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My First Compound Bow

PSU Cosmic

PSU Cosmic

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Joined
Dec 17, 2024
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Location
Clarksville, TN
Walked into Clarksville Guns and Archery (who seem to specialize in firearms) last weekend to get measured and they were no help at all. The bow tech said it could take up to an hour and a half to get a bow setup and get me all measured up, and that he didn't have the time to do it on a Saturday. He wasn't dealing with anyone when I walked in, so I don't know if he was just trying to brush me off or what.

Went to a Herndon Archery today and walked out with a Bear Legend XR bare bow. The owner was very nice and helpful. He measured my wingspan and suggested a 32" draw length, but then he let me try out the Legend XR maxed out at its 31" length. He said it fit me well, and I made the transaction. Still need to pick up a target, sight, release, and maybe a stabilizer (maybe not, I'm on a budget) in the near future, but I know where I'll be going for those accessories! Comes with 1 month of free range time, which will start once I get those extras.

I can't wait to get some shots under my belt and prepare for my first bow season next year! I am one happy camper!
 

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Shoot a lot until you feel like you can't miss at 20 and 30yds. Then go shoot more. Then climb up in a tree via whatever mechanism you will hunt from and get comfortable taking shots from there. Then focus on how you'll store your bow in the tree and reaching for it slowly without causing sound. Then go shoot some more. I used to practice with my airpods in and elk bugling loudly at random intervals to cause me to block out the unexpected. Then go shoot more... Also take good care of your shoulders!
 
Yeah I'm definitely going to put in the time to get my form correct and everything, which is why I wanted to get this bad boy sooner rather than later. Nothing worse than buying a bow a week before hunting season and not being able to hit an ethical shot.

My backyard is about 20 yards, so I should be able to set up a target pretty soon (which I'd do after my free month of range time expires). I still don't have a stand or saddle yet, but I'll be sure to take your advice on the elevated shooting position when I pick one up! Thanks for the tips!
 
As it turns out, @Rakkin6 lives right down the road from me! He's actually about to hook me up with a target for my bow this weekend, which I am extremely thankful for!

Does anyone have any recommendations for entry level accessories to get me going? I'm not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on sights and whatnot — that can all be upgraded in due time. I want to get out and shooting as soon as possible without breaking the bank, and so far I think I could do that with just a cheap sight, quiver, finger release, and some arrows. Yeah, I know that it sucks to have a fairly pricy bow and slap some cheap gear on it, but something is better than nothing, and like I said, I would eventually upgrade further down the line before deer season.

Anyway, this community has been super helpful towards me as a newbie and I'm very happy that I found this site. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
 
Well, I just ordered a TruGlo Carbon Xtreme 5-Pin sight, which looks like it should be just fine for starting out. Should arrive tomorrow. I just need a quiver, release, and some arrows, then I'll be ready to shoot out in the backyard! Probably will pick those things up on my next payday. :)
 
Dude, I worked in the custom archery business for several years setting people up with what they needed at a "pro shop". I probably sold 100s of bows and I can count on my hands the number of folks I set up that actually had a draw length over 30 inches. You may be the exception, and I hope you are! a true 30+ inch draw at whatever poundage youre comfortable with is a huge advantage when it comes to speed.
In any case, welcome to the world of archery! As fate, or more precisely, God intended, the best deer Ive ever killed was with a compound bow in my hands. It means a little more to me to have done it that way as opposed to a crossbow, MZ, or rifle.
 
PSU Cosmic said:
As it turns out, @Rakkin6 lives right down the road from me! He's actually about to hook me up with a target for my bow this weekend, which I am extremely thankful for!

Does anyone have any recommendations for entry level accessories to get me going? I'm not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on sights and whatnot — that can all be upgraded in due time. I want to get out and shooting as soon as possible without breaking the bank, and so far I think I could do that with just a cheap sight, quiver, finger release, and some arrows. Yeah, I know that it sucks to have a fairly pricy bow and slap some cheap gear on it, but something is better than nothing, and like I said, I would eventually upgrade further down the line before deer season.

