Is it worth it?

[Deet]

Do you ever regret starting bow hunting? Do you often find yourself wishing you were fishing instead? Did you give anything up in order to commit to bow hunting, and now wish you hadn't? I'm sure I'll get skewed answers here, as most or all of you are current bow hunters, and most likely happy to be bow hunters.

I have been thinking long and hard about starting bow hunting for a few years now. My biggest reason for apprehension is time management. I don't want to fish less, and I don't want to stop duck hunting, and I need to spend MORE time at home, not less. BUT I may find that bow hunting is more enjoyable than musky fishing or duck hunting, so it might not sting too bad to decrease time spent on those things to open time for bow hunting. 

The past two years I enjoyed deer hunting (rifle) more than ever before - primarily scouting and planning. I have hunted for over 10 years, but recently grown to really love it, thus the desire to spend more time in the woods, with a bow in hand. But to start bow hunting, I would HAVE to give up a lot of fishing time. It's hard to judge whether that would be a good choice for me. And I really don't want to get invested in it and find out it's not as great as I fathomed.

Thoughts?

[SmellEsox]

The nice thing about bowhunting is you aren't crammed into a small window of opportunity.  You can go when you have an evening or morning free, and you can go and probably not run into other guys and hunt unpressured deer.  What I do is hunt occasionally early season, then bowhunt hard the week or so before rifle season.  Then I'll usually hit another state for the second week of November.  I love muskies too and used to be a big waterfowl guy, but lately there's no place I'd rather be than in a tree, especially in November.

[nofishfisherman]

I've been in your same shoes for awhile now.  I want to bow hunt but time and money are in short supply.  

What I have done is I got a used bow from a friend of mine and started to practice.  I got lucky on this part as he has an old bow laying around that his father in law no longer used.  I spent a couple months this summer/fall doing a lot of shooting.  Probably only shoot for 30 minutes at stretch so finding the time in the evenings wasn't a huge issue, even snuck away on a few lunch breaks at work.  I found that I really enjoy shooting and would probably keep doing it even if hunting wasn't the ultimate goal.  

I'm still not sure if I'll get to do a lot of hunting for the next few years with a young family at home but at least now I'm slowly working toward that goal.

What I would recommend is to find a way to get into the sport in a cost effective way.  There are a lot of used bows out there that you could probably pick up at a good price or see if a friend has one you can borrow (just make sure you can get it fit to you).  Just get your hands on something that you can start shooting now.  Bow hunting isn't something you can decide to do and then start hunting the next day. It takes a lot practice to get to the point where you are comfortable taking a shot on a deer and even longer if you want to increase your effective range.  It took me a couple months of shooting 4 days a week to extend my range to the 30 yard mark.  I came into it having only shot a bow a handful of times in my life so I was pretty raw.

Once you have a bow to use and have practiced enough to feel comfortable in the field then you can mix in a couple bow hunts here or there to wet your feet to gauge your long term interest level.  At least thats my plan.  Once I have a few hunts and hopefully a deer or two under my belt I'll make the decision if I'm going to invest in newer and better equipment and if I'm going to divert any time away from my other hobbies.

So far its been worth it for me.  I'm only into it for $45 (the cost of new arrows that fit my draw length) and I would shoot 4 days a week for 30-40 minutes at stretch.  I'm now at the point that I can bow hunt next season if I choose and I will probably do at least one or two weekends of hunting.  Most likely tied into a family trip up north where I hunt in the morning and spend time with the family in the afternoon.  As free time increases I can add more hunting or I can start diverting time from other hobbies if I choose.  I'm essentially trying to get into the sport where I can scale up the amount of time i spend and the amount of money I invest. 

[Deet]

good input guys, thank you. I too can get my hands on a bow for free, but I don't yet know if it's quality equipment or not. Gotta check it out. I'm a terrible shot at this point, mostly because I've only shot a bow a couple times. Practicing is something I would enjoy, I'm sure.

My problem is that I can't really do anything just casually. If I like it, I go hard. So in order to stay balanced with home life, I'd have to cut back on other activities, and that may or may not be a problem. I guess we'll see.

Curious to see if anyone chimes in with "I wish I never got into it."  Because as much as I love muskie fishing, I actually wish I never started. I don't want to pick up another hobby like that!

