunter mike on November 27, 2009, 02:36:57 PM: Thanks for the replies! In in Puyallup but thanks for the offer Grizzly
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: passing-thru on November 27, 2009, 06:09:25 PM: Welcome. E-Bay is another good place to get into a good setup for fairly cheap. I have a buddy that bought a complete setup for just over $200. I know your still on the fence but, come on everyone know bow hunters are cooler.LOL ;) Anyway good luck
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: danceswitharrows on November 27, 2009, 07:01:45 PM: Welcome to the site :hello:
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: MtnMuley on November 27, 2009, 07:04:44 PM: Most capabilities of most bows today far surpass those shooting them. You don't have to spend a lot to have a great shooting bow. Learning to trust your bow and lots of practice will lead to confidence in the field. Good luck, and welcome to the hunting community. :hello:
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: seansfire on November 27, 2009, 07:28:09 PM: you will love bowhunting. trust me , i am new too. i shoot a mission x3 bow and it was fairly cheap. good luck and welcome to the site.
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 27, 2009, 07:33:03 PM: i am a ebay freak i would watch on there . but!!!!!!! go to a local archery shop and have them find your draw lenght so you get a bow that will fit you and only buy from sellers with great feedback so you don't get junk. also cabelas ans wholesale sports have discount racks and sometimes there are some good deals to be had and the can get you set up good. also be beware hunting in very addictive in any form most of all archery take it from me i own 12 bows :chuckle: welcome and good luck.
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: THINK_N_ELK on November 28, 2009, 10:54:52 AM: Quote from: Hunter mike on November 27, 2009, 02:36:57 PM
Thanks for the replies! In in Puyallup but thanks for the offer Grizzly

Mike, first off again welcome. I purchased my bow from Rainier Archery in South Hill. Joe did good by me. He has set ups that you can shoot, to get an idea of what you want. After the first of the year into the spring. There seems to be more bow/equipment available, on eBay or craigslist. Because of upgrading.

Phone: (253) 846-7960
Fax: (253) 846-7960
10113 - 213th Ave E (213th & Meridian)
Graham, WA 98338
joe@rainierarchery.com
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: Jeffrey on November 29, 2009, 07:46:41 AM: Good to have you aboard.
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: robb92 on November 29, 2009, 08:16:12 AM: Welcome to the boards. I bought a PSE Nova from Bass Pro for 199.00, I have changed the site out and also the arrow rest. All total it has cost me about 300 to get it where I like it. Last fall I had the string and cables replaced at 90 bucks, but it is a good shooting bow.

I like what I have I can't justify to my wife on spending 800 dollars on a bow when she knows that the one I have has killed over 40 deer.

If you do buy a used bow first thing to do is take it to a pro shop and have them inspect the limbs for cracks and I would change the string and cables out. When you buy used from ebay or craigslist you don't really know how the bow was treated, if it was dry fired or left sitting out and the string was never waxed.

Good luck and hunt hard and hunt safe!
Title: Re: New guy
Post by: jnevs23 on November 29, 2009, 11:32:17 AM: Parker is another good option. I bought an entire package, ready to shoot out of the box for 350 I think. I obviously had a few adjustments made (draw length etc.) Ive had it for about 5 years and still shoots like its brand new.