I have had several compound bows over the years. My first compound bow is now perhaps in a museum. It was a Herter’s Power Magnum Compound. It was state-of-the-art in the late 1970’s.  I hunted South Africa with a High Country Sniper Compound bow in 2003 where the Gemsbok below fell to a Muzzy tipped arrow at 25 yards and a Red Hartebeest at 20 yards (not pictured). See my African Safari eBook on the home page. 

Gemsbok – South Africa 2003

What rings true for me is to purchase hunting compounds from major manufacturers like Bear, Hoyt, Mathews, PSE  et al, and major retailers that have a honest-to-goodness expert bow person on hand to talk to. Your bow will need string service by a tech upon purchase unless you become expert yourself. Things like string serving, knock points, peep sights, rests etc. all need to be added. I like a short stabilizer. Get a best-in-class ball release, sight and hunting rest. As for arrows and broadheads, I am an Easton and cut-on-contact broadhead fan. Suit yourself.  See the article below. 

Broadheads: Fixed vs Mechanical;Vanes vs Feathers; Straight vs Helical

Second, is value or bang for the buck! No pun intended.  I think there are great bows out there for under $700 for hunting. You don’t need to break the bank for a decent hunting bow. It is the add-ons that hit your pocketbook. I stay away from kit bows that are all inclusive if you are a serious hunter. 

If you are a super serious bowhunter and want the very best, you can spend upwards of $1700 for the bow and $500 to get it set up and get a top line, top shelf bow. 

Most shooters today attend 3D Archery Shoots. That is a great way to make bowhunting friends and have fun all year. Here in NH is Granite State Bowhunters, a great organization. I was a director for Granite State long ago and ran 3D shoots in Newton NH.  http://www.granitestatebowhunters.com/

Good Hunting!

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