Advice for new hunter

[newbhunter_88]

I'm interested in starting bow hunting but have never done any hunting before. I'm a junior in high school so i don't have a lot of money but have enough. My friend is a hunter and he said he could show me the ropes. Anyone have any advice or segestions it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Buckbuster]

You've got a ton of things to learn about, but you can't do it all in one trip, or one season. For that matter, you probably won't learn it all in a lifetime. That's one of the interesting things about hunting; it's a lifelong pursuit of learning tactics and techniques as well as game and their habits and habitat.

Find a mentor that is ethical, knowledgeable and experienced, if possible. If you can't find a mentor that has all of those qualities, insist on the ethical element first and foremost. You're just starting and you don't want to be exposed to someone who doesn't walk the high line. It'd be a shame to lose your hunting privileges for a violation on the first outing.

Reading is another good way to expand your horizons. There are tons of really good articles on this site, in books and magazines that are filled with real nuggets of information. I’ve been hunting over 45 years and still learn something every time I read about a new technique that someone has come up with.

Nobody knows it all, but there are those who are willing to share. Find one and have a great hunt.

Buckbuster

[the_tone_zone]

I don't think it's mandatory, yet, but the best thing you can do to start is take Bowhunter's Safety Class. While your friend may be able to help you with some things, the trained teachers of the class will get you better prepared for the season. After that, go to a reputable bow shop or retailer and have yourself fitted for a bow. Using your friend's uncle's old bow, or whatever, isn't going to shoot as well as an outfit that's fitted for your draw. An inexpensive bow that fits you is going to shoot more accurately than any expensive bow that doesn't. Those would be my first suggestions. Then, you can go hunting with your buddy and make sure he's doing things safely in the field.

[BULLSEYE]

i like that idea a budy and i useed to do that at his ranch and we had a lot fun we took 2 does that year.

So Ne hunter and others did u guys ever used to do that.

it is a lot of fun

[biggamearcher32]

ok i am also a new bow hunter and i recently shot a doe with my bow this year and i learned alot about how to hun any animals with a bow. the main thing i learned was to sit as still as i can at all times!!! i think that is one of the major aspects of hunting with a bow

[beeell]

Remember, any deer worth taking will smell you first, then hear you, then see you, then jump your string when you do finally get a shot...If you do. So scent control is a must to get the deer into listening range. Height (Bow stand), cleanliness, and maybe a scent control siute will all help with that. Be as quiet and motionless as possible. When you manage a shot, hopefully you've practiced enough that you dont question your ability and your bows capability to shot the arrow as quickly and quietly as possible. Otherwise everything you've done to get the deer to come to you will be mute. Practice, practice, practice...

[Flatcoat1]

I agree with Buckbuster, a good mentor is worth more than anything - and will turn into a lifelong friendship. When I was your age the same thing happened to me. My friend helped me along - with close oversight from his dad. I learned more about hunting than just killing an animal in those days. If you want to bow hunt, then remember the HUNTing part. You will learn something every day - in or out of the field. Keep a diary (your English teacher may be surprised! Sorry, I am a high school teacher too.) Get a good bow and equipment. Basic stuff first. Learn to shoot. (Where? See if there is a nearby bow club or range. Shoot yearround. BE SAFE and remember your ETHICS - it may be legal but is it ethical? You will grow more learning that. Good Luck!

[bowhunter64]

I started bow hunting last year, and I started getting ready for it back in april. practiced and practiced, read magazines talked to other hunters, bagged a nice 6 pointer.and another one this year. you can never learn too much. good luck.

[airborne]

Consider buying used equipment. A lot of bow hunters buy new after a couple years. You will be able to tell how well a bow was treated by how beat up it is. Bows can be very expensive. You can figure on spending $100 just to set the bow up with sights, silencers, release, arrows etc. Try to buy from a friend who you know takes care of his equipment. If you cann't, look for used. Inspect the cams and look for dented ends. This happens when you drop a bow or set it on rocks and other hard surfaces. Inspect the string for fraying. Inspect all the treaded holes to make sure they are not stripped out. Take it to someone who has a bow press. Have them take off the tension and inspect the cams for wear and tightness. Many times, a used bow comes with the sight and rest on it. Find an archery club you like and spend time practicing. There are always people willing to help out a new fellow archer.

Good luck and remember. Start out slow and with a low draw weight. It wont take long for you to move up in poundage. By the time you get really good, you will want a better bow and know more about what to look for and what you like.

[Dclewis]

Sorry airbourn I totally disagree!!
Stay away from the used equipment. Chances are great that the draw length and draw weight are not right. This leads to a pile of bad shooting form problems that are hard to break.
Go to a pro-shop and do the right thing. Dave

[airborne]

Sorry airbourn I totally disagree!!
Stay away from the used equipment. Chances are great that the draw length and draw weight are not right. This leads to a pile of bad shooting form problems that are hard to break.
Go to a pro-shop and do the right thing. Dave

I have started several new hunters out on used equipment. You still have to make sure the bow is right for the hunter. With the amount of adjustments that bows have for draw length and poundage, it isn't hard to find a bow that fits. That is why I suggested he go to a shop. They will be glad to test him for draw length and will let him draw on a few bows to see what draw weight is good for him to start out at. Think about this; If you were to sell your bow tomarrow, do you think it is a good enough bow for a beginner to use? Yes it would have to fit them but I'll bet there isn't anything wrong with your bow and it wouldn't be near the cost of a new one. How many bows did you own before you found the one that was right for you? I have seen countless archers buy a bow and in one to two years upgrade.

Newbhunter you have opposing opinions. Now is the time to get a third one. I am by no means an expert even after 32 years of archery hunting so go to an archery shop. Take someone who knows about archery or pick a shop you can trust. I have seen several new archers taken advantage of by shops. Equipment can be expensive but that doesn't mean it is better. A buddy of mine just bought a sight for $129. It is a great sight for 3D shoots but not funtional for in the field.

Welcome to the sport. Good Luck and let us know how you made out

[skrueger]

Lots to learn and understand, especially with today's competitive and ever changing technology. Basics are the same, however. Don't think you are just going to buy equipment and go right out and hunt. Study and talk to people and ask questions. I think you find in this sport we are more than willing to help. Buy equipment that fits! I have found in the over 30 years in archery the most common mistake in purchasing new bows is 1. many go with too long draw. 2. and too much weight. I am a believer in accuracy. Be careful not to buy a bow with too short brace height or too short axel to axel length. Each bow has it's purpose in this sport. One other key to this whole thing is to practice. Get involved with a club if you can. Talk to the ones with experience. I would be happy to talk with you more if you wish about equipment selection etc.