Getting Started in Archery

Getting Started

Jason: Get a copy of "Hunting with the Bow and Arrow" by Saxton Pope. A real classic. Another great read is the "Adventerous Bowmen" by Pope. Another classic is the "Witchery of Archery" by Maurice Thompson. If you really feel that you need to know the spirit of archery, get a copy of "Toxophilus, by Roger Ascham, in Olde English(written in 1545). Then there is "Hunting the Hard Way" by Howard Hill.( In the Errol Flynn version of Robin Hood, Howard Hill actually does the shooting-of the King's men and splitting the arrow, etc. Not like the 'new' version where all of the shooting is done with 'smoke and mirrors') Another good read is "Sagittarius" by Bob Swinehart. Once you finish this initial assignment, I'll give you a few more titles.
Good luck and Good shooting!! :cheers:

I started bow hunting back in the 70's and again in the 80's where I got cought up in all that compound stuff, sights, balisters, etc. etc. When I was done My bow weight was more then my rifle. I then went back to instintive shooting with a recurve and loved it. Then I went a step further back and started making my own arrows and started shooting a longbow. It took a little longer to get my first Deer but when I did the waiting was worth it. To me the thrill of bowhunting isn't in the Kill but it's in the stalking of the deer and seeing how close you can get to it. On one occasion I actually reached out and touched a small stupid doe that walked right passed me within about three feet. I almost scared her to death. She turned and stood there with her knees shaking. I started to laugh so hard I almost piddled my pants.
Bob

Hi, Jason. You want to hunt or just shoot? It makes a difference. Before you think about which bow, decide how much money you want to spend. A compound hunting bow can easily cost a month's rent plus the better part of $100 for a dozen arrows and some must have accessories. Starting with an arm guard. Relax, it doesn't have to, but it can. A used compound bow isn't a bad thing.
If you just want to shoot go with a recurve. Arrows can still be the 'C' note, but don't have to. $50 to $60 will get you a dozen wooden arrows. The arm guard and shooting glove are required. Depending on where you are, a Cabelas store is a good place to go.
Go to a bow shop, get measured for arrow length and talk to them. Buy a copy of The Archer's Bible and start doing upper body exercises. Never buy any bow that has a draw weight of more than you can easily lift said weight. You'll hurt yourself. You use muscles pulling a bow that you use for nothing else. Back and shoulder. When you get a bow, any bow, push the bow away from you as you pull the string. You should be at full draw when you've raised the bow to eye level.
Venabulum, bow shop. Your needs are not the same as your kid's. There are both compound and recurve sets made for kids that don't cost a ton of money. I'm in Canada, for about $60Cdn you can get a set in either with a few arrows and the vital arm guard. Trust me, an arm guard is essential. But go to a bow shop. They'll have what you need for both of you. And training.

recurve

hi
some suggestions if your beginning in archery would be get a recurve in the weight zone of 15-25 lb for your youngster and maybe 20-30 lbs for yourself. Over at ebay you will be able to find used older bows in those weight ranges. Dont pay more than 50 each for the bows as after you decide if you want to be an archer you will progress to another bow. Believe me, behind my back hang close to 10 bows, well give or take a few. A recurve is the most forgiving to begin with. And a lighter draw bow will enable you to learn good form. If you have to struggle to draw back the bow it will inpede you.

Arrows of equal weight and length. I would suggest for the youth 1214, and 1813 for yourself. The most important thing is they are all the same.
You can get tabs and armguards at Wally Mart, and begin using a 3 fingers under. Meaning place the arrow nock end on the string and place your tabbed hand underneath the nock. 3 fingers. draw the bow back to the corner of your mouth, and anchor there. Get into the habit of anchoring for at least 10 seconds. Your eyes on your target. Your body side ways to the target, your feet about shoulder distance apart, the foot on the side of your drawing arm should be slightly forward of your other foot. This will help you from hitting your arm under the armguard. Take a deep breath and enjoy!