Brand new to archery

[Desimo]

So I drew a multi season deer tag this year. I have been putting in for a while without thinking about it, but I finally won. That said, I do not have a bow, nor have I ever hunted by archery. Though it is likely too late for me to get up to hunting level of capability by the season, I think this is good motivation to move into the sport and learn more about it.

I own zero equipment and would consider my experience level at either advanced novice or early beginner. Speaking as if I am the beginner that I am, what do I need to buy and do to get started within this sport? Any help is appreciated!

[vandeman17]

Go to a good bow shop and have them walk you through everything. Most of them can teach you proper form, let you shoot a few bows and then get you set up with one to buy.

[Fatherof5]

I see your location as Skagit County. My advise is to go to Riverside Archery. Address is 17370 WA-536, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Gary is the owner, great guy. I've been going there for many years and never had a bad experience. Welcome to Archery!

[Cylvertip]

Lots of bow shops have consignment bows that will be 90% of what you need at maybe 50% of the new price.  Finding one that fits you physically and that you would want to buy is the trick.  I would definitely go to a bow shop.  It will be more than a catalog or big retail establishment, but they will get it  and you set up right.  You are still probably going to approach $1k to get there though.   Full blown all new is probably $2k or better these days.

[blackveltbowhunter]

You have time.

   My first time bowhunting I had old equipment that didn't fit me at all, 3 types of arrows and borrowed broadheads. What i did have was solid knowledge due to reading everything I could about archery and bowhunting,  relentless practice with what I had  for several years prior, and a real understanding of my limitations. That early season I never got close enough to release an arrow ( with school I really struggled to get out much anyway) but I had the bug. Early november I sold a quad to fund a significant equipment upgrade and practiced every day. That first late archery  season I killed a deer and bull.

A good shop is going to take time with you, but understand if they are good they will be slammed this time of year. Do yourself and them a favor and do some home work and have some decisions made prior to arrival. Take advantage of all the influencers and youtube university and get some ideas and education on basic form, anchor points with different releases and  proper grip technique. Of course a shop will assist with fitti g and form and help walk you thru and try out different gear options, but having a concept of what these things are helps streamline the process and save a ton of time. Also there is no reason not to have some idea of what type of equipment you want, and be up front with your budget. Some simple things that you can have a good idea or decide on prior to arrival are things like: Fixed pins or sliding sights? A drop away or containment style rest?  and understand the basic differences between them. Fixed blades or mechanical broadheads. Wrist strap or handheld release.
A shop should be able to physically show you these things, let you try them and educate on how to use them properly and explain some pros and cons, but nothing is perfect in archery equipment and  everything is a trade off so focus on making a perfect shot and you will be on the right track

 Congrats on the draw and good luck!

[TommyH]

Go to a shop, get your draw length measured on a bow that’s comfortable to pull. That’s a starting point, scour fb or c.l. For deals on bows with your draw length and draw weight, maybe you find one with a release and arrows... shoot shoot shoot. I just talked a buddy into getting a bow, we’ve shot a few times together  he’s coming along pretty quickly. My first year I started shooting mid summer and killed a bull opening day. Go for it!

[Desimo]

Thank you all. I appreciate it greatly. Looks like I have some work to do! I will be heading to Riverside soon!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Fair warning.
Back in the early 80's I thought I would try Archery.
Back then you just bought a tag, didn't have to choose.
.
I never went back to modern.
.
It became an obsession.
.
I met some guys at the range..
Next thing you know we are shooting 7 days a week.
It was like playing darts.
Peer pressure forced me into giving up my compound for a recurve because it was more fun, and we could shoot anywhere,
.
I started collecting bows and attending 3D shoots...
.
I have nothing against ANY style of hunting.
.
But Archery is a fun game you can play almost anywhere.
.
.
And the adrenaline rush, or "buck fever" is unbelievable.
.
When I hunt with a firearm I usually take the shot, then get the excitement walking up on the animal.
.
With archery....
By the time it's within my comfort range I am so pumped up on adrenaline I'm shaking like a hound dog sitting peach pits.
.
In practice I can hit a 8-1/2" paper plate every time out to about 30yards.
.
In reality?
With hair, hide, and a heartbeat?
There has been times I couldn't hit the broadside side of a barn if I was standing inside..
.
Some people hunt for the meat, some people hunt for the trophy.
.
I hunt for the adrenaline rush...
And there is nothing that compares to the excitement of Archery hunting.
.

And where legal, I can get meat.
I shot a doe last year.
3rd time she came within 10 feet of me.
.
It was legal, and sure I would have liked some antlers..
That's why I was watching them.
.
I punched her with a #10 microflite and bear razorhead (Suzanne StCharles) that was glued 20+ years ago.
.
She went 30 yard, within sight, and it was over..
.
...
Sorry, but don't try Archery.
You won't go back to firearms.

[Special T]

I second Riverside archery. Also go shoot at Silver Arrow Bowmen. The have a 50 target walk through course 2 miles long. Lots of elevation shooting up and down.
First Monday of each month 7pm is the business meeting.

[Taco280AI]

Any idea what your draw length is? I have a Mathews V3 27 in excellent condition I'll be selling soon.

[JDArms1240]

I'm going to third Riverside Archery, they're real decent...

Don't go to Cabela's if you can afford not to, it's nice to support our local shop AND the knowledge they have will be night and day better than big box stores.

You could be into a real good bow for cheap, even a used flagship bow.

[Boss .300 winmag]

@Desimo how are you doing with this?