Bow Hunting

Looking into getting into bow unting and practice archery. I can't decide which bow is the better of the 2 I am trying to decide between:
1.) BowTech
2.)Matthews

Any quick suggestions,experiences and advice is greatly appreciated.

BBQRidge,
This is a subject that I can help you with. I have been competing in all types of archery since my childhood. I concentrate on outdoor 3D and indoor NFAA tournaments.
Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech, and many others are great equipment. The best bow for you is the one that feels and shoots the best for you. You must shoot them all to really know which one is best suited for your style. First and foremost is the bow must fit you to a “T”. If speed is what your after the Bowtech bows are building a solid reputation. Just keep in mind that generally with more speed comes less brace height which makes them less forgiving to small problems or errors in your shooting form. For target I like a brace height in the 7.5 to 8 inch range and for hunting and 3D I need a little more speed to make up for errors in distance judgment. You can spend allot of money on these puppies as I’m sure you already know. Just make sure what you are buying is what suits you the best. Don’t buy a top of the line bow and then skimp on the rest and sights. You would be better off with a cheap bow at Kmart. Make sure you buy them at a pro- shop. They will set you up properly if they are a good shop and they also can perform warranty repair. I hope this helps you in your quest. Feel free to PM me or ask further questions in this open thread.:)

Ditto what Oz said, You need to shoot them all and it is really worth it to pay a bit more at a Pro Shop and get fitted correctly.
Hoyt gets my vote but you can't go wrong with many of todays bows as they are so much better than what was being sold just a few years ago.

Matthews owner here but I agree with oz about getting a bow suited to your ability and to its application. My first bow was a used youth Hoyt and after getting a feel for things I sold it and bought a Matthews. My new bow I hardly shot and I feel I did a big mistake by changing too many things at once- different release/rest/etc... and the newer bow is less forgiving because the gain in speed. If possible that you can join up with a friendly archery club then I'd suggest using someones old bow and getting a feel for things and then putting down the coin to buy something suited to you and your needs. I do 3d shooting and did turkey hunting.

Well I went with the Matthews Switchback XT. This bow is amazing!!!! The only other bow in my area is the BowTech. It is a nice bow and I was impressed being it was the first bow I ever shot. Then came the XT. Man that thing is sweet. Immedietly I knew this was the bow for me but I kept an open mind to the BowTech. Well after shooting 8 bullseyes in a row with the Xt I was in love. Very impressed.

I am trying to decide between a hard and soft case. Can anyone help me with this?
Oznative?

I use a hard case as I strap it on to the back of my ATV and felt it would protect the bow better, especially the sight.
Congrats on the new bow. What arrows did you go with?

Was excited to see a post like this because I am in the same boat currently. Am currently a rifle hunter, but want to get in to bowhunting. The advice given on this thread is consistent w/ what I have read and been told. I went to a shop yesterday and did a bit of research. Nice guy helped me out. I'm 6'3" 175lbs and the gent recommended that I start off w/ a bow that is at least 36 inches axle to axle and at least 7 inches of brace height. I'm going back in 3-4 weeks to get fit and see what bow is going to work for me.

I rifle hunt elk in CO every year. Can't wait for 2008 to bow hunt those bugling bad boys!!! :D

After a little practice and a little coaching by me our newest bowhunter is looking pretty good. I am very unselfish with my time when it comes to new hunters, at least some of them.:eek:

You are a true gentleman, Outfitter.

But tell me more about hunting bows. How do you clean 'em? Are they better fried or broiled? Do you use marinade? Is it like dog hunting? (I used to hunt dogs, but after I captured about 20 of them, my neighbors started to gripe about the noise... :rolleyes: )

You are a true gentleman, Outfitter.

But tell me more about hunting bows. How do you clean 'em? Are they better fried or broiled? Do you use marinade? Is it like dog hunting? (I used to hunt dogs, but after I captured about 20 of them, my neighbors started to gripe about the noise... :rolleyes: )

Just a fine southern gent thats always willing to lend a helping hand. :rolleyes:

On the subject of bows, they can be a little stiff & stringy if not handled carefully. Injected & Cajun fried works great for just about anything, don't ya think djeaux?;)

Well Outfitter, I use to bow hunt all the time and shot several deer in NY State with bows. I started with an old Pierson recurve bow and then graduated all the way up to an $89 Whitetail Hunter. I killed a buck out of a tree stand with that Whitetail Hunter that was 70 yards from me when the arrow struck. For some reason I shot but never felt the distance was that great or I would not have shot at all. The arrow just pierced his lung. I'll never forget that shot.

