Archery: Guide for Buying a Hunting Bow

It is amazing how many options are available for hunting bows today. There are different models, in different sizes, covering all price ranges. There is a bow out there that will fit all the criteria you have for a hunting bow. Here are some things to consider when buying a hunting bow.

1. Price. Let's face it, price will be the primary limiting factor when you are looking purchase a new bow. We all have to function within our means. Prices for new bows range from about $200 up to nearly $1000. As with most things, the best idea is to purchase what you can afford. Remember, you will also have several accessories to buy that will add up to quite a bit of money, so figure them into your total budget for the bow. If you want to go all out, I recommend looking at a Matthews or a Hoyt. They are certainly top of the line, and will serve you for years to come. Mid priced models are provided by companies such as PSE and Parker. If you are looking for something inexpensive, or a model to just get started and see if you like it, check out Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops. They carry several models from companies like Bear Archery, and Martin Archery that are very reasonably priced.

2. The right specs. Do your homework before going out to buy a bow. You need to know what you are looking for, and then limit the possibilities by your own desires. You need to know your draw length, as well as the draw weight that you would like to shoot. Also consider what let-off you would like your new bow to have. Let-off is given as a percentage of the total draw weight. Most bows today are between 65% and 85% let-off. The higher the let-off, the less weight you are actually holding back at full draw. The best thing to do is to go to an archery shop, and let the archery pro measure your draw length so that you have an accurate measurement. After that, you will have the flexibility of buying there, or shopping elsewhere, such as online retailers. Make a list of the traits you want your bow to have, and then look in your price range for those characteristics. This will help you narrow down the hundreds of possibilities available to you.