[leechlake]

I got into bow hunting before I ever owned my own dog and once I had him I quit bow hunting for quite a few years because I wanted to spend the time I had "bird" hunting with him.  I still bow hunt a bit, it lets you fill that urge to hunt deer and you can do it in a lot of places close to the metro area.

I hear what you're saying and I think it's impressive you thought of this before you started.  It took me years to figure out what you're already thinking about.   All in all, I'm glad I started and that I still do it but it does fill your time that you may be spending doing other things.  You can musky fish with a buddy, sitting in a deer stand is a solo affair.

[nofishfisherman]

I can also get a little too involved when I first get into something new.  Once I get into it I become a little obsessed with it.  Thats how it was with shooting the bow at first.  I was going too much that my shoulder was always sore.  I had to back off and learn the limits at first until I built of strength. 

What does the family think about a new hobby?  My wife supports my hunting and fishing addiction but doesn't like all the time it takes me away from home.  Mainly its the weekend trips that wear on her patience which is understandable since it leaves her home alone with a toddler and next year it will be a 3 year old and a baby. She has been cautiously supportive of my bow hunting ideas to this point.  However I'm waiting to break it to her that it doesn't mean I'm going to skip rifle season just because now I'm also bow hunting.

Its a struggle balancing all of the hunting and fishing with family time.  If you can find a way to do it in moderation at first you can always add more time as the years go by.  I know as my kids get older I'll spend more and more time hunting and fishing but the kids will be in tow.  The wife can't wait for those days as it means more free time for her.

 

  

[Deet]

I'm in a very similar situation to yours, nofishfisherman. Two young'ns at home, 4 and 2. Both will soon be in the woods and on the water with me lots more; already they are a little. Yeah, my wife understands my outdoor obsession, but at times hates it. I get carried away with stuff. One thing bow-hunting has as a "pro" that other sports do not is legit meat on the table. My family eats whatever I shoot, pretty quickly. 

leechlake I'm glad you brought up the solidarity aspect of bow hunting. Hadn't thought of that very much. One reason I regret getting so obsessed with muskies is that it will be a long time before I can take my kids with and actually expect them to enjoy it. Bow hunting would be the same deal. I'm sure I could take one [at-a-time] to come sit with me, but unless we're seeing deer, sitting silently won't be that fun until they start to get hopelessly addicted.

After reorganizing my garage last week and looking back over the last year, I realize I'm pretty crazy about at least one "sport" all year long. Ice trout, late ice panfish, spring walleyes and panfish, summer and fall muskies, ducks, deer, ice walleyes, repeat. I don't want to SQUEEZE bow hunting into that rotation, because I would be unsatisfied if I only put in minimal time/effort. So to do it justice, I'd have to drop a lot of duck and musky time. 

So long as I can get the set-up relatively cheap, I'll give it a good try. 

Sometimes a guy just has to think out loud.

[SmellEsox]

good input guys, thank you. I too can get my hands on a bow for free, but I don't yet know if it's quality equipment or not. Gotta check it out. I'm a terrible shot at this point, mostly because I've only shot a bow a couple times. Practicing is something I would enjoy, I'm sure.

My problem is that I can't really do anything just casually. If I like it, I go hard. So in order to stay balanced with home life, I'd have to cut back on other activities, and that may or may not be a problem. I guess we'll see.

Curious to see if anyone chimes in with "I wish I never got into it."  Because as much as I love muskie fishing, I actually wish I never started. I don't want to pick up another hobby like that!

While I would never say I wished I'd never gotten into it, I will say it can be as addicting as muskie fishing.  I've had both addictions.  I pretty much have deer and archery on the brain 24/7/365.

[nofishfisherman]

One of the reasons I am getting into bow hunting is for the kids.  They won't be able to actually hunt for awhile yet but bow hunting will allow for more opportunities for them to get out and sit with me.  The longer season gives me a longer stretch to plan weekends for us and the warmer temps in the early bow season make it more comfortable for them.  I also don't have to worry about running into as many people in the field.  I also have access to a 10 acre property near Duluth.  I can't rifle hunt it but I've had an open invitation to bow hunt it for several years now.  They want me to thin the herd out a little for them.  My ultimate goal is to build some sort of permanent box stand to bow hunt out of with the kids.

I currently rifle hunt on public land and I'm not sure I'd take young kids into that zoo, at least not with what I've dealt with the last several years.  

 

[Deet]

Is driving an arrow through a deer as satisfying as I think it will be?

Is it easier to pattern them than during gun season? I would only be hunting public land.

