Ready to Shoot? Start Your Journey With The Best Beginner Hunting Bow
If you’re a new hunter, selecting the best beginner bow can seem like a daunting task. If that sounds like you, then take a look at this article and learn more about finding the right bow for your needs!
If you’re new to hunting and looking for the best hunting bows, then you need to check out our guide on the best beginner bows for hunting!
We’ll take a look at some of the most popular bows on the market and discuss what makes them great choices for novice hunters. Whether you’re looking for a bow to do target practice or take down big games, we’ve got you covered.
Bows can be expensive, but we’ve got a variety of options that will fit any budget. So whether you’re just starting out or are looking for an upgrade, we have the perfect bow for you.
Keep reading to learn more about the best hunting bows for beginners, and select one that suits your needs.
How We Picked The Best Hunting Bow For a Beginner
You want to get into hunting, but don't know where to start.
It can be tough trying to figure out what is the best hunting bow for a beginner. There are so many different makes and models on the market, and it's hard to know which one is right for you.
We have done all of the hard work for you. After reading thousands of user reviews and interacting with customers, we have picked the best beginner bows for you.
Why You Will Love It
The PSE Razorback is a great bow for archery beginners and experts alike. It is made from a durable combination of walnut, birch, and maple wood, as well as fiberglass limbs. This makes the Razorback both lightweight and easy to shoot. Additionally, the natural colors of the wood give the bow a classic and elegant look.
The PSE Razorback is perfect for target practice or taking your first shot at an animal. With its amazing accuracy and smooth draw, you're sure to impress your friends and family with your archery skills. So don't wait any longer, get yourself a PSE Razorback today!
What You Should Know
Weight - 2.64 lbs.
Bow Length - 62”
Draw Length - 28”
Material - Wood, Fiberglass
The PSE Archery Razorback recurve bow is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use bow. The built-in bow stabilizer helps to minimize vibrations, shock, and noise, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy their time spent shooting.
The toolless takedown feature is another great advantage of this bow, as it can be assembled in under 2-3 minutes without the need for any tools, and we really love this. Additionally, the sight bushings provide increased optimal performance, making it easier to hit your target.
Overall, the PSE Archery Razorback recurve bow is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality and easy-to-use bow.
What Could Have Been Better
PSE Archery is a company that prides itself on manufacturing quality bows for archers of all skill levels. The Razorback bow is one of their entry-level models, and it is marketed as being a great choice for beginners.
However, while the Razorback may be suitable for novice archers, or hunting small animals, it is not a heavy-duty takedown bow and it lacks the metal fittings that are found on more expensive models.
As a result, if you are looking for a tough and durable bow that can stand up to extended use, the PSE Archery Razorback is not the right choice for you.
Why You Will Love It
The SAS Sage Junior 58" Takedown Bow is a great bow for beginners and experienced archers alike. This bow was developed and upgraded specifically for youth and smaller framed shooters, so you can be sure it will provide a great fit.
It is made from premium white oak, Dimond wood, and maple wood, making it both durable and stylish. Additionally, the pre-installed brass bushings for the brass plunger, stabilizer, sight, and quiver make this bow easy to use and easy to maintain.
What You Should Know
Weight - 1.64 lbs.
Draw Length - 28”
Bow Length - 58” (62" for Adults)
Material - Wood, Metal, Fiberglass
The SAS Sage Takedown Bow is a great choice for both beginners and experienced archers alike (adults should use a 62" model). This bow comes with Stick-on adhesive Arrow Rests and Dacron String, so you have everything you need to get started. The limb tips are phenolic reinforced for durability, and the bow is compatible with Fast Flight and Flemish strings.
The arrow rest is made of durable plastic, and the string is made of high-quality polyester, which makes it resistant to stretching and wear. With a draw weight of 14-20lbs, this bow is perfect for beginners looking for a challenge.
Be sure to use the SAS Stringer tool (sold separately) when assembling or disassembling your bow to avoid damage to the limbs. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a backup bow, the SAS Sage Junior is a great option.
