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Read up on the different bows. Check out some people shooting in person, online videos, etc. Bow choice and selection is a personal thing; feel, looks, challenge, etc. Your best bet is to go shoot a compound, recurve, and longbow to see what grabs you.
I'd say a bow would be the first thing 😁
I would look for a local shop and or archery club for some newbie guidance. The California Bowmen Hunters organization may have something geared toward beginners as well. Good luck!
Check out the Farmington Atlas. Solid riser, machined, nice feeling grip. If you like it I have one I'll sell you cheap. Will need a rest, I used a springy. Have some BM 2.0 limbs 45lbs, longs as well. I'll PM some pics when I get a minute.
Don't use IW so don't really care. But I do give pause regarding the intent of a poster who's been around since 2013, has 16 posts, but feels the need to post a screenshot of a FB page from 2021. Bill seems pretty accessible, why not ask him?
Precarious to say the least. As to the why they were in that position, who knows. In over their heads most likely. I've been in EMS for 31 years and will say people do unsafe stuff all the time. Many times it ends much worse than a helo ride to safety.
Zero at 100. Then shoot at 200, 300, 400, and record the actual elevation drops. Also check the scope for accurate dialing and return to zero. Don't trust the velocity or recommended zero on the box.
For what you're describing I'd bet the Athlon would work well. I enjoy using mine in the general same circumstances as you describe. There's a reason they are a popular entry level spotter. For some people dropping 2k plus on a spotter isn't in the cards no matter how long you wait and save. Buy...
1/8", twice through. I find I end up with a better ratio of fat to meat grinding twice. I don't have a true dedicated grinder so that might change things some.