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csumerall · Joined: 26 Aug 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Eatonville, Wa

Well, I never thought i would have the opportunity to post on this side of the forum. I just got drawn for a any season elk tag(I can hunt elk using the perticular method for that time) which means I get a decent elk season this year. The only thing is the only bow Ive ever shot is an old PSE bow I used for carp bowfishing. I think that I will need to buy one and at least try the bow thing. The thing is that im not sure what I need and I stopped at a local shop and the guy was trying to sell me the store. All Im looking for is a middle of the road bow set up to give me a feel for the sport and If i decide to keep with it not to have to buy a new bow right away. Any suggestions?

CVC · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 939 Location: Kansas

I don't think there really are any bad bows out there. I have a Mathews that I love, but I hear good things about Martins, PSE, Diamonds, Bowtechs and others that come in different prices.

You may want to buy a pin sight, peep sight, quiver and release and then you'll be set.

redrider · Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 2442 Location: NE Kansas

I agree, lots of good bows. It will really come down to which one you feel comfortable with. Good Luck!

csumerall · Joined: 26 Aug 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Eatonville, Wa

well, the issue is Im not sure what to look for as a whole, and I need a left handed bow, I was told to feel what feels comfortable in a righty and go on ebay and buy a lefty

CVC · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 939 Location: Kansas

I suggest going to a good bow shop and not only holding but shooting some bows. Find that bow that is just right and make sure the draw length is correct for you. And then I would buy it there and not off ebay. Sure you might save a buck or two on ebay but if you don't support the local bow shops then where will go you to try bows and when you have a problem ::-k

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2535 Location: Colorado

Yes being a beginner and trying to do it off ebay is a prescription for disaster.

What is your draw length? What weight of arrow do you purchase? How do you sight it in? Do you know what weight you can pull? What about all the accessories?

Bow shops are more expensive than ebay, but the money you pay goes a long way in improving your experience with archery.

I would look at Martin or Reflex for a good, value based bow. Ask about a package bow that comes with all of the accessories ready to go. Many manufactures offer packages these days.

csumerall · Joined: 26 Aug 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Eatonville, Wa

my problem with the bow shops are the fact that they dont have anything that would get me out in the woods for less than $400, which is a tough pill to swallow when Im not even sure if it is something that I would use on a regular basis let alone ever again.

fuzzybear · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1291 Location: Washington

A compound bow needs to be fit or have the capability of being fit to the shooter.
As was said in previous threads. If you're a novice at archery. It's best to have a pro shop fit you for your first compound bow.

Another option is to find a good used lefthanded recurve. Get the proper aluminum arrow. Hang out at the ranges and learn about archery and archery hunting. They just put in a nice archery range at the Nisqually Sportsmans Club in Eatonville and there is a nice crowd of guys that shoot at the Tacoma Sportsman's Club on Canyon Rd.
I wouldn't recommend hunting with a bow until you become somewhat proficient and knowledgeable. You could end up with a hunters nightmare. Obviously, the more you learn before you go out. The better off you'll be.

csumerall · Joined: 26 Aug 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Eatonville, Wa

thats the reason Im looking to buy now, so I can spend the next 5 months practicing. So that by the time I can hit the woods I can do so with the confidence that I would be able to take an animal humanely. I just need to find a moderately priced bow but no shop I talk to wants to talk to me unless Im spending a ton of money on a bow. If anyone knows of a decent shop let me know.

fuzzybear · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1291 Location: Washington

Try the "Gun and Bow" on Pacific Ave at Tule Lake Rd. in Parkland. I haven't been in there for a while but they might be able to set you up with a Martin Jaguar or an inexpensive Alpine. The Jaguar is a nice little cast riser bow that is popular with hunters that just want a basic bow to use in the field. It also came in a kit that included a basic set of the accessories. Alpine used to have an inexpensive starter bow. Like I said, I haven't been to a bow shop in a while. I don't know what's out there now. Another nice inexpensive cast riser Martin would be a Saber. Both the Jaguar and the Saber come with adjustable draw length modules. Both are quality and forgiving bows that will hold up for many seasons.
Forgiving meaning. Easy to shoot. Not as sensitive to a bad release.

csumerall · Joined: 26 Aug 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Eatonville, Wa

thanks fuzzy, I was in gun and bow about a month ago, not sure whats going on there but they have little or nothing, they didnt even have primers for my reloading and they looked like they were getting ready to close up shop. Not sure if the cabelas, sportmans warehouse have hurt their business, but I do know that prior to that they had about the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Everyone I talked to seemed very arrogant and talked down to every customer that I saw. I'll check around to see who else sells martins

fuzzybear · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 1291 Location: Washington

You'd be best off to contact Martin and ask who is selling their bows in this area.
While you have them on the line. You might ask what the chances are of finding a lefthanded Jaguar or Saber. Sometimes they have overstock of the previous years bows sitting on the shelf at the factory in eastern Washington and you can get a sweet deal if you finesse them enough. The problem would be, you still need someone to set it up.

Go to martinarchery on the net

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2535 Location: Colorado

Well perhaps you can just be clear with the shop about what your budget is. Just tell them they can either get the bow for you (through a distributor) and make some money or you just buy the bow elsewhere and they can set it up. Some shops are just high end and won't be of much help. If you can at least figure out your draw length you might be able to go with a bow that does not require a press (such as a reflex) and do the adjustments yourself.

Another one to consider is Parker.

csumerall · Joined: 26 Aug 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Eatonville, Wa

Well, I ended up with the bow. I got a used golden eagle nothing fancy but Im told it will do the job. Now I need to start practicing. Any pointers out there to someone who has shot a bow probably 3 times in my entire life. Im unsure if I should actually purchase a target to shoot at or if a bale of straw would work as well. But I will begin practicing so that hopefully Ill be ready for elk season.

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2535 Location: Colorado

A bale of straw will work, although I wouldn't put anything of significance behind the bale while your getting warmed up. Depending on the power of the bow, the range, and the condition of the bale it could pass through.

I would just get a paper target to start with and pin it to the bale. If you enjoy it then move up to a block style target.

Now that you have a bow, perhaps it would be worthwhile to take it by your bow shop. When you come to full draw, you should be able to stand comfortable and have the string come to about the corner of your mouth give or take an inch, depending on your style. If this is not true when you pull it back, then your draw length needs to be adjusted.