I finally decided the only way I was going to get to do much hunting in Arizona was to get into bowhunting. Until now, I have avoided bowhunting like the plague; not because I didn't want to do it, but because I was not wanting to take on a new hobby.

I bought a Mathews Drenalin yesterday and wm going to pick it up and take some lessons tomorrow.

Does anyone have any good tips for getting started?

Where to start? Find someone that is a good bowhunter to show you how to shoot, tune, ect. Learn to do all the work on your bow and arrows yourself. Take your time to learn and enjoy. Bowhunting is one of the few real pleasures in life.

Come on up to Payson and practice at the Jim Jones range. The club just made a great 14 station outdoor archery range with all types of critters for your practicing pleasure.

We'll be happy to teach you how to be a good archer.

Thanks for the advice and the invite. I went scouting in Unit 22 yesterday, so I wasn't too far from Payson.

I saw a nice couse deer buck and a few mulie does. It was my first scouting trip in the area and I really liked it.

Practice as much as possible. I like to practice about 15 minutes a day. after about 15 minutes I start to wear down. I like to keep a target set up at all times so it's easy to just grab my bow a shoot a few minutes in my spare time.

You younguns is weak! I used to shoot a 70# bow 12 hours straight. I can still shoot for hours with an 82# bow and I will be 70 next month. I know women that do better then you guys.
OK, a beginner needs to take it easy to build up but I don't expect it from an experienced archer! Worn down in 15 minutes means the bow won't come back when cold in the stand.

I guess worn out was the wrong term. Yes, I can shoot much longer than 15 min. 15 - 20 min is a recommended time period for shooting then rest. Most archers will notice accuracy dropping off after about that much time. I do just usually shoot for about 15 min then hang the bow up for a while or till the next day.

Once you get the basics down, and your strength developed it's always a matter of concentration. Keep a target at a good range outside your front door and shoot ONE arrow at the target once or twice a day. I do this before bow season and it really helps to focus on the first shot, the only one that matters bowhunting.

I've never shot 12 hours in a row or anything but I used to shoot too much at one time. In my opinion, that does little to improve accuracy and actually can cause pains and aches that will hinder your long term success.