Older guy just getting into archery

[chsdaddy]

So after 15 years I finally convinced my dad to get into archery hunting. The lure of being able to go chase deer and elk in WY with a bow and go back with the gun if you are not successful was the kicker.

He is 67 and in good shape but has some shoulder issues so went with a Bowtech Carbon Knight in the 50lb. He is going to start with the bow turned down and work his way up. I got into archery a long time ago and have learned a lot the hard way and still have a lot to learn.

I am looking for some tips from anyone who may have gotten into archery later on in life. He is going to the bow shop when it comes in and they are going to get it all set up for him.

Thanks!

 

[Againstthewind]

http://wgfd.wyo.gov/wtest/education-1000243.aspx
You can use a crossbow in Wyoming I think for archery seasons. I am not sure if that is better for people with shoulder issues or not. I guess I am a little late since you have a bow already. Well good luck.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I'm not an archer but congrats to you for getting your dad into it. Good luck and keep up the practice for yourself.

 

[chsdaddy]

Yeah we looked at the crossbow idea but decided against it because of the archery opportunities where we hunt here in NM and CO where crossbows aren't legal in archery season.

It's getting so hard to draw a tag nowadays this will open up some more opportunities.

 

[tdcour]

Make sure he sets goals and shoots regularly. Make sure he doesn't get discouraged when he shoots if his shoulder starts hurting or hr has a bad day. If y'all live close together shoot together so y'all can just talk shop. That is how I learned most of my stuff. Finally, make sure he just gets comfortable shooting and had fun

 

[Team Kabob]

Never to old for Archery. My grandfather got me into archery when I was a little boy, 20+ years ago. He stopped for a little while when I was in college because of his shoulder hurting. This man pulled a 90lb bow in the 90's. So one day I turned to him and said lets go bow hunting this fall. So he went to the his doc and got a signed permit for a crossbow in Missouri. He's been bow hunting with me and dad again for the last 8 years. At 82 you better not call him old man!

Just have fun at any age!

 

[hoshour]

Age 67 and shoulder issues - 50 lbs might actually be too much to start with if he hasn't been active or the shoulder issues are significant.

BOWTECH has a bow I think they call the Fuse that can be adjusted over a very wide range of draw weights so he can stick with the same bow. I haven't read any reviews, though.

Tell him not to ignore shoulder pain and see his doctor if he has pain when he draws back. Building arm, shoulder and back strength is one thing, pain is another.

 

[chsdaddy]

Age 67 and shoulder issues - 50 lbs might actually be too much to start with if he hasn't been active or the shoulder issues are significant.

BOWTECH has a bow I think they call the Fuse that can be adjusted over a very wide range of draw weights so he can stick with the same bow. I haven't read any reviews, though.

Tell him not to ignore shoulder pain and see his doctor if he has pain when he draws back. Building arm, shoulder and back strength is one thing, pain is another.

Good advice. He demoed the 60lb bow and they turned it down to 45 for him. He had no problem with that but decided on the 50lb max draw wt. so he could start lower and work his way up. He's also going to pt for the shoulder which will help. He is rt handed but very left eye dominant and has always shot left handed. He was afraid to try a compound bow because the last time he did 20 years ago he was trying to shoot a right handed bow left handed. when he finally tried this left handed bow he was amazed he could actually get the arrow to go where he wanted.
His bad shoulder is the rt one so drawing isn't the problem. I will have to stress to him to start slow and work into it slowly. He's the type to go shoot 100 arrows the first day and hurt himself.

 

[hoshour]

It's amazing how many lefties got screwed up by right-handed instructors over the years in all kinds of disciplines. Not too many people think to test for the dominant eye. Glad to hear he's on the right track.

 

[xtreme]

I am 72 and I shoot a Marten Jaguar set at 60. My bow does not seem to work as well as when it was set at 50. I sure hope your dad is able to shoot and have fun with the bow.