New to bowhunting

Well, I’ve deceided to take the plunge and try a bow. Actually, a co-worker kinda pushed me head first into it. I had mentioned something weeks ago about trying it out sometime and today, out of the blue, he gives me a complete setup. bow,case,arrows,broadheads, the works. I’m completely new to bowhunting and everything involved with it so I have plenty of questions.
First, the bow he gave me is a “black lightning” (I believe it’s made by Jennings ). Is this a good bow to start with? Are there any tips or things I should do with the bow when storing or in the spring when I take it out to start practicing? Thanks in advance for your help.

Phacops,

Congrats on a great decision, but could be a costly one

It either bites you like a snake and you are hooked/ obsessed the rest of your life or it ‘s just like anything else, it will pass until you can fish again . Any bow made these days is good enough to start out wth. Just make sure you like it (bow hunting) before you go to hog wild, cause it can be quite coslty of a sport.

Anyways welocme aboard. I’m sure you will like it. Unlike gun hunting, this lasts for months and brings you from 80 degree temps and squitoes, to awesome October afternoons with the leaves falling, to Cold December days and the deer are scrambling to find food when it is 20 below out and 3 feet of snow. Good Luck If you have any questions along the way, feel free.

I would at least get some string wax and make sure your string is lubed, to protect it form drying out!

Phacops,

Congrats on a great decision, but could be a costly one

It either bites you like a snake and you are hooked/ obsessed the rest of your life or it ‘s just like anything else, it will pass until you can fish again . Any bow made these days is good enough to start out wth. Just make sure you like it (bow hunting) before you go to hog wild, cause it can be quite coslty of a sport.

Anyways welocme aboard. I’m sure you will like it. Unlike gun hunting, this lasts for months and brings you from 80 degree temps and squitoes, to awesome October afternoons with the leaves falling, to Cold December days and the deer are scrambling to find food when it is 20 below out and 3 feet of snow. Good Luck If you have any questions along the way, feel free.

I would at least get some string wax and make sure your string is lubed, to protect it form drying out!

Welcome to the Dark Side . Bowhunting does get into your blood, Like Lip Ripper said. I used to have a Jennings bow. It is problably not the newest technology, but is still problably a functionable bow. Should work out well for you as long as it is tuned properly. Start to practice as soon as possible.

You might want to begin saving some extra money for extra stands, food plots, scent lock clothing, scent elimination spray, etc. etc. Maybe even pick up a few cards asking for forgiveness for those times that hunting gets in the way of other things

Your coworker is problably looking for someone to shoot with, scout, and all the other fun things that go along with bowhunting. It is always more fun to do this stuff with others, or at least get together after and talk about it.

Good luck and keep us updated on how you do.

Welcome to the Dark Side . Bowhunting does get into your blood, Like Lip Ripper said. I used to have a Jennings bow. It is problably not the newest technology, but is still problably a functionable bow. Should work out well for you as long as it is tuned properly. Start to practice as soon as possible.

You might want to begin saving some extra money for extra stands, food plots, scent lock clothing, scent elimination spray, etc. etc. Maybe even pick up a few cards asking for forgiveness for those times that hunting gets in the way of other things

Your coworker is problably looking for someone to shoot with, scout, and all the other fun things that go along with bowhunting. It is always more fun to do this stuff with others, or at least get together after and talk about it.

Good luck and keep us updated on how you do.

Your bow and arrows are the most important part of bow hunting. I’d recommend you take your setup to a good archery shop one that really knows their business, if they’re good they’ll have a range where you can shoot,and have them check that the arrows and bow fit you. You don’t just pick up a bow and shoot. You’ll love it after you get in that stand in the dark and watch the world wake up. Good Luck!

