Help, My son wants to bow hunt!

[wapiti hunter2]

My son wants to bow hunt.  He drew a multiseason deer tag for this year and wants to add archery to his modern rifle.  I would like to get him a compound bow and a set-up for his birthday in about a month and have no idea what to get.  Is it possible to get something used?  Buy a setup already to go?  I know almost nothing.  He is going to be 18 and is 5'11" and pretty strong.  We live in Yelm. Budget $300-400?

[NWWABOWHNTR]

Can't go wrong with the Diamond Razor Edge 30-60# setup for $329 or so.  Adjustable DL also from 19-29".  Shoots 308FPS 60#@29..... comes with octane quiver, and octane hostage rest.  Diamond is made by Bowtech. 

[vandeman17]

 

[PacificNWhunter]

Martin has a great value bow, and there made here in WA.

[300rum]

With that budget it will be pretty hard to go from zero to hunting with an all new setup.  You can get a new bow for that amount but then you are talking arrow rests, sights, quivers, a couple dozen arrows, target(s), broadheads, etc. etc. etc. 

If he isn't going to be a per manant bow hunter and is just dippin his toe in because he can and has a tag, I would search around for a used one.  Talk to everyone you know who hunts and see if you can come up with something that is already set up.  From time to time I see a pretty good deal on Craigslist on bows that were all the rage a couple of years ago and someone upgraded and is selling at a deep discount.  It may not be perfect for him but he can reasonably be ready for fall with the time he has.  If you buy a new one for him now and he doesn't want to continue being an archer, good luck on getting anywhere close to what you have into it. 

[let.it.fly]

go to sportsmens wharehouse/ wholesale sports in federal way. they have a bunch of bows that are 2008 models for rediculas prices. my buddy bought a kodiak outdoors (not sure the model) on friday, bow retailed for 700 in 2008 , he walked out of the store with the bow, and a new quiver for under 300. he loves that bow too. call dennis of larry. they will take very goodcare of you. they are the only guys i wil go to or recomend a friend too.

[Button Nubbs]

I have a 2OO7 hoyt vectrix for sale for $4OO obo. Its got all the fixins on it. Ready to shoot. Just need arrows. Its at the nock point in mountlake terrace hanging on the wall. What is his draw length?

[WSU]

As a started, I would head to a good bow shop and let them educate you and him.  They can measure him for draw length, see what weight will best suit him, and explain everything.  You can then take this knowledge and buy a bow from them, or take the knowledge elsewhere and buy a bow.  At least at that point you will know what to look for.  I bought a bow 3 or 4 years back without knowing anything, and without knowing anyone who was a serious bow hunter.  Getting the proper education was very helpful to me.

[CallMeBigPapa]

Start out by doing an eye dominance test to make sure he's using the correct one to aim with. Being right handed and left eyed or visa versa can create challenges when it comes to being able draw using the off hand.

Like others have said, get him measured up by someone who knows.


   

[bowtech721]

Can't go wrong with the Diamond Razor Edge 30-60# setup for $329 or so.  Adjustable DL also from 19-29".  Shoots 308FPS 60#@29..... comes with octane quiver, and octane hostage rest.  Diamond is made by Bowtech. 

Head to the luckyshot in chehalis and check out that bow... They usually have it in stock and its a great value. My girlfriend shoots one but ive messed around with it and it really wouldnt be a bad bow for anyone 

[wapiti hunter2]

I can go to the Archery shop in Rainier to get him measured.  I will check out the bows recommended.  If I could get a bow, dozen arrows with practice points and sights now for $400 I would probably do it.  I can add the rest between his birthday and Sept.  Please keep suggestions comming.  and thanks for the help.  I don't know if this will be a one off thing or not.  I know I am going to switch to blackpowder.

[whacker1]

don't forget that you need to have $ for targets as well.  The other suggestions sound reasonable.

Good luck.  Even if he doesn't hunt with it every year, it is still fun to practice with the bow.

[NWWABOWHNTR]

XXX archery in Rainier sells various types of bows and they will hook you up. 

[carpsniperg2]

best thing to do is take him to the store for his birthday and let him get setup by someone that knows what they are doing. nothing worse than a bow that does not fit him well.

[Tony]

When i started bow hunting Rainer Archery in Graham set me up with a bow fully set up, a dozen arrows and a release for about $350.00 (this was 10 years ago so probably a little higher now). Obviously nothing top of the line but might be worth checking out.