The challenge for anyone to become a serious archer is sparked by an interest that must be cultivated by those who have successfully competed with a bow before them. Encouraging new archery interests can also include helping children and youth to participate in the hunting heritage we will pass on to them and is the responsibility of those who know the joy each archery season brings. Sharing that interest will help children enjoy the success of competitive target practice that matures into their first archery hunt with you. Simply start any age pre-teen child with a beginner youth bow, which is not meant for hunting, but instead is ideal for developing strength, accuracy, and consistency at the target. This is where a child can practice form until it is polished and reveal his enjoyment and commitment to archery before moving on to a compound bow. An inexpensive youth archery set is readily available at local retailers. Mathews Bows introduced Genesis as a beginner bow set with a draw length span from 15 to 30 inches and a draw weight span of 20 to 25 pounds.

A compound bow includes a riser, at least two limbs and 1 or more of any of the following eccentrics- wheels, modules and cams which very simply stated work as pulleys functioning according to their shape, size and placement on the cable and bow string. Eccentric wheels can be changed or modified on some bows to achieve heavier draw weights and faster arrow speeds.

Predominately, three important factors which are unique to each person, eye dominance, draw weight, and draw length must be assessed before the older youth or adult makes that first bow choice. Start with determining your eye dominance, by holding your finger at an arms length and positioned in front of an object in the near distance. Close one eye and look directly at the finger. Open that eye and close the other eye again looking directly at the finger. One eye will see the finger centered upon the near distant object (this is the dominant eye) and the other eye will see the finger position moved slightly off center of the object. Once you have determined whether you are right or left eye dominant make sure you choose a bow for that hand, even if you are not dominant with that hand. Your accuracy will be best if you use the dominant eye.

When determining draw weight always keep in mind that the peak weight or (maximum weight that you can comfortably draw with your bow) should be easily drawn straight back without any shaking or muscle strain. A thought to keep in mind is the weight that you are actually pulling is only a percentage of the drawn force of your bow that will be exerted upon your released arrow. Also remember that shooting a still target is much different than taking aim upon live game, not to mention the unexpected toll that fatigue and extreme weather can engage upon a hunters ability to draw smoothly in those circumstances.

Any pro shop can help you with assessing your draw length by accurately measuring the distance from your cheek to a point at mid-riser while you are holding at full draw the bow you have chosen for sharpening your personal skills and eventual success in the field. I was first measured for draw length when I pulled ‘a’ bow and the pro staffer measured my length from the bow string at full draw to the grip on the bow and then adding an inch and 3/4. Unfortunately, my specific draw length to the bow I eventually ordered was not measured and I always had trouble finding the same anchor point when at full draw due to the difference in my measured draw length and the actual draw with the PSE Mini G as well as the previous bow I owned. Both bows I loved to shoot and they are good quality products, but the draw length problem made it difficult to pattern consistently with either one and often resulted in a bent or lost arrow.

Youth and small framed ladies that have shorter draw lengths need to look for bow manufacturers that offer some light weight styles that have adjustment modules that can be ordered on a new bow or separately at a later time to fit the shorter draw length. Some examples of bow manufacturers from which adjustment modules for shorter or longer draw lengths can be purchased are: Parker, Mathews and the North American Archery Group which includes Fred Bear Bows, Buck Masters, Golden Eagle and Jennings. These additional modules are ordered from the factory and can be installed by your local archery Pro shop for a nominal fee.

More convenient than ordering a specific draw length when purchasing a bow or an additional module for a youth or woman who might need draw length adjustment, is another bow which comes equipped with a special cam to adjust the draw length up or down as needed. Browning offers bows with 10 inches of draw length adjustment; two examples are the Micro Adrenaline XS and the Micro Midas 3. Adjustment to ones draw length is made by loosening a screw and moving the cam around to the desired positioning for that length. Other bow makers offer similar products like the Parker Challenger which I like and my daughter is cutting her bow teeth on their Jr. Mag. My Mathews Mustang features different draw lengths for the smaller framed shooters as well. You will pay a little more for Parker and Mathews bows but you do get what you pay for. I have always liked the advice that one should buy the best hunting equipment that she can afford.

Take the advice of the professional who assists you, do not rely your own idea of what looks good in choosing bows and their related necessary accessories. Wicked cams and awesome design variations are wonderful to look at, but the objective to consider is purchasing a bow for the performance and comfort you will need in accurately patterning at the target as well as successful game pursuit. Any of the above bow suggestions are those I am familiar with in my own use as well as research of what these manufacturers offer, these are at best a limited list. The best path of finding your choices for the first string list is through developing a rapport with some one at your pro shop which establishes your unique draw factors and openly discuses your archery needs.

Some of the more difficult points of the compound bow can be easily understood with basic instructions and explanations. If you feel a desire to learn more about your new interest I recommend a book with straightforward descriptions and illustrations: The Complete Hunter Bow Hunting Equipment & Skills, by the editors of Bow Hunter magazine. http://www.thehuntersfriend.com For lots more state by state regulations and help in understanding other need to know specifics that you’ll want in order to see the whole picture and understand archery as a sport see www.bowjackson.com There you will find archery manufacturers and bow hunting links and much more to click on for more information. You will even find a link there for WomenHunters.

Finally, after listening researching and purchasing a bow begin practicing your form and stance to achieve the mark of excellence you strive for. Let the time you spend with the bow: getting ready, going and yes even those times you come home empty handed leave an impression of fulfillment and satisfaction for what it has brought to you and just enjoy yourself.