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How did you get started in bow hunting?
Posted on 8/13/19 at 9:19 am
Posted on 8/13/19 at 9:19 am
My family doesn't hunt. At most we used to dove and duck hunt until my granddad died. But I would like to get into bow hunting for deer. I love to fish but I want to spend more time outdoors during fall and winter and would like to pass this down to my children one day.
How do you get a spot to hunt? I assume public is the way to go. I also know about people joining hunting clubs but I have heard the price on those and I would want to be sure I absolutely LOVE this before even thinking about dropping that kind of money.
Also what bows do you recommend for someone starting out? I would also like any tips and tricks while bow hunting if you can.
TLDR Process in finding a place to hunt? Bow reccomendations? Tips and tricks while bow hunting?
How do you get a spot to hunt? I assume public is the way to go. I also know about people joining hunting clubs but I have heard the price on those and I would want to be sure I absolutely LOVE this before even thinking about dropping that kind of money.
Also what bows do you recommend for someone starting out? I would also like any tips and tricks while bow hunting if you can.
TLDR Process in finding a place to hunt? Bow reccomendations? Tips and tricks while bow hunting?
21
Posted on 8/13/19 at 9:24 am to Bronson2017
quote:Look for federal refuges. They usually have fewer gun days. They have a few more requirements than State lands as well meaning slightly less pressure.
TLDR Process in finding a place to hunt? Bow reccomendations? Tips and tricks while bow hunting?
Get a used bow from Archery Talk. My rec would be any Matthews Switchback or newer.
Posted on 8/13/19 at 9:31 am to Bronson2017
Dad had bowhunted when I was little, as we began focusing on ducks he stopped bow hunting but we'd rifle hunt some.
Years later I was shooting his bow on and off, stopped into Cabelas one day on tax free weekend, walked out with a Bear bow ready to hunt (that term is laughable from a place like Cabelas/BPS). This was 2011. Killed my first doe with it in 2013. Today I am at 17 deer and 6 pigs with archery equipment
Years later I was shooting his bow on and off, stopped into Cabelas one day on tax free weekend, walked out with a Bear bow ready to hunt (that term is laughable from a place like Cabelas/BPS). This was 2011. Killed my first doe with it in 2013. Today I am at 17 deer and 6 pigs with archery equipment
This post was edited on 8/13/19 at 9:41 am
Posted on 8/13/19 at 9:40 am to Bronson2017
I was 15, got my drivers license and wanted to started deer hunting earlier than rifle season. My sister’s husband was a bow hunter. He gave me a PSE Fireflight, with too short of a draw length and some old Easton arrows. I shot it in his yard and got to where I could group it more or less in a pie plate at 25 yards. I took it to the woods the next morning, climbed in my ladder stand and waited. 30 minutes later 5 does came out. I picked out the biggest one and let fly. Hit her right behind the shoulder, she ran about 50 yards and fell over dead. I thought, shite, there’s nothing to this. I got me some real gear and went on a bow hunting tear. For about 10 years I killed more doe and scraggly pine thicket bucks than small pox. Then I had kids, they got in to hunting and I very rarely bow hunt. I miss it.
Posted on 8/13/19 at 9:51 am to Bronson2017
I grew up from a young age deer hunting with shotguns and rifles. I always wanted to kill one with a bow. Dad never took me bow hunting or bought me one because he said it made the season to long. Well, I didn’t mind that and when I could drive and had spending money, I bought myself one. Still into it till this day.
I agree with your comment on seeing what it’s about before jumping into a hunting lease. As said, pick up a used rig on archery talk (elite, bowtech, Matthews), you’ll save a lot for probably a barely handled bow. Reach out to friends or family that deer hunt that wouldn’t mind taking you and teaching some of the do’s and donts. Of course what to look for and such too. Practice and practice some more. If you’re going to step foot on a WMA know the rules/regs before doing so. Good luck and be forewarned, it can be addicting.
I agree with your comment on seeing what it’s about before jumping into a hunting lease. As said, pick up a used rig on archery talk (elite, bowtech, Matthews), you’ll save a lot for probably a barely handled bow. Reach out to friends or family that deer hunt that wouldn’t mind taking you and teaching some of the do’s and donts. Of course what to look for and such too. Practice and practice some more. If you’re going to step foot on a WMA know the rules/regs before doing so. Good luck and be forewarned, it can be addicting.
Posted on 8/13/19 at 9:58 am to Bronson2017
quote:
How did you get started in bow hunting?
Got pissed my dad started hunting October 1 and I had to wait. Asked for my own bow. Got it for my birthday when I was 11. Killed my first deer with it that year after missing 2. Hunted every weekend during bow season until I discovered females. In college had a good place to hunt that was bow only, so I stacked them up for all 7 years of college and during bow season until my children got old enough to hunt. Started squirrel hunting to keep them interested. Haven't bow hunted in 5 years or so I suppose.
