I started a thread in the OT yesterday about trying to figure out what to spend my tax refund on. Yesterday I happened to think about a bow. I've always had an interest in bow hunting but up until this past season wasn't on a lease that would be a good place to bow hunt. Now that I have a good place to bow hunt I'm considering getting one.

I started looking at bows last night and realized I know nothing at all about them. I saw where some bows are faster but they aren't as smooth I guess? Is speed even important for a hunting bow? What's the difference between a $1000 bow and a $500 bow?

If I get one I wouldn't mind spending a good amount of money to get a nice bow but I don't need the fanciest thing out there with all the bells and whistles.

The best place to begin your search would be a legitimate bow shop (not a big box store place) where you can actually shoot a few different bows, find out your correct draw length, and just see what they are talking about (smooth, fast, back wall, valley, etc). Once you get a basic knowledge you won't be able to stop researching. They say bow hunting is addictive, and they say it for a reason. I love it, and wish I had started years ago. There's nothing like it.
Good luck.

x2 and in Z71's case safer then guns

I put 300rounds through my Kimber today so there won't be a repeat of that incident

I guess I'll visit the bow shop next week when I get some time and go from there

Also shot as many different style of releases you can while your there.

be ready to spend more than you plan on.. Its addictive haha

You can get a good bow for around $600 that comes ready to shoot. I had not bow hunted in several years, so I got a Browning Mirage and am very pleased with it. but like the others have said, get something you're comfortable with....and practice a lot!

Yep, get what you want and you are comfortable with. Be sure to shoot several different bow and several different brands. I like PSE and I can stand Hoyt. I know Hoyt makes a great bow but there line up just doesnt work for me. mathews is another good line. Dont go cheap but you also dont have to buy the best of the best. Be ready to spend the money. BOBO mentioned releases. I agree. Shoot several till you find what you like.
You will have to get sights, a rest, arrows, stabilizer, and a wrist sling(get with chickenwilly as he makes some good looking ones). Use the advise and try out a few and look around. Research all of it. This forum is a good spot to ask questions. I see you are in Central Tx. Where at? Try out Knocked and Loaded in Lampasas and ask for Aaron. He carries PSE, Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech. All great brands and he will let you try out any product in the store. The customer service factor there is phenominal. Also Double G in Georgetown is a dang good bow shop too.

I ordered my new bow today. PSE X Force Dream Season EVO. I cant wait to get my hands on it.

Best of luck to you.

All of the above advice is very good. The bow i own right now is a diamond marquis and i cant say enough good things about it. the bow i owned before that was a bear realtree edition. that was also a sweet shooting bow. just make sure whatever you get it fits you and feels comfortable at full draw.

I am in the same boat Z71.
I'm located in Denton, where is a good place to shop/test bows?

carlson i know they said dont go to big box places. but i bought my last bow from cabelas and they let me shoot any bow and got me everything i needed for my correct draw length

sweet. I'll go up there and test some out
thanks!

All Star Archery in Lewisville is the best one I have found. You are also not far from Cinnamon Creek Ranch in Roanoke and they have a lot to choose from. I would HIGHLY recommend you go to one of those two places. Anyone you work with in those places will know 100x more than the guys in Cabelas do.

Yeah, I went to BPS in Garland and the gentleman there had no issues with me testing their bows. I'm not saying they were better than a dedicated bow shop, but I think the generalization that all "big box" stores is unfair to people with beginner level interest in getting into the sport.

I wouldn't argue that the "big box" stores won't let you shoot bows. I'm sure they would be happy for you to. All I'm saying is that those guys working there know very little about archery.

I live in Bryan and am in Waco alot. I'm going to go to Sullivans here and then the Outhouse in Waco since those are the only two bow shops that I know of

The Outhouse isnt bad. In fact, I am going to swing by there as soon as I get my new bow and get my rest put on. I prefer the other 2 shops but they are a drive for me considering that i work in Waco. I know that the outhouse has Mathews and PSE. I not sure what other brands they carry.

I will check these places out!
Thank ya sir.

Had a friend recomend Archers Den in Ardmore ,Ok! Worth the drive!Great to deal With! Set my son up with a Mathews Mission Graze.

Well I went to the store today and shot a few. I shot the Mission Venture and liked it the best but then I made the mistake of shooting a Z7 extreme and you can guess which one I liked the best lol

Another thing to note about box stores is that they will have a limited stock and only carry certain brands. For example, they will not have any Hoyt or Mathews bows and will not sell PSE Pro Series bows. Only a Pro Shop will carry these. I'm not saying you would necessarily need or want these, but you could at least shoot them and decide for yourself. I would stick with Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech, or PSE. They are big companies with great customer service. I am shooting a new Bear Carnage now. It's a pretty good bow, but there are many better ones for the money. Next week my PSE Vendetta XL will be here, and the Bear will be sold.

At least you didn't shoot the Extreme Tactical! It's even higher.

I looked at one but don't really like the carbon coloring on the limbs. My favorite color is camo limbs and black riser but it's the same cost as the tactical to do that

I got set up at Gander Mountain in Tyler, the guy's there were very up to date, and though they did not have Mathews, the selection was decent. I bought a Diamond Black Ice, I have been very happy with it, and the service I get from Gander has been very good as well. I'm sure a dedicated bow shop may have a bit more knowledge and bows to test. But in my case, too far to drive.

Look at the PSE Dream Season EVO. They have an option with camo limbs and a black riser at the same cost(which can be found a little cheaper than the Z7)