New to archery....X-Factor going full retard inside
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- Jul 29, 2014
- 50,105
Actually, they duck under the arrow. In their reaction to the sound of the bow's release, the deer brace the ground in preparation to run, just as a runner gets down into the running blocks or as a standing broad jumper squats to load his legs before a jump. But I wouldn't worry about stuff like that yet.
VNVGUNNER
Ultimate Member
Like said above: go to a bow shop and have them fit you. They will have several bows of differing manufactures for you to try. Buy what fits you and the one you like. IMO, buying by name can be disappointing. It may not fit you. I really liked a Hoyt, but I ended up with a PSE that fits me better. It's the bow on top of the wall rack. It's hard to see, but it's all I have. I took my daughter to the same shop thinking about Hoyt and PSE, a Bear fit her better than the others, so a Bear it was. The bottom bow.
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RebelYell
Active Member
+1
There are many that will recommend this brand or that, but I feel those who choose a bow by brand name alone, are truly doing themselves a disservice. Go to MULTIPLE shops and shoot MULTIPLE bows and pick what fits YOU the best. So many of the manufacturers are making such high quality equipment at many different price points, that it's hard to go wrong. Especially for your first bow. Good luck!
Don't be concerned about the 'name'.. shoot as many different bows as you can and pick the one that feels the best to you when shooting. Be sure you have had your draw length measured and determined, that is very important to consistent shooting.
Go to some shops that will let you try some of the bows, try to find an archery club nearby and you can gain a wealth of helpful info. Most archers will gladly do all they can to teach and educate you, we are just that way, we want to see more people in the sport, young, old, man, woman, child... it's all good for the sport.
I have been shooting bows since I was a kid (over 40 years) and have had many bows over the years (I was fortunate to have some sponsors over the past dozen or so years) and all of them, when properly setup, were dot or deer killing machines, as long as I did my part every time.
Most importantly, practice, practice, practice... it will become instinctive after enough time behind the string and you don't even think about it... just draw, aim and release. Most of my deer hunting is done with a bow and up until the last year or so, when I had some shoulder issues, I would shoot competitive archery year round... there wasn't a week in a year that I didn't either hunt or compete, indoors in winter months, outdoors all summer and I shoot thousands of arrows a year.
I have shot crossbows, long before they were generally legal, you needed a doc's certification that you couldn't shoot a regular bow, but I loved bowhunting so much, that I spent two seasons in an arm cast and still shot deer during hunting season with a xbow. I got rid of it as soon as I could go back to shooting a compound and never looked back.
Just got a new rig, getting it setup now to take out for the last couple weeks of archery season, hopefully I can tag a deer or two before the end of the month with it.
If you need any help, or have questions, just ask.. we'll help you out..
Go to some shops that will let you try some of the bows, try to find an archery club nearby and you can gain a wealth of helpful info. Most archers will gladly do all they can to teach and educate you, we are just that way, we want to see more people in the sport, young, old, man, woman, child... it's all good for the sport.
I have been shooting bows since I was a kid (over 40 years) and have had many bows over the years (I was fortunate to have some sponsors over the past dozen or so years) and all of them, when properly setup, were dot or deer killing machines, as long as I did my part every time.
Most importantly, practice, practice, practice... it will become instinctive after enough time behind the string and you don't even think about it... just draw, aim and release. Most of my deer hunting is done with a bow and up until the last year or so, when I had some shoulder issues, I would shoot competitive archery year round... there wasn't a week in a year that I didn't either hunt or compete, indoors in winter months, outdoors all summer and I shoot thousands of arrows a year.
I have shot crossbows, long before they were generally legal, you needed a doc's certification that you couldn't shoot a regular bow, but I loved bowhunting so much, that I spent two seasons in an arm cast and still shot deer during hunting season with a xbow. I got rid of it as soon as I could go back to shooting a compound and never looked back.
Just got a new rig, getting it setup now to take out for the last couple weeks of archery season, hopefully I can tag a deer or two before the end of the month with it.
If you need any help, or have questions, just ask.. we'll help you out..
- Jul 29, 2014
- 50,105
Don't be concerned about the 'name'.. shoot as many different bows as you can and pick the one that feels the best to you when shooting. Be sure you have had your draw length measured and determined, that is very important to consistent shooting.
Go to some shops that will let you try some of the bows, try to find an archery club nearby and you can gain a wealth of helpful info. Most archers will gladly do all they can to teach and educate you, we are just that way, we want to see more people in the sport, young, old, man, woman, child... it's all good for the sport.
I have been shooting bows since I was a kid (over 40 years) and have had many bows over the years (I was fortunate to have some sponsors over the past dozen or so years) and all of them, when properly setup, were dot or deer killing machines, as long as I did my part every time.
