As you plan to begin bow hunting getting started is easy if you know the right equipment to outfit yourself for success. This type of hunting becomes more popular every year as both men and women realize the benefits of getting out in the woods, away from it all, in pursuit of a trophy for the den or meat for the table.
For sportsmen that are new to bow hunting getting started may not begin with a bow! Lots of experienced hunters suggest that new hunters begin with a DVD. Watching pro hunters on video is a great way to learn about the equipment you need, how to set it up and use it properly, and how to improve your skills. Plus, you’ll get a serious case of buck fever from watching these professionals take some really big racks!
Secondly, you need a bow that matches your size. Lots of guys do the macho thing and pick up the most powerful bow they can find, falsely thinking that the faster the arrow speed the better the chance to bag the game. When it comes to quality bows from Horton, PSE, Bowtech, Martin or other top makers, accuracy trumps speed every time. If you’re a brawny guy go ahead and use a compound bow with a 70 draw weight that can whistle them at 330 feet per second. But if you’re an average Joe, you will be more effective bow hunting getting started with a 50 or 60 pound draw and a weapon that shoots in the 245-275 fps range. You will be more accurate with your Alpine, Mathews, Hoyt or Browning when you can handle it easily. When you’ve got a 10-point hanging on the buck pole no one will care how fast the arrow was going – how true it was flying will be the key.
Keep in mind too, that for bow hunting getting started with a crossbow is now a possibility in most states. If you have physical limitations or just prefer the lethal accuracy of a crossbow they are available from all the leading manufacturers including Horton, Crosman and TenPoint.
A few accessories will up your opportunities for success and your enjoyment as you get started bow hunting. The first is a good set of sight pins or a scope. The target zone that you want to hit on a deer is fairly small, and with an arrow you’ll need to be very precise, so practicing with your scope or sight pins is essential to success.
Since practice is so valuable for bow hunting getting started with a 3D target isn’t a bad idea. You’ve seen them in yards as you drive by – life-sized deer replicas that offer the best opportunity for effective practice.
The next accessory for getting started bow hunting is a side mount quiver that attaches to your bow or a hip quiver that you carry on a strap. Either one keeps your arrows handy at the range or in the woods. Additional accessories to consider include a case for your bow, a stabilizer, and, of course the right arrows or bolts to use with your specific bow.
When new to bow hunting, getting started doesn’t have to break the bank. Quality equipment is available to match any budget so you can hit the woods with what you need to bring home the venison.