Question for bow hunters

[Bruenor]

Hello everyone. One of my work benefits is $400 a year to use for exercise equipment. Well, I asked HR if archery equipment counted, and they said yes.

:banana02:

So here's my situation. I've never shot a bow before, but would like to be able to go bow hunting next year. I've started reading everything I can about bows, and I'm finding myself a bit lost.

So where should I start? What would be a good bow to get that's 1) good for beginners, but 2) still able to take down deer.

If it helps, I live in central Indiana. Thanks.

[Bear]

If you know anyone who bow hunts ask them where in your area is a good bow/archery shop. A good shop will measure you up correct size and draw length and will let try a number of bows to see which feels best to you. Most also have an indoor range where you can actually shoot . Most archery shop guys I know are very helpful and are happy to give help and instructions to a beginner. You can also try and find an archery club; all states have a number of the. Go to-www.3dshoots.com/archery-club.htlm; your state lists 64 clubs.

[Rockin'B]

Bear's right. the best advice is to go to a good independent bow shop and talk to them. A good bow shop will take you under their wing and help you make a good choice.

[Bruenor]

Thanks for the responses. The only place around here that I know sells bows is Gander Mountain and Dick's Sporting Goods. I'll look around for a good independent archery store.

My gun range also has archery, so I'll ask around and see if there's anyone who I can talk to. Thanks again.

[Bret]

You will have lots of inexspensive fun. This is a great excercise and stress reliever. I took a deer in early October but I continue to shoot one to a dozen or more arrows every day.

I shoot one arrow at a time from one to 40 yards. After each arrow I bend over to put the bow down and walk to the target to get the arrow. I bend over to pull the arrow out of the target and return to the bow. With each step I think about what I need to do next to improve.

You don't really think about how many knee bends you are doing and how many yards you step off each period.

Good luck.

[pheasantplucker]

Shooting a bow is one of the most enjoyable things I've begun to do in the last three years. I'll be working in the yard, digging, or splitting firewood, and a dozen times throughout the day, I'll pick up my bow and shoot a dozen arrows. Our Gander Mtn. has two bow techs who really know their stuff. It is critical that you find a bow suited (or adjusted) to your correct draw length and poundage. First, though, you must decide if you want to shoot a traditional bow or a compound. Regulations probably vary from state to state, but in Ohio, a bow has to be of at least 40 lbs. draw weight in order to hunt with it (deer or turkey) I wish I would have pursued this interest many years before. Good luck, and enjoy. (Once you find your correct draw length, you can be on the lookout for good used equipment). I shoot a Browning Fusion that was made back about 1992...Nothing wrong with used as long as it's been taken well care of. I belong to Archery Talk.com (powered by v bulletin)...There are lots of folks over there who are smart about stuff you need to know to get going, and very willing to share their expertise.