Long time hunter with some exp shooting bows for fun (other peoples). I got given an old bow - but its in good shape. It is a "Bear Whitetail Legend". Most of the accessories have been stripped off so I need to buy a rest, sight, and release, maybe a quiver. I just want to basically start with this bow, do a lot of practice shooting and hopefully harvest a whitetail next year with it and then move forward with getting a better bow in the future. Bit since this was FREE! I figured I would buy some cheaper accessories for it and give it a go. So what I wanted to know is where I can learn the bow basics. I love to work on my own stuff / learn how compound bows work / etc.. Any site, books, etc on breaking down a bow and putting it back together. Thanks!
Well, without the proper accessories like a bow press, tearing down a bow can be difficult. When i was younger, i used a rachet strap, butthats a good way to damage your limbs. The Bowmaster portable presses are inexpensive, and great for bows like yours. They can be a lifesaver if something were to happen to your bow on a remote hunt. As far as setting it up and learning some basic shooting skills, I'd check out a book by Bill Winke called Setting up the Ultimate Hunting Bow...or something similar to that! Lots of good info for the DIY bowhunter and bow tech. For shooting tips, I'd talk to some other bowhunters out there. I learned by hanging out in a little proshop when I was younger and watching the tournament shooters. They almost always have better form and technique than the average weekend warrior out to fling a few arrows before the season starts. Before I knew it, I was shooting tournaments too! Some key things to look for...shooters stance and angle to the target, loose grip, consistent anchor point, and follow through. Practice makes perfect, so the more time you spend on it, the better you'll be, and the more you will enjoy archery!
Lots of good tips here. If you've got a local club go to some shoots there and ask questions of some of the top shooters. Most are going to be very much into helping a guy out. It's a great "fraternity" that we belong to as bowhunters. One thing I greatly disagree with is that "practice makes perfect". No amount of poor shooting is going to make you a great shot. The more apt saying is; "perfect practice makes perfect". Find some local guys that know how to shoot well and learn from them all you can.
Thanks super stoked to get shooting. I won't even attempt a shot at an animal until I am convinced I am more than ready, SO must hurry to start shooting!
Ask lots of questions on here....many of the peopel on here are experienced bowhunters and are very willing to help you out.
Will do - also going to the hunting shot today to see about getting everything set for me and to buy some stuff - fun!
Ohhh yea buying is one of the best parts...when you come home with new gear its always exciting to try it all out. best of luck
Hey Curtix I noticed you said that you were going to buy some cheap gear for your bow. If the new higher end stuff will mount and I believe it all will, Go ahead and buy the good stuff now. It will make the experience better and on top of that you can put the gear on your new bow and be familiar with it. Just a thought.
