Looking to Get Into Bow Hunting — Starter Setup Recommendations

[TNBuckTracker]

Hey everyone,


I've hunted with a muzzleloader and rifle my entire life, but I'm looking to throw in a new challenge and get into bow hunting. I've always enjoyed learning new aspects of the hunt, and I figure it's time to give the bow a try.


I'm looking for a good starter setup that won't break the bank. Preferably something on the cheaper side, just to make sure it's something I want to stick with before diving into higher-end gear. I completely understand the "you get what you pay for" rule, but I'm hoping to find something that balances quality and affordability.


If anyone has recommendations on a good beginner compound bow setup — or package deals that offer everything needed to get started — I'd really appreciate the advice. Also open to tips on what to avoid or what upgrades to consider down the road.


Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[PickettSFHunter]

I would buy an older Mathews switchback, switchback xt, Z7, etc and hunt with it forever. I've been using a switchback since like 2006 and have no reason to change.

 

[yesmarwh]

I second getting a Matthew's use bow. But the first thing you need to do is get your correct draw length. Good quality release, and a drop way rest. Don't get a short length bow to start with. (33 - 36).

 

[redblood]

Heres what you do. follow the classifieds. people who like to upgrade every year will be liquidating their bows in the next few weeks. remember used bows hold very little value. after they list them, wait a few days and offer half of what they are asking. they will take it. welcome to the addiction. i cant hardly make myself shoot a deer with a gun anymore

 

[Mr.Bro]

Bear RTH. Ready to Hunt. New with just about everything you will need. Think retails about $800. Buy new and get warranty and free set up with a Bear dealer.

 

[UCStandSitter]

Gently used Mathews. Built rock solid and pretty much any shop will work on them and have parts. If you buy second hand, have it checked out before you fire it. Some of these things sit in a garage or basement for a few years and can have issues. Also want those limbs checked for cracks.

 

[West_Tn]

I've got the perfect set up for you. Shoot me a message.

 

[UCStandSitter]

Heres what you do. follow the classifieds. people who like to upgrade every year will be liquidating their bows in the next few weeks. remember used bows hold very little value. after they list them, wait a few days and offer half of what they are asking. they will take it. welcome to the addiction. i cant hardly make myself shoot a deer with a gun anymore

Haven't hunted since I got hurt. Just feels like cheating if not with a bow.

 

[PaintRocker]

Not really a bow set up but something that caught me off guard this year (my first year bow hunting) was how thick the foliage is in the woods. If your hunting hardwoods in rifle season you can see A LOT more than you can even dream of in bow season. Idk why I didn't take it into account and try to trim some shooting lanes or something but it caught me totally off guard. Felt like I should have a shotgun and slate call

 

[jfelts1994]

Not really a bow set up but something that caught me off guard this year (my first year bow hunting) was how thick the foliage is in the woods. If your hunting hardwoods in rifle season you can see A LOT more than you can even dream of in bow season. Idk why I didn't take it into account and try to trim some shooting lanes or something but it caught me totally off guard. Felt like I should have a shotgun and slate call

It definitely is an adjustment for folks. I personally love thicker cover because If I have scouted correctly and am on the trails they use regularly or over a scrape they are using then I am in a "kill spot." What I mean by this is that I am looking for somewhere where the deer are almost forced into a certain scenario for me. They are a lot like us in that they much prefer to walk through the path of least resistance when just out doing normal deer things so if you find those funnels, pinch points, and trails in tight cover then you are setting yourself up for success when deer come through that area because they are almost corralled to you. They obviously will use whatever cover necessary to escape danger and are willing to run through some nasty yugo, but if they have no indication you are there and are moving through the area then they will come through there and give ya a shot whereas if I am sitting in wide open stand of old timber with a clear understory or a field the paths of least resistance are endless and it is harder to predict their movements through that environment.

 

[FLTENNHUNTER1]

Hoyt

Might as well start with the best.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=hoyt+compound+bow&_trksid=p2332490.m4084.l1311&_sacat=0

 

[jfelts1994]

Hey everyone,


I've hunted with a muzzleloader and rifle my entire life, but I'm looking to throw in a new challenge and get into bow hunting. I've always enjoyed learning new aspects of the hunt, and I figure it's time to give the bow a try.


I'm looking for a good starter setup that won't break the bank. Preferably something on the cheaper side, just to make sure it's something I want to stick with before diving into higher-end gear. I completely understand the "you get what you pay for" rule, but I'm hoping to find something that balances quality and affordability.


If anyone has recommendations on a good beginner compound bow setup — or package deals that offer everything needed to get started — I'd really appreciate the advice. Also open to tips on what to avoid or what upgrades to consider down the road.


Thanks in advance for the help!

If you can find the right price range for you used Mathews you won't be disappointed.

