Where Should I Buy a Bow?

First you need to decide if you’re an online shopper or if you’ll be hitting your local archery shop. For newbies, it’s highly recommended to connect with someone in person who is knowledgeable about bow setups, features and maintenance. To do that you’ll have to find a physical store.

How Much Weight Can I Pull?

A slow and smooth pull back is always necessary when hunting wild game. Therefore, for beginners an easy draw cycle is vital. A draw that’s too heavy leads to jerky movements and uncontrollable arrow speed. Finding your unique draw weight is a must for practicing your mechanics. Also, always get yourself a true draw length measurement. A draw length too long or short leads to inaccurate shots.

Which Bow Length So I Choose?

Compound bows range from 28-33 inches. Another reason to try a bow in-person is to get a feel for the bow length and see what feels best for you. Also take into consideration where you will be using the bow. Shorter bows are typically used for smaller area like ground blinds.

What Brace Height Should I get?

Brace heights are a game of inches also but they are very important to the draw. Shorter brace heights are harder to draw than longer ones. However, shorter brace heights lead to faster bows. See what feels best for you and for what you’re hunting.

Should I Buy a Heavy or Light bow?

Heavier bows tend to be a bit stronger and easier to balance. Those who are stronger and prefer a tougher build should take this into consideration. Hunters who aren’t looking to carry a heavy load way back into the country might want to start with the lighter bow option.

Last but not least, how much is the bow?

Let’s not forget about the biggest question – How much does it cost? New compound bows may run well above $1,000. Of course, if you are a beginner and not subscribing to all the bells and whistles, less expensive options are available. Some are as low as $200-300. This is where you want the internet’s help instead of a single retailer. Do a quick search of the bow you’ve decided on to see what online retailers are selling them for and compare.

Knowing what to ask and how to evaluate your needs and measurement is an important task before making the big bow purchase. Review these questions with an Archery Pro to make sure you get the right bow for you. We highly recommend the Mathews V3X which fits our Viper Dovetail Sights perfectly!

The post Questions to Ask When Buying Your First Archery Bow appeared first on Viper Archery.

1. Get Comfortable in the Field
You’re going to hunt out of a tree or in a forest, so get comfortable. Have your archery gear ready, wear comfortable camouflage clothing and pack your necessities for the long hunt. Remember that the trees are where most hunt deer from, so focus and train on shooting downward. Don’t forget to wear a harness for safety!

2. Maintain Your Bow
Bow maintenance checks are an extremely important part of hunting safely and avoiding injury. If your a single season hunter that means your bow has been in storage during the off season. Temperatures can change often in various environments and boxes can get shuffled around so it’s very important to check bowstrings, cables as well as your limbs before shooting.

3. Train Your Dominate Eye
While some professional shooters close their lesser eye during a competition, it’s not the same as putting the right pin on moving deer in low light. Once you learn which is your dominate eye, learn to aim having both eyes open. They say this provides the widest field of view.

4. Stick to a Light Draw Weight
Choose a compound archery bow that will allow you to shoot a lighter weight to start. You can gradually increase it as you get stronger but the less the better for beginners. You will know the draw weight is too much if you are shaking or inaccurate when coming to full draw.

5. Take the Right Shot
Understanding where to strike your deer or game most effectively is what archery hunting is all about. There’s no benefit to causing prolonged suffering for your target. You have to take the ethical and most lethal shot. Any amateur can sling arrows all over the field. Until you’re experienced, the best target area for deer is the lungs. The lungs offer the largest lethal area to hit.

6. Control Your Scent
While you are the one doing the hunting, the Deer have the upper hand. And it’s because of their noses. Control your body odor by showering with scentless soap or body wash. Absolutely no cologne and make sure your clothes are washed with scentless detergent. You need to get as close as possible to your big game without it seeing, hearing or smelling you.

7. Start Early
Early season for archery hunting starts in the late summer while fields are still green. Deer are focused on feasting on late summer food, making them easier to ambush as they roam. They are still in their summer pattern and likely not used to hunters being in the field yet. Get in early during the season and try to learn the deer feeding and movement patterns.

8. Be Prepared to Get Lucky!
That’s right! All the trail research, deer sign tracking, and careful preparation can’t predict what a deer will do on any given day. Sometimes you’ll spend the whole day without taking a single shot. Other times the deer will do what you least expect and stop right in front of you for an easy shot. Be prepared for those rare easy opportunities. The best carry a ‘good luck’ charm for a reason.

9. Be Prepared for Failure Too
Sometimes the target is on sight and the moment is perfect. Then suddenly…a branch gets in the way, the wind gusts out of control or another animal darts by distracting you or your prey. Don’t beat yourself up over circumstances you can’t control. You won’t be aiming for every deer you see. Be ready for the long wait. Part of being patient involves keeping your eyes and ears ready and alert. Every professional archery hunter faces a bad beat sometimes.

10. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
It’s not just about the hunt. It’s about being outdoors in nature and taking some time off from staring at your phone all day. Breathe the fresh air, watch the movement of the clouds, trees and wildlife all around you. The sunrise and sunset feel a little extra special when you have a bow in your hands. Connect with your fellow hunters and most importantly, make it home safe.

Even though many of these tips may seem obvious, it’s always good to review the basics before every hunting season. If you’re just starting out, get to a popular archery range to practice and keep these tips in mind for the field. Any instructor or experienced hunter can familiarize you with all basics and the best archery equipment and accessories.

What other advice would you give a bowhunter heading out for their first hunt?

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