I have always rifle hunted or muzzle loaded. Now I'nm looking for more of a challenge. Any suggestions on a good starter bow. To get the feel?

I can't really suggest any compounds, I went back to hunting with recurves in the mid 80s.
If you have any interest in a recurve I can suggest either a Bob Lee bow
http://www.bobleearchery.com/index.html
or a Mike Palmer recurve
http://www.palmerbows.com/

I should have been more specific. I am looking for a good compound bow, but recure is not out of the question..possibly the next step. Thanks alot CaptJack!

If you're looking into a recurve, I'd recomend a Martin myself. The X-200 is their "starter" bow. It's not too expensive, beautiful, available in weights up to either 65# or 70#, has a very good brace height. Oh, and a lifetime warranty. (just don't buy one off ebay).

mike

I'd recommend going to several shops. Look, feel, and shoot as many bows(new,used,+old) as you can. I had thought about getting older start up gear when I started shopping last summer. I ended up with a new small fast quiet bow, a Mighty Mite by BowTech. It is a good bow for me. It may or may not suit you. Best-o-Luck

Go to a shop that has an indoor range, and ask to try out several bows. Dang near all of the compound bows made today shoot pretty darn well, just gotta find the one that works for you!

MG

http://www.diamondarchery.com/bows_triumph.php


It goes for about $469 in stores

If you must use a wheel bow Don't get caught up in the speed hype, get a long(er/est) axel to axel lenght bow you can find. Get it set up with hunting gadgets.

Then find an archery club and join it.

Concern yourself with leaning good form and how to shoot at 20yrds or less.

Don't forget to have fun.

Weclome to bowhunting!

Like others have already suggested, going to a pro shop and handling/shooting several different bows is the best way to start. Every model of bow has a different feel, and you just need to determine which one is right for you. Brands like Bowtech, Mathews, Hoyt, Parker, and Archery Research are some of the higher end lines. Personally, I don't believe in something called a starter bow, as you owe it to yourself to use quality equipment, when learning a new sport, especially something that involves as much "touch and feel" as archery. Something with about 7 inches or so of brace height and about 34 inches axle to axle will be very forgiving and serve very well for hunting.

Good Luck -- hope this helps.

I do appriciate all the suggestions, there is a shop not too far from were I live with a range. I'll start there and see where it leads me. Thanks again!

WB

Cool. Keep eyes and ears open, and don't forget to have fun.

mike

Mike,

Don't buy into the shuper short bow crap that many archery shops will have you believing.

Many tell you you must have a bow that will fit in your back pocket to be able to tree stand hunt

Why do the competition guys use the 40+ ata bows? They're more accurate and more forgiving.

The short bows are hard to shoot and unforgiving, they'll amplify your mistakes.

I can shoot my old 40" high country from a sitting position in a climber but, some salesman will try and get you to buy a bow w/ a ata less than 34". My last 4 bows have been in the 34-35 range and I wouldn't want anything shorter for many reasons.

Have a Good One.

Reloader