Archery newbie - accessorizing hand me down

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Came home from the holidays with a hand me down hoyt vipertech (60-70lb). I need to get it adjusted for myself and also pick up a release, arrows, heads, target, etc. I have some cabelas gift cards so I was leaning towards them where feasible to stock up. I'm 6' for reference to give an idea for draw length. The bow has a sliding sight on it already to start out with.

At this stage I'm interesting in learning to shoot and perhaps I'd go out on a OTC antelope tag (with realistic expectations) this fall. Planning to still rifle hunt elk/deer this year.

I was thinking about picking up some of these Cabela's Outfitter Arrows in 65/80 (then head into the store to have them cut when I know my actual draw length). Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

Any opinions on this Cabela's Apostle Release? Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

Target recommendations?

Any other useful thoughts as I wade into this realm are welcomed.

 

[307]

For starting out, just get some generally good stuff, Cabelas is fine, (carbon arrows of proper spine, bag target, release that feels good to you) and shoot for a while. If this is something you really enjoy, you will develop tastes and opinions about your equipment but just starting out, don't overthink it.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Yeah I figured on the latter part. I was just wondering if I was on the right track for arrow size and something of a decent enough quality to start out with.

 

[elkyinzer]

Welcome and I hope you enjoy your journey into the archery world.

I would highly recommend you get the bow setup by a reputable tech you can develop a relationship with. Have him or her do a good once over of the strings, cables, limbs, cams. Have heard mixed reviews about the technical prowess of the big box stores.

For releases I would just recommend you try drawing and shooting with the wrist strap style if you have not. A lot of guys use them but I just can't get comfortable with one. I use a Winn Free Flight. Not a super popular release but it has a hand bar that you can actually grab onto which just feels more natural to me. Whatever floats your boat type of deal but a good thing to try before you buy.

Targets are really what you want to invest with the standard portability and durability tradeoffs. In my opinion most casual shooters are going to be well served with the cheap block targets sold at sporting goods stores. Field points will take a heck of a lot of shooting to beat up any decent target and broadheads tear them all up pretty good, so if you do opt for an expensive target I would still get a cheap one to shoot broadheads. I have a Rhinehart 18:1 going on 5 years of steady fieldpoint shooting with only 4 sides shot out and a cheap layered block target for broadheads. I am pleased with that setup but would like to add a bigger target for distance practice.

 

[MOhunter28]

Came home from the holidays with a hand me down hoyt vipertech (60-70lb). I need to get it adjusted for myself and also pick up a release, arrows, heads, target, etc. I have some cabelas gift cards so I was leaning towards them where feasible to stock up. I'm 6' for reference to give an idea for draw length. The bow has a sliding sight on it already to start out with.

At this stage I'm interesting in learning to shoot and perhaps I'd go out on a OTC antelope tag (with realistic expectations) this fall. Planning to still rifle hunt elk/deer this year.

I was thinking about picking up some of these Cabela's Outfitter Arrows in 65/80 (then head into the store to have them cut when I know my actual draw length). Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

Any opinions on this Cabela's Apostle Release? Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

Target recommendations?

Any other useful thoughts as I wade into this realm are welcomed.

Arrows will be fine, I use to shoot Cabelas arrows a long time ago and they did the job. I'm a Gold Tip fan now. I would caution you on releases, try them out before you buy them. IMO I as well as other people shoot differently with different releases. Another word of caution is don't let Cabelas touch your bow. Get your accessories there and take it to a reputable bow shop. You may then have to pay a setup fee but it will be better than Cabelas doing it. I've seen some odd and scary things setup from them.

As far as a target goes you really get what you pay for. The Cabelas brand open layer targets seem to wear out quick but they are cheap. I like Rhineheart but they are pricey. The best target I have is one I bought used for 50 bucks off a bowshop because it was "worn out" Its the type that has the feed type sack wrapped over it, weighs a ton but it stops my arrow extremely well and is super easy to remove it. I don't know where to get those.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Yeah I wasn't planning to have cabelas set up the bow, I just figured I'd get arrows and a target type stuff there since I have the cards. Those arrows seemed nice in the reviews and who doesn't like a sale.

 

[Jeff Martin]

I agree that a good professional is critical but if you want a quick formula to get your draw length in the ball park, take your wing span (middle finger to middle finger) divide by 2.5. I have never seen that method be off more than an half inch.


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[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I agree that a good professional is critical but if you want a quick formula to get your draw length in the ball park, take your wing span (middle finger to middle finger) divide by 2.5. I have never seen that method be off more than an half inch.


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Yeah off hand I suspect my draw will be around 29" but will confirm when I get setup. Gets me in the ballpark for picking arrows though if I understand things correctly (I may not though ). I was thinking from a greenhorn standpoint to try those 65/80 arrows with some 125 field points (once they are cut to length) as a starting point?

 

[wncbrewer]

I would go ahead and buy good arrows out of the gate. After all, the bow is just the launcher, the arrow actually does the killing. I'm amazed how many guys I see at the shop I frequent that will drop 1500 bucks into their bow and then buy cheap off the shelf arrows. I see the argument behind buying cheap arrows to practice with at first, but if it was me I would buy what you want to hunt with, and have someone knowledgeable help you tune them.

The other accessory I wouldn't scrimp on is a release. I wish I had all the money back I've spent on cheap releases before I finally found what I like, which happens to be most any scott, tru-ball, or carter. Unfortunately, releases are kind of like boots. There is a huge personal preference component.