Most importantly, practice, practice, practice... it will become instinctive after enough time behind the string and you don't even think about it... just draw, aim and release. Most of my deer hunting is done with a bow and up until the last year or so, when I had some shoulder issues, I would shoot competitive archery year round... there wasn't a week in a year that I didn't either hunt or compete, indoors in winter months, outdoors all summer and I shoot thousands of arrows a year.
I have shot crossbows, long before they were generally legal, you needed a doc's certification that you couldn't shoot a regular bow, but I loved bowhunting so much, that I spent two seasons in an arm cast and still shot deer during hunting season with a xbow. I got rid of it as soon as I could go back to shooting a compound and never looked back.
Just got a new rig, getting it setup now to take out for the last couple weeks of archery season, hopefully I can tag a deer or two before the end of the month with it.
If you need any help, or have questions, just ask.. we'll help you out..
^^^^What he says^^^^
FYI, arrows are custom cut and fitted to you and your bow for best accuracy.
Yea, you can get a longer and stiffer arrow and it will shoot but maybe not as accurate.
Ask them what spine you should be using at first. Arrow choices are enough to make your head spin. I'm back into archery after almost 30 years (since a teen ager) and the choices are enough to make my head hurt. I'm a DIY guy and prefer to read alot and make my own choices. My wife and I went in and got 2 bows for my son and daughter and I got the generic "get them this one cause ...." treatment and I'm not sure it was the right choice at this point.
I got an infinite edge (Bowtech) because if I grow out of it, I have 4 kids that it can easily be reconfigured for and passed down to.
Yea, you can get a longer and stiffer arrow and it will shoot but maybe not as accurate.
Ask them what spine you should be using at first. Arrow choices are enough to make your head spin. I'm back into archery after almost 30 years (since a teen ager) and the choices are enough to make my head hurt. I'm a DIY guy and prefer to read alot and make my own choices. My wife and I went in and got 2 bows for my son and daughter and I got the generic "get them this one cause ...." treatment and I'm not sure it was the right choice at this point.
I got an infinite edge (Bowtech) because if I grow out of it, I have 4 kids that it can easily be reconfigured for and passed down to.
- Jul 29, 2014
- 50,105
I prefer Beaman ICS hunters. They fly fine and are affordable and easy to find. Just about everyone carries them.
Here's an article that helped me with arrow selection:
http://www.huntersfriend.com/carbon_arrows/hunting_arrows_selection_guide_chapter_1.htm
http://www.huntersfriend.com/carbon_arrows/hunting_arrows_selection_guide_chapter_1.htm
VNVGUNNER
Ultimate Member
I shot those for years, very good arrows, about 6 years ago I started shooting GoldTip arrows. I shoot more paper then deer these days. 3D in the Summer is great fun and will sharpen your skills.
madmantrapper
Ultimate Member
Is Bowhunters Warehouse still around?
It took me a few days, but I read everything on that website. They have good info on sights, rests and arrows. Thanks Shinny.
Yes but it is now Bowhunters Superstore. The old owners from way back took it over again, from what I have heard after the second owners kinda screwed things up...
bowhunterssuperstore.com
Lancaster Archery Supply is one of the best archery dealers in the area (if you don't mind a drive to Amish country), they expanded a couple years ago.
Lancasterarchery.com
sgt23preston
USMC LLA. NRA Life Member
Another Bow Maker that should be included in your list is PSE...
I've had Hoyt's & I've had PSE's, both were top notch, very accurate & durable...
The "spine" of the arrows must match your draw length & the draw weight of the bow & if you are shooting fingers or a trigger...
There are charts to show you which arrow number to select...
Make sure you find a local Bow shop to help you with your selections & adjustments & repairs after you buy...
Bows are like suits, they need to be fitted to you...
You need to shoot from the "valley" of the draw to get consistent accuracy & you'll need professional help making those adjustments...
Sgt is spot on with his comments. Honestly, there are no 'junk bows' out today. Most manufacturers make quality stuff, it's the only way to compete with other companies. Some companies (Bowtech for example) have a lower priced lineup to offer to those who are just starting out and don't want to drop a grand on a new bow. You will also spend several hundred dollars getting all setup with top of the line stuff, rest, sight, stabilizer, arrows, release (if you so choose and most do). The box stores sell lower end bows than a tried and true archery shop, that's just how it works in most cases and you would do well to find an archery shop, rather than Dicks, or other similar 'we sell it all' stores. The level of expertise is much better at a pro shop.
You will need help getting it all setup and can learn a lot perusing the net, but you will also find die hard fanboys that tell you 'don't get this, this is the best', etc... Don't listen. They are being narrow minded.
I shot PSE for probably 30 years when I first started out, as there were only a handful of compound bow mfrs. I just bowhunted, they served me well. I was fortunate to get into competition and get some sponsorships, so I have been able to shoot a lot of different bows since. Shot Martin bows for a bunch of years, just got a G5 Prime to shoot for a year.