Anyway, this community has been super helpful towards me as a newbie and I'm very happy that I found this site. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
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Ive been out of the game for years now, not even sure they are still available, but a whisker biscuit for a rest and a caliper release to your liking, is all you need to be shooting x rings or killing deer. Scott used to be one of the best in the release game, but I always used an HCA version. DO yourself a favor and skip trying to shoot with fingers!
Its a book to try to type out everything it takes to set you up properly. Anchor points, string loops, follow through, etc......
 
Huntaholic said:
I probably sold 100s of bows and I can count on my hands the number of folks I set up that actually had a draw length over 30 inches. You may be the exception, and I hope you are! a true 30+ inch draw at whatever poundage youre comfortable with is a huge advantage when it comes to speed.
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Yeah, I have an 80" wingspan so divided by 2.5 per the standard rule, I'm at 32". But, like I said, I ended up walking out with a 31" bow that the owner said looked like fit me well. I trusted his judgement and got it right then and there, so I think I'm in good shape! I will not be shooting with my fingers, haha. I'll definitely be using a release.

I got a couple of tips when I was drawing the bow at the store. Not complete lessons, by any means, but he taught me to anchor the string back on the corner of my mouth and to also touch the tip of my nose to the string. Also, I believe he suggested holding the bow very loosely and with my knuckles out at a 45 degree angle, which rotates your elbow from a downward (when gripping strongly) position to more of an outward position. I'm sure I have a lot to learn, but I'm excited to get into it! :)
 
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Hey, just one thought, if your backyard is only 20 yards, do you have a really good backstop? Arrows can get away, skip, etc. I no longer practice in my yard for that reason. There are way too many kids running around in our neighborhood now to chance it.
 
PSU Cosmic said:
Yeah, I have an 80" wingspan so divided by 2.5 per the standard rule, I'm at 32". But, like I said, I ended up walking out with a 31" bow that the owner said looked like fit me well. I trusted his judgement and got it right then and there, so I think I'm in good shape! I will not be shooting with my fingers, haha. I'll definitely be using a release.

I got a couple of tips when I was drawing the bow at the store. Not complete lessons, by any means, but he taught me to anchor the string back on the corner of my mouth and to also touch the tip of my nose to the string. Also, I believe he suggested holding the bow very loosely and with my knuckles out at a 45 degree angle, which rotates your elbow from a downward (when gripping strongly) position to more of an outward position. I'm sure I have a lot to learn, but I'm excited to get into it! :)
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Welcome to the archery world! That's solid sage advice you've been given. The most important thing I can add is don't get too caught up in trying to be "perfect" with your form and accuracy. Go get some experience with your new bow and have fun shooting!
 
tahtah said:
Arrows can get away, skip, etc. I no longer practice in my yard for that reason.
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This is actually a very good point! I have a raised deck in my backyard and I planned to place my target underneath of it and shoot from my back fence towards that area. A complete miss would hit brick and be semi-enclosed by the deck above and more brick on the right side, but the left side is open (where the stairs lead downwards). I guess I didn't consider that arrows can skip. I'm assuming that you're talking about on a 3D target? I have one of the cube targets. I do have some thick 6x6(?) wooden posts that I could use to enclose the left side. Is skipping a frequent problem?
 
Sounds like youre one of the few that can shoot that draw! Its always best to NOT lock that elbow and a little bend to the outside is exactly what you want. That bow hand needs to be loose too, kinda let the bow fall away at the shot, thats why they make wrist straps! Whoever set you up knew what they were doing! It sounds to me like youre off to a good start. Ive set bows up for people the night before opening day and had them come back in the next afternoon thanking me and bearing gifts LOL.
 
PSU Cosmic said:
Thanks again for your advice, @Huntaholic! I'm here to absorb any and all tidbits of information that I can, and I appreciate everyone's input.
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Hey, I love seeing new people come into the archery game, even though Ive been out of it for several years. Truth be told, I shot my compound more this summer than I have in 5 years or so. I had some really good deer on cam in KY and their archery season isnt open to crossbow for a few weeks into season. I was pleasantly surprised at how well I shot to be honest. For YEARS I had issues with "target panic" that seemed impossible to overcome. As a new shooter, I would advise you to NOT SHOOT TOO MUCH at any one session. If you go out intending to shoot 100 shots and the first 5 or 10 are good, QUIT for the day! Fatigue leads to really bad habits and once you have them they are a bear to get rid of!
 

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