Need Help!

[Odocoileus_Virginianus]

I am a college student here in Southwestern Michigan and have been saving up for the last couple of years to be able to pick up a bow to hunt Deer with. I have never shot a bow in my life and have no idea of exactly what I need. I don't even know anyone who bow hunts so I have nobody to ask any questions to...

I live here in Berrien County and am looking for a full service outfitter that can help me figure out all the stuff I need and set me up with it all. Plus teach me the basics on how to use it so I can begin practicing...

I don't expect to be good enough to be ready to hunt this season, but am hoping I will be good to go by next Fall to be able to maybe get a Deer with my new rig.

If anyone can suggest an outfitter I would be very grateful. Thank you for your time.

[Kelly Johnson]

I know the feeling;)

I started much like you in 2001 but I was a tad older I'd bet.

The good news is...this site and some other archery specific ones provide a wealth of info and you can speed up the process greatly by only reading.

I don't know any shops over your way but I can give you a list of things and a few links to get you on your way.

Common items to start.
Bow
Properly spined and cut arrows and tips
Release
String loop
Peep sight
Sight
Rest
Stabilizer
Wrist sling

This will get you started.

Here's a link to an archery dictionary. Handy to have bookmarked;)
http://www.audcoarchers.co.uk/ArchersDictionary.aspx

A link I found to be a huge resource when I started.
Compound Bow selection guide
http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm


Your instinct to find a good shop is a good one. I can't emphasize enough the importance of getting the proper draw length and poundage to start off with. You'll get better in leaps and bounds rather than learning incorrectly, hitting a wall and than having to re-learn the proper way;)

Hopefully someone can recommend a shop in your area.

Good luck and welcome both to the site and the addiction:D

[Odocoileus_Virginianus]

Thank you very much Kelly for the insight and those links. They are greatly appreciated!

[CMR]

Your instinct to find a good shop is a good one. I can't emphasize enough the importance of getting the proper draw length and poundage to start off with. You'll get better in leaps and bounds rather than learning incorrectly, hitting a wall and than having to re-learn the proper way;)

Hopefully someone can recommend a shop in your area.

Good luck and welcome both to the site and the addiction:D

I totally agree 100%.
The best bet is to find a good archery shop and get set up. But I do recommend shooting alot of different model bows and don't go with what the sales rep pushes on you. Pick out a bow that YOU feel comfortable with and that shoots good for YOU. It must feel like a properly fit glove to you!

I personally don't know of any pro shops in your area but if you are close to Jackson, try Schupbachs.

[bigsablemike]

im almost sure there are members of this site that live near youwho would be willing to help you out.cmon guys give him a hand.

[elkcrazy]

Not sure if it's still there, but there used to be a shop just south of 94 in Watervliet. Not even sure how close that is to you.

[Odocoileus_Virginianus]

Watervliet is only about 15 minutes away from me! I will have to look into that! Thank you very much! I know there is Lunker's in Edwardsburg that sells gear, but they wouldn't be able to teach me how to use any of it and for safety reasons, plus I want to shorten the learning curve I want a full service shop that can help me learn the ropes...

I will look into this place near Watervliet. Thanks again!

[cityslicker]

You are in District 7 of Michigan Bow Hunters Association. Check their website www.michiganbowhunters.com:help: You will be able to contact the Governor of that district. He should be able to fill you in on clubs in your area to learn and shoot your new bow.:coolgleam

[KalamazooKid]

Watervliet is only about 15 minutes away from me! I will have to look into that! Thank you very much! I know there is Lunker's in Edwardsburg that sells gear, but they wouldn't be able to teach me how to use any of it and for safety reasons, plus I want to shorten the learning curve I want a full service shop that can help me learn the ropes...

I will look into this place near Watervliet. Thanks again!

Though Lunkers is a cool place, they really don't have much of anything in the way of bow hunting equipment.

West of Kalamazoo about 5 miles on M-43 is Kruizengas Archery - Mick and Mark. They are great guys if you're able to get this way. Full lineup of the name brand bows (except I don't think they sell Bowtech) with a 20 yard+ indoor range. Tell em Mark Bouman sent ya. Good luck!

Additionally, you might pm Swamp Monster as I know he's really up on his archery and happens to live in Niles I believe. Maybe he'll chime in here ........

[Chuck]

There is a Randalls on red arrow between Watervaliet and Coloma. They are a good shop, father and son owned. I think they sell Parker and Bowtech.

The shop on m140 south of 94 closed, too bad because it was a great shop and Vern was really top notch.

If your close to Dawagiac there is Hales hardware. They have a real good shop. they are also friendly and help full.

Randalls has a few indoor ranges and video shooting and an outdoor course.

If your looking for a bow go to Gander mountain and DNR sports (in kazoo) and shoot as many different bows as you can get your hands on. Then go to Kruzengers and he will order you what ever you want. I live in Watervliet and I bought my bow at Kruzengers. I wish he was closer its the best shop around as far as Im concerned.