The best thing I did was to start shooting competitive archery, Field archery in the summer months and indoors in the winter. It increased my proficiency beyond my wildest imagination. In field archery we shoot targets to 80 yards. Most archers rarely shoot an arrow beyond 40 yards. When you shoot those long distances and become consistent, the short range shots (inside 50yds) are pure instinct and most good field archers can keep arrow groups at less than a 'minute of angle' in archery terms, which we consider 1" for every 10 yards. It takes a lot of time and dedication to shooting to achieve that level of proficiency, but after a couple of seasons I was in that group.
The average bowhunting shots are inside of 30 yards, as typically you are in the woods and don't have the nice open terrain that we shoot in competitions, though we shoot in the woods, just like 3D, only at a paper target, not foam.
I know I mentioned this before, but anyone that wants to get into archery (for whatever reason) should find a local club and go visit on the weekend. Most clubs have practice ranges that are open to the public, the competition ranges usually require club membership, but that is not very expensive. You can find a list of MD clubs at this link. http://md-archery.org/md_clubs.htm Find one close by and go visit it. You will find archers to be very helpful, many offer free public clinics to teach archery skills in the summer months, all host various competitions from indoors to 3D or Field Archery.
Archery requires practice. You will not be a good, consistent shot if you don't put the time in to get your equipment working right, setup properly and develop a consistent form for accurate shooting. If you want to kill a deer, you need to hit it right, or you will likely wound and lose it and many have had their dreams smashed when that happens.. It sucks! But sooner or later, if you bowhunt enough, it will probably happen. Practicing and getting to the point where it becomes instinctive is much more time-consuming than learning to shoot a gun, trust me..
It all comes together on that magical day in the woods when something like this walks in and you make that perfect shot, not even thinking about anything but the small spot you picked to place your arrow. There is little in the world more exhilarating to me!
You will need help getting it all setup and can learn a lot perusing the net, but you will also find die hard fanboys that tell you 'don't get this, this is the best', etc... Don't listen. They are being narrow minded.
I shot PSE for probably 30 years when I first started out, as there were only a handful of compound bow mfrs. I just bowhunted, they served me well. I was fortunate to get into competition and get some sponsorships, so I have been able to shoot a lot of different bows since. Shot Martin bows for a bunch of years, just got a G5 Prime to shoot for a year.
The best thing I did was to start shooting competitive archery, Field archery in the summer months and indoors in the winter. It increased my proficiency beyond my wildest imagination. In field archery we shoot targets to 80 yards. Most archers rarely shoot an arrow beyond 40 yards. When you shoot those long distances and become consistent, the short range shots (inside 50yds) are pure instinct and most good field archers can keep arrow groups at less than a 'minute of angle' in archery terms, which we consider 1" for every 10 yards. It takes a lot of time and dedication to shooting to achieve that level of proficiency, but after a couple of seasons I was in that group.
The average bowhunting shots are inside of 30 yards, as typically you are in the woods and don't have the nice open terrain that we shoot in competitions, though we shoot in the woods, just like 3D, only at a paper target, not foam.
I know I mentioned this before, but anyone that wants to get into archery (for whatever reason) should find a local club and go visit on the weekend. Most clubs have practice ranges that are open to the public, the competition ranges usually require club membership, but that is not very expensive. You can find a list of MD clubs at this link. http://md-archery.org/md_clubs.htm Find one close by and go visit it. You will find archers to be very helpful, many offer free public clinics to teach archery skills in the summer months, all host various competitions from indoors to 3D or Field Archery.
Archery requires practice. You will not be a good, consistent shot if you don't put the time in to get your equipment working right, setup properly and develop a consistent form for accurate shooting. If you want to kill a deer, you need to hit it right, or you will likely wound and lose it and many have had their dreams smashed when that happens.. It sucks! But sooner or later, if you bowhunt enough, it will probably happen. Practicing and getting to the point where it becomes instinctive is much more time-consuming than learning to shoot a gun, trust me..
It all comes together on that magical day in the woods when something like this walks in and you make that perfect shot, not even thinking about anything but the small spot you picked to place your arrow. There is little in the world more exhilarating to me!
A lot of people shoot archery and have grown to love it.. here's an example from the 2009 NFAA National Championships in PA. We had shot all day, a grueling day on the range, and afterwards they had a competition to team us joes with the true pros for a little friendly competition. We has shot well over 150 arrows that day, but it wasn't enough... these archers are serious archers... 
There are dozens of different bows, hundreds of combinations of sight, rest, stablizer and arrows and all of these shooters were competing (and well, I may add) in a National competition with the very best of the best in archery. Anybody can do it, if you dedicate the time and energy needed..
There are dozens of different bows, hundreds of combinations of sight, rest, stablizer and arrows and all of these shooters were competing (and well, I may add) in a National competition with the very best of the best in archery. Anybody can do it, if you dedicate the time and energy needed..
VNVGUNNER
Ultimate Member
Archery is addictive after 40 years of shooting I can't kick the habit. 
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