ETA: Get a gently used bow setup and invest in a good climbing stand that you can sit long periods of time in. You'll hear a lot of people stress the importance of getting high, but you'll be better off getting hidden than high. Find straight trees with foliage from other trees wrapped around them and get up in the middle of it. Bring a saw/clippers to cut you out a hole. You'll learn a lot by watching deer. Bow season will teach you a lot about deer mannerisms and tendencies. You'll also get to observe a lot of other animals. It's 100x better than sitting in a box stand with a rifle looking over a food plot or pipeline. Spend time scouting, even during the season. I wish I had a dollar for every time I went into an area at daylight and found an area with a lot of sign, climbed a nearby tree, and killed a deer that day. Take your time. Early season is pretty miserable with the weather and mosquitoes. Get a thermacell and the biggest pack of refills you can find. Also, it would be wise to invest in a rangefinder, as judging distances from in a tree is different than in your back yard. Get on your roof to practice shooting down on a deer. They get skinny when you are above them.
Also, it's like turkey hunting in the fact that it's more enjoyable alone.
This post was edited on 8/13/19 at 10:11 am
Posted on 8/13/19 at 10:00 am to Bronson2017
Dad got me started. First deer I shot witha bow was one of the most exciting things I had experienced. I will still knock one down with a rifle, but the bow brings much more joy.
I would focus on public with limited rifle seasons. A buddy of mine bought a beginner Bear Archery set up from Cabelas last year. Don't know which model but came with everything he needed. I shot the bow and was pretty impressed for being a $350 set up. I would start there or do your research on a used bow off ArcheryTalk.
I would focus on public with limited rifle seasons. A buddy of mine bought a beginner Bear Archery set up from Cabelas last year. Don't know which model but came with everything he needed. I shot the bow and was pretty impressed for being a $350 set up. I would start there or do your research on a used bow off ArcheryTalk.
Posted on 8/13/19 at 10:02 am to Bronson2017
I bought a Parker Stealth in 9th grade on a whim. Quit football soon after. As soon as I started driving, you couldn't keep me out of the woods.
ETA: AT classifieds has a BUNCH of used bows for sale right now. I have two listed there myself. But yes, figure out your draw length and go handle some bows to get a feel for what you like. I actually just picked up a lightly used Hoyt off of ebay for a great price. Deals can be found if you look hard enough.
ETA: AT classifieds has a BUNCH of used bows for sale right now. I have two listed there myself. But yes, figure out your draw length and go handle some bows to get a feel for what you like. I actually just picked up a lightly used Hoyt off of ebay for a great price. Deals can be found if you look hard enough.
This post was edited on 8/13/19 at 10:31 am
Posted on 8/13/19 at 10:09 am to Bronson2017
My dad got me a PSE Nova when I went to LSU and had "access" to some ag center land. I was trying to hunt 10 or so ft off the ground and had some deer come close to me but never could draw without spooking them. I thought I knew how to hunt because I had shot deer out of box stands before. My older cousin took me under his wing and I began hunting the Homochitto with him. I killed my a buck with my bow the first morning he took me, I have it on film somewhere. I killed 20 or so and then in 2016 I wounded 2 deer in the same weekend, sold my bow, and got a crossbow. I'm trying the bow again this year.
It's addictive. If you're in Alabama look in to joining the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. They have events and the guys in it are usually super helpful and enjoy getting people more involved in hunting.
My first deer with a bow, I was 18.
If you don't want to invest as heavily in gear to try out hunting I'd suggest squirrel hunting. It is a ton of fun and you can get set up with a good .22 or shotgun for $200.
It's addictive. If you're in Alabama look in to joining the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. They have events and the guys in it are usually super helpful and enjoy getting people more involved in hunting.
My first deer with a bow, I was 18.
If you don't want to invest as heavily in gear to try out hunting I'd suggest squirrel hunting. It is a ton of fun and you can get set up with a good .22 or shotgun for $200.
This post was edited on 8/13/19 at 10:40 am
Posted on 8/13/19 at 10:14 am to Bronson2017
As was mentioned Archery Talk classifieds is a good place to get a used bow but you need to know exactly what you want. I recommend going to an Archery Shop and have them tell you what your draw length is and shoot some bows to find out what weight and models are comfortable to you. Even if you buy your bow online you can purchase the accessories from the pro shop as compensation for their help.
Posted on 8/13/19 at 10:29 am to Bronson2017
I got a Mathews Z7 loaded, ready to hunt with arrows I’ll sell you for $500.
70# 29”DL
70# 29”DL
Posted on 8/13/19 at 10:43 am to Bronson2017
Gun hunt first so that you have a better chance at success.
What city do you live in?
What city do you live in?
Posted on 8/13/19 at 10:48 am to Bronson2017
If anyone wants to get into a bow without spending a ton, check out the Diamond Archery Edge SB-1. Plus it is super adjustable too. Great reviews.
