It’s a really common question for bowhunting beginners, “How much does it cost to start bow hunting?” I’ve asked the same question before and it’s probably been one of my more famous questions simply because I couldn’t figure out where to start with it. There are so many elements that go into the cost side of things that it seemed kind of daunting at first. Does this piece of equipment go into the cost? What about that piece? You’ll find answers to these questions and more below.
Compound Bow
Perhaps the most important piece of equipment you will buy is your bow, and buying the right one can be tricky. You want to make sure you get a good quality bow that will last for years and won’t break after a few practice sessions. The cost of your bow will depend on what features you want it to have and what type of hunting you plan on doing. If you are just starting out, it is recommended that you buy a compound bow that is adjustable so that as your muscles get stronger, you can increase the draw weight or length of your draw. Many bows also come with added accessories such as stabilizers, sights, or quivers. Depending on how advanced of a hunter you want to be; these accessories can range from $15-$100 each.
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Arrows
The arrow is the final piece to your bowhunting equipment puzzle. All bows require a specific arrow weight that should be matched to the draw length and weight of your bow. The draw weight and poundage of your bow are directly related so you need to match the poundage of your arrows as well. Each axle-to-axle length of a compound bow requires a different arrow length for proper fit and flight, so it’s important to select an appropriate set.
When buying arrows, carbon fiber is generally more expensive than aluminum (the most affordable) but more durable in both target practice and in the field. Regardless of brand or material, make sure that you buy arrows with replaceable field points for when you’re practicing on targets—even strong carbon arrows won’t last long if shooting into solid steel inserts! If you’re not sure what arrow weight is right for you, ask one of our salespeople for help—we want you to have everything you need!
Speciality Broadhead
The next point to consider is the broadhead. This is the head of the arrow that does all of the work as it penetrates and pierces your animal when you make a shot. There are many different types of broadheads on the market, so it’s important to do some research and find which one will fit your needs best. Broadheads can be expensive, but a good broadhead can last for years if taken care of properly.
Broadheads must have razor-sharp edges to perform effectively when you release them from your bow; therefore, you must know how to properly sharpen any type of blade that you use to hunt with, including your broadhead. Many types of broadheads are also replaceable so they can be changed out as they grow dull and need sharpening or new replacement blades can be purchased instead.
There are two main types of broadheads—fixed and replaceable blades—and each has its pros and cons depending on personal preference, hunting style, and the game being hunted. You must also match the type of bow you’re using with the right type of broadhead for it to perform at its best during a hunt. A fixed blade seems more simple than a replaceable blade because no assembly is needed; however, a replaceable blade gives more versatility because different blades can be used for different game and conditions as needed.
Quiver
Quivers are the storage device that holds your arrows on your bow. There are several different styles of quivers: a hip quiver, a back quiver, and a belt quiver. Most bowhunters prefer the hip or back style because they keep the arrows off your belt and out of the way. The hip style attaches to your belt and hangs down on one side with two straps hanging over your shoulder.
The most popular style is the back quiver that hangs down behind you as you’d see in movies or cartoons. These types of specially made hunting quivers range anywhere from $30-$70 depending on what features you want and how thick you want your leather to be (the thicker, the more expensive).
You can also find DIY tutorials online that teach you how to make all sorts of arrow holders using recycled materials such as old leather jackets, canvas tarps, plastic buckets, etc.
Release Aid
The release aid is what you use to hold the bowstring back and then release it at the proper time. Releases come in three main categories: wrist releases, hand-held releases, and back tension releases.
Wrist Releases:
These are designed to be comfortable and safe for your hands. They tend to be attached to your wrist via a leather or fabric strap (similar to how you would wear a watch). The release itself is usually a trigger that can be switched on and off whenever you need it.
Handheld Releases:
Unlike wrist releases, this type of release can be held in your hand as soon as you are ready to fire the arrow. Handheld releases often include features like knurled trigger surfaces so that they won’t slip out of your fingers (even if they get sweaty). These types of releases are ideal for hunters because they provide more flexibility than other options. For instance, if you want to take a few practice shots before firing at an animal, simply switch the handheld release off until you’re ready for real action. Back Tension Releases: This type of release comes in many different styles but is generally defined by its resistance to letting go of the string unless pulled with great force. When used properly, this makes it easier to aim more carefully because there’s less danger that you might let go on accident while still focusing on the target in front of you.
Bowstand
There’s a lot of gear that bowhunters need to buy. It can be overwhelming, but you have to learn how to make use of every piece of equipment. One thing you’re going to need is a bow stand. If you’re just starting out, this is essential for practicing your shots! You can definitely find one for less than $20 bucks at a big sporting goods store. Also, there are plans for making simple ones from sawhorses or whatever else floats your boat on the internet (the lumber from an old deck will work). But really it’s cheaper and more fun to build one yourself and get everything exactly the way you want it. No matter what kind of stand you choose, just make sure it’s sturdy enough and will keep your bow in place while shooting arrows!
Shooting Target
How much do target archery targets cost?
That’s the sort of question that can be hard to answer because, well, it depends. It really does depend on the bow, draw weight, and sight, among other things.
As with most things connected to archery, trying to get an accurate answer is like putting money in a lottery—you could win $1 million or you could lose everything. By contrast, I think shooting at targets is one of the least expensive ways to enjoy some target practice and hone your skill.
That said, there are a few places where you can figure out how much you’ll pay for all these things in advance:
Bow Case (optional)
As you pack your gear for hunting trips, you’ll need a way to keep your bow safe and protected from the elements. Most bows aren’t designed to withstand extreme temperatures or moisture, so you must use a bow case when storing and transporting your equipment.
There are two basic types of cases: soft and hard. Soft cases are easier to transport, but they don’t offer as much protection as hard ones. Hard cases are much more durable than soft ones, but they can be difficult to move over long distances.
Soft cases range in price from several dollars for a simple bag with minimal padding to hundreds of dollars for an archery case made of high-quality fabric with many convenient features (pockets and straps). You may pay $50-$200 or more for an entry-level hard case. For example, the SKB hard compound bow case sells for about $150, while the Allen Latitude Bow Case is about $70-$90. Premium hard cases cost approximately twice as much as entry-level models.
Rangefinder (Optional)
Your best bet is a rangefinder. Rangefinders are great tools for bow hunting, as they help you find the optimal shooting distance and eliminate the guesswork in your shot placement. And while it may seem like a rangefinder is an overly expensive addition to your arsenal, the truth of the matter is that you can buy a decent one for under $100.
These devices use lasers to determine how far away objects are from you—and if you get a good one, they’re accurate to within 1 yard of distance (even at long ranges). This technology allows you to dial in on exactly where to aim your arrow so that it lands perfectly. You no longer have to worry about your shot falling short or sailing over the mark when you use a rangefinder; with this device, accuracy becomes second nature.
Arrow Puller (Optional)
An arrow puller is a tool used to remove broken arrows from 3-D targets or foam targets. This will be needed if you are shooting your bow through foam targets. An arrow puller can cost anywhere from $10 to 20 dollars, but one can also easily be made for about $5 using some 1/4 inch rebar and a hammer.