What Could Have Been Better
The SAS Sage Junior 58" Takedown Bow is one of the best beginner-friendly bows on the market. It comes complete with a quiver, armguard, and finger tab, making it perfect for someone just getting started with hunting or archery.
However, if we are being critical, then we would say that the arrow rest should have been of better quality. Also, the string, though it works like a charm for beginners, should have been better for intermediate hunters and archers.
Overall, the SAS Sage Junior 58" Takedown Bow is a great choice for anyone looking for a beginner-friendly bow.
Why You Will Love It
The PSE Archery Snake is the perfect entry-level bow for a beginner archer or a hunter. It is made in the USA and specifically designed for small frame hunters who want big performance. The Snake is well-balanced and ambidextrous, making it ideal for both left and right-handed shooters. It is a great choice for those who want a durable, high-quality bow that will last for years to come.
What You Should Know
Weight: 3.2 lbs.
Material: Wood
Bow length: 60"
Brace height: 8.75”
The PSE Archery Snake has a very low draw weight of 22 to 25 lbs, making it very beginner-friendly. If you want to go out hunting with these, due to their smooth and fast release you can hunt small animals like rabbits easily.
This bow can be termed as average, in terms of loudness from the string snapping forward. The company promises a let-off of around 65% which is more than adequate for most people. The string provided is quite nice and makes it one of the pre-made bow packages that doesn't need too much work once you get it. Although this might not be the fastest bow in the market, it still has an fps of 265 which is adequate for most game animals.
If you are looking for a durable bow that won't break the bank, then the PSE Archery Snake is perfect for you.
What Could Have Been Better
The PSE Archery Snake is a type of recurve takedown bow. The Snake has a unique design that makes it well-suited for target shooting and recreational archery, but it is not designed for hunting big games. The limbs, made of fiberglass, are not very durable to withstand rough handling over the years.
In addition, the Snake has a lower draw weight, making it less powerful than other bows on the market. As a result, the PSE Archery Snake is not the best choice for hunters who are looking to take down large animals.
However, it is an excellent choice for archers who are new to the sport or are looking for a fun and challenging way to enjoy recreational archery.
Why You Will Love It
For many years, we've preferred the longbow. There's something about it that makes us think back to the origins of archery. It is both basic and complex at the same time. You and a piece of wood with a string shooting an arrow. This technique demands great concentration and skill.
Like us, if you love their simplicity looking for a top-quality traditional wood long bow, look no further than the SAS Pioneer. This bow is expertly crafted with beautiful Makore wood and features strong maple laminations for exceptional stability and strength. The result is a bow that looks amazing and performs even better.
So whether you're an experienced hunter or just starting out, the SAS Pioneer is the perfect choice for you.
What You Should Know
Weight - 1.6 lbs.
Bow Length - 68"
Max Draw Length - 30”
Material - Wood, Fiberglass
Traditional wooden bows have been used for hunting and warfare for centuries, and the SAS Pioneer is a modern take on this classic design. The bow is made from high-quality wood, with a smooth finish that makes it comfortable to grip. It has a 68" length, making it suitable for both adult and junior shooters.
The bow also comes with a cord guard to protect the string from wear and tear. But ultimately it's just a bare bow without any razzmatazz, which requires nothing but sheer skills to shoot properly.
The SAS Pioneer is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-performance traditional longbow. It's perfect for honing your archery skills, and the competitive price makes it an excellent value for money. Order yours today and start perfecting your longbow game!
What Could Have Been Better
Hunting began with longbows and it takes a lot of patience and practice to master it. You will have to keep practicing for years to perfect the technique. But remember, you have to have an arm protector, especially if you are a beginner. It creates a lot of tension in the string during release, which passes very close to your forearm every time you shoot an arrow. If you don't use an arm protector, you might severely injure your hands after prolonged practice sessions.
For a beginner, this longbow is a great weapon because it is so simple to use. And once you get the hang of it, you are bound to find immense satisfaction. The only downside to the longbow is that it takes a lot of practice to be accurate with it. But once you get the hang of it, you will be able to hit your target every time.
