New bow hunter!

Red Sparky

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2011
Messages
214
Location
Los Lunas, NM
For about the past five years I have really wanted to get into bow hunting. Reading all the forums and bow hunting articles I could find. Recently the wife told me I had $1000.00 to spend on a new gun. Love the wife but since I have all the guns and muzzle loaders I want for the moment I went to the pro shop. Walked out with a Hoyt, WB rest, Tru Glo 5 pin sight, Scott Shark release, and 1/2 dozen Warrior arrows with field tips. Shot it at the pro shop and love it. Tomorrow I am setting up the 20 yard -70 yard archery range in the back yard. Looking forward to being able to put in for an archery tag next year.

Wife told me as long as I was happy with what I bought. I told her to quote Duck Dynasty I was "Happy! Happy! Happy!".
 
They are fun to shoot, I have a newer Bear compound and few older bear recurves. I really like to shoot the recurves more but the compound is as accurate as any rifle in its own ranges. Enjoy!
 
I am really looking forward to elk hunting during the rut. Usually with the smoke pole they are done. Have hit the rut twice in early October with the ML and it was a blast. I felt under gunned when at the bow shop other hunters were asking about 70-100 yard shots with their bows. That is about the distance I like the T/C at. I want to get closer so look forward to less than 40 yards to let the arrow fly. Good thing I don't have an addictive personality or I could be hooked for life :D Last night I had to buy an Ameristep doghouse blind. Will help with the daughters and now I have another excuse to use it. Already looking for bow case, quiver, and any other gadget I might need.
 
That is what I learned about muzzle loader hunting, just get the basics. All I need to hunt with the bow is a lot of practice and broad heads. Today I figured out if I spend enough time practicing and get good enough I can carry my bow during my muzzle loader hunt we drew this year. My 13 year old daughter and I go Oct. 19th. Bows are legal during ML season but not the other way around. That way daughter has first shot with ML and if she passes then I get to try and sneak in with the bow. Only handicap is during ML season I have to kill a mature bull where archery is either sex. New blind should be here by the end of the week so I can get it set up in back yard and sprayed down with scent killer.
 
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Bowhunting elk is addictive, you'll love it. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Your shot routine, from knocking your arrow through follow-through has to be automatic. I'd suggest a 4-arrow (or 3 if you can find one) bow quiver. Leave the extra arrows at camp or in the truck. If you are going to hunt out of a blind, make sure you practice shooting out of it. If your blind has netting over the windows you are going to shoot out of, make sure your range finder still will work. Some do, some do not. Make sure your chair(s) is/are quiet. SCARY-SHARP fixed blade broadheads are the order if the day IMHO. 125gr. G5 Strykers have worked exceptionally well for me over the years.
 
Congratulations on the jump to bow hunting.

You'll find that people's preferences on equipment varies as much in archery as rifle shooters.
There truly is no best way, use what works for you on your budget.

Do be aware that, as you can shoot out a barrel, your bow string will have to be replaced with time.

Also carry a first aid kit!
Broadheads are sharp and chit happens!

If you watch stuff on YouTube, check out Ranch Fairy.

Be safe!
And let us know when you get your first string slap!
You'll know what I'm talking about when it happens.
 
Bowhunting is tons of fun but anymore just as expensive as gun hunting. Bows are as much as a grand or more, arrows are 20-25 dollars a piece by the time you put broadheads on them. With all that aside, I think you are really going to enjoy it. Getting close enough to see your intended target blink makes for a great day in the woods and I think will make you a better hunter. Make sure you put a blunt in your quiver, shooting at objects while you walking through the woods is lots of fun and keeps you sharp. Its also great for the occasional grouse that might step out in your path. Good Luck.
 
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