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/diamond-archery-edge-sb-1-compound-bow-package-7-70-lbs-mossy-oak-break-up-country-right-hand?a=2137871&CJ=1&cjaffilid=4084797&cjaffsite=Apps+47%2c+Inc&cjadv=CJTSGUSA&cjadvid=1522857&utm_source=Apps+47%2c+Inc&utm_medium=CJ&utm_campaign=CJ+Google+Product+Feed&cjevent=b7b1f1c2bde111e9800904740a24060c
https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Archery-Breakup-Country-15-30/dp/B01HJYQWTW
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/diamond-archery-edge-sb-1-compound-bow-package-7-70-lbs-mossy-oak-break-up-country-right-hand?a=2137871&CJ=1&cjaffilid=4084797&cjaffsite=Apps+47%2c+Inc&cjadv=CJTSGUSA&cjadvid=1522857&utm_source=Apps+47%2c+Inc&utm_medium=CJ&utm_campaign=CJ+Google+Product+Feed&cjevent=b7b1f1c2bde111e9800904740a24060c
https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Archery-Breakup-Country-15-30/dp/B01HJYQWTW
Posted on 8/13/19 at 11:32 am to Bronson2017
WMAs and NWRs are gonna be your best bet for public hunting to get started. It’s gonna be tuff hunting starting out. It’ll be a test for sure. Watch the hunting public and catman on YouTube to learn how to scout. Pick you out a stand your comfortable in and feel safe. If you hunt off the ground, please WEAR A SAFETY HARNESS. Search classifieds like archerytalk for a reliable setup and save some money right out the gate.
I grew up in a family that bowhunts primarily. My dad and uncle are some of the finest woodsmen that I know of in this part of MS. So I’ve learned most of what know from them plus what I picked up on my own. Good luck on this quest. You’ll learn a lot. You’ll sweat a lot. And you’ll swear a lot but in the end it’s the most fun a man can have outside of his “time” with his SO
I grew up in a family that bowhunts primarily. My dad and uncle are some of the finest woodsmen that I know of in this part of MS. So I’ve learned most of what know from them plus what I picked up on my own. Good luck on this quest. You’ll learn a lot. You’ll sweat a lot. And you’ll swear a lot but in the end it’s the most fun a man can have outside of his “time” with his SO
Posted on 8/13/19 at 11:39 am to Bronson2017
My older cousin gave me an old hand me down PSE when I was 13 or so. I practiced night and day in the yard and thought I was pretty good. My first sit in a tree with that bow, I had a doe walk out and I was shaking so bad, I bet I shot 5 ft over her back.
I kinda lost interest for a while and then really picked it back up about 7-8 years ago. My BIL was real into bows and was having success and kinda sparked my interest back up. Since then, I will only rifle hunt if my son (5yo) wants to go with me. Kinda hard to bow hunt with a young kid.
Practice, practice, practice
Get a rangefinder
Always wear your harness
Pretty much any modern compound bow will kill deer just fine. I got a sweet deal on a Mathews Z7extreme several years ago and have zero desire to get a new bow.
I kinda lost interest for a while and then really picked it back up about 7-8 years ago. My BIL was real into bows and was having success and kinda sparked my interest back up. Since then, I will only rifle hunt if my son (5yo) wants to go with me. Kinda hard to bow hunt with a young kid.
Practice, practice, practice
Get a rangefinder
Always wear your harness
Pretty much any modern compound bow will kill deer just fine. I got a sweet deal on a Mathews Z7extreme several years ago and have zero desire to get a new bow.
Posted on 8/13/19 at 11:54 am to Bronson2017
Go visit Chag's in Metairie and see Sammy, he is the best in the region 
Posted on 8/14/19 at 10:43 am to Bronson2017
Got tired of seeing the In Stand Threads in here while I was sitting on my arse waiting for rifle season. Went got one fitted and rigged and bought it and started slinging arrows in the yard. I’m still a (10-year) newb, but once I have a place that isn’t dreadful to hunt in October, I’ll be ready. I average about 3 bow hunts a year now.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 1:41 pm to Bronson2017
Hunted in a big club for years and stopped about 5 years ago. Walked away from hunting. 2 years ago I got the bug to shoot a bow and called a buddy. After talking we decided we would go try out a Refuge hunting later in the year. I went and bought a Mission by Mathews bow and have fallen in love with it ever since.
I shot my biggest buck with a bow to date that season and now have tags to hunt Kansas this fall.
You can go and spend all the money you want to spend on a bow setup. For the money though, I love my bow and it is very forgiving. Check them out.
I shot my biggest buck with a bow to date that season and now have tags to hunt Kansas this fall.
You can go and spend all the money you want to spend on a bow setup. For the money though, I love my bow and it is very forgiving. Check them out.
Posted on 8/14/19 at 6:26 pm to Bronson2017
I got invited on a bow hunt by a couple of my buddies. I bought a used bow 3 weeks before we went. They told me I wouldn't kill anything because I just started shooting.. ended killing 3 deer that weekend. I hardly pick up the rifle anymore. I feel like if I can see em I can killem with the rifle..
I bought a new mathews vertix this year. Shot a bowtec insanity for the past 6 years..
I bought a new mathews vertix this year. Shot a bowtec insanity for the past 6 years..
This post was edited on 8/14/19 at 6:28 pm
Posted on 8/15/19 at 12:26 am to Bronson2017
Go to local bow shop and get properly measured. Nothing shoots worse than a bow that doesn’t fit you. I have no problems with a good used bow. But make sure whatever you buy will fit you.
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