Question for Bowyers (Bow Shooter's)

[mthieme]

I decided me and Christopher (grandson) are going to do a little archery come spring. I found a used recurve bow for me ($10) which is rated at 45#. I can barely pull it back. (First wife relieved me completely of my right pectoralis major which effects pushing and pulling).
We might try some bow fishing - who knows.
I'm thinking to do any kind of repetitive shooting, 25-35# (maybe 20# ?) might be more realistic. I'm technically ignorant with bows and don't really want to learn any more than necessary. Is 25# enough oomph for bow fishing and perhaps dispatching tree rats when the heard gets thick?
Any info would be appreciated...thoughts on poundage?
Also, can I reduce the pull on the bow I purchased? I'm thinking 'can I thin or narrow the risers?' to reduce the pull #?

 

[thurps]

Re: Question for Bowyers

Re: Question for Bowyers

A compound is your answer. Adjustable pull and have seen lots at yard sales cheap.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Question for Bowyers

Re: Question for Bowyers

You can get a Youth Compund fairly cheap. I would go with the compound just for the let-off on the draw/hold. The only thing I question is when I bow fished (25 years ago) the arrow was much heavier and I had to turn my bow's power down. I am not sure a youth bow (Compound) will handle a fishing arrow but the recurve will.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Question for Bowyers (Bow Shooter's)

I'll go compound if it turns out to be more practical for me.
I prefer the simplicity and aestetics of a recurve (or even a long bow).
Another plus for a recurve is that they can be found in fiberglass so I don't have to worry about the water doing anything weird to the wood.
I was thinking this morning I should go to Bass Pro or somewhere like that and try pulling some different bows to see what I can handle...but it' awful cold out there!!!

I'm seeing all kinds of different length arrows. The bows seem to be fairly standard at 28" pull. I assume I want arrows a coupla inches longer (?).
What do cheaper practice arrows run?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Question for Bowyers (Bow Shooter's)

I have had some good results from here (price and selection)http://www.bowhunterssuperstore.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=youth

 

[mthieme]

Re: Question for Bowyers (Bow Shooter's)

That sight is keeping me busy!
I went to Bass Pro and learned a few things.
First - Archery has gotten much more complex in the past two decades.
Second - Archery has gotten much more expensive over the past couple decades.

Okay, how do I know what insert goes into my shafts? I see a ton of different numbers.
I bought some Carbon Express Thunderstorm Arrows since they were the only ones long enough and some practice points. The guy behind the counter said the two would work. I assumed the points would just screw in. Wrong. Gotta get inserts. Ain't driving 22 miles back to the store.
Geez. I remember just picking some arrows of a box at the store and having at it.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Question for Bowyers (Bow Shooter's)

Compound is the way to go. If you go after deer it must be a certain let off say 35 lbs. Most states are the same. NJ i just checked the book is, 35 lbs at full draw.

But most states are allowing crossbows to hunt with.

Nothing is more accurate and easy to use in a bow as a crossbow.

If your hunting in your state i don't have to tell you check the laws.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Question for Bowyers (Bow Shooter's)

If you check the weights of the youth bows ....... they are very light (under 15#)........ If you really want him to learn to shoot a bow I would go with a recurve to start....... then as he gets older move him up. The compund really depends on arm length (draw length) and with kids it can change weekly..... they go through growth spurts.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Question for Bowyers (Bow Shooter's)

i love to shoot my recurve ,but compounds are the way to go set ya up a good bowfishim rig cheap you need really good light and shallow water boat ya can light em and let grandson shoot ,then yall can change in louisiana bow fishin is the bomb, we shoot redfish gar shoepick trout frogs gater .just [jokin on the gator] and some times catfish ,got to get in the shallows and go for it
check out marsh masters ,com

 

[jollymon]

Re: Question for Bowyers (Bow Shooter's)

i would recommend a recurve. Get a good recurve, and you can change the limbs on it to what draw weight you need/want.

My daughter started out, with a 15lb draw and is now at 32, all we change is the limbs. She stop shooting due to back problems, but when she starts again, we will go with the older(lighter draw) limbs. If you both get the same bow, you will want heavier limbs then your grandson, as you both grow, you buy one new set and both move up at the same time. IE he starts with 15lb and you with 20lb. When it is time to move up, he goes to 20lb and you go to 24lb etc.