32 replies to this topic

[CRITTRGITTR]

Anybody in this forum into bow hunting? Probably a dumb question but I am trying to get into it. I went last year twice, deer hunting, using a borrowed PSE Marauder that is about 10 years old. I am lookin to get a new bow soon. I have done some research, which just left me more confused. I looked at PSE, Matthews, and Hoyt. They all seem like they offer great products, but which one to choose!? I figured it would be easier if I asked you guys what you like, and what your reccomendations are, maybe some pros and cons. I am willing to spend a little money, I just need a little help deciding. Thanks. Bryan

[Thumper Dunker]

I do sort of but only recurv . You need to talk to Sore Loser and some others here.

[Jason]

I used to do some bow hunting. Mostly rabbits and quail. It was fun but I like rifles so much more. Jason

[clampdaddy]

I bowhunt. I really like Reflex. They're made by Hoyt and don't cost as much as some of the other high dollar bows. Mine is four or five years old now but it'll shoot right alongside my buddies' mathews,hoyt, and bow tech bows. The only difference is that thier bows are more compact than mine and one of those guys has a hoyt that is so quiet it's scary. Pretty much, I think you'll be happy with any of the brands you've mentioned.

[brknarrow]

go to a pro shop and shoot some. buy the one you can't live without. i've got a hoyt

[Camoghost]

I primarily bow hunt and have for years.. In fact I just bought my first "Big Game" rifle last year. As far as manufactures go, I use to be a Hoyt man all the way, however I really don't like their new cam and half bows... There are tuning issues that come with them... I just sold my Hoyt Tycon because of this issue.. It was great to shoot, very smooth and accurate but to dang heavy to go hunting with (perfect for 3d shoots). I just picked up the new Mathews Adrenalin and I really like it. Fast shooting , very light and accurate. Bows are like gun in retrospect, you will get what you can afford. I'm not saying to go out and buy the best bow on the market. I know plenty of guys that hunt with old equipment and do great, they are just great hunters.. At most shops they have a consignment area where you can get into a used bow for a great price. Measure your draw length (most important) and pick up a few to test fire at their range. However you will see that the higher end you go the smoother and faster the bow will shoot. Some great things about bow hunting. 1) Highly tunes your hunting skills 2) Opens more places where you can hunt game 3) Gives you more seasons to hunt 4) Tags are usually over the counter in most states.

[clampdaddy]

Hey Camoghost, you forgot a few of the reasons why bowhunting is so much fun. 1. There aren't nearly as many people in the woods during archery season2. The deer aren't as skittish yet so you can actually watch them for more than a few seconds.3. You don't hear some a--hole blasting his rifle/pistol because he hasn't seen a deer and is getting bored4. Target practice/friendly competition with a bow is a fun way to pass idle time in camp without letteing every deer in the county know that it's deer season

[CRITTRGITTR]

I'm hearin lots of good things about the mathews drenalin. What is that bow goin for $$ just curious I will go to a shop I just havent had time to, been pretty busy with other things but i will soon. Bryan

[JimT.]

Soreloser is the resident expert. He'll help you decide.

[Braz]

I'm seeing an echo, echo, echo, echo.

[Camoghost]

Clampdaddy, you are correct sir! It's just a great silent time in the woods! My really good friends son shoots for Mathews and for our Olympic team so I got a great deal on my bow (The Bro Deal). However I was just @ Orange County Archery and they were going for 799.00 stripped. They are awesome bows and I would highly recommend it!

[mac]

just say"hunt" and I bring out any weapon. I picked up a PSE 4 yrs ago and I enjoy using it to get out pre-rifle season for scouting and try my luck at a velvet buck/ Last year we spotted a 4x5 in D zone and spent 4yrs stalking only to have the "chosen one" get within a 15yd shot and miss! However, it was the hunt of a lifetime! imagine spotting and stalking with no other boneheads in the woods...plus, we were able to go back to the same spot during rifle season and still miss the same buck!!..wasn't me though, I was the only one with a bear tag and came away lucky.I've been trying to find other archery hunters as new as I am to the game. If anyone's up to it, I have some very good black deer hunts, but you first have to learn the secret hand shake + plus it helps if you can camp cook better than me and bring libations :-)

[lilwes278]

but you first have to learn the secret hand shake + plus it helps if you can camp cook better than me and bring libations :-)

That sounds like something you'd hear from a member of a certain ancient and honorable order that I know a little about

[mac]

[clampdaddy]

HMMMMMMM. What say the brethren? PM me if you know the answer.

