At 52 years old it is hard to admit you don't know much, or anything. This is my first year of bowhunting. I was bought a used bow for Christmas, and I have become obsessed with shooting it. I live in MN, enjoy pheasant hunting, ducks, geese, etc. but never have used a bow to take any game. So far I have wasted money on my new hobby by buying everything the sales reps have recommended, and of course replacing them when the next salesman recommended something else. Looking forward to reading the comments, and learning from the experts here what I need to know.
Welcome to BH.com and welcome to the addiction. You're never too old to start. Lots of helpful folks around here too.
Welcome to the site and to bow hunting! Getting into bow hunting this day and age can be very, very intimidating! The archery industry is one of the most competitive out there. Before any salesman talks you into buying and more gadgets come ask us here first. Lot of knowledgeable guys on here. What equipment are you currently using? Bow, rest, sight, quiver, arrow, etc... Most of us are gear heads too, lol.
One thing in your favor is that you are starting out young. I am 64 and I just bought my first bow a few weeks ago. Now that I realize how much fun it is I wish I had bought a bow when I was much younger, but have been a gun man all my life. I bought my bow new and the place where I bought it fixed it up good before I bought it. Everything I read now points to the fact that they put the right accessories on it to begin with. I bought a Mathews Z7 Extreme, and I have confidence in my equipment and can now blame all the negative stuff on the archer. I try to shoot as many arrows as I can before becoming fatigued every day and I am progressing well – I can now hit the target almost every time at 5 yards. Welcome to the Forum
Welcome aboard, I'm from Minnesota as well. What city do you live in/near. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have and if I ever get the chance would be willing to shot with you at a range or even take you out for a sit. I hunt all public land, so there's nothing special around here but there's still deer to take. You can PM me your info if you like.
In answer to what gear I'm using... Fred Bear Vapor 300 (draw weight set at 60 lbs.) Whisper biscuit rest Copra 3 pin sight Scheels "rogue" arrows Rage two blade 100 grain broadheads 100 grain field points (practice) Tru-fire release Thank you for all the comments. I live south of St. Cloud about 15 miles..got some private land to hunt on the edge of a cornfield. Virtual "deer highway" trail on edge of field near tree line, where I have a 15' ladderstand set. Fenceline behind stand is edge of permissioned hunting land...so looking to shoot into cornfield. I'm not going to be able to justify investing in trail cams, so I have to rely on tracks, sign, droppings, and feed patterns to outguess the deer this year. I am using "Deercain" (liquid two weeks ago, and added a block just a few days ago) to establish a mineral lick near the stand. In my practice shooting I have found I am much more accurate (although still not what I would consider a good shot) for the first 20 or 30 shots. I seem to be consistant (4 out of six in four inch circle) at 50, same at about 40, a little better at 30, and roughly 26 out of 30 at 20 yards. after the first 30 shots I drop off by 25% or more for the next 50 shots. Trying to put a hundred shots down range every day...but actually only shooting about every other day. Any advice for improvement of tactics, shooting, and consistancy would be GREATLY appreciated.
My first bow was a Bear Vapor 300, pretty good starter bow. Still have it sitting in the closet actually.
Don't feel bad I'm 50 & picked up my first bow 3 years ago. Talk about addicting, wish I would have started when I was alot younger!!
Thanks for all the welcomes...wow feel more at home then......at home. LOL Seriously I have been reading some of the articles and comments..etc. I feel definitely outclassed here, but its nice to know newbies are welcome also. I really wished I would have picked up a bow alot sooner, also. Since I was given this one for Christmas, it has become an obsession..so much so I bought my son, and daughter in law both bows just to have someone to shoot with. Again thank you for your hospitality.
