So, you’re thinking that this is the year to put a bow in your hand and become an archer, or bowhunter, or both. If this is the year, then here are a few tips:

• Don’t buy a used bow.
  The odds are very much against it fitting you properly or it is working out for you. Buy a new bow. Bow manufacturers have been competing for decades. All the bows are good now. You want a bow that you can draw and shoot comfortably.
• Buy your bow from a place that sells new bows.
  Look the bows over and listen to what is said about the bow. Tell them you want to shoot some bows. They will help you with this. (If they don’t, go somewhere else.) If you are wanting a new bow your questions are (1) which bow to choose and (2) when to buy it. First, you must do your research as well as shoot the bows that are interesting to you, to settle on a particular bow. One thing, in most cases, the sooner you buy a bow, the better, particularly if you want to bow hunt with it. Today’s ‘Modern’ bows are more perfect than bows from previous eras. The materials used and the actual building and design of the bows are exceptional. They shoot great and are easy to shoot.
• For beginners, start shooting at 10 yards.
  Stay with that close yardage and concentrate on your shooting form. Once your arrow groups get closer together, keep shooting at this range. This is about holding your bow correctly in your hand, aiming precisely at your target while holding the bow at full draw. Be completely still as your aim at your target. Then release the arrow, don’t drop your hand, and don’t yank or jerk the bow. Watch your arrow hit the target. Then shoot 20 arrows a session for 5 sessions over the next 2 days. Now, give it a try at 20 yards. If you shoot ok then shoot as many days as you can, for the next week. Then shoot 1 arrow at 10 yards and 1 more at 20 yards. Then add one more shot — at 15 yards. Now take a day off. You might have shot well; you might have shot poorly.
• What’s going on at this point is you need to get used to the feel of shooting a bow.
  Everything from the grip to the draw cycle to how the bow is held when fully drawn and what happens when you release the arrow is new to you. So, get back out there with your bow. Practice helps you familiarize yourself with your new bow and archery gear.