Do you constantly feel the need to upgrade equipment? I am not a gear junky, so anticipate I'd be happy with quality entry level stuff.

 

[ozzie]

I am like you and get obsessed with a new "hobby".  I took up bow hunting this year knowing that I am just beginning and that it will be a year or two to get the hang of things...I have liked it so far even though my encounters this year have been minimal!  I have liked the extra time in the woods prior to gun season but now that I am still hunting the muzzy season and still have nothing to show for it, it has been straining on the family life. 

 I bought an entry bow this year and some decent accessories and I think I have just under $1000 into it.  I would say that it is money well spent as it gets me time in the woods and something to practice on in spare time...practice only has to be 3-10 shots a night or so to get familiar with the bow and gain that muscle memory.  I have enjoyed shooting a lot even though it has been a learning experience as I was/am very green in the sport of archery but am enjoying the learning part!!  Good Luck

[leechlake]

If your're an "average" bow hunter you  won't be "driving too many arrows" through many deer.  I've passed on more deer bow hunting in my life than rifle hunting I'd wager.  It's more deer watching than deer shooting. You will learn more about deer in the first 5 years than in 15 years of gun hunting though.

Patterning- in September when I hate hunting you can pattern, or maybe that first week or so.

Upgrading equipment-I've had two bows in 25 years.  Once I figured bow hunting, for me, was more watching than shooting I figured my 2nd bow was adequate for my needs.   It's killed 4 deer and I shoot 30 yards or less though.

I will be brief on the wife thing.  I've got in trouble many times for being gone too much.  This Fall I spent a ton more time at home than any other year and still found a way for her to be mad at me.  May as well have been hunting.  Btw, today is my 19th wedding anniversary.  She's mad at me right now

 

 

[DonBo]

The real time restraint issue is not in October and November when you can get out when you can, but the rest of the year.  It takes many hours of shooting to get proficient enough to be a responsible bowhunter.  This can be spread out over the months leading up to the hunt, but make no mistake, it must be done.

FWIW, I get plenty of fishing time in until bow season gets into full swing.  I also get to shoot plenty during the week, after work.

It definitely takes dedication.  If you're not sure you can put in the time needed to be really good with the weapon of choice, then maybe it's not for you.  IF on the other hand you decide it's something you want to do and put in the effort, you may just decide to give up gun hunting. It really is that good.

[creepworm]

I was in the same boat a few years ago. I was a waterfowl and pheasant hunting nut and gun hunted deer because I figured my dog would get shot if we went pheasant hunting. I slowly began to enjoy my time in the deer stand more and more so I bought a bow.

Fast forward to now and the only time I have shot my shotgun was a sporting clays outing for work. I tried bird hunting and bow hunting but felt I was halfa $$ING it. Scouting for deer, scouting for waterfowl, trying to get after some pheasants, there was simply not enough time to do all those things well, and I am a single guy with no kids.

So, is it worth it? For me it was, I love bow hunting and rarely miss the other kinds of hunting. I will most likely get a dog and do some mid day pheasant hunting but I am fine giving up time in the slough for time in the woods.

[carp master]

I Lol'ed at this. Life is'nt this serious. Do what you want to, life is only so long. You make the outdoors sound like a job. Go with the flow and relax a little.

[Jeff13]

I love deer hunting and dove into bow hunting three years ago. I too love to fish and thought about the time management, family, other hobbies etc. I'll tell you this I've learned more about deer and deer hunting in 3 years of bow hunting than 25 years of rifle hunting. I've watched and learned so much it almost makes gun hunting boring now. Earlier this fall I thought about quitting and selling my bow just because of time, I don't have as much as I'd like. I enjoy the woods just being out there and the challenge of bow hunting.

Well I looked into selling actually and decided not to because my 6yr old daughter said she wants a bow for Xmas. So I kept it. Last night I went out hunting thinking about shooting a giant buck I've been hunting all year. 4 o'clock came by and a spike came down the trail I passed him and watched him for about 5 minutes within 15 yards of me. During that time I thought about "am I going to pass another deer, and eat a tag 3 years in row?" I've probably passed 30-40 deer in 3 yrs because I'm always waiting for the "one". I've practiced and practiced and never taken a shot at deer in my life with a bow. Well this spike decided to walk right up to me (I was hunting on the ground) 3 feet from me and look me eye to eye. It was probably the coolest thing I'd ever had happen in deer hunting. He did not know what I was, as I just was frozen. At that moment I decided if he turns away he's going to get an arrow. Well he walked away from me and I drew and shot him at 7 yards. Even though it was just a spike it was an awesome, crazy experience and I'm glad I took the shot. What was even cooler was I brought him home to a 6 year old and 2 yr old that thought he was so neat. 

