I have never hunted with a bow before. But I got a good deal on a bow and picked it up. I have hunted behind a rifle for about 10 years. I will still rifle hunt but I would like to start bow hunting as well as I believe my rifle setup this year will not produce. What are some tips for a novice bow hunter like myself? Note: I took the bow to the shop the first day I had it to cut down arrows and change the draw length to fit me.

Patience, use the wind to your advantage, Buck fever with a Bow is not your friend so stay calm or as calm as you can, an most importantly.. Shoot Shoot Shoot as much as you can. After that shoot some more!!! Good luck and welcome to the Archery Club

Hunting with a modern compound bow is something that can be learned quickly - at least the shooting part. The challenge to bow hunting is scouting, stand placement, getting to your stand, scent concealment, and being able to draw back without being busted! That really is the challenge and the fun of it - putting yourself in the position to get a shot.

For me, once I started getting within 30 yards of a game animal, I really lost interest in rifle hunting. The other thing is, it is alot of fun just being close to animals - even non game animals and birds. I have been thoroughly entertained by squirrels, rabbits, and even raccoons. Of course depending on the season, I am not above taking one of those either.

So far while deer hunting, I have harvested squirrels, rabbits, rats, crows, coyotes, raccoons, and of course hogs. You may lose interest in your rifle.

Scent is one of the biggest factors in bow hunting. Even how you walk into your stand is important. Always wait at least an hour before starting your tracking job unless the deer is laying dead within sight.

For a great recurve or traditional bow www.bobleebows.com $200 off any starter bow right now..

My biggest regret with bow hunting is that I didn't start sooner.
Practice
Practice
Practice
I agree with everything posted above.
Will you be hunting ground blind, tree stand, tripod? If your up, learn to shoot at angles. Don't ask me how I know.

And practice some more.

And practice how you will be hunting.

I think I will be hunting mostly from a pop up to help ease some of the learning curve of not getting busted while drawing.

Just a couple things: when to release? Do not try to release on a deer that is on full alert. Just be patient. You will also need a whole new skill set with bow hunting TRACKING. Learn what you can before your hunt. If you have a buddy to help so much the better. Good luck.

After the shot , wait . When you think you have waited long enough, give it another 30 mins . Last year we pushed a big buck over 600 yards . Most say rule of thumb is one hour after the shot before you start tracking.
Much longer if you do not feel good about the shot placement .

Thank you for all of the advice. I just got my bow back from the archery shop today. Can't wait to fling a few arrows tonight.

Lots of good advice i'm new to bow hunting as well. Cant wait to give it a try.

I started bowhunting seriously about 8 years ago. I did it a bit in Jr High/High School but wasn't serious about it and never killed anything with my bow.


Pop-up blinds work....I really prefer to hunt in a tree/out of a tripod because of the field of view but pop ups are very effective at conceling motion.

Personally, I like to shoot the heaviest draw weight I can, I like big mechanical broadheads and I like to shoot a fast arrow. that being said its imperative to be accurate, otherwise you will just be making fast misses or wounds.

I like to bowhunt hunt here in Texas as well as several western states. Bowhunting has not led me to abandon my rifles as I really enjoy hunting with both but it is a exciting tool to use

This! Practice in the situations you'll be hunting. Sitting, standing, elevated, etc...

Also check your shooting lanes. My first year of bow hunting, I had practiced for months and was very proficient at 40 yards in. During my first hunt, I had a buck come in at 35 yards, I was in a ladder stand. Very comfortable range. What I didn't take in to account was a small branch 15 or so yards and in front of me. I didn't take in to account the arc. The arrow glanced off and ended up striking the deer in the rear leg. I was sick and never found the deer or arrow. Needless to say I put down the bow after that for the rest of season.

Welcome to the brotherhood!

Be still! I learned the hard way today....again for like the 3rd time! Had a doe spot me scratching my head before I saw her. She blew and I turned to see 3 tails running in the other direction. Other than that hunt the wind and practice shooting from the position you'll be hunting from. Especially if you'll be shooting from the seated position. It's definitely an adrenaline rush getting deer that close to you. Have fun and good luck!

I don't really like pop ups. I've had much more luck in a climber or ladder stand. The higher the better.