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just a girl
gagirl
Member Posts: 5,408
Hey guys I am new to the bow hunting side of things. I have considered the Barnett Revolution crossbow, I know shudders and shivers from the real hunters who dont use crossbows. Well guys as I am 5'8 and 120 soaking wet, it is not like I have big arms so the crossbow is appealing to me. However if I am thinking wrong, which is very possible, please advise. I am thinking that it would be easier to start with a crossbow. Am I on the right tract?
Comments
I think that if you want to hunt with a bow, you should do it right. It will not be as easy to become proficient as using a cross bow probably is, but you will be able to sneer at all the boys that use 'scoped guns' to hunt deer with. What a bunch of wusses. It is not speed or power that will harvest deer, it is knowing the limits of your bow and your abilities, and most importantly, shot placement.
I hope that answers your question.[:D]
Ben
What am I looking for in a bow?
We've been across this topic many times. I always try to answer it and then buckeyboy chimes in that "before you get too overwhelmed you should go down to the bow shop and have them help you." I hate to admit it, but he is right.[}:)] Go to a couple of bow shops. Look at different brands. Then, pick out one that fits you and your budget. It'll make for an enjoyable weekend.[8D]
Ben
I root for the and anyone who is playing the
So what I have found to work for me is to get some semblance of a list of recommendations research from there and then walk in take it for a test drive and not have to listen to the BS from the sales man or my hubby. Been thru this already... I am now not "allowed" by my hubby to go back to my gym... so alas.. I am back to square one... needing help with some things about a bow that I should look for.
Darlin I know it is easy to say go take it for a test drive... but sometimes.. it just dont work that way....
Nadine
Fortunately, the guy that runs one of the archery pro-shops in town is a Viet Nam vet and he's taken a liking to me. He makes any adjustments or suggestions for free. He lets me shoot on the indoor ranges (including hte 40-yard indoor basement range) absolutely for free. Sometimes he tosses me something for free to try out. I got some sweet field points for free last time.
Do yourself a favor. Spend a couple extra dollars and buy from an archery pro-shop--not a sporting goods department store. You will get a bow that is right for you and will be set up correctly the first time. Plus, you'll make a lot of good friends if you keep going back--friends that have a passion and a knowledge of archery and can teach you a great deal. Fishermanben isn't that bad when it comes to advice either [:D]
[/quote]
Darlin I would love to... but I am in South East Ga. There are no archery shops around me.
I'll let you know if I make it to Fort Steward or Fort Benning next summer. I'll just be full of advice (or you-know-what) by then [:D]
well a bit off topic... but thanks... not for the advice... but for putting your life on the line to serve this wonderful country and protect me and my family... Thank you with all my heart THANK YOU
Do you have anyone in the family that is into archery or are you the lone archery ranger down there in GA? Husband, father, sister?
I used to be friends with a young lady from Columbus who had some awesome archers in the family. I'd hook up with them if I get sent to Benning but she went a little psycho over the last few years so that option is out the window. It just disappoints me that there aren't any pro-shops in GA.
http://www.bowtecharchery.com/dealers/states/GA.html
Check out Hoyt dealers to see which ones are Pro-Shops too:
http://www.hoytusa.com/cgi-bin/hoytzip2.cgi?x=297&y=173
Why do they make it taste so good and put it in them little bitty cans- Dad
I'll keep it short and sweet, I live in the North East " Rhode Island" I don't think there is a pro shop that won't let you test shoot a bow if there is even a remote chance you will be making a purchace, I agree with Ben "OHHH that hurt"[;)] there are pleanty of bows set at 50#s that are so easy to pull 80% let off think you will be very suprised.
Ok my advise at least give it a try if you find it is too difficult or you don't want to take the the time to develop the proper muscles. Then buy a crossbow but remember this. You will not be nearly as satisfied if you harvest a deer with a crossbow than if you get one with a recurve or a compound. there is a whole new skill level needed which when perfected is very gratifing. If all else fails buy the crossbow and enjoy yourself thets what its reall all about. Oh well so much for keeping it short and sweet. Thanks again Bennyboy[}:)]
Overall a crossbow is going to be easier to start out with and will make a hunter enjoy themselves more eventually leading to that hunter furthering their passion for hunting which may be moving to a compound bow or making their own bow.
Bet I'll stir up a big can of the brown stuff with these comments, but so be it.
Thought's by Jay for today. [;)]
NRA Life Member ---"A pocket knife, a clean hankey, and a pistol... things I can use." - Ted Nugent
Nadine
I am a huge Mathews fan as I have shot them for a long time now, IMHO there is none better, and not that you would ever need it but there customer service is second to none. With your size I would recomend a Mathews mustang over the Outback to start. This bow is designed more for Women and smaller framed people, it still has a lot of the features that I love about the Outback. It is small with an axle to axle length of only 31 3/4" it has a roller cable guide, string dampeners, and the harmonic dampening system in the riser. But at any rate you need to find a pro shop, I would do some research prior to going so you have an idea of what you would like to look at, and then take suggestions from the shop help. Most if not all ranges will let you shoot the bow if you intend to buy. Well good luck with your endeavour.
If the sole purpose is to harvest some deer, get a crossbow.
But if you are looking for a hobby to dedicate a lot of time to, and get a lot of personal enjoyment/challenge, then get a bow.
I shoot both. I bought a crossbow for ONE reason-to shoot deer and turkey in my backyard. My backyard, for many reasons, is better suited for the crossbow.
