Bowhunters school me please

[RunninInGA]

As the title states, school me. I know some of you bow hunt, recommend or point me in a direction to find a bow that fits my needs. I need to measure my draw distance, but beyond that and basic terminology, I have no idea what's next and there aren't many archery stores except big box retail sporting goods stores near me. Following criteria applies. This will be my first bow. Initially, I just want to shoot it to learn what I'm doing. Eventually, robin hood movie roles or some hunting may be a next step.

1. Budget is up to $500-$600 including arrows and other equipment.
2. Since this will be a starter, some customization or additional features may be added so flexibility for light upgrades should be considered.
3. Target range will be my backyard or in a pasture on the farm.
4. I've come across this website. They offer packages. Is this a good way to buy or should I look elsewhere? Hunter's Friend, America's Busiest Archery Store ... Discount Compound Bows and Hunting Equipment

What else should I consider?

 

[RunninInGA]

63 views and nobody willing to share some knowledge? :cowboy:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Best advice I can give you is to check out http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/. It's an excellent site dedicated to Archery and you'll get some solid advice.

With your budget, I'd consider buying a used bow that is fully rigged. At this point, it doesn't matter to you what the accessories are, but more so that it has them. Get a solid bow, and the rest you can work with later as you progress. You can pick up a fully setup used bow that's only a couple years old for that price range. There are fanboys for everything, but I've always had great luck with Mathews. Perhaps one of the best bows ever made is the Mathews Switchback XT. It's not been made in a couple years, but it's an excellent bow (especially for starters) and is well within your price range fully setup.

Again, focus on getting a solid bow for starters, and you can work with the rest little by little. There are some great deals on Archery Talk.

Another thing to mention. Different bows use different types of cams that affect draw length. Most Mathews for instance require you to switch cams (expensive) to adjust draw length, so it's harder to find a used bow to fit. On the other hand, Hoyt tends to use cams with modules that allow for adjustment. You can adjust the draw length (typically up to 3 inches) by swapping out the modules ($30 or so). This would give you a broader range of bows to choose from, and also since you're new, a great way to get a bow that fits. If you can get close in draw length, you can later have it adjusted to fit you better.

Here's what I'd consider when buying a bow. Most of the major brands are all good (Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech). The best advice is to shoot them all and see what feels best for you. Since you're not buying new, this really isn't an easy option as many of the bows in your price range aren't currently made (tend to change them up quite often). There are four main specs I look for in bows.
1. Draw weight. Bows are available in various weights, I typically stick with a 60-70 pound bow (they will have an adjustment of 10 pounds). Starting out, 60 pounds could be a little much, so I'd advise you to at least shoot one first to see what you need.
2. Total length, called axle-to-axle (ATA). A shorter bow is great for hunting, but a longer bow tends to be more accurate. I prefer something ~32" ATA.
3. Brace height. Bigger brace height is more forgiving (which allows you to be a more accurate shooter). 7" is the norm, I'd go no shorter than that. If your form is slightly off, the larger brace height won't show this as bad as one with a shorter brace height.
4. Weight. A heavier bow is more accurate, but also more tiring to shoot. The heavier bow is easier to hold on target, but I prefer a lighter bow for hunting (I may have to hold the bow at full draw for 1-2 minutes, the weight really makes a difference here).

There are some great options out there, just need to do some reading. It's tough asking which bow is best, the answer typically is "the brand I shoot". Good luck in your search!!!