Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Crackerjac]

Hey everyone, I am an old hunter new to the bow. I was wondering if there is anyone out there willing to mabey give a little info on getting set up to shoot. I have asked around at my local sporting goods suppliers and have recieved no help. I am looking specifically for info on what type of bow is sufficient for a beginner as recently my home was broken into and my rifles and gear were taken so I have been born agnew a bow hunter. I have always admired the skill and patience required for the bow but it seems I need a little help getting started.

[morpheus32]

Where are you located?

The best advise would be t find yourself a decent pro shop and get kitted out properly from the start and get some pointers to get you started. Alot of people get frustrated when they can't shoot well, mostly due to improperly fitted and tuned gear.

There are a number of shops in the Edmonton and Calgary areas. I am going to assume that your from Alberta given that you posted in teh ABA section...

Cheers

Jeff

[russ]

Just a suggestion here, don't fall for the 70 lb trap. As a beginner your muscles are not in shape for it. I would suggest going with a 50-60 lb bow at most and starting out with lower poundage. Higher poundage is harder to shoot accurately.

[Crackerjac]

Thanx russ I actually had a 70lb in mind, as a friend had mentioned that this was a good starting draw weight but he has been shooting his whole life and has little patience 4 beginners. My problem is mainley that the retailers in G.P. are not the most knowledgeable and generally try to sell you the most expensive items in the store. I have heard that canadian tire sells a decent probuct made in canada, but I have yet to reasearch this. Also I have been considering the classifieds for a used bow to start. Thanx again...

[morpheus32]

Thanx russ I actually had a 70lb in mind, as a friend had mentioned that this was a good starting draw weight but he has been shooting his whole life and has little patience 4 beginners. My problem is mainley that the retailers in G.P. are not the most knowledgeable and generally try to sell you the most expensive items in the store. I have heard that canadian tire sells a decent probuct made in canada, but I have yet to reasearch this. Also I have been considering the classifieds for a used bow to start. Thanx again...

You need to make sure you have the bow properly fitted to you....otherwise you will have no end of problems and will get turned off quick. I would suggest strongly you call a reputable pro shop, for example, Sherwood Park Archery Lanes, speak to Dallas and arrange to come and get yourself kitted out. The trip, although an added expense, will ensure you kitted out properly. You will get the chance to shoot a number of bows at the indoor range, and receive some basic coaching to start you off right. Otherwise you might spend more money, have something that does not work, and not join the wonderful bowhunter club!!!

I would recommend as Russ mentioned, that you look at something in the 60lb range. It is kind of like learning to rifle shoot with a 375 H&H. You might be able to make it work but in all likelihood, you will develop bad habits and not enjoy shooting. You don't need 70lbs to be effecting shooting most game in Alberta. Better to start right, learn basic form and shoot well, then if you decide you want more weight you can upgrade.

Like I said, better to start off right the first time...you might actually find it cheaper in the end.

Also, good idea to take the IBEF Bowhunter safety program offered by ABA/AHEIA. It is well worth it. I recently took the course with my 12 year old son and found it and excellent program and training...

Good luck...

Cheers

Jeff

[russ]

I'll go a little beyond what Morpheus says about 'most' game with 60lbs. I say all game since I've come as close to doing it as I ever will. Whitetails, mule deer, bear, antelope, moose & elk all with 60 lbs OR less. And a lot of small game too, well except maybe a coyote but that's another story.

[ago]

Prsonally I would look into Bowtech Tomcat Pachage for the price of a bare bow you get a ready to hunt bow...
not the best bow around but better then many
A lot of people I know boast and show you the last 1000$ bow they just bought but in the back of their pickup they have a Tomcat :)

[russ]

Personally I wouldn't recommend any particular brand of bow just yet. Find what fits you the best.

[morpheus32]

I'll go a little beyond what Morpheus says about 'most' game with 60lbs. I say all game since I've come as close to doing it as I ever will. Whitetails, mule deer, bear, antelope, moose & elk all with 60 lbs OR less. And a lot of small game too, well except maybe a coyote but that's another story.

Russ,

Wells said. The key here is for him to get something he can shoot comfortably without developing some serious issues due to the draw weight....

Cheers

Jeff

[Duggernaut]

Crackerjac I assume you mean Grande Prairie. Have you tried Gord at Big Timber Archery and hunting? 780-539-9594 He is very smart and has been to the PSE and Mathews tech schools and he is also an official certified antler scorer/measurer. He can get just about anything you want and does not B.S. you. I would stray away from Canadian Tire as they have NO service on your bow for later work. I would also recommend to learn as much as you can on forums such as this one, Archey Talk, and Archery Learning Center. Many form related threads with pictures so you can get a good idea of what you should / not look like. Also call a local club member. Good luck.

[gerrysarcherysupplies]

Hi Crackerjac,

You have received some very good advice on here and its in your best interest to follow it. I shot a 700 pound cow moose last year at 60 pounds and the arrow went through her. They do have bows that are 70 pound and can be turned down quite considerably. They also make packages these days for beginners that are quite affordable and will last you your whole hunting career should you choose to continue to use them. Bear makes many of the ready to shoot packages that are very affordable, in showdown, game over, lights out, done deal and each one has its own differences. Alpine makes the frontier package which retails for $400 out the door. Great package. Bowtech, parker, pearson, martin, etc, etc. all make introductory packages that are very affordable, adjustable, and new. My advice is go to an archery shop where with your purchase they will teach you to shoot and set your bow for you as far as draw length, peep height, and poundage. It takes a tech 10 minutes to show you stuff, that you may never learn on your own and you will never shoot accurately and comfortably. Good luck

Gerry