Is the crossbow easier to master enough to harvest a deer? I dont care what any crossbow enthusiast says, it is easier. But one has to know that as far as distance is concerned, the crossbow is as limited, if not more so, as the bow. I have shot the crossbow quite nicely out to 50 yards, I know a few people who shoot farther-but am I going to shoot at a deer fifty yards away?? Hell no. That deer will no doubt jump the string. I have shot a few ground hogs in my back yard, 25 yards away, while a deer was standing forty yards away. The way they jump when they hear that string go, no way would I feel confident beyond 25 yards. I think I read on the excalibut web site that a der hears the string, when the bolt has traveled 30% the distance to the target. At twenty five yards or less, by the time the deer reacts to the sound, the bolt will be planted. Beyond that, well, I wouldnt chance it, especially considering how I have seen them react at farther distances.
You want something thats going to drop deer out to 25 yards, with the minimum amount of dedication of time? Crossbow.
You want something that will keep you dedicated to something that you really enjoy doing, whether there is a deer at the end of your sight, a 3d target, an apple, a woodchuck, turkey, etc-go with a bow.
"Waiting tables is what you know, making cheese is what I know-lets stick with what we know!"
-Jimmy the cheese man
Suspension is gay[:0][:0]
Buckey did you get my email?
You crackhead stop the name calling before I tell excalibur.
So if I go out and buy that crossbow tonight your gonna consider me to be gay?
My wife says I'm rather subborn so I might buy it for this simple fact. Then e-mail you pictures of this years buck and the crossbow....
gogolen, your egging him on by agreeing [}:)][:D][:D]
Hey, gagirl...gogolen has a good point, you better check all your laws before purchasing.
NRA Life Member ---"A pocket knife, a clean hankey, and a pistol... things I can use." - Ted Nugent
well 1 of 2 things happens... 1. if I happen to take hubby along... the guy behind the counter talks to me about a bow and ignores hubby standing there... and I get in trouble for the guy looking at me while he talks to me... 2.if I go alone.. and do the flirting thing... yes I know very well this gets me cheaper prices and I am smart enough to use it, however I will never take off my wedding ring, hubby gets pissed cause I get a better deal.
Welcome to the forum, GAgirl.I know just what you mean, i have same problem when the wife make me tag along shopping with her. The sales girls stare at me and my wife gets mad..... Just the other day, a salesgirl couldn't keep her eyes off my bulge. I thought it was kind of rude, so i stared right back. Wife, she thinks i'm ogling Ms Buxum Blondie. I reckon because that big wad makes my eyeballs seem to pop right out there. The wife was fuming but she know better than slap my face when i got a wad of Beechnut in my jowl.
GIJoe
Stihl's reply about his bulge threw me for a loop when I first read it though. Had to read it twice to make sure the post wasn't gonna get poofed. [:D]
NRA Life Member ---"A pocket knife, a clean hankey, and a pistol... things I can use." - Ted Nugent
quote:...did tone and fitness comps for several years..."scoped gun" hunter...blond...5'8 120 true island girl...drives a truck daily...have boat and know where the redfish are...I would rather go to BPS then enter into any shoe store in the mall...hubby
[:0]D'OH!!! It's a good thing I finished reading the posts before heading out to find a ring. If you tell me that you have a twin sister that has a thing for hot young insurance salesmen, I'm in Georgia by sunset![8D]
quote:Originally Posted by Idsman
Most people here know I'm full of you-know-what...Experts like fishermanben have advice that is far more trustworthy.
You hear that Buckey[?] I'm an expert!!! Hahaha!!! Obviously Ids has a strong contender for most Full Of Sh**![;)]
quote:Originally posted by Suspension So if I go out and buy that crossbow tonight your gonna consider me to be gay?
[:0]Don't ask--Don't tell!!!
Thanks
Nadine
gagirl, welcome to the forum, hope you join in and have fun like everyone else does. I understand your comment but don't forsee any problems like that on here, least I would hope not. You'll love the sport the more you know about it and the only way to learn is from experience or others. Good luck [:)]
NRA Life Member ---"A pocket knife, a clean hankey, and a pistol... things I can use." - Ted Nugent
Nadine
NRA Life Member ---"A pocket knife, a clean hankey, and a pistol... things I can use." - Ted Nugent
Only
Run
Downhill
[:D]
Ben
I root for the and anyone who is playing the
Anyway.. I have spent the day reading... and reading and reading some more...have not made any money.. but there is always tomorrow. Anyway, I cant seem to find ANYTHING bad about Mathews. I cant find anything bad about Bowtech... but also cant seem to find too many people saying they are great bows either... So... at this point... I am concentrateing on the Mathews.... now for the next step...before I get sold on something I dont need... or forget something I do need... any suggestions guys?
Nadine
1. bow
2. arrows (cut to length w/ field tips)
3 sight (
4. kisser button/ peep sight
5. rest
6. release (recomended but optional)
7. target if you want to shoot at home.
Those are pretty much you main items everything else is optional
Why do they make it taste so good and put it in them little bitty cans- Dad
Ummm I had someone help me with the measurements... after a call to an old buddy in Al. who tried to teach me to shoot a bow 15-20 yrs ago. Well looks like I am a 28 draw length... so the mustang is out since it only goes up to a 26. I am now down to the LX or the Outback. The LX shows as being a bit faster in the specs.. but alas... I better find a few to shoot... looks like a road trip for me this weekend. Knowing me... I will have a new baby by the end of the weekend... however I guess I will have to give in and let the hubby get the new Over and Under he wants for duck season. Sound fair guys?
Nadine