Getting started

[msm]

Hey everybody,
Was looking to maybe get into archery and eventually bowhunting. I've shot a few bows before, all were traditional long/recurve types. I don't want to spend a huge sum of money to get started. I just want a good idea of where to start looking as far as draw weights and lengths and overall length of the bow. That, and what I can do with maybe $100-150 to spend. Nothing fancy.
If this is possible, thanks.

 

[wilcam47]

used is the only way you will get close to that...

Bow hunting is about personal preference...and set up for you!

things you need to get measured for...

Draw length..
Draw weight...most bow places have bows you can try out...(NEVER dry fire)
brand of bow...all depends on you.
types of broadheads
types of arrows.
types of rests
types of releases
types of peeps
types of pins--single pin or multiple.
types of targets.

these are just a few things to consider and all cost money...well above your $100-$150 range. Im not being an ass just informing you.

 

[SRD]

I've been shooting for as long as I can remember.I like to keep things simple, I shoot a compound (mostly) but still use fingers/no release.But it's an older PSE so it's a little slower than whats out there now.Alot of bows come with different cams/wheels that make draw length a snap to change.

Start off with a low weight (40-45 lbs.) to get comfortable and move up as you progress.I shoot 60 +/- which will take down a whitetail.I'd check with some local archery shops,which may have some used ones and can help you get it set-up.

 

[llkoolkeg]

This set will get you in the game, won't break the bank and is completely user serviceable(no professional servicing, tuning or bow press needed)...assuming you're right-handed.
link=> http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/jaguar-take-down-traditional-k.aspx?a=790129

The Jaguar is an ideal choice for the archer wanting to give the traditional side a serious try. Laminated wood and glass limbs offer a smooth draw, but send an arrow with authority. Limbs can be easily removed from the riser for convenient transport to your hunting spot and storage in the off-season. And as an added little bonus, it comes complete with a starter's kit to get you going in a hurry, all at a super affordable price. So why not let your curiosity get the best of you and give traditional a shot? Chances are, you'll be glad you did!

Includes:
Case
Arm guard
Tab
Stringer
3 carbon arrows
More:

Draw weights: 30#, 35#, 40#, 45#, 50#, 55#
Brace height: 7"
Mass weight: 2.7 lbs.
AMO length: 60"
Right hand only.

 

[Zombie_013]

This set will get you in the game, won't break the bank and is completely user serviceable(no professional servicing, tuning or bow press needed)...assuming you're right-handed.
link=> http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/jaguar-take-down-traditional-k.aspx?a=790129

The Jaguar is an ideal choice for the archer wanting to give the traditional side a serious try. Laminated wood and glass limbs offer a smooth draw, but send an arrow with authority. Limbs can be easily removed from the riser for convenient transport to your hunting spot and storage in the off-season. And as an added little bonus, it comes complete with a starter's kit to get you going in a hurry, all at a super affordable price. So why not let your curiosity get the best of you and give traditional a shot? Chances are, you'll be glad you did!

Includes:
Case
Arm guard
Tab
Stringer
3 carbon arrows
More:

Draw weights: 30#, 35#, 40#, 45#, 50#, 55#
Brace height: 7"
Mass weight: 2.7 lbs.
AMO length: 60"
Right hand only.

That is a great suggestion.

 

[possumman]

That Jaguar takedown kit for about $200 is a pretty good deal for a new traditional bow- I know its not a Black Widow or a Robertson Stykbow but it will work fine - get no more than #50 draw and learn to shoot it off the shelf- no springs- no plungers- just a bear hair rest - and a finger tab- If you learn to shoot it instinctively you will be able to pick up any bow and with some practice shoot competently - use a paper plate as a target, there is way to much concern with arrow speed and 2" groups. Recurve bows can be very forgiving and do not require the tuning you need to do with a high speed compound . Check out craigslist for used recurves - I have a rack of them, some I bought for less than than $25 and they work fine --ask around there are a lot of them put away in closets 30 years ago that are still in great shape. A cedar arrow with a sharp broadhead will pass thru a dear moving at the leisurely speed of about 160 fps- but you need to be close.

 

[Yoshi]

I've seen plenty of reviews on the Jaguar and they are all favorible. I'll be looking at that and a few others when I decide to get one.

 

[msm]

Thanks a lot everyone. I'm going to look into it a bit further with these suggestions.

 

[Gordon]

Define your use hunting or target first. I have seen many good deals in the price range you mentioned.Recently picked up a recurve for $40 cleaned it up and made a new string shoots fine.Check out CL,yard sales, folks here ,ect.. good luck

 

[RangerWillrett]

I would go with about a 50# try rudderbows.com great bows and great prices

 

[Treeguy]

Go to a bow shop..get measured and try some bows..$150 does not get you set up...sorry but the sport is costly to get set up even buying used stuff.

Im sure you can get a old recurve cheap but then there is arrows and a finger pad and so on..

 

[Ender]

In a similar scenario but I have zero experience with bows and don't know anyone that does. I just joined AGC in Marriottsville and they have an archery range, it piqued my interest and I'm always trying to expand my horizons. I like that starter kit but can anyone recommend a good starter book? There are a few on Amazon that are highly rated but they all look the same to me.

 

[wilcam47]

In a similar scenario but I have zero experience with bows and don't know anyone that does. I just joined AGC in Marriottsville and they have an archery range, it piqued my interest and I'm always trying to expand my horizons. I like that starter kit but can anyone recommend a good starter book? There are a few on Amazon that are highly rated but they all look the same to me.

I learned by trial and error...i know not what you are looking for...but the books prob would be the same...if you have access to them at a local library maybe that would be helpful or a local bow shop near you...although sometimes they are not too helpful. the thing i like about bows is the shop customizes to you!

 

[VNVGUNNER]

http://www.archerylibrary.com/books/






http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/


Anything by Bernie Pellerite

 

[possumman]

Read Instinctive Shooting--by G Fred Asbell if you plan to shoot traditional--Also Traditional Archer Magazine is a good source for the recurve or longbow shooter.

 

[Mossyoak]

i started bow hunting becasue i found more places i could hunt for free. My buddy pointed me in the right direction however i relied on the local archery shop to help get me set up. Visit your local archery shop and just ask for some help.

 

[diesel-man]

I think that the other half of the money + is going to go for scent free camo clothing, boots, laundry detergent, and a tree stand, and harness. You'll need corn, some "co'mere deer", doe pee, etc., etc. In other words, the bow isn't half of it...

I'm not trying to discourage you, but it isn't like goin' out with a gun 'n bringin' one back.

 

[Ender]

Well, kit came in the mail today. Now I just have to figure out how to assemble since it didn't come with instructions.

 

[possumman]

Please use the stringer- a recurve can hurt you if you are not careful stringing it.

 

[SRD]

Please use the stringer- a recurve can hurt you if you are not careful stringing it.

Why would you want to bring technology into it ?

J/K,they do help (especially for someone new to it).This vid. shows how I do it.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=E-ZNpgFDkcs