A bow for my old man?

[grizzmoose]

Hello all,

I come to you all in need of help with a Christmas gift for my father. My father and I have enjoyed rifle hunting together over the last 10 years. During many of our experiences he has mentioned an interest in learning how to bow hunt. After taking me on a trip to Alaska last year, Id like to repay him with a bow as a Christmas present. The problem is, Im completely new to this sport and know NOTHING about it. My father is 55 years old and is in excellent shape. I believe he used to shoot a recurve 20-25 years ago, but I think he would be more interested in a compound. I would like to get some suggestions on some models I could purchase in the 350-450$ range. Whats the best model for the money?? What are some things I should be interested in? One thing I fear is that this is a little to late to purchase a gift like this. What do you all think? Is 55 too late to take up bow hunting?

Rifle hunting has always been more of a family get together than a serious hunt. I would imagine that bow hunting is definitely more of a solitary experience. If dad is the only one that is bow hunting, do you think it will be harder for him to get involved? He does have a very large backyard where he could easily practice.

If I just purchase the bow, how much more $$ is he going to have to put out to purchase arrows, quiver, and who knows what other stuff??

So anyways, a bow for my old man, good Christmas gift or not?

Please help!!

-Travis

 

[c3]

I'll second the advice on getting started slowly (lower poundage). There are very few able bodied people who can pull a 60 lb bow effectively at first.

It takes a lot of time and practice to build up the muscles to do it right. Starting at 40 or 50 lbs would be much more enjoyable for your father. Then as he gets stronger over the spring and summer he can move up to 60 lbs for hunting season.

There are a ton of bows in your price range. Most pro shops will be the best place to get him started. He needs to be measured for drawlength and then have the bow and release length set up at his draw length.

It can be difficult to research and buy the right gear yourself without him being there.

Another option is to go the traditional route for starters. You could buy a couple of beautiful takedown recurves like the PSE Kudu, arrows and all the gear for both of you for that $500 you spend on all the gear he would want for a compound set up. That way you could both shoot together.

After years of shooting compounds and all the gadgetry, I've come to the conclusion that a stick bow, arrows, finger tab and arm guard are all that's needed to have a blast stump shooting and dinking around. Get some flu flu arrows for shooting grouse and such. It's a blast that the whole family can enjoy doing together.

Then if he really gets into it and want's to go the compound route for serious killing accuracy without having to devote his life to shooting, he'll have the basic muscle tone and form to do that right as well.

I can give you a ton more info on how to pick the right gear if you need help. Simply pop me an email or post here with additional questions if they come up.

Cheers,
Pete

 

[c3]

By the way, I had the pleasure of taking a 79 year old fellow elk bow hunting 10 days this year. He reconfirmed that you can do this bowhunting sport as long as you are healthy and willing.

Just a fews sticks and a string and you're ready to go.

Cheers,
Pete

 

[grizzmoose]

As far as measuring goes, he and I are the exact same height. Our arm lengths are extremely close if not right on. He does have a few pounds on me though.. .maybe 20. Do you think I could be measured in his stead so it could be a surprise?

 

[TCR1]

How about a gift certificate type deal with a pro shop that carried a good variety of bows? I know its better to open the bow and go shoot Christmas morning, but that way he can set it up exactly how he likes it. You can contribute as much as you want. A lot of bows come in packages, but I don't know as I would reccomend most of them (although cabelas packages seem pretty nice).