azazel1024
Well-Known Member
I did see a couple of threads, but I think the newest was 2+ years old.
My neighbor hunts. Mostly bow hunting the last few years. I am looking at going with him this fall when bow hunting season opens (maybe not the first weekend). I've figured out everything I need to do in advance for MD, and it isn't too bad. online + field course which seems to be free (field is taught by volunteers). I may need an extra bow hunting course which is 3hrs on top of that for my bow hunting stamp, but even if not required, I'll do it anyway.
The license + stamp is $24.50 + $6 and valid for the year from July to July.
I then (I think it was) made the mistake of hitting up Brass Pro, Walmart and Amazon to look over some bow hunting equipment.
Oi Jezz am I out of my depth. I think the last time I shot I was about 15. I was pretty darned good with the simply 15lb bows I was using at the time.
I am trying to go relatively thrifty (because dropping $500+ on a combo subsistence/new hobby is not the way I want to go). I am thinking a recurve bow, which looks like maybe a Samick Sage Recurve take-down box might be a good starter recurve. I have NO idea what kind of draw weight. I am leaning towards a 55#, because I am rather strong (no Hercules, but I bench over 220lbs and can curl over 90lbs)...but I know the lower the draw weight, the more accurate my shot is likely to be, as well as the longer I'll be able to hold the draw if waiting for a deer to shift, or if trying to stalk closer. MD minimums are 30# for deer and bear hunting...but that also seems really low (not that I'd want to be shot with a bow of ANY draw weight). Would going with a 45# over a 55# be a better idea as a starter? Any issues with a take down at 25-35 yards with a 45# bow (other than accuracy)?
I am TOTALLY lost when it comes to shafts and heads (other than I need them).
Other "accessories"? I am thinking a forearm guard, shooting glove and hip quiver. Or would a back quiver be a better idea for stalking (granted, stalking with a 60" bow is NOT going to be super easy to start with).
Or am I being really stupid and I just need to look at an "entry level" compound bow and suck up the fact that it means $100-150 more to get started with bow hunting.
Of course ALL of this is ignoring the fact that I haven't even yet asked my neighbor if he has a spare bow I can borrow for a season.
I am exchanging brew/brewing lessons for taking me hunting. By exchanging I mean I am happy to do that for him and he is happy to take me hunting (and he has been happy to dump a ton of venison on me as he can't use all that he does have right now).
My neighbor hunts. Mostly bow hunting the last few years. I am looking at going with him this fall when bow hunting season opens (maybe not the first weekend). I've figured out everything I need to do in advance for MD, and it isn't too bad. online + field course which seems to be free (field is taught by volunteers). I may need an extra bow hunting course which is 3hrs on top of that for my bow hunting stamp, but even if not required, I'll do it anyway.
The license + stamp is $24.50 + $6 and valid for the year from July to July.
I then (I think it was) made the mistake of hitting up Brass Pro, Walmart and Amazon to look over some bow hunting equipment.
Oi Jezz am I out of my depth. I think the last time I shot I was about 15. I was pretty darned good with the simply 15lb bows I was using at the time.
I am trying to go relatively thrifty (because dropping $500+ on a combo subsistence/new hobby is not the way I want to go). I am thinking a recurve bow, which looks like maybe a Samick Sage Recurve take-down box might be a good starter recurve. I have NO idea what kind of draw weight. I am leaning towards a 55#, because I am rather strong (no Hercules, but I bench over 220lbs and can curl over 90lbs)...but I know the lower the draw weight, the more accurate my shot is likely to be, as well as the longer I'll be able to hold the draw if waiting for a deer to shift, or if trying to stalk closer. MD minimums are 30# for deer and bear hunting...but that also seems really low (not that I'd want to be shot with a bow of ANY draw weight). Would going with a 45# over a 55# be a better idea as a starter? Any issues with a take down at 25-35 yards with a 45# bow (other than accuracy)?
I am TOTALLY lost when it comes to shafts and heads (other than I need them).
Other "accessories"? I am thinking a forearm guard, shooting glove and hip quiver. Or would a back quiver be a better idea for stalking (granted, stalking with a 60" bow is NOT going to be super easy to start with).
Or am I being really stupid and I just need to look at an "entry level" compound bow and suck up the fact that it means $100-150 more to get started with bow hunting.
Of course ALL of this is ignoring the fact that I haven't even yet asked my neighbor if he has a spare bow I can borrow for a season.
I am exchanging brew/brewing lessons for taking me hunting. By exchanging I mean I am happy to do that for him and he is happy to take me hunting (and he has been happy to dump a ton of venison on me as he can't use all that he does have right now).