Best Bows

outdoors Joe · 08-28-2010, 05:12 PM

I think bow hunting would be challenging, so I'm thinking about trying it. Is it hard to learn how to use and aim one? Can someone give me some tips for bow hunting?

Bruen · 08-28-2010, 10:39 PM

This is something that's been 'on my list' for years now. The last time I used a bow was in high school archery class. A steady hand and breath control, if I recall, were very important, same as firing a rifle.

northernbushape · 08-29-2010, 12:26 AM

Archery is all about form. Without good form you will have a very hard time being consistent. I would recommend that you take at least some basic lessons from experienced and successful shooters so you can develop good form right from the start. This applies to both compounds and traditional bows.

Another factor is what is called over-bowed. This means that the draw weight of the bow is too much for a beginner. If you are shooting traditional it is good to start with a lower poundage bow until you develop that good form, and then you can increase to your ideal draw weight.

I can't really comment on compound bows as I don't shoot them and know very little about them, but I do know a bit about traditional bows.

You should try it though. It's a great pastime and a useful skill, and when your shot groups start improving and getting more consistent, it can be empowering. It's not really hard to learn, but it does take commitment to get good at it - especially for ethical hunting.

outdoors Joe · 08-31-2010, 03:52 PM

Is there such a thing as starting with a bow that does not have enough draw-weight poundage? If so, what would be a good poundage for a man who is weighs 175 pounds and works out regularly?

northernbushape · 08-31-2010, 04:30 PM

Yes, I suppose there would be. You would not want to shoot say a 25 lbs bow that will frustrate you because of a lack of thump. It's not so much about the poundage you are able to pull, but more so about the poundage you will be holding at anchor.

With a traditional style bow such as a recurve or long bow, what you draw is what you hold, so a 50 lb draw on a recurve means that you are holding the full 50 lbs at anchor as well. This is where form comes into play. Without proper form your body will compensate for the poundage by altering alignment of shoulder, elbow, and wrist, which can lead to inconsistent shooting and joint injuries. Archer's elbow can be very painful and a nagging injury to overcome.

With a compound bow there is a let-off at anchor. This means that you may draw more weight initially - 70 lbs and higher, but your hold-weight may only be 15-20 lbs.

For traditional style archery I would recommend you start at around 30-35 lbs until you develop that good, consistent form, and then move up to a heavier poundage. If you don't plan on hunting, you can shoot targets with a 35 lb bow and do very well. For hunting, 40 lbs is the legal minimum in many places, and 50 lbs is good insurance for an ethical kill.

outdoors Joe · 08-31-2010, 05:06 PM

I always wondered what was so good about compound bows and now I know. The compound bow is starting to sound very good to me. Should someone start with a recurve or long bow and then go to a compound bow or can you start with a compound bow?

northernbushape · 09-01-2010, 03:54 PM

Yes, a compound will hit harder at greater distances and is easier to shoot.

You should go to a bow shop and try a few different styles of bows and see what floats your boat. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer as it will be based on what your own preference is. I just happen to prefer using a traditional bow, but I certainly don;t have anything against compounds. They are a completely different animal though and don;t shoot at all like a traditional bow.

You will also need to determine your dominant eye and consider that when you choose a bow. Basically pick an object that is say, 50 feet away, and with both eyes open, cover it with your thumb while looking at it. Now, close and re-open each eye. One will appear to move the thumb and one will appear that the thumb remains in place. The one with the thumb that remains in place is your dominant eye. This may come into effect when determining if your are a righty or a lefty as far as bows go.

I am cross-eye dominant which means I shoot right handed but my left eye is the dominant one. I use a hybrid aiming technique with both eyes open and an instinctive release to the target. Basically I fixate on a spot on the target and release my arrow when I "feel" the shot. I do this because I have some old injuries to the left side of my body and I am unable to shoot lefty.

There is a lot to get to know, but it's well worth it.