Zombie Thread Bow Hunting

BIG_DADDY · 04-04-2005, 10:54 AM

I haven't used a compound bow since being a kid but I was thinking about picking up a compound bow and doing some hunting this year especially if we move into a house we are trying to rent right now in the mountains. The guy already has the hay bails set up for practice. Any advise would be greatly apprecaited especially on picking out a bow.

**Iowanian** · 04-04-2005, 10:59 AM

I'm a bow hunter........I love it.

My advice is to go to a repuatable bow shop or two and hold some bows by different manufacturers. Shoot a few of them to see which one fits you best.

There are many good bows on the market. with the new cams, its easy to get a bow with a speed of 300fps+, while shooting 50-60lbs. I'd recommend a bow with 75-85% letoff. A bow that is shorter, is easier to maneuver in a tree, but less forgiving if you flinch or shake.

I shoot a Mathews FX, and they make serveral other better models, but they aren't cheap. One of my brothers shoots a Mathews SQ, and the Other a PSE baby G.

If you're looking for something affordable...Hoyt, Browning, Golden Eagle and Fred Bear are repuatable brands.

Tell them you're a beginner, get one with a riser that fits your body type, pull a weight you can easily do after sitting for a long period of time, and with the proper draw length.

I don't know all of the technical mumbo jumbo like some guys, but I know a good bow when I shoot it.

e_train69 · 04-04-2005, 11:00 AM

BD

Almost all the bows that are made today are excellent. It depends on what you are willing to pay.

The best advice would be to find a "good" local pro shop where you can shoot and try out many different kinds and get the one that feels the best to you. A good pro shop is also a very valuable asset because they can set everything up for you and also perform maintenance.

My personal preference is "Mathews" bows, but they can get a little pricey.

|Zach| · 04-04-2005, 11:01 AM

I saw a bunch of them at Bass Pro the other day. Damn that place is big.

**Iowanian** · 04-04-2005, 11:03 AM

These Links should help you too

http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm
http://www.yorksport.com/bow.htm
http://www.mcsports.com/info/index.j...egoryId=222842

If every hunter, and situation agreed with 1, there wouldn't be so many options. You wouldn't hunt Elk and Moose with the same setup for Turkeys and Whitetails.

I'm telling you now..........Bow hunting can be addictive.

Mike Grose · 04-04-2005, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

I haven't used a compound bow since being a kid but I was thinking about picking up a compound bow and doing some hunting this year especially if we move into a house we are trying to rent right now in the mountains. The guy already has the hay bails set up for practice. Any advise would be greatly apprecaited especially on picking out a bow.

Be really careful using hay bales for target backstops. If they are small bales. arrows from modern compounds will zip right through is shot side-on. They also seem to magically find the soft spots between bales as well.

If you are talking about large round bales, just make sure you shoot them on the round sides and you'll be fine. If you shoot them on the flat sides, all your arrows will be somewhere inside the baleafter 1 round of target practice.

Even my wood arrows from my self-bow disappear into the bales if I don't shoot at the correct angle.

I can't imagine what would happen if I fired a carbon arrow from a 70# radical-cam compund into one of them.

BIG_DADDY · 04-04-2005, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

These Links should help you too

http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm
http://www.yorksport.com/bow.htm
http://www.mcsports.com/info/index.j...egoryId=222842

If every hunter, and situation agreed with 1, there wouldn't be so many options. You wouldn't hunt Elk and Moose with the same setup for Turkeys and Whitetails.

I'm telling you now..........Bow hunting can be addictive.

Thanks guys, they used to actually teach us how to shoot with animal targets in high school. Of course that was before all the safty nuts took over. I was the best one in the class I took and have always remembered how much I liked shooting. I have noticed a bunch of Mathews and Hoyt bows on Ebay but I didn't know if it was more complicated than that. Sounds like I need to go check some out first.

jspchief · 04-04-2005, 11:10 AM

If it's been awhile, you'll be amazed at the advancement of the bows.

I agree with what others have said, a good local shop will be able to help you and get you a bow that fits.

Once you know what you want, you might try Cabelas. They usually have some reasonably priced bow packages that come with rest, quiver, etc.

If you're just starting out though, I'd suggest the local shops. Those guys will be able to answer all your questions.

FWIW, you don't have to spend a mint. I still use a big 'ol Browning that's about 8 years old. It kills deer just as good. Like my dad always said....it's not the arrow, it's the indian.

