Beginner bow hunting tips ?

[Yooper]

My wife is going to start shooting bow this year, hopefully hunting soon! We are planning on visiting a bow shop but am wondering if anyone has tips for a beginner. Not wanting to sound sexest but are there any female problems a male might not think of?

[born2hunt65]

HI Yooper Sorry I didn't reply sooner.Well truthfully the only real difference I see is the poundage you draw back. Women are generally a little weaker in the upper body strength department. There are such things as bands you can pull back much like pulling back a bow that can help build up strength. I found what worked best for me is simply using my bow. It was alot more fun and the practice shooting made me a good shot.
What you need to do first is find out what her draw length is and what she can handle as poundage. My bow is 30 to 50 pounds. In Michigan I believe the law is you have to shoot either 32 or 34 pounds,I believe the later is correct. This is sufficient for killing a deer. That is what I started out as and now my bow is maxed out at 52 pounds. I know guys like to out do one another and how much you draw back is of importance, no offence intended. But realistically if you can kill a deer with say 40 to 50 pounds why kill yourself pulling back 80 pounds and tire yourself out. With the let off they have out there today you can shoot alot higher poundage and hold it if you can pull it past the break. So keep in mind poundage is a guy thing and it is the placement of the arrow that is more important than what you can draw back.
I would suggest her using a trigger with a wrap around wrist strap since this will also help her to pull back. I always tell people to go to a bow shop and try out several different models since all bows are not the same. Let her pick out one that the grip fits her hand and she is comfortable holding. There are many good inexpensive bows out there for a beginner. I started out with a Hoyt Raider bow that was a close out. I have had mine for over 8 years and still use it. The only reason I would get a new bow is because I have out grown it, it'll be a good starter for my son when he's ready.
I would keep the initial setup basic until she gets into it a little more and knows what she wants. There is alot of fancy stuff on the market and setup can be pricey. Teaching her a the basics and alot of practice is more important than buying all the expensive assessories. A 1000.00 set up won't kill a deer, but practice and a solid bachground knowledge will.
I hope this helps you out. Good luck and happy hunting.

[Yooper]

Born,

Thanks for the info,your info will be very helpful, can't wait for the trip to the archery shop.

Any suggestions for the UP area?, a friend said he had gone to one in St Germaine who helped alot but wondering if there are any good ones in my area?

[born2hunt65]

Your friend is right the bow shop in St Germain is good I've been there. He not only sells bows but also has an indoor range in his shop. Giovanoni's in Hurley is o-kay too. Sherry knows her bows and hunt's as well. She set me up. The only problem is the selection is limited due to she stocks only Hoyt bows.
I would try to find a shop that carries several different makes and has a good reputation. Not all bows are the same and a good dealer will tell you the good points and bad as well as help you choose a good bow and not try to stick you with the most exspensive one out there.
My bow was a closeout so I got a good deal. I have had my bow for 8 years now. Make sure the grip fits her hand well. Different bows have different grips and you'll want one that is comfortable for her.
And as I said before I would keep things simple and basic for the setup. Expensive assessories don't kill deer you ability to shoot does. I would start basic then later if she wants move into the fancier things out there, focus on shooting. Practice, Practice, Practice. Me and my hubby have targets in the yard and we have shoot offs (I usually beat him, LOL). It's fun and it's practice. Good luck to you and the MRS. Born.

[Yooper]

Born,

Thanks for the info, I am sure will be some heated back yard competitions soon.

[born2hunt65]

Yooper let me know how your wife likes her bow. It's so exciting getting your first one.Good luck to your wife and have a good time shooting, :) Born.

[Jim Green]

Yooper; You better start practicing real fast. It's one thing to have your buddies beat you, your wife beats you you'll never live it down. Seriously though I shoot with my wife and sister. Women seem more relaxed on the range, altough just as competitive, if not more than guy's. Remember, it's a sport, HAVE FUN.