New Bow?

[WACATHUNTER]

I just moved to OR and didn't get into the draw and can only buy an over the counter archery tag. I have always rifle hunted, but have had serious interest in the archery side of things. It looks like I know have a great excuse to buy a bow and another form of hunting to the list. Any general suggestions on Bows, brands, shops, etc.? Thanks,
WACAT

 

[Crunchy]

Well I feel your pain. I just bought a new bow, but it all comes down to how much money you want to spend. I shot a few different ones, and ended up buying a Mathews Switchback XT. My second choice was the Bowtech Trubute. Just get out shot some and you'll get a better idea of which ones you like and how much they cost. Good luck

 

[LoveBigRacks]

CatHunter, I also live in OR but have for my entire life. I started bow hunting about seven years ago and today finally upgraded to a new bow. There are several posts recently in the Archery forum with everyone's opinion on which is the best, you can read through them and get a sense for popular opinion. I had a fairly inexpensive Martin bow which I shot a few animals with and can't really complain about but finally felt it was time to upgrade. I shot the Mathews Switchback, Hoyt Trykon, and BowTech Allegiance, most will tell you these are the top three on the market these days but each has his loyalties. The best advice you'll get is to visit a local archery shop and shoot all the bow's your interested in; everyone's style is a little different and each bow will fit differently. I found the Mathews to be too "jumpy" at full draw, it really wanted to fire if I let any tension off. I liked the Hoyt, it shot well and was well balanced but the Bowtech shot better for me. They all shoot right around 300 FPS and will cost you the same (roughly $700 naked). If you're looking for something cheaper, check out Martin, I liked their bows. You're right though about archery hunting in OR. Far fewer units that require draw tags, less hunters in the woods, longer seasons, and once you have a chance to send an arrow into an animal you'll be hooked... I swear! Good luck to you.

Not sure where in OR you are but there are Sportsman's Warehouses in Portland (I-205), Salem, and Bend. If you're around the Portland area, Archers Afield in Tigard is a good place with plenty of bows and shooting lanes.

LBR

 

[4x4elk]

This is just my .02 worth but it depends on your budget where your just starting you can go to cabela's and for a 200-300.00 get all you need. you don't need to go out and spend 1000.00 for a sport you don't even know if you like yet and guess what they will kill an animal as well as any matthews bow will.. Not degrading anyone's bow. I have archery hunted for years and I am shooting a PSE nova and over the years I have owned expensive equipment and cheap equpment. and they both did the job for me. Just my thoughts and besides that if you don't like the sport you can sell the lower priced bow with less of a loss.

 

[WACATHUNTER]

Thanks for all the comments. I will need to get to a Sportsmans and do some shooting/testing. I am unsure if I can spend a 1000 on a bow what are some middle class bows? Thanks again all!
WACAT

 

[elk_horn]

I have two sons that have Martin Jaguars.. you can get one with sites, a rest, and a quiver through Cabelas for a little over 300.00 they are a good solid bow ..smooth quiet and fast enough.

 

[flea_bitten]

I shoot the diamond line of bowtech, I have both the triumph and victory, there real good bow at affordable, and come with same lifetime warrenty as the rest of the bowtechs. If you looking for something mid range in price I would start there, shoot the victory or liberty, start there anyways.

 

[drahthaar]

Look at the Fred Bear Instinct. Just go shoot it. Shoot it next to an XT, or any other bow for than matter.

 

[swbuckmaster]

Shoot what ever bow you can afford. Make it a year round habit possible shooting in leagues, tournaments, or just for fun. You will be hooked when you can actually hunt with an over the counter tag and not see any one else in the back country unlike the riffle hunts.