In the end I think bow hunting is something that can't be matched with a gun. It's peaceful usually with limited pressure, and typically watching deer in there natural movement. It tests all your hunting skills and you will become a better hunter. Also archery is pretty easy to do year round and it seems to me the little ones take a liking to it as well. I'd say dive right in and you'll enjoy it, I'm really glad I did not sell my bow a month ago.

[ANYFISH2]

Congratulations Jeff!

Awesome first deer, with your bow!

 

[Deet]

Awesome experience, Jeff. Really good info from everyone.

carp shooter, nothing about the outdoors is a job to me. Life IS short, which is why I carefully decide how to spend the time.

[SmellEsox]

Deet, it is intoxicating watching those fletchings disappear through the vitals of a deer.  Maybe I'm a little twisted, but that's the truth and what is so amazing about bowhunting.  It's such a close range, visual and intense experience.

[monstermoose78]

3 years ago I went back to college which takes so much of my time, but as others have said the archery season is long. This give you options of going duck hunting or fishing and not being worried you missed out on few weekends of deer hunting.  Going back to college for the last 3 years has cut down my time to hunt and fish as much as I would like too. It is my get a way time, so I make time do get out. It become a need for me to just go sit in the woods or go fishing for the afternoon. I am lucky that my wife understands this need.  She even tells me I need to go out in the woods and let things go. Grab your bow and go hunting this weekend. You still have time.

[BoxMN]

I started about 3 years ago. Still haven't shot a deer with bow, as the hunters choice zones have me deciding if I shoot one with rifle or bow. Rifle has won out so far, but had many well within range with bow. I like that bow season gives me more time, and more areas, to hunt. I hunt one area that is bow only, so that helps.

I am still not at the point to give up rifle hunting, I love it, and love the deer camp that goes with it. I also will never give up waterfowling that is my number one passion, and I love the social aspect of waterfowling. Muskies I can give or take, my brother and stepson are addicted and had a great fall with suckers, but they don't excite me like they do some folks.

I really am looking forward to shooting my first, and maybe that will turn me  But for now, I love just the act of shooting the bow in offseason, heading out in Sept and watching deer come close  I think there is time for all these activities.

Edited December 8, 2015 by BoxMN

[Barbelboy]

I was going to go into a long explanation of why it was worth it, but I can cut it down to this.

 

OH MY GOD YES IT IS WORTH IT.

 

It's fun man. You'll never know if you don't try.

[O.T.C.]

It's fun if you practice religiously, you wound that drop tine 12 pointer and that's exactly the reason I don't bow hunt, I would have a tough time climbing a stand again if I wounded and never recovered him. I don't have it in me to say oh well I'll get the next one and then the what if the next shot creeps into my head and shooting at targets won't be the same as 16 feet up in a tree with the angles, there's much more to it then grabbing a 2015 bow off the shelf and now you're a bow hunter. So start dedicating practice time from the ground and different heights and angles so by next Sept. you're as comfortable with it as possible, then you'll have fun!

[rkhinrichs]

practicing,scouting, looking at Google earth, apply for new areas, running trail cams, and talking to others guys is great. I hunt a alone a lot but the one buddy that bowhunts a lot. We are always talking about the areas we hunt, sending each other trail cam pictures, planning trips, and telling each others about our game plan for the day.

 

I fish all summer. yea some year I want to fish in the fall but by then.... im ready for some spot and stalking or sitting in a tree!

[paceman]

I agree with rkhindrichs. I almost get more enjoyment out of planning the hunt, scouting, hanging stands, trail cameras, constantly monitoring the weather, yacking with hunting buddies, adjusting as the season runs along. From early season clothes, to cold weather, finally to snow camo for late season. It is almost like hunting 3 different seasons all in 3.5 months. From warm green woods to cold, snow covered barren woods. I have had birds land on my bow, cap.. Squirrels climb my leg, owls scare the dickens out of me as they silently glide by, fox sniffing at my feet, moose walk by, have seen turkey gang fights, deer cracking horns... Seen countless critters going about their business.. Yes I love bow-hunting and yes it is well worth it......