Newbie Tips

[Bear1]

Anyone have any tips for a newbie?  I've been wanting to get into archery for a while but haven't been "stable" enought to do it until now...I worked seasonal biology jobs for about 2 years and didn't want more crap to pack and drive across the country in my car.  I just moved and will be here for two years so I'm pumped to get started.  A few months ago I bought an evil compound for $50(1 year old with about $900 into it...all set up and tuned haha) from a man I worked with who wanted to see it used.  In a few weeks I'm going to go pick up a used Kota Badlands.  I think I want to learn on a longbow because I want to learn a pure instinctive style and not gapshoot.  

I know a fair amount about trad archery because my dad shot for years I always read his magazines, but he can't anymore because of his shoulder.  He actually took a recurve out this week for turkey hunting and shot a coyote that came in.  He's pretty pumped but hurting.  Anyway, I would rather shoot trad only, but I know it takes a TON of time and right now I honestly don't think I'll have the time to put in where I'll feel comfortable hunting with one.  I've seen what my dad is going through trying to learn to shoot a compound, so I think it will be easier for me to learn both at once.  Any thoughts on that?  

As far as other gear, I'm planning on shooting really long carbons with weight inserts...cheaper for how long they last.  I've also picked up Become the Arrow by Byron Ferguson and Instinctive Archery Insights by Jay Kidwell.  I haven't shot a bow much so any ideas or advice anyone has would be of help.  Please just don't attack me or start an argument about using the compound too.

Thanks!

[Arwin]

First off I'd like to say welcome to the addiction!!!
 I think once you get used to shooting a stickbow, the compound will stay at home. I spent more time and money trying to keep a compound in tune and got to the point where I took a major loss on a bow I was fed up with, and traded it in for a used recurve. It ended up being a huge gain. I spend more time enjoying shooting and less time worrying about equipment failure.
 Start off shooting at close range, like 6-10 yds. Don't worry about distance, that will come after short range consistancy is achieved. Your trying to condition your brain to automaticaly line up your arms and eyes to hit the target. After that, the further shots will be easy. Trying to shoot far away at first will be more frustrating. There are so many great shooters in here with good tips. Check out the Shooters Forum for videos and info about shooting.  

[Woodduck]

Welcome from 'The Old North State.'

Order this:

 http://www.tradstore.com/iam/

If you want to shoot instinctive, I'll tell you what the man(Fred Bear), himself, told me.
"Pick a spot."

I liked that Jay Kidwell book, as well.

I wish you success and fun! Oh, don't overbow yourself.

[Hot Hap]

Hi there. I think that you will really like the Kota Badlands. I had one and that is the only bow that I've had that I'm sorry I got rid of. Hap

[Scott S.]

Welcome, Bear1.  My first bit of advice is what Woodduck already stated:  Don't overbow yourself!  That means different things to different people and we are all built differently, but a longbow or recurve in the 40-45# range would be the max draw weight with which I would start.

Also, since I see you are in Iowa, I would like to welcome you to the Iowa Traditional Bowhunters Society Rendezvous over Memorial Day weekend in Ames, IA.  A little info here in the forum of State Traditional Orgs. or the link to the website:   http://www.iowatbs.com/   A couple hundred trad shooters and several vendors for a weekend of unlimited traditional 3D shooting (no scoring, just fun).

[Toklat1]

I also feel that once you start traditional you will be hooked and let the compound gather dust.  I was hooked just after buying 1 issue of a traditional bowhunter magazine. There was just something nostalgic and simplistic about it all.  A used Damon Howatt was given to me, I went to an archery shop where I met a individual who set me up with information on cedar arrows and much more. At that point the hook was set deep in me.  I sold my expensive compound and gear and never looked back.  I have spent more time ejoying shooting and less time worrying about all the gadgets and tuning. I am in total agreement with the others here, Again, don't overbow yourself.  Find somebody that can help you there with your questions, shooting, etc. Your in for a ride. I hope you have great success!