New hunter, new archer, new everything...

[CompGeek]

Hope this is in the right forum, I have been reading a lot on this site and it seems the most appropriate place.

My Story:

I grew up in the suburbs of Boston and moved to North Dakota five years ago for college.  Since then I have developed a good relationship with someone who has a ton of land, plenty of white tail, and is an experienced compound bow and rifle hunter.  After years of working for him on his ranch and being exposed to hunting, fishing, trapping, and the general outdoors I took my hunter safety class this winter.

The summer got away from me as far as preparation, but last week a few friends went out to hunt on my friends land and I was there to hang out. One of them shot a really nice 11 point buck in velvet.  I got to help him field dress, skin, and prepare the deer.  I enjoyed being there and his excitement makes me excited, but I wished that meat was in my freezer.

So here I am, a new hunter, a new archer, a new everything.  Compound bows seem fun but I like the idea of shooting a recurve more.  Something about the "tradition" is appealing.

I don't know what I don't know so where do I start?

Some details about me:

I am 23, 6'4" with a wingspan to match, and built similar to that of a defensive end (broad shoulders, a lot of power in my legs, strong in my upper body, back, and torso).

[dirtguy]

What a great time you have ahead of you!  Man, so much to learn, so much to try!  You will learn a lot from this site. The best thing I can say is find a mentor.  There is no substitute for an experienced, wise advisor.  Maybe someone here on Tradgang lives near you?  

Welcome!

[cahaba]

Welcome to TradGang. There is a ton of knowledge here. The best way to get started is to find someone in your area who is knowledgeable in traditional archery. If you can't find someone there are guys here that know best how to get you started. Traditional archery is a lifestyle. Good luck on your new adventure.

[pukwana]

Welcome aboard CompGeek!  What part of ND are you from?

[fmscan]

You sound like a great young man. Recurve is the perfect start. Try and get with some trad guys who can suggest shops, shoots or club to do some research. Try as many as you can before you buy...nothing wrong with a used or stock bow to start.

[Bear Heart]

I am thinking a 62" recurve is in your future.

[Frank V]

CompGeek

First welcome from S.W. Montana!!!!!        

Glad you want to take up bowhunting & especially stick bowhunting.

I'm going to agree with Bear Heart.

I'm an inch shorter than you, but heavier, but with a long wingspan. I draw an honest 29-1/2" with a recurve & have shot bows as short as the 48" Supermag I like the Kodiak mag, 52", the Grizzly mine's 56", & the Super K 60". I have shot recurves from 48" to 64" & for myself a 60" bow is comfortable. A 62" would be good for you I think.
   I think a 60-62" bow would give you a smooth pinchless draw.
If you can, shoot other people's bows to see what suits you.

One thing, & I can't stress this enough, START WITH A BOW THAT'S NOT A STRAIN TO DRAW. We may all disagree on a bow, but I don't think many on the forum will disagree with not starting with a too heavy bow. It'll lead to problems quickly.

    A 45lb bow has taken plenty of game & Whitetails are completely within it's capabilitys. If you are really fit maybe a 50lb. You can always work up later if you want to. I hunt Elk with a 55lb bow & that's plenty.
   Good luck, welcome to the team & don't hesitate to ask questions.

[KentuckyTJ]

Welcome from Kentucky!

[JMG]

Welcome from South/East Pennsylvania!! Enjoy!!

[legends1]

Welcome!!!

[S. Brant Osborn]

I am excited for you!
I am happy to see you found both archery and hunting.  I 2nd the mentor.  See if you can find a state trad organization.  The fact that you went along and helped on the hunt with the dragging and cleaning will make you a welcome member to your group of hunting friends.  Even though they may not shoot trad, they can still help with the how toos of hunting.

Good luck !

[ARCHER2]

Welcome aboard Brother! You're a step ahead of some folks in that you already have a spot to pursue your new passion. Best of luck to ya, you're gonna love it. You've also picked a mighty fine bunch of folks to hang out with here.
If you can't find out all the info. on here that you think you need, you just might not need it!
Charlie

[GrayRhino]

Welcome to tradgang.  This page will provide lots of good information.

 http://www.tradgang.com/docs/trad.html

Have Fun!

[Orion]

Welcome to the site.  North Dakota has lots of good critters to hunt.  Might want to consider picking up a copy of The Traditional Bowhunter's Handbook, written by T.J. Conrads.  It's available directly from Trad Bowhunter Magazine or a number of trad vendors.  Provides a good overview and will save you about a thousand posts on here.  Good luck.

[John146]

Welcome from Louisiana!

[wooddamon1]

Welcome from western Michigan!

 

[Sirius Black]

Welcome!

[CompGeek]

Man oh man!  I mean heck, some guys are even willing to help get me started with equipment!

Thanks for the warm welcome one and all!

First, I do know a guy who could be a sort of mentor; the only problem is he lives in Kansas. I will look into what ND has to offer as far as clubs or groups that I could connect with.


Second, I just read a thread about some people being ripped off by others.  A few people have contacted me about working with them to get set up.  Internet safety is no joke to me.  I spend most of my day on a computer. Is there a list of people or vendors that have a reputation as being honest, good craftsmen that aren't going to rake me over the coals?


Thanks again!

[BOWMARKS]

Welcome to the GANG from Pa.  

[Bobaru]

Welcome!  Looks like you're already an asset in deer camp, what with the height and linebacker build.  Us older guys can always use a little help on dragging.

I was hunting last week with a fellow that was 6'6".  Man, can he haul bear out of the woods.  But, he got slowed down with a dull knife. (that's another story).

I'm 6'5".  I've shot 58" to 62" bows for many many years.  A (short) friend insisted, then demanded, then screamed to me that I needed a 66" bow.  Why? First, it's not taking up too much space for a person 6'5". A shorter person may find a problem walking thru the woods with a long bow, but not a tall person.  (He was right).  Plus, the longer bow is sweet at the longer draw lenghts.  

I'll bet you will draw 30.5" or so.  You want to make sure that your bow will be sweet drawing in that draw range.  The longer bows will be better.

Depending on your budget, you may have to get a production bow.  You may be limited to 64".  That's okay.  And, you should be able to shoot a 62" with no problem.  But, I'm guessing that, for you, longer will be better.  And, if you can find a 66" bow, I don't think you will regret it.

One advise I wish I had taken:  get a take-down recurve.  Then, as needs change, you can buy different limbs for the bow without braking the bank.  

Good luck.  Enjoy the sport.