bowing hunting

[terryknight]

I've always enjoyed hunting. I really enjoying deer hunting, but where I live there is only a 2 week firearms season and another 2 day Fri/Sat a few weeks later. I'm trying to learn to bow hunt so that I can spend more days in the woods. So anyone out there help me out? I know nothing. I will be going to the local sporting goods store this afternoon to ask them, they have a full archery department.

[stroken04]

Originally Posted by terryknight

I've always enjoyed hunting. I really enjoying deer hunting, but where I live there is only a 2 week firearms season and another 2 day Fri/Sat a few weeks later. I'm trying to learn to bow hunt so that I can spend more days in the woods. So anyone out there help me out? I know nothing. I will be going to the local sporting goods store this afternoon to ask them, they have a full archery department.

My advise would be to go to a small archery shop that has some knowledgeable people and let them fit you for a bow.

[Jesse.James]

What would like to know exactly? Bows are alot like trucks, its mostly personal preference. If you're on the eastern shore im sure you have some monsters over there an they arent hunted alot so.........i guess i could come down and show you how this fall. LOL

[350DingBat]

I love bowhunting. Do it as often as I can up here in AK.

I shoot a Hoyt ZR200. It's a great bow. Looking at stepping up the the Hoyt AlphaMax however. Powerstrokin87 stated, bow hunting is pretty much all up to you. What bow you want...What sights you want...what draw you are...what draw LENGTH you are...what cams you want...What weight arrow/tips are you going to use...the list is endless. Go to a bow shop, take an afternoon, and really pic their brains. Also, get a bow that fits YOU (and your pocket book). Don't worry about looks/hype or any of that. Find one that is balanced well in your hand, is smooth, and releases well. If you start with a solid platform like that, then all your accessories will only enhance what is already awesome. Anyhow, again, find someone who knows what their talking about and grill the snot outta' em'. Also, it's always a good idea to tip your bow guy, never know when your going to need free strings, fletchin, wax etc etc etc....

[Tick ST]

Get ready to drop a grand for a good set up........

[terryknight]

Originally Posted by powerstrokin87

If you're on the eastern shore im sure you have some monsters over there an they arent hunted alot so.........i guess i could come down and show you how this fall. LOL

Yes there are some big ones around two big boys live within town limits grrrr... I see them at least once a month. Feel free to come "show me how"

Originally Posted by 350DingBat

Also, it's always a good idea to tip your bow guy, never know when your going to need free strings, fletchin, wax etc etc etc....

Never thought of that, but sounds like a good idea

Originally Posted by Tick ST

Get ready to drop a grand for a good set up........

that's what I'm scared of that'll more than my go to deer guns

The place I went to has a dedicated archery guru and a 17yd range. This afternoon I went in and handled 8 or so bows from Mathews, to Bow tech, to Martin. I like the Bowtech the best (it felts the best). Mathews was a second and Martin was distant third the rest were not even close. I'm going to go back next week and shoot those three and go from there.

[350DingBat]

Originally Posted by Tick ST

Get ready to drop a grand for a good set up........

^^ True...It CAN be very expensive. However, I picked up my bow used, and it came with...sights (new Trophy Ridge ), counterweight, D-loop, release, easton carbon arrows, and broad heads for 500 bones.

Check Craigslist/Ebay...Seriously. Also, here is a site that has a lot of info.
It's an 'Alaskan' site, but if you scroll down to the ALASKA BOWHUNTING section you'll find endless amounts of hardcore Alaskan Bowhunting advice from some of the most Grizzled Mountain Men you've ever spoken to. REALLY good guys in there...

Alaska Outdoors Forums

Edit: I wouldn't start hitting Craigslist/Ebay until you do your research/talk to some of the guys on the forum. This way you'll have some knowledge under your belt and be able to smell a good or bad deal coming.

[LHMissions]

Bowhunting is fantastic! I bowhunted for years. Been a few since I have been though. Look into a trigger too for the bow. Makes release way easier and helps with holding at full draw. Helps with accuracy too.

[no-tel-in]

Mathews ftw!!

[bigdaddysimp]

Have you got a bow yet?