Why You Will Love It
Modern compound bows are exciting in short, and with too many great options from all the best compound bow brands, it was difficult choosing the best among them. But, we did it anyway and the Bear Archery Cruzer is the best beginner compound bow, marginally edging past the Diamond Archery Infinite Edge compound bow. Though Bear archery is not one of the first compound bow manufacturers, they have been in the archery business for about 85 years and they know a lot about bows.
This bow is designed for all ages and skill levels, and it comes ready to hunt. It features a maximum-versatility design and adjustable draw weight ranging from 5 to 70lbs, which makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced shooters. It also comes in many different color options to suit your unique style.
The Cruzer also comes with a built-in bow sight and whisker biscuit arrow rest, so you can get started shooting right away. The bow is also lightweight and easy to transport, making it a great choice for hunters who want to be able to take their bow with them on the go.
What You Should Know
Weight - 3 lbs.
Axle To Axle Length - 30"
Draw length range - 12" to 30"
Draw Length - adjustable draw length
The Bear Archery Cruzer G2 is a great choice for novice and experienced archers alike. This bow is designed for both hunting and target practice and comes equipped with six Trophy Ridge accessories. All the accessories that include a four-pin bow sight, a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, a 5-arrow quiver, a stabilizer and sling, a peep sight, and a nock loop make it ready to hunt from the get-go.
It has an axel-to-axle length of 30". The Cruzer G2 also features a super smooth draw cycle and a 70% let-off. Additionally, the advanced grip design eliminates hand torque for enhanced accuracy. The specially designed limbs offer supreme controlled power, while the superior string suppressor eliminates noise and vibration.
Moreover, you will not need a bow press for its adjustments, if you have an Allen wrench, you are good to go. With its many features and benefits, the Cruzer G2 is the perfect choice for anyone looking for top-quality compound bows.
What Could Have Been Better
Bear Archery Cruzer peep sight adjustment can be tricky, and if not done correctly it keeps on twisting. The first step is to loosen the set screw that secures the peep sight to the bowstring. Next, slide the peep sight up or down the bowstring until it is in the desired position. Finally, tighten the set screw to secure the peep sight in place. If the peep sight begins to twist, simply repeat the process until it is aligned properly.
But it takes practice, even then it can be difficult to adjust the Bear Archery Cruzer peep sight for beginners. But ignoring this minor flaw, the Cruzer G2 will be a great choice if you're looking for beginner-level compound bows that are versatile and easy to use.
Why You Will Love It
Yes, we love Daryl, but we would have included this in our list, even if we were not fans of The Walking Dead. The Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow is a high-performance compound crossbow that is sure to give you the edge when hunting.
The crossbow features RealTree Extra camo, making it perfect for hunters who want to blend in with their surroundings. The crossbow also comes with a complete hunting accessory package, making it the perfect choice for serious hunters.
With a 350 feet per second shooting speed, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow is a powerful crossbow that is precision-engineered for success in the field. Hunters will appreciate the compact design of this crossbow, which makes it easy to carry and maneuver in the woods. The Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow is a top-of-the-line hunting crossbow that won't cost you a fortune.
What You Should Know
Weight - 6.6 lbs.
Draw Weight - 180 lbs.
Axle To Axle Length - 16.125"
Draw Length - adjustable draw length
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow is a lightweight and fast crossbow that is perfect for hunting. It features Step-Through Riser (STR) technology which reduces the length of the crossbow by integrating the foot stirrup directly into the riser. This makes it much easier to maneuver in the woods and ensures a more comfortable grip.
The crossbow also has an overall weight of just 6.6 pounds, making it one of the lightest on the market. With a speed of 375 feet per second, it is also one of the fastest crossbows available. It also comes with a multi-reticle scope, but let us tell you that it is not the most ideal crossbow scope for you to use, especially at long distances.
In addition, the Whitetail Hunter comes ready to hunt with an integrated crank cocking device, arrows, and quiver. It also has plenty of safety features such as a TriggerTech trigger, anti-dry fire technology, finger safety reminders, and a patented arrow retainer.
