Want to start bowhunting

[Petunia]

I'm a 42 year old female that would love to get into this sport. I have all kinds of questions... but I'll start with a few basics: How do I choose a bow? Can someone explain to me the differences in bows? Since I'm a woman, are there special type of bows just for women?

I know that you all think that I'm asking stupid questions but, I really don't know how to begin at this sport. My father was a very advid bowhunter and fisherman (whom is now deceased). My other male and female family members are all gun hunters so, I won't be able to get any help or advise from them. I'd appreciate any kind of comments/help/advise.

Thanks in advance.

[mfog15]

Hi Petunia, I am a 37 year old kid, :)
my 7 year old son and I have just started archery and we still have a lot of questions.
there is so much to learn and it is not cheap if you make the wrong choice.

when I was looking to buy my first hunting rifle the people here at the Cabelas web site were very helpful.

One of the things I have found to give the best results is to ASK TONS OF QUESTIONS and to anyone who enjoys the sport or even looks like they enjoy the sport. they will give advice some good and some a bit off the wall . I have also joined a sports club (shooting range) if you ask enough of the same questions to different people the good advice shows through.

The only stupid question is the one you did not ask.

Im sory I dont have Bow advice/anwsers but I hope some of the ideas above work for you.

Safe and Happy Hunting to you.

Mike .

Ps. Thats why I was looking here too

[beeell]

Hi to both of you. I've been bow hunting for quite a few years now and I can give a couple of important tips. First and formost, you've got to find an archery pro shop with people who want to help. By that I mean you can tell as soon as you ask the first question weather or not they want to help you get the right equipment, or just sell you an expencive bow. A good shop will get you the proper fitting bow, as well as arrows siuted to that bow. Also help with proper shooting stance. Alot of things are personal preference, like aluminum or carbon arrows, fingers or release, sights, quiver style (On or off of the bow). You need to try these things before you plop $500 on something you really don't like. I think Archery is very rewarding no matter what system your using. I have friends that shoot pure traditional. No sights, fingers, with a long bow. I shoot modern. Compound, with sights and release. It's still satisfying when you hit your mark. That being said, I shot my first deer with a crappy Bear Whitetail II, and that was just as satifying as when I shot my next two deer with a little less crappier PSE Nova. Now I've moved up again to a Mathews. Shoots quieter, but I doubt the end result will be any less of a rush.

[Warlock49766]

Hi Petunia,

beeell gave you some excellent advise. However let me add just one small thing. I've been shooting this sport for pretty near 47 years. I know you will find the right person to show you various equipment that will FIT you,... and your needs. You will need to pick up a lot of bows and see how they fit your hand,... and if the grip and bow weight are comfortable to YOU. The reason I'm saying this is too many people nowadays try to rush you along. I highly suggest you go to a local indoor range if you have one near you. (don't know what area you live in) That way you can not only pick em' up and feel them as mentioned previously but you can actually shoot them on site with a little instruction.

When I was a kid there was a small mom & pop archery range and shop in Warren, MI. called "Starlite Archery" it's on Groesbeck (sp?) Road near 10 mile road if I recall correctly. The owners at that time were Chuck & Marilyn Nichols. These people WILL explain & walk you through EVERYTHING and make sure your equipment is fits YOU and you are happy with it. They have a small indoor range in the building and will let you shoot your heart out to find the proper bow. They make all there arrows on site also and most time can do it while you wait. If you live near this area I'm speaking of or not too far away from it it would be well worth your while to pay them a visit.


Just my 2 cents worth!

[Black Mamba]

There are bows marketed for women, but most companies have shorter draw length and lower draw weight bows. I believe the average poundage for women is 40 pounds and that is considered hunting weight in most states (check your local laws). Cabelas sells parker bows that are already set up and require a few minor adjustments. They start at 330, it is called the Buckshot. They also have the Browning Micro adrenaline package that starts at 280.
There are single cam bows, hybrid cam, and dual cam. This sight has good articles on choosing a bow, http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm. Another good source is to contact your local DNR and ask about the becoming an outdoors woman program. A good way to start and learn about the outdoors. I know several who have done it and were glad they did.
Hope this helps.

[bubba101st]

My wife didn't do more than camping befor she met me. She is going to get her first bow this year and will start hunting also. She has looked into the women in the outdoors program of the NWTF and may join that in the future. Along with finding a pro shop and the right equipment, I think finding someone that is willing to take you out in the field and scout, hunt, and practice with you is just as important. I don't mean go find a boyfriend or anything like that. I mean find someone that you like to spend time with, male or female, that knows the sport and that you trust. I take my wife and her best friend hunting with me. Not always at the same time. Depending on the day of the week, I may have one or the other or both of them in the field with me. In this situation the learning goes both ways. They learn how to hunt from me, I learn how to be patent.
This is a special time for her and I. It is also special for her best friend and us, weather it is all three of us or just one of them and I. Either way it is a family thing. I also take our 12 year old son hunting when I can. I feel that you can learn the right (and the wrong) way to hunt by going hunting with someone that loves the sport as much as you do.
The one word of caution I will add is know the person that you plan on hunting with. If they are real up-tight about huntng, they likly wont be that much of a help to you. What i mean is if they are going to get mad because you stepped on a twig or talk to loud or some of the other newby mistakes then find someone else to go with. This kind okf hunting is no fun at all. I should know I used to be this way. I found myself getting mad a few years ago (my sons first year) at him making noise in the woods. It was really no fun for either of us. This year That will be ghanged. I am going bowhunting and he will go rifle hunting. That way I can concentrate on HELPING him find and harvest an animal instead of worring about weather he is being quite enough for me to take a deer.

[tojo70]

I am also new to bow hunting. Bought a used bow and some arrows had never shot a compound before. Shot it a few times got a trigger release was pretty happy with it. I went to the local archery range, (its an indoor range, and he also does bow tuning, sales, etc.)
Let me tell you, I was totally impressed with how the owner was with me. I went in there to check the draw weight. He took my bow, checked it, then started tinkering with it. He had me shoot with it, checked everything out on it. I had to go run some errands, so I left it with him. He shot it, worked on it, and tuned it up, basically gave it an overhaul and worked on it for about 45 minutes. Had me shoot it again, gave me some pointers, then shaved off my trigger release to fit me better. Was a "whopping" $12 for all the work and I would not have been surprised if he would have requested double that for all that he did.
Basically, wanted to let you know, I've haven't heard many bad things about bowhunters or people that deal with them. Find someone that deals only, or at least mainly with archery, and they will more than likely be glad to help you with anything and everything that you need, for a very reasonable price.