Bow/archery supplies for 10 year old

[Poketologist]

First post here on the outdoor boards. I think.

DISCLAIMER: I've never been hunting. Ever. My dad didn't hunt so I didn't grow up hunting. So excuse my ignorance please.


So the reason I am posting here now is that my son has taken an interest in bow hunting. More specifically, he wants to shoot the bow and arrows. Each time we go to Dick's sporting goods or Academy he gets mesmerized by the bows and arrows there.

So my question Is- how do I get him started - In fact, how would I get started myself so its something we both enjoy?

Dealer here in OKC.
Equipment needed
Maintenance
Supplies
Targets/range/practice

And finally- how would I get to the point we could actually go hunting? Licenses. What are the seasons? What species? Where can we go. What if we actually kill something - where can we get the meat processed?

Any input is welcome.
This post was edited on 10/14 4:45 PM by Poketologist

 

[Popinski]

Bow hunting is a great hobby. Just going out in the back yard for target practice is fun. That's something I can't do with my guns since I live in OKC. So here are a few recommendations that I have (I am not an archery expert by any means, I just sometimes bow hunt on the weekends).

A few dealers that are good: Oklahoma Archery (where I bought my bow), H&H Gun Range, Bass Pro is OK

To learn about the seasons and how to get a license, go here: http://wildlifedepartment.com/
You'll need to take a hunter's safety course (takes about 4 hours on a weekend if you fill out "homework" on the wildlife department's site before the course). I would get a lifetime license once you know you want to do this because you don't have to buy a license and a deer tag every year. This is much more convenient, but the upfront cost is about $600.

You can bow hunt both deer and turkey from Oct 1 to Jan 15 every year. If I get a deer, I take mine to Terry's Taxidermy in OKC (I assume you live near OKC). They can process the meat and are very good at taxidermy work if you get a great buck. Also, if you don't want the meat, you can donate the deer to Hunter's vs. Hunger there. I think you donate like $10 and they will process the meat and give it to the needy. Either way, you'll need field dress the deer once you shoot it. I would youtube this. This is easy but a little messy.

I've only hunted on private land, but there are many public lands that are available.

This is a great hobby for you and your son to spend some time together. Hope this helps some. Have fun!

 

[Jeff J.]

I think you'll find that the OSB is not populated by the kind of people that would call someone a pussy for not having experience and asking for input on a hobby they enjoy.

 

[Pokes15]

Bowhunting is a huge hobby of mine. Big conflict of interest since deer season coincides with football season, but I make it work. It's not a cheap hobby by any means, but if you take care of your bow it should last a while.

As for a bow shop to get started, I would recommend Davenports archery in Prague. It's a drive, but the prices are cheaper than anywhere in OKC and they have great bow techs to get you set up. I'd stay away from dicks and academy. Heartland is a pretty good choice too, but will be pricier. I shoot a Mathews and probably won't shoot anything else, but there are tons of other brands that are just as good ( Hoyt, bow tech, bear, etc. ).

Outside of hunting, shooting 3d is a blast. They have tournaments and leagues all over the state and shoot basically year round.

As for hunting, I am fortunate to have some family land and also friends property to hunt on. Having a place to yourself vs. hunting public is advantageous and also safer, but if public is your only option then go for it. A lot of big bucks get shot on public land every year.

Leasing property is a great option if you can afford it. Prices can range from 4 to 12 an acre, just depending how many acres and where it's located.

 

[Poketologist]

Originally posted by Jeff J.:

I think you'll find that the OSB is not populated by the kind of people that would call someone a pussy for not having experience and asking for input on a hobby they enjoy.

Sorry JeffJ, guess I've been hanging out on the 24/7 board too ling. Lots of good advice so far.

 

[Clayton M.]

Pussy.

 

[Poketologist]

You need a real hobby.

 

[Clayton M.]

I tried bow hunting before and I suck at it. Might have helped if I actually cared about hunting, and strong enough to pull a bow.

 

[dtspoke]

The addiction to bow hunting is unbelievable. Shoot me an email because I may have a bow available, just need to make a phone call.

 

[Poketologist]

Originally posted by dtspoke:
The addiction to bow hunting is unbelievable. Shoot me an email because I may have a bow available, just need to make a phone call.

OK, check your email big-un.

 

[Poketologist]

Originally posted by Clayton M.:
I tried bow hunting before and I suck at it. Might have helped if I actually cared about hunting, and strong enough to pull a bow.

1.) Pussy.

2.) Actually, don't you have access to better ordnace than a bow and arrow?

 

[dtspoke]

Originally posted by Poketologist:

Originally posted by dtspoke:
The addiction to bow hunting is unbelievable. Shoot me an email because I may have a bow available, just need to make a phone call.

OK, check your email big-un.

Backatcha

 

[TexasCowPoke]

There are a few good bows(compounds is what I assume you want to start with...?) that could be set to fit your 10 yr old now, but would grow with him for quite a few years with changing the settings (poundage, draw length, etc.).

A good example is in the link I provided, just so you could see what I'm talking about. There are several, though not a lot, of good options for that kind of thing.

Glad to see you over here and there is a wealth of information in these guys heads. Just ask. Also it would help if you go to a good archery specialty shop to get help with selection and setting up the bows and proper arrows for it.

Learning proper shooting form is essential also, so learning at a range or with a buddy who knows what he's doing is helpful. I'd encourage you to start a indoor/outdoor range and then when feeling proficient think about hunting some. I have been hunting with a bow starting in 1975 while in college at OSU and have never looked back. I feel like I'm cheating when I use a gun.

tcp

youth to adult bow

 

[dtspoke]

Good advice from TCP. The Infinite Edge is really solid.

In my neck of the woods, it's easier to kill a good bull or buck with a bow than a rifle due to pressure and time of year. By the time my rifle season rolls around if you want a big deer you better be able to shoot or know where they are hiding which means nasty country.

They flat out disappear by third week of September.