Brand new to archery

[JeffersonD]

I'm trying to figure out where this should be posted so I thought this would be an okay spot if not could a mod please move it, thanks.

I'm completely new to archery, I don't even have a bow yet.  My girlfriends dad is goign to teach me how to shoot a bow when it warms up a bit and I absilutely love wood and things made by wood so I'm getting all into traditional bows.  I'm looking for advice on what a good starter bow would be for me.  I don't know what length I should get or how many pounds would be good for a starter.  I'm a college student so I don't have much cash so I need something relatively cheap.  I really want a custom bow made but I figure I need some practice before I buy a custom bow.  If anyone had any advice and what I will need to get started.  Thanks everyone.  Also, if anyone knows of any stores in Northern Alabama, near Hunstville know of any good places to try bows at it would be very helpful.

Thanks

Jeff

[NY Yankee]

My opinion is to get a new or used Bear or Martin recurve bow, around 60 inches bow length, about 45 pounds draw weight (they are all measured at 28 inches draw length regardless of your true draw length). Have your girl's dad measure your draw length and get some aluminum arrows that are spined for your bow. You need to stay close to your target for a good while, say 15 feet or so. No more. Learn good archery shooting form and practice that a lot. When your arm feels tired, stop. Come back again another day. Practice, keep at it and keep coming back here to ask your questions and tell us how you are doing. NYY

[trapperDave]

feal free to drop your name in the hat
 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=071329;p=1

[Killdeer]

What he said.  

[Killdeer]

Ooooh! That's a nice bow!
I have two of those!
Killdeer  

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

First off welcome.  Secondly you came to the right place.  There are people here that seem to have infinite wisdom when it comes to archery.  

[JeffersonD]

Thanks so much for the advice.  I'll try and go to a few Alabama events.  Thanks again

[Bob Sarrels]

Welcome to the dark side.

[portugeejn]

Welcome Jeff,
This is a good place to hang out, learn and ask questions.  PM me your address and I will send you my old copy of Brian Sorrells "Beginners Guide to Traditional Archery".

I bought it the summer I was the Shooting Sports instructor at a Boy Scout camp here in Oregon.  It kind of got me hooked, and I'm now incurable!

RonP

[sdpeb1]

Welcome Jeff, like Killdeer said, there are many good bows out there. Keep your eye on the classifieds or better yet post up a WTB. Explain in the ad that you are new to archery and want to buy a bow for around 150$. Keep the poundage at 40# or less, depending on your draw length. See if you can pick up Masters of the Barebow dvd. If you wait a few more weeks vol.3 is about to be released I believe, and is supposed to even better that 1&2. Then there is some good shooting books out there,I've heard very good reviews on "shooting the stickbow" by Tony Cameron. Another thing I did before my first arrived was read a couple of books on the history of trad shooting, witchery of archery comes to mind first. Your really fortunate to have some one to get you started out.- Steve

[legends1]

Welcome to the Tradgang.You are entering not only a sport but life style.

[Whip]

Welcome to what may very well turn into a lifetime obsession!!  You've sure found a great place to get all the advice you need.  It has already been suggested to start with a relatively light weight bow, and that is excellent advice.  Starting with a used bow is a perfect way to get started.  When it comes time for your first custom you should be able to sell the first bow for at least close to what you paid for it.
Enjoy, and I hope to see you around often!

[fido dog]

Welcome! I'm new at this too. I found a nice entry level bow at 3Rivers Archery. You're in for a fun journey.    

Heres the bow.    Click here.

[CoilSpring]

Jeff, I'm about an hour west of H'ville if you want to come over some Sat/Sun afternoon. I have some curves you can shoot from 35-50# and see what weight feels best. Buy used bows to start with -if one doesn't work/fit, you can sell it with little or no loss in cash (important for college students). I'm about 5'10" and pull a 28" draw. Generally, you can add or subtract 1" of draw for every 2" in height-just a starting point. PM me if you want to try any of my bows to see what weight or bow lenght you like - and I can help you buy one from some of these great guys on here (just bought one here 2 weeks ago).

[R H Clark]

Hey Jeff
Here is another invitation.I live in Winston county,North West Alabama.Send me a PM and we will talk.I have a half dozen bows from 25-55 lbs you could try.I've even made some self bows and could get you started making your own if you like the primitive side of archery.

You should just learn some basics right now and shoot any bow available.It will take some time to learn what you like and don't like in a bow,and everyone is different.You need to go to some of the Tannehill shoots and see and shoot bunches of bows before you decide.There will be lots of used dealers at most of them.

[Irish Archer]

I like what Yankee said. It sounds like good advise. Welcome to the best trad site going(IMO). Lots of things to learn here. Enjoy.

[KentuckyTJ]

Hello Jeff and welcome. Great job guys give the man a hand that's the tradgang way.

T.J.

[JeffersonD]

Thanks guys.  Thanks especially for the invites to try bows.  I'll have to take ya'll up on the offer sometime soon.  My girlfriend has an extra bow and when they get a new target which shouldn't be too much longer.  I can't wait to start practicing.  All of ya'll are awesome.  Thanks so much

Jeff