New to bow hunting

I just got a used Browning bow a couple of weeks ago.  I have been wanting to start bow huntin for a few years now.  I took the bow to my local archery shop and they tuned it for me.  I had to get a different arrow rest because I couldn't shoot with the one that was on there.  I am having no problems shooting it except for sore muscles in my arms and shoulders.  I took the advice of a few old timers around here and am using a bungee cord to build up and exercise the muscles in my shoulders and arms.  It seems to be working.   The groups I am shooting are consistant, if a liitle too low.  I need to get a new sight.  My boyfriend told me it is not like using a scope or iron sight for rifle hunting, so I will keep practicing.  My boyfriend is going to use hay bales to make me a target so I can practice at home.  I am truly excited about bow hunting. 
 
Any tips or hints would be greatly appreciated.  I want to do things right.

M. J. H

There is nothing better than being outdoors whether or not you're hunting(but you can always say you're scouting).

This'll hafta be short, I got called back to werk to put salt/sand on sum icy spots, and I'm the handiest one who's checked out on that truck/procedure ... but ... I'll offer a couple of quick thots on your upcoming adventure ...

Firstly ... try not to injure your rotator cuff, or any other important muscle groups ... (HAR!) ... but yew gnu that!

Secondly ... there's a device available called a Bow-Fit ... basically some surgical tubing with a wrist strap (similar to whut's on a lot of releases), and it's perty decent ... tho I'm NOT suggestin' y'all get one of these as a replacement for your bungee cords or whutever ... merely sayin' that any strengthening exercise is a good idea ... you'll become so enrapt with all the gadgetry available that it might become a bit of a problem with your budget ... tho if you enjoy it as much as most of us around here, y'all will find a way to keep adding to your inventory of gear ... HAVE FUN!

All of life is six-to-five against, just enough to keep you interested. (Damon Runyan)

Gravity makes all the important decisions ... (John R. Powers)

NRA, REMF, PF, NAHC-L, NAFC-L, KC, NPPA

  Just keep shooting/practicing, the soreness will go away...kinda like weight training.
  What's boyfriend mean by not like iron/scope??  Are you using a peep?  Whatever, you still have to focus on the front sight.

Jeff

Get someone to show you the proper form when shooting and practice practice practice.

If there are any archery shops in your area, my suggestion would be to go talk with their bow tech. Take you bow with you and have it checked out for proper fit for you and tuned to make sure all is in proper alignment. They can make sure that your sights are aligned, the peep set properly for you and the draw length is correct for you. Another thing you need to make sure of is your arrows are spined correctly for your bow and are the proper length. Once all you equipment is properly set up, shoot the same weight field points for practice as you intend to use for your broadheads. Most archery shops will have a place to shoot and don't charge much for using their range, if anything. They can help you get on the right track and often spot problems before they start to become a habit. You could also get involved in shooting 3D shoots, there are plenty of them around and they make for great practice during the off season. Whatever course you choose to follow, have fun and keep practicing. Good luck and keep us informed as to how it's going.
Steve Albers

What poundage have you got it set to? Try dropping it down a bit if it is too much to start out with. You have plenty of time to get into shape and into proper form. Take the advice so far and go and see your archery pro and practice, practice, practice. Push-ups are also a good way to strengthen your upper body. Thera bands work well too instead of a bungy cord. You can attach them to door knobs and such. I wrap mine around one hand and use it as if I am drawing my bow back and holding it. For me, it helps in steadying my draw in the off season, but then again so does exotic and hog hunting.  LOL!!!!!!   Welcome to the sport, have fun and enjoy.

Gary Scheel
NAHC LM,RMEF LM,NRA Member, Lonestar Bowhunter, TexasHogHunter Pro Staff Member