Yoohoo BrandiR! Couple of questions about archery!

[BrandiR]

I am by no means an expert! I'm one of those people who just does the fun part and lets the other guy actually figure out what's going on If you have a sporting goods store near you, go there and try a few and see what feels good. I have a Martin Leopard. It's specifically designed for smaller framed people but powerful enough that you could hunt with it. It's really well made too. It's been dry fired twice and no issues. My boyfriend has a Hoyt and he loves it, but it's too big for me. They can all be adjusted for anyone's pull, but some are just more comfortable than others depending on your build.

If you've never shot a bow before, it's probably going to be really hard at first. Just set it low and when it becomes easy, turn it up a little bit until you get to 45lbs (I believe that's what you have to be set at to hunt and it might vary by state). You have to keep at it or you'll get weak again. When I go often (every week or two) I can still pull it. If I go every few months like I have been this year, I have to start low and build up.

DON'T LOSE YOUR ARROWS!! They are really freaking expensive!! If it's something you're going to really get into, I'd get a kit so you can fletch and repair your own arrows. I've shot nails and things like that will drive the tip into the shaft (I don't want to see this in the out of context thread, this is serious!) and ruin the arrow, but if you have the right tools you can just cut it off and fix it. The plastic wings on the end will get bent and broken, you want to repair those, not replace the arrows.

Be really careful not to hit your wrist with the string. The person showing you how to use it should tell you this, but just in case...keep the wrist that's holding the grip straight. If you tilt it inward, you are going to learn a very painful lesson. Unless you're like me, then you'll have to do it four or five times until you learn.

It's kind of expensive to start, but after you've gotten everything you need it gets a lot cheaper. You'll occasionally have to replace strings and things like that, but most of the equipment lasts forever. I'd check Ebay for a bow after you decide which one you like. I can't remember how much I paid for mine on there, but it was brand new in the box and I think it was about half of the price as the sporting goods store.

Sorry I don't know more! Hopefully someone else does. It's a really fun hobby. I'm interested in hearing how it goes once you get started!