Hoyt

Might as well start with the best.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=hoyt+compound+bow&_trksid=p2332490.m4084.l1311&_sacat=0

You should at least tell the man out of pure courtesy that the hardest part of shooting a Hoyt is telling your parents that you're gay.

I am definitely kidding and just providing some light hearted banter and a funny comment because I shoot a Mathews. Both Hoyt and Mathews are on a parallel playing field and both produce the highest quality bows imaginable for any hunting application. The rest is up to the hunter to execute.

 

[N2deerhunting]

I purchased a Bear RTH instinct this year just getting back into bow hunting and like it. I will say a string upgrade is needed from the get go though. My bow setup itself minus arrows was under $500

 

[Chiflyguy]

I don't know how they are now, but I had a Mission by Mathew's years ago and liked it.

 

[SSlater]

Hoyt Torrex package.

 

[skipperbrown]

Start by going to a dedicated bow shop with a range and let them get you fitted. Now that bow season is closing, they should have some pretty good deals.

 

[BuckWild]

Practice Practice Practice.

Bend at the waist.

That's all I got...

 

[Ski]

Welcome to the fray. Bowhunting is a lot of fun.

The Bear RTH package deals are an excellent way to dip your toes without going broke. They're very capable and reasonably priced, as well as super adjustable to custom fit to you. If you decide you love bow hunting you might upgrade but certainly wouldn't have to, at least for awhile. There's no reason you can't get several years of hunting from one. It's just a tool.

The bigger thing to focus on is getting within 20yds of deer without them knowing you're there, and being able to draw the bow without them seeing you do it. Doesn't matter what bow you've got if you can't use it.

 

[WTNBowHunter]

I would buy an older Mathews switchback, switchback xt, Z7, etc and hunt with it forever. I've been using a switchback since like 2006 and have no reason to change.

Switchback XT is still my favorite Mathew to date, wish I never would have parted ways with it! Can't make myself upgrade from my Halon 32 given all the newer bows are comparable in speed.

As far as new bows go...Bear makes a great setup at an affordable price range compared to other bows. They have a RTH model which means ready to hunt. First thing I would do is trash the biscuit and get a fall away rest.

Used bows are a great way to get into the sport, newer technology without the sting of a new bow price.

 

[FLTENNHUNTER1]

@TNBuckTracker

What is your price range?

 

[TNBuckTracker]

@TNBuckTracker

What is your price range?

Not looking to drop over a grand on a set up. I want something I will be happy with. So I would say current price range is anything under a grand.

 

[Heath423]

My brother won an Elite Terrain 2 years ago with all accessories needed to start shooting including 6 arrows. However, he decided to continue to use his Ten Point crossbow. He shot this bow maybe a dozen times. Basically brand new. I don't think he even registered it for the warranty. It is one of the green colors like the banner on this forum. I think he wants $650. If you are interested in more details I can get the two of you in contact with one another.
He is not a member on this forum. He lives 30 minutes North of Chattanooga.

 

[jwp1964]

Mission Switch package. Mission is Mathew's entry level series. I've seen on sale as low as $399

 

[tonybart55]

You should at least tell the man out of pure courtesy that the hardest part of shooting a Hoyt is telling your parents that you're gay.

Dude I just hollered

 

[tonybart55]

Depends on your budget, you can get something like the Sanlida X8 Dragon off amazon for $199. Comes with everything you need to take your first steps into archery except a target to shoot at. Kinda hard to beat in terms of pricing.

https://a.co/d/87ViM2x
However, if you want something a better for your first bow, I would recommend something like one of Bear's RTH packages, there's a dozen variants out there that range from $300-$650. You'll still need arrows, release, and target for those.

That or a used bow from any of the Bigger companies (Mathews, Hoyt, PSE, Elite, Bowtech, etc) you can find a lot of nicer flagship (top of the line) bow models for prices ranging from $250-$1000 depending on how old it is, what all it comes with, and the condition it's in. Just have to do a little research to figure out if that bow will fit your draw length or not.

One very accurate way to figure out your draw length is: wingspan - 15 then divided by 2. My wingspan is 76".

76"-15=61"/2 =30.5" which is exactly my draw length.

Edit:

Just saw you say anything under a grand is your budget. Get a used Mathews Halon 32 (usually $500-$600), or a used Elite Energy 35, if it doesn't have any accessories, get a $30-$40 whisker biscuit for the arrow rest, and a $50 bow sight of your choosing. Then the Sanlida X10 arrow package (24 arrows for $100 in tons of different spines, these have tons of great reviews on YouTube).
https://a.co/d/8O3XG8RThere's your bow with all of the arrows you'll need for a lonnng time.

 

[Hevishot 13]

Buy a Mathew's switchback, put a new string on it from JBK bowstrings, whatever sight and rest you prefer, and get to killing deer. Best southern deer hunting bow made. Mine is silent and practically shoots itself. All I really have to do is draw it lol.