I don't bow hunt anymore but sure would like to get back into it if your assistant would be willing to spend some time with me - you know, going over the finer points and getting a refresher course. Or, whatever!

Outfitter
I admire your dedication to the sport and your eagerness to pass on your knowledge. I have been spending countless hours at the range and my new student is developing nicely. Our progress might have even been quicker if I actually knew something about this bow gadget.:)

That does it. I'm taking up the sport again. When I use to bow hunt nothing like that was shooting at our ranges!!

Outfitter
I admire your dedication to the sport and your eagerness to pass on your knowledge. I have been spending countless hours at the range and my new student is developing nicely. Our progress might have even been quicker if I actually knew something about this bow gadget.:)

LMAO HH4, we must be on the same email list.
Yes, yes, well developed...many .....many... hours...knowledge is the key..;)

That does it. I'm taking up the sport again. When I use to bow hunt nothing like that was shooting at our ranges!!

Yeah shortspark, but Fred Bear was still in diapers back then.:D :rolleyes:

Yeah shortspark, but Fred Bear was still in diapers back then.:D :rolleyes:


Oh, oh , oh!!!!!! That hurts! You young guys think you're so cool, eh? Well, wait until the next pig hunt - I'll have a surprise for you!!!!

On the subject of bows, they can be a little stiff & stringy if not handled carefully. Injected & Cajun fried works great for just about anything, don't ya think djeaux?;)

The only time I've taken a bow has been on stage, so I really don't know how well any particular method might work for free range bows. But yeah, Cajun frying usually does the trick with most anything that hasn't been lying out on the road too long :rolleyes:

Oh, oh , oh!!!!!! That hurts! You young guys think you're so cool, eh? Well, wait until the next pig hunt - I'll have a surprise for you!!!!

:D
We will Whack-em, Stack-em, Cut & Pack-em buddy!

:D
We will Whack-em, Stack-em, Cut & Pack-em buddy!

I do NOT want to see photos of the girls at the next pig hunt. Sorry.

I do NOT want to see photos of the girls at the next pig hunt. Sorry.

Not even the dancing ones? You are from the south so you must like porky!:D

Where can I get a bowhunting partner like that. I would not need all those little instant heat packages to keep me warm in the tree stand.

Where can I get a bowhunting partner like that. I would not need all those little instant heat packages to keep me warm in the tree stand.

Just get a subscription to OUTDOOR wild LIFE and look in the classifieds under "Cabin Girls".:rolleyes: And right next to that is the "Divorce Lawyers" section.:(

Just get a subscription to OUTDOOR wild LIFE and look in the classifieds under "Cabin Girls".:rolleyes: And right next to that is the "Divorce Lawyers" section.:(

In all fairness I did try to get the wife involved when I considered taking up bow hunting. She just wouldn't stay still long enough with that apple on her head for me to practice.:D

In all fairness I did try to get the wife involved when I considered taking up bow hunting. She just wouldn't stay still long enough with that apple on her head for me to practice.:D

LMAO, You just needed to bribe her with a couple "She Safari" outfits. Then she would be style'n mighty fine.

How the heck did I miss the additional posts on this thread. If I had a hunting partner that looked like that I’d wouldn’t need a taxidermist. :eek: I couldn't help but notice she is shooting with very good form though.

How the heck did I miss the additional posts on this thread. If I had a hunting partner that looked like that I’d wouldn’t need a taxidermist. :eek: I couldn't help but notice she is shooting with very good form though.

Oz, You snooze, you loose!;)
I sent the pictures to a buddy up north that I have been trying to get down here for a hunt and here was his response.

"You win, tell me this woman guts her own deer, likes to have fun and $ex, is not your daughter and not a bitch and I am on the first plane to TX and will remain there forever."

He made me laugh.:D

Only 7 more days and a wake up till our general season opens!

I like your friends reaction. I feel the same way but tell me, Does she have her own boat and motor?;) It's 2 more weeks for me till the rifle season starts. I'm skipping the ML season this year and going a week later trying to hit the rut at the right time. Good luck.:)