Beginner

[Midol]

Heya.

I've done a bit of searching on the forum and the internet and I've sent emails off to the firearms (even though bows arn't firearms I asked them if they could supply me with the laws and regulations and they're pretty helpful usually).

Anyway, I can't find much information specific to beginners (as in only ever shot a bow once about 7 years ago, lol), so I am interested in getting into archery and then into hunting once I have the skills to shoot accuratly (probably be a long time before I can).

I like the look of recurve bows but unsure if it matters what I get. I don't like compounds due to the 'high tech' look about then - I prefer the look of the more traditional bows :thumb:

I plan on joining an archery club eventually but probably not straight away. We live on a few acres (10) so I can set up a small range but I can't really hunt on it, lol (we do get rabbits that I will be exterminating with ferrets and a knife - can't hunt em with rifles and I don't know if I'd be allowed to bow hunt on a property this small though its a rural area).


Anyway, enough rambling and time for some actual questions...

Is there any reason a recurve would not suit a beginner like me? If so, what'd you recommend? I don't mind getting a cheaper/more expensive training bow if it'll serve me in the long run but I do want a recurve eventually. I also don't want to get something of inferior quality because 'I might not like it after a while' - I'd rather work on the assumption I'll continue it forever :thumb: .

Can anyone recommend a club on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland? When I was looking at rifles every club I called promised to call back and never did - put me off shooting.

I am sure I'll think of more questions. I had more but I forgot them as I was typing.

Cheers,
Michael.

ps; If age is relevent I am 18 - and a male. My S/N confuses people.

[Liam]

recurve is good to start off with.

But, join a club BEFORE doing stuff on your property.

You NEED to learn basic form first. and at a club you will learn LOTS.

[Hannah]

The guys in QLD will be able to help you out with regards to a club on the sunshine coast...

[Sandy Hancock]

Welcome to archery Midol.
It would be fine to start with a recurve. I fact, many would recommend it.
Try to get in with a club early. Doing lots of practice at home without a grounding in sound technique will entrench bad habits which may be difficult to unlearn.
As far as clubs go, there are probably several which would do. A quick look on the Archery Australia website under "Find a club" then "South Queensland" gave quite a large choice including the Sunshine Coast Archery Club in Buderim. I'm sure a similar search of the ABA / IFAA websites would give you other options.
And yeah, resist the temptation to go bowhunting until your skills are more developed. Even on your own land.

[Ant]

Welcome to the site. There are many bowhunters/archers willing to help set you up. With regards to equipment- ALL experienced in archery agree that "try before you buy" is mandatory. Club members will be of great assistance. If you're looking for bowhunting specific forums, there is one listed on this site, (and others) if you do a an internet search with 'aussie' plus 'bowhunter'. Ferrets smell, get a bow and enjoy watching your arrows fly. Best luck.

[Midol]

Hey guys.

In regards to the bowhunting specfic forum. Tried joining just waiting for my confirmation email to be sent (joined last night).

I am going to join a club before starting now, I never thought about form and proper technique and I don't want to get into bad habits that I have to try and recover from.

I won't go hunting for a couple of years/I don't know how long. I don't want to shoot at something and get his back leg or something equally non fatal and then he gets away and dies a crappy death.

The suggestion of the archery club in Buderim is great as I live in Mapleton so that is only a short drive! I'll check the website to see if there are any closer and get on the phone making some calls within a few days.

Cheers,
Michael.

[Warlocke]

A recurve for a beginner is a good idea.

A takedown model would allow you to buy itinitially with lower poundage limbs, then purchase higher poundage limbs when your form has developed.

I have a Samick Talon which is a cheaper take down recurve but I am very happy with it.

Limbs can be purchased from 30# to 60#.

http://www.archeryshop.com.au/p/25103/samick-talon.html

[bobzila]

midol it doesnt say you regersted in the members list on tbga (bow hunting specfic forum) so give it another try

[Midol]

bobzila: Tis' all sorted out now :) Profile was accidently deleted so I am rejoining again shortly.

Warlocke: I was having a browse of that site earlier :>

Now, a few questions on bow selection. I am right handed but I do alot of things with different hands, ie, I use both equally as often. Using my hands in the air I'd probably hold the bow in my left hand, would this equate to a right or left handed bow? I found information on a UK site saying that this is infact right handed but I wanted to check.

I used the rule of extending my arms and measuring from finger tips to my chest and got 62 cm which is 24.6'', then adding one inch and coming to 25.6'' then according to the same UK site I need a 62'' bow. Would you agree with this?


Should I buy a bow before learning technique or should I get a bow, join the club and then learn from the start with my own bow?

How long did you guys practice for before you were accurate enough to hunt? I'm in no rush but I'd like to know how long it'll be before I can get those damn bunnies - make holes everywhere. I'm guessing it might be up to a few years. I'll practice a fair bit and my bro is interested in taking archery up as well.

ETA: How young do you have to be to go into juniors and how old is too old? I'm not interested in competing and such but my 6yr old brother and 11yr old brother want to start it up.

[Sandy Hancock]

Should I buy a bow before learning technique or should I get a bow, join the club and then learn from the start with my own bow?
Neither. Learn how to shoot with club gear. Then get advice from club members about what gear would me most appropriate for you.

[Sandy Hancock]

How young do you have to be to go into juniors and how old is too old? I'm not interested in competing and such but my 6yr old brother and 11yr old brother want to start it up.
I think six is too young. The 11 year old would be fine with appropriate supervision.
Under 18 is the "oldest" junior division.

[Midol]

Thanks Sandy.

On Monday and I'll call up and find out what they do for beginners and go from there :)

So there is no archery the younger one can do? Nothing at all, even things like blunt arrows or is it just that the bows would be way to big for him?

[bobzila]

midol most 3D clubs dont have a minimum age like the target clubes do and 3D would help more then target if you want to hunt

[Midol]

I have to admit I have no idea what 3D is so I'll go do some research.

[bobzila]

mate 3D is where you shoot 3D animols insted of targets and the animols are not marked with the distence so its good because you need to judge the distence just like in hunting

[Midol]

Yep, just read up on it.

Sounds like a great idea! Though I'd like to learn the basics on a target first I think.

I thought it was going to be some new fandangled computer thing.

[bobzila]

mate thats a good idear because once you learn the basics you can teach your little brother on your property on a home made target to keep him occupied untill he is oldenuff to shoot at a club

[perry]

Midol there is another archery club close to where you live I believe it is in the vicinity of the ettamogah pub , can any one else be more specific . I am a member of the Caboolture and districts club it sounds like were only 30 or 40 minutes away, we are a 3d club though we have 2 field courses with ifaa type and animal paper targets set . I would be happy to show you around and get you a feel for the sport . I can arange for you to try recurve , compound and longbows if you want . I have sent you a personal message with my contact details if your interested .regards Perry

[Luke]

Good on ya Perry :thumb:

[Midol]

Heya,

No PMs received :(

Will love to come along and try!

Cooboolture is close enough for me to use, not even an hour away :)

Cheers,
Michael.

[perry]

The web crashed on me this morning as I sent PM should be right now just sent it again .