What Could Have Been Better
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow is one of the most budget-friendly crossbows on the market, and we were impressed with its power and accuracy.
However, we were less pleased with the quality of the bowstring, and our experience with customer service was not ideal. The string is an important part of a crossbow, and we felt that Barnett could have done better in this area. Additionally, while the power and accuracy were impressive, we would have liked to see a bit more finesse from the crossbow.
Overall, we were pleased with the Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow. Though there are some areas that could be improved, at this price point it offers the best value.
If you love hunting, make sure to check out our article on the Best Hunting Pants.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you're just starting out in bow hunting, it can be tough to figure out what the best beginner bow for hunting is.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a beginner bow for hunting, and it can be tough to know where to start.
We've compiled this list of the most frequently asked questions about beginner bows so that you can make an informed decision about which bow is right for you.
What Pound Bow Is Good For Beginners?
There is a lot to consider when choosing a bow, especially if you're a beginner. The pound bow you choose will depend on your individual shooting style as well as your budget.
If you're just starting out, it's important to find a comfortable pound bow that you can shoot accurately. It's also important to find a bow that fits your budget. You don't need to spend a fortune on your first bow, but you don't want to get something cheap that will fall apart after a few shots either.
As a reference, you can start with our top choices depending on the type of bow you want to use. All of them are beginner-friendly and won't cost you a fortune.
What Is a Good Entry-Level Hunting Bow?
There is no single specific thing as a "good" entry-level hunting bow. Every bow has its own unique capabilities and drawbacks. It all depends on what you're looking for in a bow and what your budget is. Every hunter has their own favorite bow and has something special in their mind according to their own personal preferences.
That being said, you can start with any of the bows mentioned in our blog, all of them have been well-loved for decades by millions of users. Our overall top choice PSE Archery Razorback is really great for a start if you love a recurve. You can easily learn the basics of hunting and archery, perfect your style, and hunt small games before moving on to something more professional.
Does Bow Size Matter In a Beginner Hunting Bow?
There is a lot of debate on whether or not bow size matters, especially for beginners. Some experts say that it is more important to choose a bow that is comfortable for the shooter, while others believe that a smaller bow is easier to control.
However, it will be ultimately up to you and once you master the basics you will not face any problems because of size. But in general, it is better to start with something that is light and has better stability, instead of just a small-sized bow. Also, it is nice for beginner hunters to consult with an experienced archer or bowyer to determine what size bow would be best for them.
What Length Bow Do I Need?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your height, the type of bow you plan on using (longbow or recurve), and what you plan on using the bow for (target shooting or hunting).
Generally speaking, if you are shorter than 5'7", you will want a shorter bow; if you are taller than 6'2", you will want a longer bow.
As for the type of bow, longbows tend to be longer than recurves, so if you are planning on using a longbow, you will likely need a longer bow than if you were using a recurve.
Finally, if you plan on hunting with the bow, you will want a longer bow than if you were just target shooting, as you will need the extra length to generate more power and accuracy.
How To Measure Draw Length?
An archery bow's draw length is the distance you can pull back on the bow before you feel resistance. Start your measurement from the full draw and go perpendicular from the grip's pivot to the string's nocking point. Add 1.75 inches to your total and you'll have your draw length. There are other simple ways to measure this, they include :
Grip to Nock Method (AMO Method)
This is the most common way to measure your bow's draw length. With your bow in hand and at full draw, simply measure from the string's nocking point to the pivot point of the grip (also called throat), and then add 1 3/4". This will give you a fairly accurate measurement of your bow's true draw length. The draw length calculated is also known as the true draw length. However many archers disagree with this measurement saying it to be outdated.
Arm Span Method
This is another method to measure draw length. Simply stand up straight with your arms out to the side, and have someone else measure from the tip of one middle finger, across your back, and to the tip of your other middle finger. Once you have that number, divide it by 2.5 and you'll have your draw length.
