Post by: ShirtGuy77 on September 26, 2011, 02:25:10 PM
I have been a rifle guy for many years, and often think about trying archery. I was given a reason this weekend to think harder about it. My brother, who hasn't been much of an outdoor guy, went camping with me this weekend to listen to the elk their thing. I wanted him to experience it and see what it does to him. Well, it went much better than I would have thought. He was bugging me to go glassing and trying to find elk, not the other way around :tup:
He was so impressed, and enjoyed it so much, he asked me if I would archery hunt. I have always wanted to, but given that my hunting season is in Idaho, and is a general rifle season with my other brother and our dad, I really had no reason to check into it. I am crossing my fingers in hopes that I have brought my other brother on board, and look forward to having another hunting partner. I couldn't be happier.
So, let the learning begin....I will be scouring these threads digging up information to get us pointed in the right direction. And by all means, if you have any tips to help a couple of newbies out please share. Eventhough we are both new to archery doesn't mean we are newbies to hunting and the outdoors. Well, he is, but I have been hunting for quite a few years now. It's just been with a rifle.
Can't wait to find out what this is all about....
Post by: h20hunter on September 26, 2011, 02:34:21 PM
Maybe start in the classifieds. Find a bow for sale from a member. Buy it and bargain for some beginner lessons.
Post by: Machias on September 26, 2011, 02:45:13 PM
Post by: ShirtGuy77 on September 26, 2011, 02:55:12 PM
I take hunting very seriously, and understand the responsibilities we have as hunters, regardless of weapon we choose, to do it right and respect the animals we are hunting. I told him if we are even thinking about hunting archery next year, the time is now to learn. Learn not only what equipment we need, but practice, practice, practice....I love my rilfe, and really made sure I got what I wanted. But archery appears to be much more involved. So I look forward to that. Being that he was really intrigued by this weekend, I want to make sure we do it the right way, and not discourage him in any way. I am very excited that he is showing he wants to get involved, I want to capture that lightening in a bottle, sorta speak...
Post by: pips4bucks on September 26, 2011, 03:12:35 PM
Machias has a good point. Some other things you may do is stop by a local archery shop for some lessons or hit up your local archery club for some shooting events. You'll find most of the people you meet that are involved in archery are really nice people and eager to help a new person get started.
Here's a start for you to find a club or shop: http://www.washingtonarchery.org/ (http://www.washingtonarchery.org/)
Post by: ShirtGuy77 on September 26, 2011, 06:09:48 PM
Post by: uplandhunter870 on October 03, 2011, 04:36:36 PM
you are correct that if you are thinking of bowhunting next season now is the time to start. i joined the archery ranks about 3 years ago and i can say that i dont think i was hunting ready until i had shot my bow for about a year on a regular basis. check out some local bow shops you can find some good used bows, sometimes only one season old. i know there are lots of guys out there that buy the newest bow every year and trade in their "old" one
pick up and shoot as many bows as you can before buying one, i shot close to 14 different bows before i found the one that "spoke" to me. you dont need to go crazy on the poundage either. everytime i go to a range i usually have to walk outside atleast once when i see someone looking like theyre having a seizure trying to pull back their 80# bow call me mean but its hilarious
Post by: buckfvr on October 04, 2011, 09:35:08 AM
Then , remember .....dont believe anything you hear or read, and only half of what you see.
Everyone has opinions, and most guys think what ever they happen to be using is better than anything else. Try and keep opinions in perspective and ultimately make your own decisions.
When you do buy......remember, you get what you pay for.
Post by: ShirtGuy77 on October 04, 2011, 12:27:02 PM
As it turns out, I have a good buddy, and my soon to be brother in law that have been thinking of going the archery route as well. So we could have a few of us learning together, which is always fun. Now, I just need to get my upcoming season under my belt before I dig in too much. Hunting non-res in Idaho for deer, elk, and possibly wolf can spread a guy thin...but it's once a year, and I wait all year for it :IBCOOL:
Thanks again guys....
Post by: Todd_ID on October 04, 2011, 10:26:20 PM
Proper fitting equipment is paramount to good form. If you can't sit in a chair, lift your feet off the floor, and draw the bow straight out without extra movement, then the draw weight is too high. Too long of a draw length will get you using the wrong muscles and throw any chance at good form out the window.
3D shoots are excellent practice for hunting. Plus, the guys you meet are top notch.
Archery is not rocket science or witchery, but both will seem possible at times. Once you get into it, then just keep asking questions on here. The guys on here are good with advice.