tips for a beginner bowhunter

[wabearhunter]

hey everybody, i'm 14 years old and am going bowhunting this year, and wanted to see if anybody has any tips or recommendations for me.
I am probably going to get a recurve, and cedar arrow shafts, real feathers, and traditonal broadheads. thanks in advance for any info. i can pull back
a 65 lb compound, and do not know if i will be able to pull back a 55 lb recurve, i should probably get a 40 lb.

[WonkyWapiti]

Check the WDFW website to see when the next bowhunter education class is near you!  I just took it with my buddies this past year and I wish I had taken it when I started 6 years ago.  A ton of good information and it would have accelerated the learning curve for me.

[gasman]

three things for being a successfull bow hunter are as follow


#1 practice
#2 practice
#3 practice

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Where are you located?
Do you have anyone that you will be hunting with?

What about 3D shoots?
I strongly suggest getting started ASAP practicing...

[funkster]

three things for being a successfull bow hunter are as follow


#1 practice
#2 practice
#3 practice

I will add three more

# 1 draw - make sure you have the right draw length this is very important.Then make sure you can pull the bow straight back. When starting out less poundage is more.If you can pull the bow straight back sitting down, your poundage is OK

#2 anchor- if your anchor changes every shot so will your arrow flight.Anchor is when you come to full draw and pick a spot on your face where your hand comes to everytime you draw. I use a two point anchor. I put the knuckle of my thumb on the curve of my jaw bone. I also put the bow string on the tip on my nose. Pick a spot that is comfortable because you will be visiting it often  

#3 release- When using a trigger style release make sure you are not twisting the release with your wrist. Rest your finger on the trigger and squeeze. You DO NOT want your finger above the trigger and "slap" the trigger to release(this is called punching). This will dramatically decrease your accuracy when you punch the trigger.

Practice perfect practice and you will be ahead of most archers your age. My boy is 13 and I stress to him good shooting form.If you do this first the bulls eyes will come.If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

If he is going to use trad equipment, draw length is a matter of form, not bow. A release would be either fingers, or tab.
I agree on having a consitent anchor point.
Also the subject of eye dominance....
You want to point at something at a reasonable distance away.....
close one eye, and then switch to see which eye points directly at object...
That is your dominant eye, and although there is a lot of controversy on the subject, that is what hand you should start out with.
(I am cross dominant, but I have bad habits...)

[bowtech721]

all good information but why do you want to start out with a recurve? It sounds like fun but you may look into a compound bow for awhile but thats just my  good luck either way 

[bow4elk]

hey everybody, i'm 14 years old and am going bowhunting this year, and wanted to see if anybody has any tips or recommendations for me.
I am probably going to get a recurve, and cedar arrow shafts, real feathers, and traditonal broadheads. thanks in advance for any info. i can pull back
a 65 lb compound, and do not know if i will be able to pull back a 55 lb recurve, i should probably get a 40 lb.

PM me and we'll set up some time to talk in depth.  I'll help you get started on the right foot.

[wabearhunter]

thanks everybody for all the great info and replies!!! I will be for sure taking the soonest bowhunter education class, i also need to take hunters ed too. I live in Yakima, and i will be hunting with my dad and maybe some other people. About getting a recurve and not a compound is because i guess i like the challenge, a recurve or longbow is more natural and if i got lost in the wild i'd rather have a recurve or longbow then a compound. by the way if anybody else hunts there i will be hunting at Tamarack springs. i also need to get my bow first, i'll probably look on ebay for a inexpensive recurve. i'll probably use my fingers instead of a release. I have a target already, i think it's called the block. when i get my bow i will practice everyday, and hope to get a nice 3 point muley this year. thanks again everybody   

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Good Luck! I hunted across the drainage from Tamarack Springs, over at the top of Shadow Creek in the Grasshopper Flat/Gnat Flat area for 18 years. Good area.

[funkster]

About getting a recurve and not a compound is because i guess i like the challenge, a recurve or longbow is more natural and if i got lost in the wild i'd rather have a recurve or longbow then a compound.

I like this statement! Write this down and keep it with you on your hunt so you don't get discouraged. Any type of archery hunting is a "tough row to hoe". I have a few quotes that keep me going on those hot Sept days. This type of attitude will take you far in archery.

[wabearhunter]

i just got my bow, a 62" Ben pearson recurve, 45# draw weight at 28". i think this will be sufficient for deer or elk. started shooting it and at 50 feet i can hit the target but not a close group, haha. well i was getting my bow setup and stuff with the rest and nock point and wasn't sure if i should get the quiver on the side of the bow or have a quiver on my back?

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I use a side stalker, keeps the arrows within reach, and out of the bushes.
If you go with a bow quiver, get one ASAP, and practice with it on your bow.

[JBar]

Good for you WAbear! If the groups are not tight at your current distance move up until your groups improve. There is no shame in being close to the target at first. That's what bowhunting is about, getting close! As you become more comfortable and proficient start moving back. As you move back keep tabs on your groups and once they become inconsistent and large move forward to where they tighten up again. You have now found your effective range. I shot recurves for years and never felt comfortable shooting at game more than about 22 yards. Good luck this season and let us know how you do!

[wabearhunter]

thanks for the input. i think i'll get the sidestalker. i'm pretty excited for hunting this year beacuse my dad got drawn for any bull up observatory and i already got my deer and elk tag. i think if i practice shooting my bow every day come hunting season i'll have the accuracy thing down, i can already shoot 3" groups from 20 feet. i also learned that pulling back a recurve is about form not brute strength, as i can pull back my bow easily. i'll let you guys know how hunting goes this season!!