Archery
 

Do we have any COTEP archers in the house?

I have an itch that needs scratching. I want to learn how to shoot a bow. So, looking for advice on gear and equipment for a total newb to the sport. I don't "plan" on hunting with it, just mainly backyard fun. What bow (type) should I look at to learn? I know I need to get "fitted" for the right size. Is that something I can do or should I seek professional assistance? Any advice will be appreciated.

Lisa still not letting you reload, huh?

Nah, I have a pig to hunt . :D

I realize this is not help but I tried long bow a few years back because I was given one. Couldn't hit crap with it. Tried my brothers big boy bow and was actually worse...terrible. I gave up. Sold the long bow and never looked back. I wish I would have stuck with it or gotten some pro help or something though. Would like have the ability to shoot in back yard......

lesson learned...

Not a hunter, yet, but I have a recurve and a compound that I got about 30 or more years ago.
I wound up being ok with them. While not a professional, nor can give you any good advice, it was a lot of fun.
So much so that I recently looked into getting back into it with my daughters.

No one has answered his question. He wants our opinion on whether he needs "professional help." :D

Talk to Barbie, she has/had a daughter in arrow flinging!

I have a compound and a crossbow. I have the crossbow because with the bow, the deer have an outstanding chance to live.

I like huntersfriend.com and the Diamond Infinity bow. It's very adjustable, so you can start at low weight and move up to hunting poundage over time, without a bow vise. Unfortunately, my granddaughter liked it too, so now she has it.

There are "better" bows, but the deer won't care.

This is why I'm doing my research and trying to get hands on training. If I just go and buy something (most likely the wrong one for my skill level) and just start trying to use it, I know I'll get frustrated and give it up. I'd like to give it/myself a fair chance.

Looks like a ton of fun! Been wanting to try it for a long time.

That answer is easy, YES.

Ah, good call. I'll shoot her a pm, thanks.

The hay bails won't care either, lol.

I'm leaning towards a crossbow but, which one do you think is more user friendly for a beginner?

In seriousness, I seem to recall Barbie mentioning Gators Guns & Archery in Palm Beach. I have been there. They have an indoor archery range[?]. They have a large selection of bows, arrows, etc. I understand they offer instruction as well. Don't know how far you are from there.

Best of luck with the new sport/hobby.

the best thing you can do is make sure you get the correct size bow for your draw length. if you don't have that then you'll never get really good at it.

you can determine your draw length from home http://www.learn-archery.com/proper-bow-size.html but it is more accurate when you get it measured at an archery store. after that you need the correct length arrows for your draw.

compound bows would be easier to use and hit with for a beginner but with practice a recurve is just as good.

on poundage since you have to build up the muscles you use to draw with it's best to start with a light weight bow and work your way up. if you start out with a heavy poundage bow then you're bound to develop bad habits that will kill your consistent accuracy. i'd suggest a 25# or 30# bow to start with.

just like firearms proper and consistent technique when drawing and shooting the bow is key if you want to get good with it. there are lots of videos on youtube that can help you here.

For a beginner: a CHEAP one. You don't want to spend 1500 on a magnificent crossbow package and find out you don't really care for it.

Mine is an Excalibur Axiom. I paid around 500 for it. It's a recurve rather than a compound but it puts bolts through stuff just fine.

funny

Wait til she finds out he wants to spend money on archery equipment, he'll lose was little is left "down there"......:eek:

funny funny funny

Thanks Brother, that link is a great help! Been reading it page by page, great information. I am now leaning towards to a compound bow with 25-30lbs. Thank you.

Any recommendations on brands?

What brand are you using?

Thanks for the suggestion, Mike. I'd like to stick to that $500 budget for the exact reason you mentioned.

Are the sub $300 compound bows any good?

I told her, she asked how much. I responded with.... "cheaper than my firearms". She said, "whatever". That answer works for me! :D

An older PSE.
You can get a VERY nice compound bow in the $300+ price range, look at some of the package deals out there.

Thanks Rich, much appreciated.

Yes!!!!!!:D

I prefer the long bow. I shoot them all. I like the long bow because they are much quicker than a compound and a whole lot faster than a cross bow.

My kids took lessons at a place in Delray that just closed. One of the employees said he is re-opening as the old owners have moved back to Montana. If we get a re-opening notice I'll let ya know. The instructor was REAL good, I hope he re-opens. My daughter and older son are deadly with bows. At 25 yards they'll hit a heart size object over and over.

Sounds good Joe, let me know.

Gator guns does have three(?) lanes, I believe. I will check them out. Actually found out that Gander Mountain and Dicks also have lanes.

I'm going to look for a bow in the $300 to $500 range to start. I don't want to dig too deep in case I don't care for the sport. unlikely but, we'll see.

We got lucky....bought bows at the closeout....bought a BUNCH of stuff...under $250.00 bows and all.... I hear gator has a good instructor, but too far for me.

Wow, That's a steal.

Gator is off of Okeechobee and Military, not too far from me. After vacation, I'll check them out.

Caleb,

BttBBob instructs at Gators. He is an outstanding firearms instructor, but not sure whether he teaches archery.

Gator Gun and Archery has two of the best instructors in the state also, David Taylor is a State Champ and Larry is also a tournament ASA Instructor...Good people.

There ya go, I think I'd stop by there and talk with those gents - pick their brain and get some suggestions, etc. :cool:

For members who don't know, Bob gives NRA classes at Gator, knows everyone there and bow hunts himself. He knows Gator better than anyone else I know. His endorsement is solid with me.

My wife and I have taken classes with Bob at Gator. Great facility.

Thanks everyone, looks like I'll be in good hands at Gator.

Hey Bob, do you mind if I name drop you?

Of course he never PMd me.... Now I found this searching something else.

Gator has separate range for archery. No lanes there but limited capacity. they also sell equipment.

When I took the RSO class with Bob, his daughter happened to be there and she hunts with bow also. I mentioned my daughter's interest in archery and she recommended her former instructor. I have his business card and email and got a formal class for A. He provided everything and the class was great. She was shooting bulleyes the full hour. She's too young for more than that, but got the basics and I had all the explanations I might ask. including equipment recommendations and wonderful advice. The guy is great. If you still need his info, shoot me a PM. He's been a competition shooter and is great with kids. Also recommended the appropriate equipment based in pounds and strength... considering my daughter tough constitution and muscular built and ... yours... I believe you could get a compound set for something between $200-300 with adjustable pounds as needed. :D I wouldn't buy anything without consulting someone who knows first.

LG, Gator's archery range is on the same building but to the left of the store. The fee is really low (I seem to recall $5.00?). The space accommodates few archers, so I'm not sure if they rent it exclusively only. We rented for an hour and paid the class. We were there alone. Since then she hasn't stopped bugging me about the next one, but she has to earn that with good grades.

And to the original question... I'm not a doctor or a psychiatrist or a psychologist, but I firmly believe that yes, Caleb, you need professional help.

I would get a cheaper crossbow at first. I have a Diamond Axiom. If you get into it you can spend Dan Wesson money on a crossbow.