Archery

[Caleb]

Sounds good Joe, let me know.

Gator guns does have three(?) lanes, I believe. I will check them out. Actually found out that Gander Mountain and Dicks also have lanes.

I'm going to look for a bow in the $300 to $500 range to start. I don't want to dig too deep in case I don't care for the sport. unlikely but, we'll see.

[LittleGator]

,

BttBBob instructs at Gators. He is an outstanding firearms instructor, but not sure whether he teaches archery.

[TLE2]

I would get a cheaper crossbow at first. I have a Diamond Axiom. If you get into it you can spend Dan Wesson money on a crossbow.

[Caleb]

Originally Posted by sdmc530

I realize this is not help but I tried long bow a few years back because I was given one. Couldn't hit crap with it. Tried my brothers big boy bow and was actually worse...terrible. I gave up. Sold the long bow and never looked back. I wish I would have stuck with it or gotten some pro help or something though. Would like have the ability to shoot in back yard......

lesson learned...

This is why I'm doing my research and trying to get hands on training. If I just go and buy something (most likely the wrong one for my skill level) and just start trying to use it, I know I'll get frustrated and give it up. I'd like to give it/myself a fair chance.

Originally Posted by BlackKnight

Not a hunter, yet, but I have a recurve and a compound that I got about 30 or more years ago.
I wound up being ok with them. While not a professional, nor can give you any good advice, it was a lot of fun.
So much so that I recently looked into getting back into it with my daughters.

Looks like a ton of fun! Been wanting to try it for a long time.

Originally Posted by LittleGator

No one has answered his question. He wants our opinion on whether he needs "professional help."

That answer is easy, YES.

Originally Posted by sdmc530

Talk to , she has/had a daughter in arrow flinging!

Ah, good call. I'll shoot her a pm, thanks.

[Lonestar grips.]

the best thing you can do is make sure you get the correct size bow for your draw length. if you don't have that then you'll never get really good at it.

you can determine your draw length from home http://www.learn-archery.com/proper-bow-size.html but it is more accurate when you get it measured at an archery store. after that you need the correct length arrows for your draw.

compound bows would be easier to use and hit with for a beginner but with practice a recurve is just as good.

on poundage since you have to build up the muscles you use to draw with it's best to start with a light weight bow and work your way up. if you start out with a heavy poundage bow then you're bound to develop bad habits that will kill your consistent accuracy. i'd suggest a 25# or 30# bow to start with.

just like firearms proper and consistent technique when drawing and shooting the bow is key if you want to get good with it. there are lots of videos on youtube that can help you here.

[RKP]

definitely has you pointed in the right direction. I’ve been hunting with a compound bow for a l-o-n-g time, I don’t have nearly as much experience with a recurve / crossbow though.

[Caleb]

Originally Posted by RKP

definitely has you pointed in the right direction. I’ve been hunting with a compound bow for a l-o-n-g time, I don’t have nearly as much experience with a recurve / crossbow though.

What brand are you using?

[RKP]

Originally Posted by IamCaleb

What brand are you using?

An older PSE.
You can get a VERY nice compound bow in the $300+ price range, look at some of the package deals out there.

[Caleb]

Thanks Brother, that link is a great help! Been reading it page by page, great information. I am now leaning towards to a compound bow with 25-30lbs. Thank you.

Any recommendations on brands?

Originally Posted by Lonestar grips.

the best thing you can do is make sure you get the correct size bow for your draw length. if you don't have that then you'll never get really good at it.

you can determine your draw length from home http://www.learn-archery.com/proper-bow-size.html but it is more accurate when you get it measured at an archery store. after that you need the correct length arrows for your draw.

compound bows would be easier to use and hit with for a beginner but with practice a recurve is just as good.

on poundage since you have to build up the muscles you use to draw with it's best to start with a light weight bow and work your way up. if you start out with a heavy poundage bow then you're bound to develop bad habits that will kill your consistent accuracy. i'd suggest a 25# or 30# bow to start with.

just like firearms proper and consistent technique when drawing and shooting the bow is key if you want to get good with it. there are lots of videos on youtube that can help you here.

[Sheepdog]

Originally Posted by LittleGator

No one has answered his question. He wants our opinion on whether he needs "professional help."

Yes!!!!!!

I prefer the long bow. I shoot them all. I like the long bow because they are much quicker than a compound and a whole lot faster than a cross bow.