I wanna be a bowhunter!!!

[03GruntUSMC]

Well guys,
I have rifle hunted all my life but after becoming a member on here and reading all the great stories I want to become one of y'all. I love to be in the outdoors but don't have a deer lease at the moment. I have been reading a lot on the public hunting forum, especially SHNF and DCNF....both of these i have rifle hunted. My experience usually ended up in me being frustrated with the crowds of hunters. I have a few questions for y'all please.....

1. Is bow hunting national forests less populated during bow season and a better chance of harvesting an animal?

2. What bow would you recommend for a beginner? Price? and Im guessing I will need a range finder also???? Price and brand of that would be appreciated.

Thanks and I appreciate any feedback. Im ready to go stick something hopefully.

Lewis

[Oliedog]

For the most part places to hunt are less crowded during the bow seasons. 2) PSE or Bear bows are pretty good cost effective bows. A archery pro shop will help you out with the best advise on any kind of bow. Range Finder? I would start with a cheaper model to start with and practive with..In a few years you will want to up grade. That goes for your bow of choice as well.

[Hogman7290]

For question number 2, go to your local bow shop and shoot as many different styles of bows. "Type " of bow is a preferance. Start whith whatever fits you best. Shop around for a range finder. You can find goo deals in the off season.Yor local pro shop will help alot and so will the regulars at the range. Welcome to a new addiction

[LastHurrah]

Welcome to the fire!!!!

[systemnt]

Welcome.
As stated above try as many bows ad you can before you buy your Elite

[quarterback]

You are so hooked and you don't even know it yet!

Can't help with public lands question but I would imagine the woods are far less crowded during archery season. Plus you get a head start on the season (and a lot of rifle hunters).

As for the bow, lots of times you can find a good one in the classifieds here. Archery shops are your best bet for learning about the sport, and what all you'll need. As for bow hunting, you cannot imagine the rush of hunting up close, knowing you have to get everything right to make the shot. It is an awesome challenge that will hook you for life.

Oh, and welcome to TBH!!

[03GruntUSMC]

Thank you all so much for the feedback,
Im getting pumped just thinking about it........ Im really loving this site and the people on here.

[charrell71]

SHNF has an archery-only section. I believe it butts up to Huntsville State Park. Might want to look into that area. Definitely hit up a pro shop to find the best fitting bow for you. Welcome to your new addiction!

[Loftin]

Welcome to tha green screen&good luck with the addiction it only gets worse after u shoot your first bow!!

[hernandez1812]

Welcome! always good to see a fellow brother in arms picking up a bow!

[Oliedog]

Forgot to add you will love bowhunting...with a rifle when you see the deer the hunt is over. With Bowhunting once you see the deer the hunt is just starting.

[jcstarken]

I to and very new to Bow hunting I just got my son and I bow's we went with Diamond "bowtech" for price and set up for beginners. The people here are very helpful and friendly.
I would say set a budget then shoot every bow that falls in that budget"and a few that dont" so that you can get a good feel, I love my outlaw and my son loves his razor, there are so many good bows out there that it will come down to you and what feels right. Good luck and welcome to the addiction!

[acutting]

STAY AWAY FROM BOWHUNTING!!!!!!!!!! No seriously it's addicting. I haven't fired my rifle other than at the range in 7 years. It's different than rifle hunting brings a new level to the hunt, for me at least. You'll love it spend some time looking at different bows and find what you like. Don't get too caught up with the speed hype find a bow you are comfortable with and get good with it. I've had my current bow for 13 years and killed everything from Squirrels to Bison with it. Good luck!

[Pistol]

Welcome to the fire! Yes public lands are less p opulated with bowhunters, but as far as easier/ better chance of harvesting? No way, bowhunting is much harder! We also tend to recover fewer animals because they usually do not drop in their tracks. But much more addictive! I haven't rifle hunted in years, and many folks here are the same.

[jwilliamson]

Try a G5 Quest Rogue out when you look at bows.