Bow Curious

pdxkevin · 04-08-2003, 06:40 AM

I have met a lot of people who really prefer bow hunting to any other form. I have listened to bow hunters at the different trade shows and have watched way too many of the NRA hunting videos. Now, I am getting curious about what it is truly like.

Is there anywhere to go and give it a try on 3D targets in a natural setting? What if you do not own a bow? Maybe rent a bow.

Something that will give me a pretty good feel for what I would be getting into so indoor places wouldn't apply. I am a lefty if that makes a difference.

Otherwise any advise for someone at the door of bow hunting large game?

[ 04-08-2003, 07:41 AM: Message edited by: pdxkevin ]

sliverslinger · 04-08-2003, 07:03 AM

there is Pacific crest archery in salem, there you can shoot a number of different models and the guys there are really helpful. you can learn the correct form for shooting a bow. Most places wont rent a bow, just in case you might dry fire it. there is kutch archery, just out of mcminnville and they have a 3d tag course that you can shoot at animals in a controlled environment. I hope that this helped.

Hoosier Daddy · 04-08-2003, 08:16 AM

Try one of the ranges/archery shops. They usually are pretty good about letting you see what's what. I'm about to start going to Broken Arrow in Milwaukie and starting to shoot there myself.
Or find someone who will let you play with their bow. I would, but I'm a righty. Some of you backwards types (lefties :smile: ) seem to be pretty even-handed. Can you throw or shoot a rifle righty? If so, you could probably sling a few arrows that way, at least enough to give you a preview of it.

Myles · 04-08-2003, 09:02 AM

Get some camo's and go with someone this fall.If you get into elk you'll probably convert.
I went with a friend to an indoor range and rented a bow and shot for a while, I was bored to death! But I went with him hunting and converted the next season, even though we didn't get one.
1. Don't give away his spot.
2. Don't go back there without getting an OK.

If you get a bow you may want to check out Sylvan Archers in Sherwood. They have a practice range, several courses and a 3-D course. They have a 3-D league that goes about 10 weeks leading up to hunting season.
Assuming you don't know, 3-D is foam animals set in the woods at unmarked distances, uphill, downhill, shots through openings in the trees etc.

http://www.sylvanarchers.org/welcome.htm

Just a guess, but I think if you called someone there and told them that you're thinking of getting into archery etc. they may be able to scrounge up a lefty bow and take you out and show you around.

good luck
myles

maggot · 04-08-2003, 12:23 PM

pdxkevin........I am a member of sylvans....I believe I have a "pass" to bring someone in....email me...Ill take ya...As far as a bow I have an extra but to grab the true essence of shooting a bow....it has to "fit" you..Draw length,shooting with release/or not....etc....

greenbuttskunk · 04-08-2003, 02:02 PM

broken arrow is great, there are actually two in the area, one in milwaukie, the other in gladstone I believe. I converted a few years agao and the rush you get stalking with a bow is unreal. Rifle does not compare. Like another said, your senses become more acute. You become challenged by distance like never before. Camoflouge and tracking, scent and shooting skill
are a whole different ball game. I love it!!!
My partner and I picked up two Lhamas so we could get back into the rough country a little more.
The other aspect I like is the lack of the crack of a rifle in the distance, you really can feel like your all alone. Can be too, if it's remote enough.
Good luck, and shoot straight!

squirrel fisher · 04-08-2003, 03:01 PM

Kutch Archery will let you shoot a new bow or a used one. Once you get the feel for what you want and get the bow sighted. You would be able to shoot the bow through the 3-d course. It is a all natural setting and almost the real thing. The only difference is the targets don't move.Great fun and good practice.

bigshark · 04-08-2003, 04:30 PM

pdxk

I can't help but jump in here. As you can see from the posts the bowhunting ranks are filled with good guys who are willing to be helpful. I guess my concern is that you find it too difficult to get started. By that I mean it takes a while to get the hang of shooting and you may not realize how much and how fast you will improve if you give it a real chance. I have spent almost half a century as a bowhunter and I want you to know it never gets old. Too much to learn, so many variables........so darn much fun. If you give it a fair chance I think you will find it very rewarding. Good Luck

[ 04-08-2003, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: bigshark ]

TheRogue · 04-08-2003, 05:57 PM

In my experience of the last 5 months getting back into the "bow thing", I've learned a few things. As long as your form is ok, and your equipment is correctly tuned, getting good at hitting a target on flat ground 20-30-40 yards away is really pretty simple. Just a matter of practice, and really not even daily for me. What I've also seen that when I've drug my two Black Hole targets out into a more "natural" environment with wind, steep angles, and other distractions... I'm not anywhere near as "good" as I thought I was!!!

You'll be suprised how easy the actual shooting part is....but once you get that down, try holding the draw for 1 whole minute, or jogging in place for 1 minute, and then see how long it takes you to knock, set up, and hit your target at 30 yards!!

Yup, it's fun, I'm looking forward to elk and deer seasons this year more than have since I was in high school.

TR

maggot · 04-08-2003, 11:19 PM

I used to be a rifle hunter.....once you see your target the hunt is over. With a bow.....the hunt just begins....Ive discovered after many years of big game hunting that I wasnt into the sprot for "killing".....but for the fun of the hunt....Since I've started bow hunting(4 yrs)...I have been on more game than ever....your skills become acute....

pdxkevin · 04-08-2003, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hoosier Daddy:
...Can you throw or shoot a rifle righty?...

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Not without causing everyone to fall over laughing.

pdxkevin · 04-08-2003, 11:55 PM

The idea of doing a couple of the 3D ranges/courses sounds like a lot of fun. I would go if I had a bow. The catch is I do not want to waste any money buying different bows until I find one that works for me.

I am not looking for the latest and greatest either. I just need to know where to go to learn the basics and try out bowhunting before I sink a bunch of money into it.

Myles, Thanks for the tip about Sylvan Archers. I will check them out, too.

Pan Fry · 04-22-2003, 07:06 AM

It's one of the purest forms of stalking and hunting down an animal. I've only bow hunted for 2 years now. I find that it makes me a more stealthy hunter. 3D hunts do help a lot. You need to get adapted to shooting in wierd angles.
Archers Afield in Tigard. Great shop, with target range.

PS. I just found out last thursday that I'm having a boy. I can't wait to take him hunting.

god bless america

Panfry

pdxkevin · 04-22-2003, 12:04 PM

Congrats on your new hunting partner, Pan Fry.

Alligator · 04-28-2003, 03:54 PM

Kevin, I have a lefty bow and have sent you an e-mail.

pdxkevin · 04-30-2003, 06:28 AM

Alligator,

Thanks for the email. I am interested and have replied to your email.

fishingfirst · 04-30-2003, 01:45 PM

I have been bowhunting for 15 years, the only way I would go back to rifle is if they outlawed bow hunting. Like many of the others have stated, there is nothing like the rush you get bowhunting, not to mention you don't have to worry about someone shooting you from accross the canyon. When the season comes around, if you would like to tag along in my neck of the woods, come on over, I would be happy to take out a rookie.

Scott

pdxkevin · 05-01-2003, 07:11 AM

Thanks for the tag-along offer.