Getting a compound Bow

[ptannjr]

Ok, so for me to go shooting is over an hour drive to the nearest range. And not a safe one either. I am thinking of getting a bow and shooting some in the back yard. Does anyone have any guidance they would like to offer up on buying a first bow? I am completely ignorant on that subject. we are getting a gander mountain opening in the next couple months so i hope that will change.
TIA

[Winn R]

It's a complex subject and best to start with the simplest thing first.

Get one that fits. The break point should occur so the you can hold it comfortably. A cheap one will probably be best at first until you develop preferences.

[moleman]

I've been bow hunting for 20+ years. I haven't shot any matches in about 15 years so I can't help you out much on that though. The new bows are a lot better than the Bear I started out with all those years ago. I currently have a 3 year old Hoyt Ultramag with a whisker biscuit rest, fiber optic sight with a rear peep sight, and Easton 300 carbon arrows. The bow shoots much better than I can and was the easiest bow I've owned to set up. At any rate get measured for your draw length figure out if you're going to use sights or go instinctive. They both have their advantages, but the instinctive takes more practice for me. Get a fiber optic sight and choose it by compairing it to the others available for its low light gathering abilities. I just recently switched to carbon arrows when I got my current bow. I was a little reluctant, but they stay straight and are actually stronger than aluminum (try breaking one compaired to an aluminum arrow). If you are going to hunt with it the whisker buscuit rest is expensive but makes setting up the bow a snap and it holds onto the arrow so when you go to draw up on that monster buck your arrow doesn't fall off the rest in your excitement. If you can shoot in the back yard thats the best range to go to.

[ptannjr]

I figure bow hunting is a skill i SHOULD have. it also seems a great way to spend more time with the kids. alot cheaper that rifle or pistol shooting with the way ammo is now. i have an acre with woods on 2 sides so i could easily shoot a bow few a few minutes at a time if i wanted. other than optics what are some ke thngs to look at when buying new or used?

[moleman]

Make sure to get mesured and know your draw length. No matter how good a deal a bow is, its not worth it if the draw length isn't correct. Also the draw length of bows seems to vary a little so make sure you can comfortably draw the bow back in one smooth motion and hold it comfortably at full draw. Most bows made in the past 10 years or so are adjustable for the draw length, but may require different cam inserts. The compound bows have a cam or set of wheels to let off some of the weight so that you are only holding 20-40% of the draw weight. Make sure if you go with a compound bow you can easly let it back down without it trying to rip your arm from its socket. Also don't ever dry fire a bow because it can damage the limbs. Don't get overly concerned on draw weight like I did in the begining. A draw weight of 55-65lbs is all you'll ever need. Todays bows are faster at 60# than my old Pro Line shock Wave was at 90# and a lot easier to shoot as well. You can shoot fingers (with a glove or tab) or a mechanical release. The mechanical release is a lot easier to get consistant arrow release with very little practice compaired to fingers. I've done both and use fingers if I can get enough practice in, and if not a release.
Things to look at on a used bow. Make sure the limbs have no cracks/dings/chips in them. Pay careful attention to the ends and wheel axle holes. Look at the cables for wear. The cables are a lot more expensive to replace than the string. Look at the wheels and cams. If they're nicked up badly I'd pass on the bow.

[4thIDvet]

Another great thing when you get that bow. We jump in my boat and rig the bow for shooting fish. No B.S. The guys here go up to Silver Glenn where we were and shoot Talapia "Nile perch" Man are they good eating. They sell for like $4.99 a pound in the store.
My neighbor has the set up with the reel attached to the bow. Cool as hell shooting fish with a bow.
I have never done it but watched guys shooting. Interesting sport. All ya need is a fishing lic. and bow.
I'll drive you shoot and we will split the harvest.

[RF guy]

I've been bowhunting for the 25 years and look forward to it every season. Moleman is right on with his suggestions. You can find a lot of good used entry bows around for say $200-300 setup (on the high side). Then if you decide you like it you can always upgrade. Many of the new ones have a let off up to 85%. Also many of the new ones are the bare bow only, no sight, rest and so on.

When buying used, it's nice if the setup includes the rest, sight and peep. A new sight can run from $50 to $100 easily. I like a sight with multiple pins, 4 minimum (20, 30, 40 and 50 yds). I also like to shoot with with release. After knowing your draw length and bow poundage you can determine the best arrow for your setup, arrows have different spine strength and weights. Carbons are nice.

If you have an archery pro shop in your area you should stop by there for a chat and see what they have to offer. A lot of them have leagues this time of year and guys that are really into it may want to get rid of last years bow for the latest on the market.

If I had to choose one thing that made a world of difference in my bowhunting it was a climbing tree stand. Bag targets are cost effective and last a long time (don't always shoot the same spot).

Beware, bowhunting can be addicting! Before you know it you could find yourself in the rockies chasing bugling bulls...

[AKarl_12]

In Indiana we can only Bowfish for trash fish, Carp, Gar, ect...
No sport fish.
Is it the same in your state?