Best beginner archery hunts for learning

[terrytheluddite]

I made a contract with myself that if I was successful for three seasons in a row with the rifle then it was okay to take a crack with a bow. I just picked up my second freezer last night. Looks like we're bow hunting next year. Might as well make this harder.

I'm curious on opinions from bow hunters on what option makes the most sense for learning in general. I've only hunted solo in CO and usually in the backcountry for elk. I'm happy partnering but chances are it's going to be a lot more solo. I'm not chasing odds as much as progression.

Should I...
-Use a couple deer points and target high alpine muleys (looks like a lot of fun but a PITA). Could go deeper since there's less packing.
-Target more of a juniper/sage unit for muleys
-Go elk again. Use the OTC opportunities since I'll be at zero points and building again. Try to get decent with calling in one year. Don't go more than a few miles in.
-Go elk with a draw unit instead
-Maybe just try to be a caller apprentice on others hunts?
-Pronghorn seems like a bad idea
-Go OTC archery but put my tikka t3 in the bow instead of an arrow and hope the warden doesn't mind the details

 

[cb2176]

Do any and all of the above. Every time out, whether a success or failure... you learn from it and get better. Just get out.

 

[180ls1]

Texas or similar for pigs and whitetail does. Or any other high opportunity species/area where you can get lots of reps in.

I'd also pull the trigger on any and all of those options, the more you can get out the better.

 

[Dakota Dude]

I'd say just dive in. Archery elk is by far the most fun of those you listed. Shoot a couple of grouse along the way. Archery is much more about preparation and practice than what species you are hunting. As long as you get a bow and start practicing consistantly you can target whatever species you want. The biggest thing is learning and getting used to your bow, understanding tuning/broadheads/arrows, and getting consistent with your form/shots. After practicing all year you'll know what your max distance you are comfortable with and use your judgment to make responsible shots.

You can learn just about everything you need to know on here or ArcheryTalk.

 

[jolemons]

Antelope.is all day action with potential for multiple stalk opportunities all day. If I had to pick one, it would be that one. OTC elk, you may not see a bull. Mules, you could hunt all week with one opportunity. Limited entry elk, we'll, I'd suggest learning to can and hunt elk first.

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[wyogoat]

Texas or similar for pigs and whitetail does. Or any other high opportunity species/area where you can get lots of reps in.

I'd also pull the trigger on any and all of those options, the more you can get out the better.

This is what I’d recommend also and depending on your financial situation, Africa is the best way to get a lot of trigger time. Realistically you could get several opportunities a day and you don’t have to shoot expensive stuff. Impala aren’t crazy expensive.
Find a state with unlimited doe tags and go stack a bunch of those.