This page is not gender specific, the information should be of value to either sex, and the information presented here is simply my own feelings and observations.
GETTING STARTED
Bow hunting will differ from traditional hunting. One of the main differences is the amount of patience needed and the skill required to get closer to the game. If you feel that you can sit in a tree stand (which I highly favor) in cold temperatures, and wait patiently for the game to come your way, then you may just have the temperment for the sport. When you use a bow to hunt, you must also be very concerned with the expertise of your shooting. It is way too easy to main and not kill an animal, and this is not only a waste, I consider it somewhat sinful.
Your next step is to consider why type of bow you would like to use. There are two basic designs: recurve and compound.
A recurve bow, is a more old fashioned type of bow, and the compund bow has cams and pulleys. These add-ons aid in the speed and strength and distance an arrow will travel. I personally use the compound, because as a woman, I do not have the strength to use the traditional type of bow. The compound bows also have what is called a 'let off' where once you get the bow pulled back, the pressure of holding it is left. The letoff on mine is at 60%, but they are available now with 80%.
BUYING A BOW
This is not an off the shelf option. You must be fitted. When you are purchasing a bow, they will have many sizes, with different draw lengths and draw weights. I found a bow that was smaller than most (called a youth bow, *grin*) and it had an adjustable draw length of 26 to 28 inches, and 26 inches was perfect for my size (5 ft, 4in). They had the weight set down tho, and let me practice right there in the store. I was glad to hit the target the very first time.
I also purchased sights, a quiver to hold the arrows, 6 arrows, and 6 practice points. I brought all of this home, and with the help of my partner set the sights and started practicing (the most important part of the entire learning process). After I got pretty good with the practice arrows, we bought some more, and had them custom cut for length and bought some broadheads, for actual hunting.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
You must practice, you must shoot consistent. What I had to learn was that even though the tips of the arrows weighed the same (practice points and broadheads), the broadheads, by nature, would travel higher and a little further. I will try to get a picture of both of them for you to compare.
I cannot say enough about how you must be able to achieve a clean kill. I really am one to talk, but am sure that this year I will be successful, and achieve this goal. I practice a couple of times a week to build up, and as seasons are getting closer, need to get on with it.
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