Want to Start Bow Hunting, Need Tips

Sirraf

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So, I am surrounded by some of the best deer hunting in Tennessee, but I have only went hunting one time in my life. I decided I want to take up the hobby. I know its harder to learn, but I would rather do bow hunting as it would allow me to get into alot of other areas that don't allow rifles.

What are some tips that a total noob should learn when it comes to hunting? What kind of bow would be good for me to start with? Arrows? Gear? Etc.

Any help would be really appreciated!
 

VENOM1

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That is a loaded question. If you’ve never shot archery before I would buy used gear prior to investing in new. Go to your local shop and get your draw length measured first. Once you know that then shoot some of the bows they have in stock. Normally, 1-3 of them will jump out to you, check archery based forums and purchase a 2-3 year old bow that is complete opposed to bare. From there it’s about regularly shooting and training yourself as it’s all about consistency.

PM if you have specific questions. I’ve shot for 35 years.
 

BigFatMatt

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I believe Tennessee allows the use of crossbows during archery season.

I've hunted with firearms all my life... but I have a unique situation at my current house with a LOT of deer in a semi-residential area. We have a creek and woods in the backyard and I hunt near the edge of my property.

I never got into bow hunting so I got a Barnett Jackal crossbow to mess around with... it's very cheap, and it's damn accurate and super easy to shoot. I am extremely impressed with the power and accuracy, they exceed compound bows both those categories. It came with a red dot sight and it has served me well. They have safeties just like a rifle, and a feature that prevents them releasing without a bolt.

I'm using BloodSport carbon bolts with mechanical broadheads.

I'd look into a crossbow if you want to hunt during archery season but are inexperienced with bow hunting. Mine has served me well the past couple of years despite the low price I've been very happy with it.
 

Klaus

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Bows are like suits, fit matters. Have a pro walk you through sizing and fit you. Everyone has an opinion on different types of releases so spend some time on this. Ditto for sites, do you want single pin or multiple? If you decide to go w/ fixed blade broadheads make sure that you practice with them. Speaking of, practice, practice, practice. Shoot from all variety of positions, be able to draw from all sorts of different positions. This was biggest challenge for me, being able to stand and draw when a deer was behind me at an angle. Plan on passing way more shots than you will ever take.
 

Pribilof

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My tip: Get explosive tips.

maxresdefault.jpg
 

CV355

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Can't speak on the hunting side, but when it comes to bows I'm decent. Find a nearby archery range that lets you rent and/or test prior to buying. It is not "one size fits all." Also, invest in a good reusable target. Do not cheap out. We have a "Black Block" target that has been abused for almost 7 years.

I've owned several Bear bows, which I find to be decent. PSE and Matthews sell excellent bows as well. You don't have to spend a fortune though, best to get something mid-range, learn, practice, and then upgrade later if you enjoy it.

If you happen to go with a crossbow, which has its own perks, you should also check out some of the pneumatic offerings they have these days. I've owned two high-end crossbows, and it's a workout. Cranks are annoying. Rope Cocking devices are fine, if you have them set to the proper height (pre-load at least 2" or you'll trash your back!). Or, if you get sick of that, leather gloves are great for drawing by hand. I had a CE Axon Intercept 175lb that I would draw by hand- couldn't do it without leather gloves or it'd slice the absolute hell out of me.
 
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nickf2005

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I've contemplated getting into bow hunting as well. We live in a woods (40ish acres) with 4 other houses and angles are not always favorable for a slug. I'm leaning towards cross bow to flatten out the learning curve.

This guy was 20 feet away from my back door 2 years ago.
IMG_20171118_080215_968.jpeg


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Deceptive

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So, I am surrounded by some of the best deer hunting in Tennessee, but I have only went hunting one time in my life. I decided I want to take up the hobby. I know its harder to learn, but I would rather do bow hunting as it would allow me to get into alot of other areas that don't allow rifles.

What are some tips that a total noob should learn when it comes to hunting? What kind of bow would be good for me to start with? Arrows? Gear? Etc.

Any help would be really appreciated!

What part of Tennessee?

Don’t buy a crossbow, they are for non shooting bush guts.

I use a PSE Brute X with, I think, Rage tips and some Bass Pro Arrows.

Anyone that tells you that you need a tree stand, wash your clothes in special products, and a $1k setup is a garbage hunter.

It is about being accurate, trusting the equipment, making the shot, shot placement, and the hunting spot.


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Sirraf

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What part of Tennessee?

Don’t buy a crossbow, they are for non shooting bush guts.

I use a PSE Brute X with, I think, Rage tips and some Bass Pro Arrows.

Anyone that tells you that you need a tree stand, wash your clothes in special products, and a $1k setup is a garbage hunter.

It is about being accurate, trusting the equipment, making the shot, shot placement, and the hunting spot.


San Fran politicians are terrorists using the svtperformance.com mobile app

Winchester
 

Sirraf

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why not rifles? just curious.

Some of the better hunting spots are bow only. For example, my work has hundreds of acres and its full of white tail. They let us hunt on it during season with bow only. Very good spot.
 

Double"O"

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Lots of good advice early in the thread

Practice, practice, practice and aim small, miss small
 

Double"O"

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Oh and start with a block target, then get a 3d deer target...it helps when the time comes.
 

Double"O"

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When it comes to hunting arrows I suggest carbon Express maximal red
Broadheads are just like anything else...tons of opinions and people will always blame the broadhead forma lost deer when in fact they most likely didn't hit anything important.

Fixed blades I like the slick tricks, expandable I like grim reapers in 100gr 1 3/4 (I've killed a pile of em and I've seen most of them go down withing 50yds)...hard to run when your lungs dont work lol
 

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