Your bow and arrows are the most important part of bow hunting. I’d recommend you take your setup to a good archery shop one that really knows their business, if they’re good they’ll have a range where you can shoot,and have them check that the arrows and bow fit you. You don’t just pick up a bow and shoot. You’ll love it after you get in that stand in the dark and watch the world wake up. Good Luck!

thanks for the welcome guys. Actually my co worker is a rep for buckmasters and bought this bow a few years back then won another one at an archery competition a few weeks later so it hasn’t ever been hunted with and he said that he only shot it a handfull of times. I think he gave it to me just to get another person into bowhunting and to clean out his closet. The later of which is probably the main reason for giving it to me.
when you say “tuned properly”, what do you mean? what things should I look for and how do I “tune it in”?

thanks for the welcome guys. Actually my co worker is a rep for buckmasters and bought this bow a few years back then won another one at an archery competition a few weeks later so it hasn’t ever been hunted with and he said that he only shot it a handfull of times. I think he gave it to me just to get another person into bowhunting and to clean out his closet. The later of which is probably the main reason for giving it to me.
when you say “tuned properly”, what do you mean? what things should I look for and how do I “tune it in”?

I would take Gonefishing’s advice and take it to a reputable bow shop. They can help you tune it. That means all the little things that take years to figure out on your own, such as, nock being aligned properly, draw length fitting, string in good shape, etc. etc. A good bow shop will help you with all that, and they can also help with any “bad habits” you aquire first learning to shoot correctly. And it never hurts to have a good relationship with a bow shop. They can diagnose things that I never could.

Good luck,and remember to take all the advise you can get here. There are some really great bowhunters here.

I would take Gonefishing’s advice and take it to a reputable bow shop. They can help you tune it. That means all the little things that take years to figure out on your own, such as, nock being aligned properly, draw length fitting, string in good shape, etc. etc. A good bow shop will help you with all that, and they can also help with any “bad habits” you aquire first learning to shoot correctly. And it never hurts to have a good relationship with a bow shop. They can diagnose things that I never could.

Good luck,and remember to take all the advise you can get here. There are some really great bowhunters here.

phacops,
If you’ve never been shooting with a bow, then definitely take these guys’ advice. Unless your friend has some time to get you started and critique your form and the obvious misgivings like your stance, anchor, draw weight being too light/heavy, draw length being too short/long, release vs fingers, arrow size, length, etc, most requiring someone with the experience and the proper tools. But the bottom line is getting your set up into a bow shop where all the above can be addressed and appropriately set up for you on the spot. My recomendation would be to find a smaller archery shop where you’ll find more personable care and attention. The extra cost, if any, is well worth the service….let alone the support of a small business.

phacops,
If you’ve never been shooting with a bow, then definitely take these guys’ advice. Unless your friend has some time to get you started and critique your form and the obvious misgivings like your stance, anchor, draw weight being too light/heavy, draw length being too short/long, release vs fingers, arrow size, length, etc, most requiring someone with the experience and the proper tools. But the bottom line is getting your set up into a bow shop where all the above can be addressed and appropriately set up for you on the spot. My recomendation would be to find a smaller archery shop where you’ll find more personable care and attention. The extra cost, if any, is well worth the service….let alone the support of a small business.

phacops, once you get the bow to where you want it and it’s comfortable AND you are serious about hunting with it…then practice practice practice. I know some guys that say they are “bow hunters”, but do not put the time in at the range! It’s important to get that practice in and then take it to the field! Build up your confidence first at the range and it will payoff big time in the field…if you can settle down your buck fever long enough to get a shot! Bow hunting is awesome…whether it’s deer, elk, turkey…what ever…nothing compares to it. Good luck!

phacops, once you get the bow to where you want it and it’s comfortable AND you are serious about hunting with it…then practice practice practice. I know some guys that say they are “bow hunters”, but do not put the time in at the range! It’s important to get that practice in and then take it to the field! Build up your confidence first at the range and it will payoff big time in the field…if you can settle down your buck fever long enough to get a shot! Bow hunting is awesome…whether it’s deer, elk, turkey…what ever…nothing compares to it. Good luck!

I have been bowhunting for over 40yrs and had an archery shop for 30 yrs. I am not going to add much…you have been given great advice.
I will say that most of us are “overbowed” or are shooting too much draw weight. A newer technology bow at 50# will kill just about anything you’ll hunt. Arrow placement wins tournaments and kills game…not poundage. Enjoy a wonderful sport!

I have been bowhunting for over 40yrs and had an archery shop for 30 yrs. I am not going to add much…you have been given great advice.
I will say that most of us are “overbowed” or are shooting too much draw weight. A newer technology bow at 50# will kill just about anything you’ll hunt. Arrow placement wins tournaments and kills game…not poundage. Enjoy a wonderful sport!