codybrown wrote:

Well, this guy has about 6-8 for sale, that he said the pull is adjustable?? Anyway he said that I can pick any one I want out for $100 since I fixed his truck last weekend.

Like said, DRAW LENGTH is number one. Where in Mich are you from?

shrpshtrjoe wrote:

Welcome to the HuntingNut Gigmaster. Shooting the" traditional" bows is definitally more difficult to master the the compounds, when I first started in archery (the mid to late 70's) I shot a recurve ( I wish I still had it) I think it was a Bandito by Howett Archery. My buddy took two doe's on Sat with his Long Bow. Now I shoot the compounds but I can see myself going back a traditional bow at some point. Joe

I still have one of my older bows from the mid 70s, before compounds were generally available. It is a 50 lb. Shakespeare Yukon Wonderbow. It shoots as good today as it ever did.

My compounds are wonderful shooting instruments, but there is something about a traditional bow, some kind of simplistic elegance, that is very appealing to my primitive side.

If you are just starting out, I would recommend buying a used compound bow. You can find them everywhere for a very modest price, even on EBay. Try to stay with one that's not more than about 5 years old, so you get the benefit of almost-recent technology. You can find them already set-up and ready to hunt, many times for under $150.00. Make sure you get the correct draw length for you. Go to an archery shop and have them measure you for draw length.

Once you get your bow and arrows, practice, practice, practice and more practice before you try hunting. Do not attempt to hunt until you can put all your arrows into a 1' circle ( 6" is even better) at at least 40 yards. When you can do that, you are ready. Then learn stalking and ambush techniques, and how to care for your harvest after the kill. After you have made a few kills with your bow, your instincts will begin to take over and it will all come automatic, and comfortable.

After you get comfortable with bows, then you can upgrade, and/or try traditional bows, or whatever you want.

I recommend compounds to start with because they are easier to learn to shoot well, have excellent permormance, and are readily available. Compounds shoot a bit faster than traditional bows because the cams imitate a longer draw length. A 50 Lb. compiund bow will shoot like a recurve with a 45" draw, if that was possible. The cams allow for a much longer power stroke, which translates into more arrow speed, and energy.

Welcome, and good luck.