Earthling · 04-04-2005, 11:10 AM

One word of advise BD...A friend of mine, and myself, packed up his camper with tent, food, etc. and stopped on the way out of town to get the hunting liscence for bow hunting. I was told I had to have a "Hunters Safety Card" and they would not issue a liscence to me. (I missed it by 7 months of not having to have one) You may not need one in CA or you may already have it. I don't own a bow but I have used his "Bear" and it felt perfect. It was an 80lb. and after it kicked down it was comfortable to hold a draw on it. Different outfits that sell them will match your body to a bow...Depending on your body type, arm length and the like. Good luck.

BIG_DADDY · 04-04-2005, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Grose

Be really careful using hay bales for target backstops. If they are small bales. arrows from modern compounds will zip right through is shot side-on. They also seem to magically find the soft spots between bales as well.

If you are talking about large round bales, just make sure you shoot them on the round sides and you'll be fine. If you shoot them on the flat sides, all your arrows will be somewhere inside the baleafter 1 round of target practice.

Even my wood arrows from my self-bow disappear into the bales if I don't shoot at the correct angle.

I can't imagine what would happen if I fired a carbon arrow from a 70# radical-cam compund into one of them.

There are just woods behind them.

BIG_DADDY · 04-04-2005, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Codger

One word of advise BD...A friend of mine, and myself, packed up his camper with tent, food, etc. and stopped on the way out of town to get the hunting liscence for bow hunting. I was told I had to have a "Hunters Safety Card" and they would not issue a liscence to me. (I missed it by 7 months of not having to have one) You may not need one in CA or you may already have it. I don't own a bow but I have used his "Bear" and it felt perfect. It was an 80lb. and after it kicked down it was comfortable to hold a draw on it. Different outfits that sell them will match your body to a bow...Depending on your body type, arm length and the like. Good luck.

Safety card? Good god the safety manieacs have struck again.

Calcountry · 04-04-2005, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Grose

Be really careful using hay bales for target backstops. If they are small bales. arrows from modern compounds will zip right through is shot side-on. They also seem to magically find the soft spots between bales as well.

If you are talking about large round bales, just make sure you shoot them on the round sides and you'll be fine. If you shoot them on the flat sides, all your arrows will be somewhere inside the baleafter 1 round of target practice.

Even my wood arrows from my self-bow disappear into the bales if I don't shoot at the correct angle.

I can't imagine what would happen if I fired a carbon arrow from a 70# radical-cam compund into one of them.

I don't believe i have ever seen those in California.

**Iowanian** · 04-04-2005, 11:16 AM

jsp is right.........You don't have to buy a top end bow to get it done. I plan on replacing the bow string every couple of years, and eventually cams or riser if it shows damage, but I'll probably be shooting my bow for at least another decade.

A good Bow shop will be your best friend. they'll help set you up, remember your name, give you tips on equipment, give you shooting pointers(you need to practice...good shots, not alot of arrows) alot. They'll celebrate your first success with you like its their own.

I'd also recemmend after enough target time, shooting some 3D targets, as well as an indoor 3D video target before hitting the treestand.

Bow hunting takes some pretty good initial investmetns (half dozen arrows is $60, broadheads $25)..tree stands, camo, cover scent etc...........Of course you'll always need to learn about animal sign, stand placement, shooting from above..........

I like "Pederson's Bowhunting" magazine also.
www.bowhuntingmag.com

Earthling · 04-04-2005, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

Safety card? Good god the safety manieacs have struck again.

Yep. A twenty hour class and 40 bucks or something. All they needed to say was not to walk around with the bow loaded.

**Iowanian** · 04-04-2005, 11:17 AM

You don't have to spend alot of cash though.............Our Good friend Sec hunts with a bow he made out of 2 yardsticks and his old catheter hose, and makes his own arrows.

The Hunter's safety course thing has been in effect for years. I took it when I was 12 I think. Its a good class if you haven't hunted much, but kills a saturday. Its basics of Weapon safety, shooting instruction and game laws and ethics.

04-04-2005, 10:54 AM
BIG_DADDY THE RED MENACE Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texas Casino cash: $5068410	Bow Hunting I haven't used a compound bow since being a kid but I was thinking about picking up a compound bow and doing some hunting this year especially if we move into a house we are trying to rent right now in the mountains. The guy already has the hay bails set up for practice. Any advise would be greatly apprecaited especially on picking out a bow.
Posts: 32,384