The Draw Length Board
You will find these at sporting goods stores, which can measure draw lengths easily, though for compound bows only. When you pull your bow to its full draw, the board may track your draw cycle. Not only do you get your bow's draw length, but you also obtain several beneficial data including nock travel, peak weight, and timing.
Draw Length Calculator
If all the above methods sound like a daunting process, there's no need to be concerned! You can always count on a draw length calculator, such as this nice little one provided by Archery Direct in New Zealand, to come to your rescue. Simply input your wingspan in millimeters, centimeters, or inches and the calculator will tell you the exact draw length you should use.
The average arm span for a guy is five feet, nine inches, for ladies, it's five feet, four inches. Considering these standards, and using the Draw Length Calculator, the average men's compound bow draw length would be 28.25 inches. The average women's compound bow draw length would be 25.50 inches using these averages. These averages are similar with respect to all bows.
What Is The Ideal Draw Length?
The draw length of the bow should match your personal draw length which you can calculate by one of the above methods. The average adult male draws a bow between 28" and 31", while the average adult female draws a bow between 25" and 28". If you're shopping for a child's bow, most kids under the age of 12 will need a draw length that's 2-4" shorter than their actual draw length.
How Does Draw Length Affect Shooting?
Your bow's draw length has a direct impact on your shooting form, which ultimately affects the accuracy of your shots. If you have a bow with too long of a draw length, you'll have to reach too far to grip the bow, which can cause you to lose control of the bow and negatively affect your shooting.
On the other hand, if you have a bow with too short of a draw length, you won't be able to fully draw the bow, which will also lead to poor shooting form.
How Do I Know My Draw Weight For Choosing a Beginner Bow?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a beginner hunting bow, and one of the most important is draw weight. Draw weight is essentially how much force it takes to pull back the bowstring, and it is measured in pounds.
Crudely speaking, for a beginner, your draw weight should be about 10-15% of your body weight, so if you weigh 150 pounds, you should look for a bow with a draw weight between 15-22.5 pounds.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you are relatively strong for your size, you may be able to handle a higher draw weight. And conversely, if you are petite or have any forearm or upper body weakness, you may need to go with lower draw weight.
The best way to determine what draw weight is right for you is to try out different bows at your local range. You can also check out our article on Best Recurve Hunting Bows to see a chart of the ideal draw weight.
Which Is Better For Beginners, Recurve or Compound Bow?
If you are just starting out in archery or hunting, you may be wondering whether to get a recurve or compound bow. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on what you are looking for in a bow.
Recurve bows are typically more affordable than compound bows, making them a great option for budget-conscious beginners. They are also generally lighter and easier to carry around, which can be a big advantage if you plan on doing a lot of hiking or backpacking with your bow. However, recurves have a huge learning curve (no pun intended).
They can be more difficult to aim and shoot accurately than compounds, so they may not be the best choice if you're primarily interested in target shooting, but they are also the official bow for Olympic archery events. Once you master them and believe us, it will take time, you will get immense joy, which is hard to find in a compound bow.
Compound bows, on the other hand, are much easier to aim and shoot accurately than recurves. A high-quality compound bow will have a number of built-in features, such as let-off and draw weight adjustment, that make them more user-friendly for beginners. Compound bows are typically more expensive than recurves, and they can be quite heavy and bulky, making them a bit more difficult to carry around.
Also, a compound bow requires less effort to hold at full draw, so if you don't plan on spending a lot of time practicing, you may find it easier to use a compound. However, all of these features come at a high price. You can try our pick, the Bear Archery Cruzer to get a taste of one of the best beginner compound bows.
Can I Use a Crossbow For Hunting As a Beginner?
Yes, crossbows are really beginner-friendly, as you don't have to worry much about stability, vibrations, and various other factors. However, if you want to use it for hunting, there are several factors to consider. Most states have regulations specifying what type of crossbow can be used for hunting, and many of those regulations are specific to which game can be hunted with a crossbow.
Generally speaking, most crossbows are designed for target shooting rather than hunting. A few states allow hunting with certain types of recurve crossbows, but most states require that a hunter use a compound crossbow in order to hunt with a crossbow.