[RAPTOR72]

Bryan,I bought a Parker for my first bow and still use three years later. I have been upgrading on it since to get a better shot and save money instead of buying a new one. I have become more comfortable with it as I continue practicing with it. That is the key! Lots of practice. Just go down to any Bow dealer and they will fit you with your needs and wallet! What part of California are you hunting? I am new out here and want to bow hunt also. Did alot back east and its now in my blood.Tom

[hawk eye]

I'm a fan of hoyt and of course theres the matthews group, but right now i've got a Martin Prowler SE, its a good bow, im thinking to switching to carbons? Since i've moved to so cal its hard to finda enough cover to get close. ANYBODY USE CARBON, Have a recommendation?

[mac]

Tom, Your best bet is to start applying for pref point zones now - who knows you may draw lucky the 1st year! Those are the best for archery and even rifle. If yo don't get drawn for an X zone, then you can apply for a 2nd option. I know the D3-5 zones well and always see bucks in the early bow season -just my 2 cents...where 'bouts are you located?

[RAPTOR72]

In the Bay area. Antioch, California. Have bow will travel

[mac]

Then you have easy access to D3-5.... I-80 (Placer, Nevada counties), Hwy 20, Hwy 49 (Placer, Nevada & El Dorado Counties), etc.

[coyotekiller78]

I'm a fan of hoyt and of course theres the matthews group, but right now i've got a Martin Prowler SE, its a good bow, im thinking to switching to carbons? Since i've moved to so cal its hard to finda enough cover to get close. ANYBODY USE CARBON, Have a recommendation?

i shoot easton excels from my hoyt vulcan and they are a good carbon another good carbon is gold tip, or the maxima pro hunter. but thats just mho as for a bow i am a hoyt man but the new bow tech line up is nice. i shot the gardian, allegiance, tomkat, and one other and the allegiance was the nicest in my opinon but if your new to bows the gardian is very forgiving and still fast and less than a pound heavier than the allegiance. good luck on finding a bow that suits you its a great sport

[shawnsmc]

I have bow hunted for a few years now and have taken deer, pig and carp. My favorit is Martin bows because i think they feel more comfortable than hoyt. I doesnt really matter what you pick, for me I started bow hunting with a big 5 barnett $75 bow. The accuracy was nothing like my martin or any other high end brand but it was good enough to shoot a B&C 121 three point buck at 39 yards. The biggest must for any bow hunter is a range finder. When I first started out i was not very good at judging distance so it costed me a couple of nice deer. Another fun thing to do is get a bow fishing set up and go somewhere like clear lake and cruise the shoallow water with a boat. Lots of fun almost as fun as misting squirrels.

[yunggun]

I haven't taken anything bigger than a rabbit with my bow yet but really love the sport. I own a Bowtech tribute,( and I challenge all you Hoyt shooters to beat it) I've shot all of the other big names bows but nothing i've shot can touch that Tribute. My goal is to take a coyote with it this year, and hopefully a buck if I can get enough time off of work. good luck to all you bow hunters.

[Camoghost]

It's okay Yunggun... I know allot of girls that have Bowtechs...

[coyotekiller78]

thats the bow im thinking about getting for my wife, she cant pull my hoyt back yet.

[mac]

Funny, I was thinking about getting my 14yr old daughter the same

[Shoot-it]

I thought about A PSE fireflight from cabalas does anyone have any experience with them .I am not that big of a bow hunter ,but the last time I picked up a bow i couldn't put it down I shot every thing I could find......lol i have a old bow right not got it cheap it's heavy and bulky I think its a Jennings.

[yunggun]

thats the bow im thinking about getting for my wife, she cant pull my hoyt back yet.

Those Hoyts do have a real harsh draw on them don't they.

[Camoghost]

Bowtech? Doesn't that sound like some lame piece of work out equipment that you buy on late night TV? You to can have arms like Biff if you buy a bowtech today, 3 easy payments of 39.99..

[yunggun]

Don't nock it, (pun intended ) till you shoot it.