varnco

I am considering giving bow hunting a chance after going to a local shop and taking a 1 hour course, and used a recurve and compound bow. i really liked the compound bow, and shot it better (accuracy) than the recurve. Since I don't know if I'm going to go the bow route, I am looking to buy a relatively inexpensive used compound bow, so I don't put too much into it, but can go practice often to see how it goes. So, I'm open to all thoughts/recommendations on brands, or specific models, and probably one that doesn't need a bunch of maintenance. Also, any "options" that would be ideal (fiber optic sight) My wingspan is 69", so I believe i need about a 27 -28" draw...not sure if that matters for this discussion. Thanks in advance.

One more on this subject... I found some details on this bow at PSE's website: http://tune.pse-archery.com/BowDetail.aspx?Year=1998&Model=0800MH Towards the bottom, it indicates for a 27" DL, the weight is 40-60#? Seems like a big variance for a bow this old?

Picked up a PSE Mini-G camo with twin cams, 5 carbon hunting arrows, slide sight, quiver, stabilizer, biscuit rest for $65, and it's in excellent condition. Thanks for all the suggestions, but I thought I'd take a chance at $65.

That's $200 more than I'm willing to spend at this point... thanks for the suggestion though. Almost picked up a diamond for $200 bucks today... missed it though.

Well, I guess it was an okay, deal, cuz it's gone.

So, I'm still looking, which isn't a problem, I'm not in a hurry. I came across this bow for $230.. Bear brand, charger model. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/spo/4993167345.html I know that brand it isn't on the previous list...just wondering. Thanks.

Keeping an eye out for switchback... I've seen an older solocam, But since I'm not in a hurry (No Elk Draw), and have a pretty aggressive price, I'm being patient. I really appreciate all the help. Now, if you all would just tell me where all the bucks are this fall, that would be great! ;-)

Thanks for the list.. really appreciate it. I'm scanning Craigslist daily...

Missed it... by 15 minutes.

Thanks for everyone's help... I'll keep an eye out...

Oh, I didn't know that Diamond was Bowtech. I thought Diamond was a different company, and that Bowtech just happened to have a model named "Diamond Infinity Edge". I'll add "Diamond Rock" by Bowtech as an option. This tells you how little and how much I have to learn about bows! Thanks.

No one seemed to recommend diamond brand...is it a good brand? Should I be concerned with the description "Strings and cable are original, but they don't look too bad." Thanks.

Not exactly in my price range for a "starter" to see if I'll even continue with bow. Reviews on them appear awesome though!

Thanks all! Exactly what I was looking for, I'll keep an eye out for: PSE Brute X Mathews Switchback XT PSE Omen Pro 2006 Bowtech Allegiance Diamond Infinity Edge by Bowtech

This is what I'm needing.. .just some recommendations on brands/models that are good, and I'll hunt one down.. I'm in no hurry.

This! Make sure you know your draw length and go steal one off of AT. Take it down to a good shop and have them help you set it up it will be money well spent. Thanks.... I'll check them out, but have no idea "which" bows to look at. I know guns well... bows... not a clue. Draw length = 69" wingspan divided by 2.5 = 27.6", right? Do I need a 70# bow? I think a 50# -60# would suffice for deer?

$300-ish is what I was hoping on the top end, so if I end up not doing it, I can unload it and not lose too much $$.

Well, not really. I missed my 2 shots at a buck, and that was all I was able to get in the 3 days I had for hunting. I felt relatively bad about missing my shots until I saw someone take 10 shots at a deer and missed. I was really surprised how the deer just stands there going, WTF? Just wanted to thank everyone for all the tips, guidance, PM's, etc. on unit 33. Although my friend and I are eating tag soup this year, we learned a lot and are already looking forward to next year. With everything I learned here and in the field, it was a success. Thanks again.

Scouted for a 3rd and final time this past Sunday. Spotted a total of 16 white tail, but they were all does. Glad we got that out of the way and looking forward to only seeing bucks starting Friday. :-) At one point, we came across a doe, up on a hillside, 20 yards away, having some dinner as the sun was setting. Looked up at us, said hi, and walked away. As I've mentioned, this my first into 33, so there are a few spots picked out, just in case others have the same spots. Thank you to all who have pointed me in the right direction and giving tips to my posts. Good luck to all.. hope you fill your tags.

So, I've got the early hunt for Oct 24 in Unit 33, and looking forward to it. Going to get one last day of scouting in this Sunday and see if we can't find a spot or two to settle on. Focusing on the N. Catalina south of Oracle and east of Oracle Ridge. Whatever place we find to hike out to, we would like to be there at sunup, so start hiking out at about 4:30 but there's a new moon on the 23rd, which means it's gonna be pretty dark, with no help from the moon. So, is 4:30 too early to get out to the spot (1.5 miles deep, off the road), or given that there's a new moon on the 23rd, is it best to wait until about nautical twilight (5:30 a.m.), so there's a bit of light? I do want to get setup and glassing when the buck's alarm goes off at 6:30. :-) Any issues with using a flashlight if we decide to head out sooner - to make sure the hunting trip doesn't end before it gets started, if you know what I mean, or will we basically alert all dear within 3 miles of a human approaching? Thanks for any and all advice.

Thanks all.... wasn't sure if flashlight was "approved" measure that wouldn't tick off any others that perhaps camped out that night to only awake with all their deer scared off by a Cyclops trapesing through in the dark of night. LOL... a stream of humans with one headlight strapped to their foreheads heading into the mountains....

I have an LCP, and the recoil is snappy. I bought a Kahr p380 and low center bore makes it nice to shoot, and the trigger is great for a da only. The LCP hasn't seen daylight since I got the Kahr.

Hello, New to the forum, and new to drawing a WT for unit 33. I've been going through tons of great posts here, and learning a lot about hunting out west (easterner here). I hear unit 33 gets a lot of pressure, and many folks indicating you can get away from the crowds by heading off the roads. I assume this means parking your 4x4/ATV and then hiking out 2+ miles from the nearest dirt road that can take an ATV or 4x4? I'm pretty sure this is what is meant, just looking for a confirmation. If I'm lucky enough to fill my tag, in general, how fast does one have to get the meat out of the field? I have the October hunt, and I assume the temperature isn't going to be that cold. Back east, it's freezing or slightly above freezing by Oct. Thanks

Bellotabucks, Thanks for the information. Now, if you don't mind, just post a few GPS coordinates of those super-secret hunting spots, and I'll be set, and I'll promise I won't tell anyone. I'll share mine first here, I've seen deer and elk here every time I've been there, but don't have a tag for that area. J/K :-)

So, new to Unit 33, so went and scouted it out this weekend... went past PepperSauce and up to Oracle Ridge... all the way, until it ends. Why is there a barbed wire fence all the way along the ridge (on the right side as your going towards Rice Peak), so you can't go over to the other side? Thanks.