Beginners guide to bowhunting?

[Benjamin]

Alright, I don't know exactly how to put this so I'll just go right ahead and say it... I have NO idea what I'm doing....

That being said, I want to learn. I've been a waterfowler my whole life and decided I wanted to upgrade to deer hunting, and bow with a bow at that. Now, I've spent the last 9 months becoming proficient with my bow and reading boo-coos of articles here and at the magazine stand trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can. But with every article I've read the picture that I don't have a clue keeps getting clearer. They all seem to start as if you have some basic knowlege of how to do things, just filled with tips to make yourself better.

The main problem is, I don't know a soul who can teach me first hand. Take me out to a piece of land and actually show me what to look for, how to find deer tracks, look at an aerial and tell me where the most likely places to find deer beddings etc. I've also realized that being a college student most guided hunts would be out of my price range anyways so I'd be on public land anyways, which from my gathering is considerably harder.

I guess what it all boils down to is, is there any articles I've overlooked that would be the equivalent to "Idiots Guide to Bowhunting Texas Public Lands", tips that would be beneficial for the extreme novice, or do I just go out there and learn from trial and error? As much fun as slinging arrows at a target is, I want to take it to the woods and don't know how.

[JLively]

Thats easy Texasbowhunter.com. This site has everything that you need. Make friends with the right people and you will find someone to show you the ropes in person. All you have to do is ask.

[DJM]

You don't need to buy magazines.You have a wealth of knowledge right here.TBH IS the authority on bowhunting in TX.


DJ

[mfields75]

food, cover, water and lots of patience.

[Kelsey]

someone help this man! Where are you located? Be specific.

[offthemap]

The best way to find out where the deer are traveling is to get out and scout. Look for dense cover near quick escape routes for bedding areas. i e dense cover on a ridge or river or creek. Find out what the natural forage is in the area your hunting and hunt near it. I e acorns, agricultural crops.

Also one of the most successful places I've hunted are on natural travel corridors. Like a bottleneck between two sloughs, or a stand of trees between pastures. Anything that can funnel traveling deer

[skeeter]

Alright, I don't know exactly how to put this so I'll just go right ahead and say it... I have NO idea what I'm doing....

That being said, I want to learn. I've been a waterfowler my whole life and decided I wanted to upgrade to deer hunting, and bow with a bow at that. Now, I've spent the last 9 months becoming proficient with my bow and reading boo-coos of articles here and at the magazine stand trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can. But with every article I've read the picture that I don't have a clue keeps getting clearer. They all seem to start as if you have some basic knowlege of how to do things, just filled with tips to make yourself better.

The main problem is, I don't know a soul who can teach me first hand. Take me out to a piece of land and actually show me what to look for, how to find deer tracks, look at an aerial and tell me where the most likely places to find deer beddings etc. I've also realized that being a college student most guided hunts would be out of my price range anyways so I'd be on public land anyways, which from my gathering is considerably harder.

I guess what it all boils down to is, is there any articles I've overlooked that would be the equivalent to "Idiots Guide to Bowhunting Texas Public Lands", tips that would be beneficial for the extreme novice, or do I just go out there and learn from trial and error? As much fun as slinging arrows at a target is, I want to take it to the woods and don't know how.

I live in Houston and would be more than happy to share what knowledge I have about bowhunting and hunting in general. I have access to an outdoor archery range that you can shoot from 20-50 yds. We are allowed to bowhunt there. We could wonder around in the woods. look for deer sign, rubs, scrapes, tracks. Time in the woods is what you need.

I also would be more than happy to get together and go hog hunting. I have a place to do it. It would have to be after deer season, but you are more than welcome to tag along. Most of your hunting knowledge will come with experience and time in the woods. Bowhunting is not all about making the shot. it is getting into position to shoot. It is being able to get into position with 30 eyes watching you. It is knowing WHEN to try to get into position. Bowhunting is nothing like sitting in a box blind with a rifle. You will get busted. You will blow shot opportunities. You will miss deer. You will lose deer you hit. Thats all a part of it. But it is all a learning experience, everytime you go into the woods.

send me a pm if you want to get together.

[offthemap]

Yeah where do you live?

[Benjamin]

Skeeter PM sent.

I live on the west side of Houston, just a hop, skip and a jump away from West Houston Archery. Thank you all for the advice tendered. I greatly enjoy reading the articles/stories/tips here on TBH, it's been a big help already.

[Yakfishin]

I would love to help you just pm me.
I live in fulshear

[skeeter]

I would love to help you just pm me.
I live in fulshear

Yak,

I grew up and spent a lot of time in Fulshear. My aunt and uncle lived there. We were just down the road from the Crutcher Ranch. (another friend of the family) Spent a lot of time at the RUR in Simonton. That area has really built up from what I remember!

[eagles405]

There is a group of guys from the west side who regularly get together (in Katy) and shoot during the non-hunting season and several of them scout and hunt the sam houston national forest together. You might also look at the "Official sam houston national forest thread in public hunting. They have helped several new bow hunters out so far this season. Good Luck

[Yakfishin]

Only been here for couple years in Weston lakes grow up in la grange as soon as I get a chance I am going back not a bad area though

[30-30]

If you're hunting public land buy the "Official Guide to Texas Wildlife Management Areas" by Larry D. Hodge. There might be an updated version out by now, but this book and the public lands map booklet will give you a great start in terms of how to hunt any particular WMA.

[RedneckMorton]

I know right were you are coming from. I picked up a bow back about 8 years ago. Not only was my dad not a big hunter, but he knew nothing about bow hunting. Needless to say if it wasn't for me, my dad wouldn't hunt as much as he does. I bought my first deer rifle when I was 12 to step up from a single shot .410.

Needless to say everything I have learned, both gun and bow hunting has been by trail and error.

I hit the woods as often as I can to do some scouting. Don't get to go as often as I like though. Reading can only get you so far, until you can put it to good use where you will be hunting.

Find an area that you can hunt, and put in a lot of time scouting. Good luck to you.