Any Bowhunters here??

GTA23109a

GTA23109a

<-- Prius owners love me
May 9, 2007
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Bakersfield, CA
I'm looking for an introductory education to bowhunting. I'm a long time shotgun and rifle hunter and the job I'm on now is a 30+ acre piece of property. Only problem is neighbors. There's SO MANY critters running around begging to get shot at, but even my hot-rodded .17 10/22 is a no-no here. :mad: I've been considering trying out some bow shooting, but I know next to nothing about it. Basically I shot a bow once as a kid at summer camp.

Anybody steer me in the right direction, instruction and equipment-wise?
 
Whitetail Addict

Whitetail Addict

Rockin' the stock tune
May 8, 2008
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South Central Pennsylvania
Okay...the best advise I can give you is to find a good pro shop, one that sells many different bows and has a good reputation, so they can get you fitted for your bow. You are looking first and foremost for proper draw length (length from the riser to your anchor point @ full draw). The best method to determine that is a wingspan measurement, ask the proshop to determine it that way.

After you figure your draw length then you can determine what bows they have available for you to shoot comfortably. Shoot as many bows as you can, and then pick the one YOU feel the most comfortable with.

There are many, many opinions and methods in this sport.
The basic list I can give you to start out based on latest technology is, compound bow (I prefer a 33"-35" ata 6.5-7"bh), release aid (finger shooting is almost obsolete), carbon arrows, good rest (prefferably drop-away), sights (3 or 5 pin depending on shot distance), peep sight (I prefer a string mounted peep/no tubing), broadheads for hunting (but practice, practice, practice before hunting) also you will want a block target or other open layered target for practice.

Here is my equipment list to give you an idea, what I have found works best for me - 05 Mathews Switchback 29" 71lb w/Mathews two piece arrow web quiver, Easton Axis 340 arrows, Trophy Taker Drop-Away (soon to be Limbdriver), Trophy Ridge 5-pin sight (set 20-30-40-50-60yrds), Overkill Tournament-1000 release.

Check out the book "Idiot Proof Archery" by Bernie Pellerite, it is a very good book with excellent shooting tips, as well as proper setup. The book is available at Cabelas.

I gave a very basic overview and probably missed some things. If you need more specific help or explanation feel free to ask or pm me.
 
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Duramax_JP

Duramax_JP

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Jul 3, 2008
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GTA23109a said:
Alternatively, if someone knows of some quail that need to get shot up and deep-fried, my services are always available. :D
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Take a trip out to Texas and i got the perfect place for ya.Dune buggies to chase the quail, shotguns and 7,000 acres of Texas land. Its out near Alpine.
 
Whitetail Addict

Whitetail Addict

Rockin' the stock tune
May 8, 2008
2,350
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South Central Pennsylvania
Thought I should add this.

Archery Lingo :D

ATA = Axle to Axle, basic overall length of the bow from the axle on the cam (bottom limb) to the axle on the idler wheel (top limb) or top cam on double cam bows.
Basically the longer bows are more stable side to side for long range shots (field archery, 3d), shorter bows are more suitable for treestand or groundblind hunting.

BH = Brace Height, the distance the bowstring is from the furthermost point of the grip (thumbgroove), or the berger hole (rest attachment) when the bow is at rest. A larger brace height is generally more forgiving and will mask small shooting imperfections, good choice for beginners or bowhunters.
A shorter brace height is faster but less forgiving of shooting/form flaws.

Drop-Away = Arrow rest drops at the time the bowstring is released to eliminate fletching to rest interference.

That should make my first post easier to follow.
 
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jmg343

jmg343

New member
Sep 20, 2006
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NY
Find a good knowledgable pro shop with an indoor range where you can try some different stuff, talk to some people that know some thangs, and buy something that suits you before going out spending a fortune and finding out its not for you.
 
GTA23109a

GTA23109a

<-- Prius owners love me
May 9, 2007
97
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0
Bakersfield, CA
Wow, that's a lot of great info. Thanks guys! I'll definately check out that book, but I'm afraid finding a good bow shop in SoCal might be a little challenging! I'm not sure when the next race at Miller in Utah is, but I know there's a Cabelas that we go by on our way to the track, so I might have to wait until then.

I definately need something more forgiving and the shots will be shorter in range, just by the nature of where I'll be shooting.

Thanks again gang and please keep the info coming if anybody else thinks of anything. (or has a shop reccomendation in SoCal)
 
Whitetail Addict

Whitetail Addict

Rockin' the stock tune
May 8, 2008
2,350
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South Central Pennsylvania
Check out some manufacturer's websites, Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech, etc and they should have dealer locators.

Hopefully you can find a shop that sells alot of manufacturers.

on edit: I didn't see the dealer link (I type slow).
 
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Duramax_JP

Duramax_JP

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squeeky said:
Man that sounds great. Quail is some great meat. But the 7,000 acres of hunting is TX would be great too.
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Oh its a blast man. Then we get the quail grill some wrapped with bacon and fry the other ones and make some gravy and its the best quail dinner ever haha
 
WolfLMM

WolfLMM

Making Chips
Nov 21, 2006
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You could also try a whisker biscuit. For short range stuff. Bows are a blast to own and shoot. Good Luck.
 
custom8726

custom8726

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Feb 25, 2008
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I have a Mathews now but I have shot Hoyt, bowtech, browning, & PSE in the past. My two favorites are the Mathews and the PSE's, The PSE's are more forgiving IMHO.. I like the drop away rests over the biskets but its personal preferance. X2 on the carbons and as far as broad heads I prefer the 3 blade muzzy's for the money.
 
LarryJewell

LarryJewell

Back with his honey :)
Jan 21, 2007
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San Angelo
Duramax_JP said:
Oh its a blast man. Then we get the quail grill some wrapped with bacon and fry the other ones and make some gravy and its the best quail dinner ever haha
Click to expand...

ohh no you didn't, I just got them quitened down about the bacon and here you come brining it up again :rofl:
 
Duramax_JP

Duramax_JP

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Jul 3, 2008
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LarryJewell said:
ohh no you didn't, I just got them quitened down about the bacon and here you come brining it up again :rofl:
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Haha gotta have that bacon on there. Ive been thinkin about seein if i could get a diesel get together and go down there and shoot some quail and have a big cookout and shit. Itd be pretty fun. I bet you would like it out there, i need some positive reinforcement for gettin my dad to get a dmax and drop that stupid gas v10 f250 he has. That thing is a turd
 
WolfLMM

WolfLMM

Making Chips
Nov 21, 2006
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If he is going to be shooting at small animals chances are he will have to move around quite a bit. The whisker bisket should hold the arrow in place a little better, at least in my experience they do. Best bet is to go to that archery shop and figure out what you like best!

Let us know what you get.
 
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