Hi all, I didn't see a welcome thread so I will post here. I apologize if you get these posts often. My name is Travis, I live in N. MI. and I am looking to buy my first bow. I have gun hunted since I was young but never bow hunted. After shooting my buddies bow the other day, I think I would like to become part of the fellowship. I am looking to purchase a set up and any help would be greatly appreciated. I am on a budget around $500 total (bow, arrows, release....) Is this realistic? I have been looking around at gander mountain (chain outdoors outfitter) but I know of a "bow's" only shop near by. This is a little bit of a drive but I wonder if it would be worth the effort. If you guys know of any questions I should be asking while I am there that would help me out. Whatever info you think would be helpful for a new guy buying his first bow would be greatly appreciated. If you guys have any threads you think would be helpful for me a link would be awesome. TIA for your help!

With $500 as your investment amount I would recommend going to the local bow shop and see what they have on consignment. Lots of people are tradimg in last years models for the latest and greatest. Local shop will be able to hook you up on getting the right draw length and setup right. Big Box is OK if you already know this stuff but for the money you can't go wrong supporting the local guy. I will tell you this though, Local Archery shops are hit and miss. Some will tell you all kinds of stuff but as your knowledge grows you will find they are full of it. Other are straight up and you can gain a ton of valuable information and help from them. Right now I would say read up on everything you can about arhcery and compound bows. I guess the best piece of advice I can offer you is shoot a lot of bows and let the bow pick you. Don't play the brand game. The right bow will just feel comfortable to shoot and you will gain accuracy and confidence. A bad fit bow will never feel right and you will learn bad habits to compensate. Sorry for the long post but as a 4H Archery Coach I think these are basics that anyone getting into Archery needs to know.

WElCOME to RDHC!

Right now in this economy, many people are looking for loaded bows in your budget. Bear Archery, PSE and Martin all have decent bows for the money and in your complete setup price range.
I personaly like the PSE Stinger. Loaded up in our retail stores is only at $450.00 including arrows and a release. Other shops in your area should be in the same ball park price.

You may be able to find a great buy on a late model bow such as the Fred Bear Instinct and have it completely set up with very good items for fless than $500.00

Thanks for the response guys. I will be going to the bow shop Saturday. I will let you know what I find.

Bowhunting is Probably my favorite hunting, because I see more deer, during bow season, before they are spooked by the barrage of gun hunters. I wish you lived near me, I am selling my loaded out Browning Mirage SX,for $200, because I have bought my friends Mathews Switchback.You can look on archerytalk.com in the classifieds section, they always have great bows at good prices on there. There are a lot of pro's on there. They will not steer you wrong. Good luck in your search.

welcome to the sight. i wish i had more info to offer you but these guys covered it pretty well

Wow, Another travis..... we are at like 4 Travis's now :)






-Travis

Welcome to the forum and don't be afraid to buy something from a Gander Mountain. If they are willing and able to help you right off the bat and treat you well then stick with them. If not then go to a small pro shop. Welcome to RDHC

Not to get off subjuect, but I work at a Gander Mountain and I know some stores aren't doing to great archery wise, but my store has been put at one of the top gander mountains for archery. I work in the department myself and I'm constantly having repeat customers and 99 % are satisfied. We are a pro shop to you know. Yeah we have local small shops around hre, but they aren't too great. There is only one I know of that is good. The other two I've heard time after time about bad experiences. Just last night a guy blew off someone that I sent to him, because we don't carry hoyt bows. The guy said he shortened the draw length for the kid, but he actually did nothing. The shop guy didn't even look at the kids draw length or anything and just shortened and left him in the dust so he could go eat his supper. All I'm trying to say is don't always look down on the bigger stores. Not all of them are bad for archery.

Welcome aboard Newb

$500 should be plenty of cash to get you into your first set-up.

Are you planning on bow hunting this year?

welcome to the board Trav #4

If you are planning on hunting with it this year you need to get something and practice,practice,practice.No matter how good you get shooting a target shooting a live animal is not the same,as soon as you get a deer within bow range you will know what i am talking about.

Yes, I am planning on bow hunting this year. I certainly need to practice. I have no high expectations, but I am excited about practicing and getting ready for the season. I kind of have the same feeling I did when I first started fly fishing. I hope for my wifes sake it doesn't become as addictive.

if you weren't so darn ugly it would be 100% i bet

Yes it's addictive. Just remember it's always better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Something that hasn't been mentioned, once you do find a set-up, have someone give you some correct form pointers.

I was self taught at an early age with a bow that didn't fit me and picked up all kinds of bad habits that 20 years later can still plague me.

I would also second the notion of trying to find a nice/clean used set-up.


Good luck, it's a great and very enjoyable sport.

This is most likely the most important info given yet. A shop like ours, we offer a free lesson to every new or used bow purchase. Just a basic 15 minute lesson can have you hitting dots at 20 and 30 yards the same day.

That is one thing box stores usualy can not do.

To late I think the hook has just been set.

As all others have told you get the bow fitted to you first. I shot a bow that was to small and I can not shake the bad habbits.

Welcome aboard!

Thanks for the tip!

Hey Travis i'm ralativley new to the sport as well bought myself a bow for xmas last year at www.huntersfriend.com they have some great RTH packages for that kind amoney give em a look.