Compound crossbows are more powerful than recurve bows and can generate more kinetic energy, so they are better suited for hunting larger games. But as a beginner you can go ahead with a basic crossbow, master shooting it first before going out for your first hunt.
How Much Should I Spend on My First Bow?
It depends on personal preferences, but a good starter bow can be bought for less than $200. But if you are looking for compound bows or crossbows, you'll have to shell out more. But, whatever it is, if it is your first bow, you should avoid spending thousands of dollars on it.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Bow?
There are a few things you should consider when buying a bow. First, you need to decide what type of bow you want. There are three types of bows: recurves, compound bows, and crossbows, each category can further be classified into several subcategories.
Then you need to decide what weight and draw length are right for you. When shopping for a starter bow, it's important to consider the draw weight and the length of the bow.
A beginner should choose a bow with low draw weight (avoid anything above 50 pounds) so that they can comfortably draw it back. The length of the bow should also be taken into consideration; a beginner should choose a bow that is between 26 and 30 inches long.
You also need to consider the price and durability of the bow. Finally, you need to make sure that the bow is legal in your state.
How Far Can a 20-Pound Bow Shoot?
A 20-pound bow can shoot an arrow quite a distance, depending on the exact specifications of the bow and arrow. Generally speaking, if you are using average hunting arrows, you can expect to get an effective range of around 60 to 80 yards of range. If you are using lighter carbon arrows, you may be able to get up to 80 to 100 yards.
However, these values are really vague and there are several factors that will determine the exact distance in real-life scenarios. Also if you don't care about accuracy and just want to test the distance, you can easily get much higher numbers.
Should I Hunt With a Crossbow?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to hunt with a crossbow.
First, what is your level of experience? Crossbows require more strength and accuracy. If you're an experienced hunter, a crossbow could give you an advantage in terms of stealth and firepower.
Another thing to consider is the type of game you're hunting. Small games, like squirrels or rabbits and even small deer, can usually be taken down with a crossbow. But for larger games, like bears or moose, you'll need something with more power, like a compound bow.
Finally, think about the type of terrain you'll be hunting in. If you're planning to do a lot of walking, a crossbow might be too heavy to carry. If you're mostly hunting from a blind or tree stand, however, a crossbow could be just what you need.
What Shoots Farther a Bow or Crossbow?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively because it depends on a lot of factors, including the strength of the person shooting, the type of bow or crossbow being used, and the type of arrows or bolts being used.
Generally speaking, however, a crossbow will shoot further than a bow. This is because a crossbow can generate more force than a bow, meaning that the arrows or bolts shot from a crossbow will travel further than those shot from a bow.
What Size Arrow Do I Need For My Beginner Hunting Bow?
You'll want to make sure that the arrows you buy for your bow are the right length. If they're too short, they can come out of the front of the bow upon firing. The size of the arrow you need for your beginner hunting bow depends on a few factors, including the draw weight of your bow, the type of game you're planning to hunt, and personal preference.
A heavier draw-weight bow will require a heavier arrow, while a lighter draw-weight bow can use a lighter arrow. The type of animal you're planning to hunt will also affect the size of the arrow you need - smaller animals can be hunted with smaller arrows, while larger games will require larger arrows.
And finally, personal preferences come into play when choosing arrow size - some hunters prefer smaller arrows for accuracy, while others prefer larger arrows for more stopping power.
The Best Hunting Bow For a Beginner Is
So, if you’re looking for the best hunting bows for beginners, look no further! We’ve compiled a detailed list of some great options in our blog that are sure to help you hit your mark. For a quick reference they are :
Best Overall - PSE Archery Razorback
Best Value For Money Option - SAS Sage Junior
Best Budget Pick - PSE Archery Snake
Best LongBow - SAS Pioneer Traditional Wood Long Bow
Best Compound Bow - Bear Archery Cruzer
Best CrossBow - Barnett Whitetail Hunter
Thanks for reading our blog. Hope we could help you with your decision of buying a hunting bow.
Just don't forget to click the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons and add them to your cart!
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