Just starting out

[exr_drummer]

I really wanting to get into archery and hunting with a bow. I am completely new to this. I'm pretty sure there aren't any traditional archers in my area to help me out as everyone either uses a rifle or a compound bow. I'm looking for a good bow to start with and work on aiming, form, etc. I think I probably need something with a low draw weight since I am new to this. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't have a lot to spend.

[macbow]

You can get a lot of good advice here.
But the best thing that could happen is to meet a like minded hunter close to you. Someone willing to be a mentor.

You'll be surprised how many there are in your area once you start looking.

Bowwild are you out there?

Also this is a tough time to get started due to hunting seasons being in.
In the spring start looking for 3D shoots go see if there are any Trad guys and start a conversation.

[McDave]

Welcome Jeremy!

You'll get as many opinions about starter bows as you will baseball teams, so take mine with a grain of salt. I've gotten several people started with Samick Sage bows, and they've generally been happy with the bow and the price. You can get them from Lancaster or 3 Rivers. If you are a man of average strength, you might want to start with 40#. Aluminum 1916 arrows are good until you decide on something you like better. You'll need a glove or tab, a quiver, and a brass nock point. Then you should be good to go!

[JBridegroom22]

I was gonna recommend the sage as well. Here is a review someone did on here.  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=31;t=000676
List what town you are in and maybe someone close by you can give you some advice. Welcome and good luck. It's an awesome time. Your going to have lots of fun.
Josh

[nineworlds9]

Welcome and good for you for embracing the challenge and for many of us here, the obsession!  Sage is a great starter.  Bow and limbs are inexpensive and you can upgrade to higher weights if you choose later on for small money.  40-45 is a good range depending on your fitness level.  You can also keep an eye out for a used/inexpensive ILF setup, though as a beginner the Sage might be easier to get started with cause there is less to mess with.  If you're wanting something less mass produced, there are plenty of lighter draw vintage bows and used custom bows out there for deals also.  You have lots of options!  Pick up a copy of the book Shooting the Stickbow, it is an invaluable resource for all facets of traditional archery.  Other good reads are Become the Arrow or Instinctive Shooting.  If you want some real inspiration to get you in touch with the essence of traditional bowhunting and for a taste of the history behind the sport try reading Hunting the Hard Way.  

Have fun and remember persistence, patience, and a kid's approach to having fun will earn you great rewards in this sport!  

TG is a great place for info and to share your journey.

[karrow]

if you go to the forum home page and scroll down there is a forum called kentucky trad bowhunters orgs. that might be a good place to look for someone in your area. good luck. lots of info here on trad gang. you the SEARCH thing at the top of the page to search anything.

[Scott E]

I taught myself to hunt and shoot so don't worry it can be done.

For hunting:

Find a place to hunt. Public land or if you're lucky a piece of private land. Read your state regulations and see what you have to do to get a license.

Read as much as you can about hunting. And spend time in the woods.

For Archery:

Masters of the barebow Vol 2 and 3 are my recommendation for learning to shoot and set up your equipment.

The samick sage is a nice bow to get started.

Zwickey eskimos are a good broad head,


You've come to the right place to learn. Ask lots of questions

[South MS Bowhunter]

Welcome from Mississippi, glad you're here and as other have stated no better place to be for anything Traditional Bow hunting related.

As already recommended the Kentucky Trad forum would be a great place to start a conversation and ask for assistance. Also you could start a second topic "Newbie in Kentucky needing help" etc...

[wooddamon1]

Welcome!  Lots of guys here from KY, let's get this up top for ya...

[macbow]

TTT

[exr_drummer]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm not in the greatest shape so I was wondering what a good draw weight to start out with would be. Also how do you decided what length your bow should be? How about draw length? Again all help is greatly appreciated.

[Bowwild]

What town are you near? Are you R or L eye dominant? You may PM me if you like.

[Drewster]

exr_drummer, since you're just getting started, one of the worse mistakes you can make is to over bow yourself.  Give some serious consideration to starting with 35# limbs and work up.  It is really important to establish good form as you build strength and confidence.  The Sage is 62" and will be a good length to start with unless you are really tall and have a 30"+ draw length.  

Your draw length may increase slightly as you develop your form and strength, but don't worry about it to start will.  Which ever company you purchase a bow from can help you match some arrows to your bow for starters.

I agree with the others above, a Sage would be a great bow to start with.  Just order a good fast flight string with it, start shooting and have fun.  I bet there is someone close to you in KY that would be delighted to help you get started.

[macbow]

PM. Bowwild  he has lots of connections in Kentucky.
Couldn't ask for a better guy to get you started.

[Air Cleaver]

When you buy a bow, buy American! It's the right thing to do.