04-04-2005, 10:59 AM	#2
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4758454	I'm a bow hunter........I love it. My advice is to go to a repuatable bow shop or two and hold some bows by different manufacturers. Shoot a few of them to see which one fits you best. There are many good bows on the market. with the new cams, its easy to get a bow with a speed of 300fps+, while shooting 50-60lbs. I'd recommend a bow with 75-85% letoff. A bow that is shorter, is easier to maneuver in a tree, but less forgiving if you flinch or shake. I shoot a Mathews FX, and they make serveral other better models, but they aren't cheap. One of my brothers shoots a Mathews SQ, and the Other a PSE baby G. If you're looking for something affordable...Hoyt, Browning, Golden Eagle and Fred Bear are repuatable brands. Tell them you're a beginner, get one with a riser that fits your body type, pull a weight you can easily do after sitting for a long period of time, and with the proper draw length. I don't know all of the technical mumbo jumbo like some guys, but I know a good bow when I shoot it.
Posts: 61,531

04-04-2005, 11:00 AM	#3
e_train69 Starter Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Oklahoma Casino cash: $7374900	BD Almost all the bows that are made today are excellent. It depends on what you are willing to pay. The best advice would be to find a "good" local pro shop where you can shoot and try out many different kinds and get the one that feels the best to you. A good pro shop is also a very valuable asset because they can set everything up for you and also perform maintenance. My personal preference is "Mathews" bows, but they can get a little pricey.
Posts: 68

04-04-2005, 11:01 AM	#4
\|Zach\| For The Glory Of The City Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5326768	I saw a bunch of them at Bass Pro the other day. Damn that place is big.
Posts: 53,435

04-04-2005, 11:03 AM	#5
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4758454	These Links should help you too http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm http://www.yorksport.com/bow.htm http://www.mcsports.com/info/index.j...egoryId=222842 If every hunter, and situation agreed with 1, there wouldn't be so many options. You wouldn't hunt Elk and Moose with the same setup for Turkeys and Whitetails. I'm telling you now..........Bow hunting can be addictive.
Posts: 61,531

04-04-2005, 11:10 AM	#8
jspchief BAMF Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Your Face Casino cash: $9998710	If it's been awhile, you'll be amazed at the advancement of the bows. I agree with what others have said, a good local shop will be able to help you and get you a bow that fits. Once you know what you want, you might try Cabelas. They usually have some reasonably priced bow packages that come with rest, quiver, etc. If you're just starting out though, I'd suggest the local shops. Those guys will be able to answer all your questions. FWIW, you don't have to spend a mint. I still use a big 'ol Browning that's about 8 years old. It kills deer just as good. Like my dad always said....it's not the arrow, it's the indian. __________________ Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.
Posts: 27,207

04-04-2005, 11:10 AM	#9
Earthling MVP Join Date: Apr 2001 Casino cash: $10008447	One word of advise BD...A friend of mine, and myself, packed up his camper with tent, food, etc. and stopped on the way out of town to get the hunting liscence for bow hunting. I was told I had to have a "Hunters Safety Card" and they would not issue a liscence to me. (I missed it by 7 months of not having to have one) You may not need one in CA or you may already have it. I don't own a bow but I have used his "Bear" and it felt perfect. It was an 80lb. and after it kicked down it was comfortable to hold a draw on it. Different outfits that sell them will match your body to a bow...Depending on your body type, arm length and the like. Good luck. __________________ AND SOMETIMES IT'S NOT SO EASY ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR ONLY FRIEND TALKS SEES LOOKS AND FEELS LIKE YOU AND YOU DO JUST THE SAME AS HIM -Jiimi Hendrix
Posts: 5,995

04-04-2005, 11:16 AM	#13
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4758454	jsp is right.........You don't have to buy a top end bow to get it done. I plan on replacing the bow string every couple of years, and eventually cams or riser if it shows damage, but I'll probably be shooting my bow for at least another decade. A good Bow shop will be your best friend. they'll help set you up, remember your name, give you tips on equipment, give you shooting pointers(you need to practice...good shots, not alot of arrows) alot. They'll celebrate your first success with you like its their own. I'd also recemmend after enough target time, shooting some 3D targets, as well as an indoor 3D video target before hitting the treestand. Bow hunting takes some pretty good initial investmetns (half dozen arrows is $60, broadheads $25)..tree stands, camo, cover scent etc...........Of course you'll always need to learn about animal sign, stand placement, shooting from above.......... I like "Pederson's Bowhunting" magazine also. www.bowhuntingmag.com
Posts: 61,531

04-04-2005, 11:17 AM	#15
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4758454	You don't have to spend alot of cash though.............Our Good friend Sec hunts with a bow he made out of 2 yardsticks and his old catheter hose, and makes his own arrows. The Hunter's safety course thing has been in effect for years. I took it when I was 12 I think. Its a good class if you haven't hunted much, but kills a saturday. Its basics of Weapon safety, shooting instruction and game laws and ethics.
Posts: 61,531