Passing on bow season

[wombatq]

Hey all-

Looks likeI'll be taking a pass at bow season this year. I haven't had the time to proactice and get used to my new (to me anyways) bow. The fifteen hours of practice I've gotten in this summer have shown this really good bow just isn't for me. The draw is too long AND its got me having to use my weaker (right) side. So its time to start brown bagging lunches again and get a bit of money set aside to get the right equipment for next year.

On an unrelated topic, is there any group I can get in touch with to find out more about the state of Hunter's Safety in Michigan, from a hunter's-parent's point of view? I just took my class, and it was HUGE. The instructors were great and did everything they could to help, but it just seems there were an awful lot of people there. Are the classes that hard to come by?

Marc B
www.beginninghunter.com

[SALMONATOR]

Man that sucks!! I'd be trading that sucker in like yesterday for another bow, or trying to get it adjusted to better suit you. There's still plenty of practice season left, and even if you're still not comfortable opening day, remember bow season is a month an a half long with the best action usually toward the end anyway. I do admire your way of thinking though. I think alot of guys in your shoes would give it a go anyways and just hope to get lucky, ready for the season or not. Good luck.

Al

[east bay ed]

wombatq,

a couple of thoughts.
first, you said you have to use your weaker right side.
which is your dominate eye? if your right eye is dominate eye you should shoot right handed or visa versa for your left eye. this rule should be cast in stone.

second, if the bow is a late model used bow i would take it to a good archery shop and have them adjust the draw length.

[wombatq]

east bay ed-

Thanks for the advice on adjustment. I'll take the bow in (its a 1989 Bear) and see what they can do. If that helps, I'll keep practicing and see what I can do.

And I was worried about the bow being right handed (right eyed?) I know my left eye is dominant (I'm a photographer), but was trying to use a generous gift to its full advantage. I'm going to keep trying through the oncoming fall, and I may just find the right combination.

Marc B

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I wouldnt throw in the towel just yet......archery season is long, and you may well be able to hunt later in the season. I don't bow hunt anymore, but I always found the end of Oct/beginning of Nov. to be the best time for bowhunting.....the rut is just beginning, so there is more deer movement and most of the leaves are off the trees, giving better visibility. You also have the whole month of December also.
I don't know if finding a range is a problem for you, but there is a public, outdoor range at the Shelby Oaks River Bends park; the cost is $5 a day (or $35/season) and you can shoot all day, if you wish. They have hay bales set up from 10-50 yards. They also have a trap range as well. Pretty basic set up (bring your own stuff; no concession stands).
As for the hunter saftey class: Yes, they are hard to come by, esp. at this time of year. My daughter is taking the same class as you, and I signed her up early because I was told that there would be only 45 spots...I was quite surprised when they started calling role and the number jumped past 114! Add a few disruptive youngsters (which we seem to have) and it can make for a difficult learning enviroment.
If you have any more questions re: your bow, you will most likely find more advice than you can handle if you post under the whitetail deer hunting forum......there are plenty of good bowhunters there who would be happy to help you.

Good luck on your test!:)

[Lil' Tanker]

get it to the right archery shop and someone that knows their stuff can have you shooting decent in a couple of hours. you still have a month. I would suggest a small archery shop that can be more one on one. Some place like gander mountain or even bass pro you will just be getting a glorified clerks help. good luck

[Fred Bear]

try shupbachs in Jackson for a more one on one hunter safety course. That is where I sent my son and nephew. I can give you the phone number if you need it. I think they have a couple of them going on right about this time of the year.
They surely can hook that bow up for you too.
:p

[FREEPOP]

First let me commend you to know that you are not ready. That is a huge decision and one that won't make you happy, but you are man/sportsman enough to admit it.
Going to a archery shop is a very good idea. They can help you tune your bow and ask for lessons too. You can be suprized what you can achieve in just one lesson. They will point out flaws in your form and give you pointers or suggestions on equipment that'll help you.
There is a shooting range near me,but it is a long way from you that has good courses. It is the Shooters Corral in Eaton Rapids. There classes are Friday night and Saturday morning, with all kinds of weapons and small classes.

I take my hat offf to you.

Good luck you deserve it :)

[Trushot_Archer]

First let me commend you to know that you are not ready
Man...you said it Freepop. I can't tell you how much respect you gained from me. I can't tell you how many times I go to Cabela's around , ohh ...September 28th and see guys buying new bow "packages", arrows, broadheads and then get in the truck and drive up North!

Sell the bow and get one that fits you. Gifts are great, but getting a bow that fits your draw, weight, ATA, grip etc... is a very personal thing and can make all the difference in the world.
Good luck!

[One Eye]

I agree on the Hunter Safety class situation. I took my son last Spring, before turkey season, and the class was HUGE! There wasn't enough tables, materials, lighting etc. The instructors were great, but the class size did diminish the instructional experience. I felt like my son was just put through an assembly line.

I have since inquired into becoming a Hunter Safety instructor. Perhaps more instructors would help this problem.

Dan

[Recurve]

Originally posted by east bay ed
wombatq,

a couple of thoughts.
first, you said you have to use your weaker right side.
which is your dominate eye? if your right eye is dominate eye you should shoot right handed or visa versa for your left eye. this rule should be cast in stone.

I am left eye dominate and right handed. I shoot right handed. I have learned to compensate.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/521/854bowhunt.jpg

So much for "cast in stone".

[victor mi pro bowhunter]

Its okay man put down taht bow pick up your gun and go small game hunting if you dont have a gun:eek:

i would die before i miss hunting small game bow or gun hunting
really