Getting Started....Newcomer

[Payton]

After numerous searches on this forum I could not find a single thread with information for a newcomer wanting to start out in archery and bow hunting. Has a rookie just walked into the starting lineup here?

Is there some articles or information somewhere that would help me select equipment, learn to shoot, etc out there?

I went in to the Bass Pro in Pearland, TX last weekend and talked to one of the guys there. Real nice folks and they let my boys (11 & 10) test out a Fred Bear bow. The only bow I have personally touched was a Diamond "Black Ice" and it seemed to be real nice. The salesman was thumbs up on Diamond and this bow. Is this a good bow? Should I be looking at something else? Looking for some input.

Also, I've seen quite a few folks looking for digital SLR cameras around here and I have a Canon Rebel XT Digital SLR 8mp camera that I would consider trading or selling to fund the new bow acquisition.

When I was a young teen I dug my Dad's old long bows out of the attic and played with them off/on for a few years. I think that is where I developed an interest in archery but for whatever I never took it any further than that. We moved here from Missouri in 1978 and didn't know anyone with land nor how to find hunting places.

A high school buddy invited us out to his company's deer lease this year and on youth weekend both boys shot deer. It's rekindled a MAJOR interest in getting back into hunting I'd LOVE to do it with a bow.

Anyone in here that can help a newbie?

[Tmag]

Welcome to the fire.

[Rsatt]

Welcome, Payton

Lotta Good Folks Here

PS..Diamond are good bows

[scissorhands]

Welcome, I was in your shoes just a few months ago. I found a trade and got my bow. I went to the bow zone in spring to get everything checked out and fitted. Nice guys over there. Might want to give them a shout.

Rob

[BIG_B]

Go to a good pro shop in your area. They will get you set up. mathews, hoyte, PSE, Bowtech and diamond are good bows to get you started to look at. most bows that they sale in a proshop are pretty good, i have never seen junk in a good pro shop

[dwright8]

sit down and stay awhile

[DrenalinJunkie]

welcome to the fire...

There is a ton of knowledge here on the site. Just start throwing questions out there and the answers will come.

As far as shooting and setting up, look into a good pro shop for your gear. Trust me it will be well worth it in the long run. The big store guys usually are good guys to TALK to, but as far as knowledge...... its scarce.

Also keep your eyes on the threads. There are always folks having get togethers at houses or ranges that will be more than happy to have you along. There are several(including mine and Skeeter's) local shooting clubs agin that will be more than happy to welcome you into the sport and usually have free info as well.

Again welcome to the site and your new bowhunting addiction!

[Bilbo]

You may not want to do this....Once you get started you'll be hooked and never want to stop!!! Just kidding!!!
Welcome!! I think everyone else summed it up for ya.

[EarleyBird]

Welcome to your new addiction. Bowhunting is extremely personal, bud. Just read the posts after a bow review. You'll have two experienced archers saying exact opposite things and they're both exactly right. Diamonds are very good bows and a ton of people shoot them. You should go to your nearest bow shop and let them measure your draw length. Shoot every single used bow there that fits your draw length. Then try some of the new bows. When you've shot "your" bow, you'll know it. The guy in the shop wants you to be happy so you'll come back.

Once you get set up with a bow that you can't stop thinking about all day every day, find a paper league and shoot "5 spot." It's usually one day per week, 12 rounds of five shots, for a total of 60 arrows. They add up everybody's scores over a predetermined number of weeks and then the top shooters win stuff. But in your case it doesn't matter if you win any prizes because you will have won an intimate knowledge of your equipment and your ability. Your confidence will be up and that will serve you well in the field. You'll also get to meet several different bowhunters who will gladly give you advice.

Also go to Amazon and search for books on archery and bowhunting. You can also ask anything you want at any time you want right here at TBH.

[*DW*]

Just remember... There is no shot,or pill for this. Just lots of support groups..

[Bigdeer33]

Welcome!

[Tommyh]

Welcome to your new addiction and to the green screen

Luckily for you, there is the largest archery shop in Tx right in your neck of the woods! Viking Archery, located off of Bissonnet on Honeywell, has got two techs there that will be extremely patient with you, answer all your questions, and help you with any bow you buy. They have a huge selection to choose from, and carry a couple of good name brands, as well as the more popular ones. Go check them out!

[Stump]

welcome to the fire

[Goldeneagle]

Welcome to your new addiction and to the green screen

Luckily for you, there is the largest archery shop in Tx right in your neck of the woods! Viking Archery, located off of Bissonnet on Honeywell, has got two techs there that will be extremely patient with you, answer all your questions, and help you with any bow you buy. They have a huge selection to choose from, and carry a couple of good name brands, as well as the more popular ones. Go check them out!

If this is the shop Scott Whiteford is at, GO THERE! Scott will hook a brutha up! If you go there, tell him all the guy's in the BIG D area say hi!

[HUNTNETIME]

Welcome...pull up a stump and stay awhile...nothing wrong with Diamond bows. I know several people that shoot them and are very satisfied. I would not buy the first bow I pick up though. Make sure you try out several. And they don't have to be the high-end, high-dollar bows either. Since you're in Sugarland, Viking Archery is just a hop skip and a jump away. Might want to check them out. They have a large selection of bows and the boys that run the shop now are good people. Got my first bow from them back when the old man was in the shop, but never got any trouble out of him. Others have. That has all changed now. His sons are running the shop and they are top notch guys. Good luck and keep them boys of yours interested in hunting and they will have a passion for the rest of their lives.