Just getting back into hunting...

[Aversin]

To make a long story short, sold all hunting gear in college +15 years ago. But would like to get back into it. Only issue is that all of my previous hunting was squirrel hunting due to family tradition.

So with 4 kids funds are limited and I had been looking at some lower end pump shotguns, but thinking that a bow may be a better investment as it opens up more opportunities as far as location and time frame. But I don't know squat about bows, heck never even shot one.

So basically I'm looking for advice. Best bang for the buck...

Shotgun vs. bow?

If bow, compound or stick?

Thoughts, comments?

[TUCO]

First off..... Welcome to the fire….


You will find that there are a lot of good bow and gun deals in the classified section.

And a lot of good advise to go along with them.

[waterdog]

welcome

[hully1029]

Welcome..

you need to find your local bow shop and set up camp for like 3 days.

[popup_menace]

You are in the right place to ask that question, but you are also in the right place to get a hundred different answers. What would be best for you to do is either find somebody that'll let your try out their bow or go to a shop and test out some of the moderately priced bows. That will give you an idea of whether archery is something you would really want to stick with. To me, it's a bow over gun any day, but I also tell all newbies that archery requires quite a bit more discipline and practice than most think in order to be fully proficient. Regardless of your choice, congrats on getting back in the game!

[DesertDug]

Welcome, you came to the right place. Been shooting a bow for just over a year now and all my questions could be answered here. It's fun and additive. Get your self a used bow to start out with and after a lot of practice you will be wanting to up grade. 3d shoots are a great way to meet folks and learn and practice.

[Arrow chucker]

Welcome back

[paco]

Welcome back to the Obsession!

[BolilloLoco]

What are you planning on hunting? It could be tough hunting squirrel with a bow. Welcome back.

[AndyRealtree]

Welcome. As popup said, you'll get a lot of good answers and a lot more will come with those answers. Get something used in the classifieds and practice practice practice. Then practice some more. Once you get that first bow kill that's the end of the story. For me it was anyways. Ask all the questions you want, absorb the answers, put them to use, and figure out what works best for you. Welcome again, and good hunting.

[Aversin]

Thanks everyone.

To answer the game choice question, I live about 30 minutes from the Grapevine WMA are and was thinking about trying to swing some time later this fall or early next year (once I feel confident with a bow) trying to swindle a little help in the hog hunting area out there. But I'm not totally sure about that... I guess I just need to get off my duff and head over to a pro shop and take a class or two and see what I like... Guns I know, bows I don't...

Either way, glad to be here and love all of the info... Keep posting and I'll keep reading!

[JustinJ]

I would personally choose a gun before a bow for just getting back into it. Your choices on public areas will be limited, but the learning curve with a gun is much shorter. A shotgun would be fine if you could shoot slugs, but I'd even opt for a rifle, but again your choices on public hunting are further limited.

If you're close to Grapevine, you may also be close to Lavon Corps land. You can hunt much of this land (for pigs, not deer) with a bow and some with a shotgun. There is also areas around Decatur and up by Bonham. Look up the Annual Public Hunting Permit.

You could also look into doing a day lease. There are some sponsors on here who have a good reputation, but most are bow only.

I would definitely check out the classifieds section and keep reading all over the green screen

Welcome to the fire!