In terms of arrows, I like black eagle, but I've also shot and liked gold tips and Easton fmj's.

Tru-fire seems super popular but I hate them (one mans opinion here, not trying to flame anyone)


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[fngTony]

Joining a league was the best thing I did.

Proper bow, arrow tuning and technique is key.

Sounds like you are on a great start, use your gift cards and fun.

If it becomes something you take seriously then consider investing.

 

[camping1601]

If I could go back in time and start from the beginning I would pay an archery couch to get me started in the right direction from the start. I've spent a ton of time trying to undo all the wrong ways I learned to shoot a bow that didn't fit me.

If your interested I have a Scott Little Goose and Fletchunter for sale in the $30 range.

 

[5MilesBack]

At this stage I'm interesting in learning to shoot and perhaps I'd go out on a OTC antelope tag (with realistic expectations) this fall. Planning to still rifle hunt elk/deer this year.

Before I picked up archery I was thinking the same thing. So I put in for the ML draw that year. Then I didn't draw, so had to go archery. Shot a bull Sept 12 that year. That first was also my longest shot I've ever taken on an animal at 71 yards. I wasn't aware of the long shot debate at that point and it wasn't a big deal to me. But haven't needed to take a shot that far since anyway. But don't write off bowhunting elk this year. It will change your life. Depending on who's perspective.......for the better or worse.

 

[elkguide]

The value of starting right is incredible. You won't have as many bad habits to break.
Most good shops will charge you to set up your bow but it will be worth it. Archery is so much fun BUT if you aren't set up correctly it can make shooting less than enjoyable. While I hunt Archery, Rifle and muzzleloader seasons, archery is my favorite. ENJOY!!!!!

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Before I picked up archery I was thinking the same thing. So I put in for the ML draw that year. Then I didn't draw, so had to go archery. Shot a bull Sept 12 that year. That first was also my longest shot I've ever taken on an animal at 71 yards. I wasn't aware of the long shot debate at that point and it wasn't a big deal to me. But haven't needed to take a shot that far since anyway. But don't write off bowhunting elk this year. It will change your life. Depending on who's perspective.......for the better or worse.

I'll never say never but there is a plan forming already for deer/elk (it was forming middle of last fall's hunt actually ).

My goal though is to develop proficiency so when opportunities/changes of plans arise I can act on them as desired. That sorta clicked when I was scouting for my rifle antelope tag last fall and I realized it was actually OTC bow season, I figured hell I should work on my archery ability and go try and lay down some stalks in the future versus waiting years between tags. Worst case I blow the stalk and just enjoy some camping time.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Went over to no limits archery on Saturday and was very pleased with the support in getting things selected, adjusted, and tuned for me. Ended up with a ~29.5" draw with gold tip 300s (125gr heads) trimmed at 31", they paper tuned it, gave me some pointers on my rookie form and then let me shoot for a while to get the 20, 30, 40yd sight settings preliminarily set up.

 

[Tex68w]

I recently picked up archery myself OP. I was torn between buying a quality used bow setup from some buddies or going all out and buying new and setup just for me right out of the gate. After researching everything to death I went to one of the better archery shops in my area, tried a few and ended up buying a brand new bow that was perfect for my draw length and abilities. I have now developed a relationship with that shop and their tech and I think that's a good thing for future issues, purchases, and needs, not to mention I also got a free membership to their indoor and outdoor range because I purchased from them. In regards to arrows I went ahead and got some quality arrows and picked up Easton FMJ's.

 

[elkguide]

Went over to no limits archery on Saturday and was very pleased with the support in getting things selected, adjusted, and tuned for me. Ended up with a ~29.5" draw with gold tip 300s (125gr heads) trimmed at 31", they paper tuned it, gave me some pointers on my rookie form and then let me shoot for a while to get the 20, 30, 40yd sight settings preliminarily set up.

Let the fun begin!!!!!


Be very careful as archery is very addicting!

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Good deal. The bow was free so I'm running it for now and seems just fine (had a sight, quiver, and stabalizer on it already so I haven't had to accessorize it at all). The release/arrows/etc. I picked up should transfer forward fine if I move into something else in the future. The arrows were the gold tip hunter XT, not top end but seemed fairly solid (me as the shooter is introducing WAY more variation at this point). I need to work on my form and also just build up those muscles a bit at this stage. I have no complaints on the 40yd groupings out the gate after the tuning when I held steady.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Let the fun begin!!!!!


Be very careful as archery is very addicting!

If I could shoot in my backyard or the open space I think I'd be flinging some arrows daily (or at least a few times a week) for the near future.

 

[elkguide]

If I could shoot in my backyard or the open space I think I'd be flinging some arrows daily (or at least a few times a week) for the near future.

Since winter is here and I really don't find much pleasure in shooting into a frozen target, I shoot in my basement most every night. Only 15 yards but I'm able to keep my form and feel for the bow in shape.
Since you are just beginning, I like to have newer guys back their bow off in draw weight to not hurt themselves or develop bad habits as they get started. I then have them turn it up once they get into the routine. I shoot about 10 pounds heavier all summer and then turn my bow down to hunt with it. After sitting for hours in a tree or in a cold blind, I don't want to challenge my muscles to wake up to quickly so I change my draw weight quite regularly throughout the year.