Bow hunters?

bushidowoman
bushidowoman Posts: 1,599 Member
in Chit-Chat
I'm interested in learning to shoot a bow. A recurve, maybe? They seem like they would take more strength and skill? Plus I think they are prettier. And they seem to be less expensive than compound bows.
What should I look for? How to get started? I would like to hear especially from any lady bow hunters., but I welcome input from the guys, too.

Replies

  • _JR_
    _JR_ Posts: 830 Member
    Howdy. I would search the Groups for hunting/ bowhunting groups.

    Recurves require constant training just to be decent. They limit you to much closer shots than with compounds, but that's fine if you're just in it for sport shooting.

    Yes, the cost is generally much less than a compound for obvious reasons... fewer components.

    Look for archery shops in your area, or talk to the people at Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, or Sportmans Warehouse to be pointed in the right direction for lessons. It's a lot of fun, and addicting.

    I love when women want to get into archery. Not nearly enough of you in it. :flowerforyou:

    ETA: Here's a group I found for you. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/1000-deer-hunters
  • Jkmumma
    Jkmumma Posts: 254
    I've never HUNTED with a recurve, the more difficulty in accuracy makes me nervous, because I'm a huge fan of clean kills as painlessly as possible for the animal, and a compound is better for that, HOWEVER, as an avid fan of ren faires, SCA, and related activities, I do shoot both a long bow and a recurve, and with fairly decent accuracy for the weapon. Fletching (making your own arrows) can be a very artistic hobby as well, great for stormy weather that keeps you trapped indoors!


    Like JR said, make an archery shop, or hunting store your best friend, THEY can give lessons, ETC, nothing we can say HERE will make up for in person lessons.

    They make a device for stringing recurves and longbows, because they do not get stored strung, invest in one, it's a lot easier than manually stringing.

    AND ESPECIALLY while you're learning, wear a tight shirt under whatever you're wearing, ESPECIALLY if the girls are above average size, it'll help protect them. Tight clothing in general really, anywhere your bow can catch.. and wear a forearm guard...
  • bushidowoman
    bushidowoman Posts: 1,599 Member
    Thank you both for the input! Yes, at this point, I am interested in mainly shooting for sport, even though I titled my thread "bow hunters". One of these days, I might like to try hunting.
    I will check out the group. :smile:
  • Jkmumma
    Jkmumma Posts: 254
    only advice I can give about hunting.... If blood makes you squeemish, don't.... Remember: you have to clean what you kill, and it can get a bit gorey, more so when you're learning, but it's never a CLEAN thing.
  • bushidowoman
    bushidowoman Posts: 1,599 Member
    only advice I can give about hunting.... If blood makes you squeemish, don't.... Remember: you have to clean what you kill, and it can get a bit gorey, more so when you're learning, but it's never a CLEAN thing.
    I'm an intensive care nurse. :wink: But if I don't have time to mess with it, there is a family at our church who run a slaughter house, and a lot of deer hunters drop off their deer there. I'm thinking I'd probably rather save the money and do it myself if I had the time.
  • bushidowoman
    bushidowoman Posts: 1,599 Member
    I visited three different local shops today! Although I enjoyed getting to play with and shoot a compound bow, none of the shops had recurves or long bows for sale. I am looking online.
    What should I look for as a beginner?
    I drew 35 pounds today, but it was my first time ever, not used to using those muscles!
  • thebowhunter
    thebowhunter Posts: 173
    Look an Craigs list and ebay for a used recurve or longbow. Start with 45 pounds. To heavy of a bow and you will not enjoy it and your accuracy will suffer and you will end up frustrated.

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