I've been thinking on and off for a few years about getting a bow. Every time I get close I end up backing off. Mostly it's because of the area I hunt. Our place is 128 acres that is mostly cleared for cattle. Therefore the three main places we have chosen to place feeders are close to our fence lines where we can draw deer out of the brush. Rifle hunting most of our deer go down instantly or within 50 yards. Bowhunting would be a different story though. I know they would shoot back for the brush and the neighbors on the place hunt too. Not really a big fan of trying to track a deer in another person's property even if I do call them and get permission to enter.

The second thing that has always stopped me is the price. I've got the fever again though and would really like to get something affordable in case it doesn't work out. I've been looking at the site below and wondered if you guys could help me out if you have any experience with these. In reality I would like to not go over $500-$600 all in. After recently building tow AR's my wife might finally kill me.

Also, to help with the issue with dropping the deer in the most efficient way, I would love any input regarding broadheads.

I'm really partial to the Hoyt on the site but not sure it would be in my price range. I'm also left handed so that tends to narrow my options.

Thanks in advance for any help.

http://www.bowhunter.com/editorial/9-top-budget-bows-for-2018/182686#

Interested as well.

I got a setup Bowtech carbon icon for around that price -ish and love it. Just upgrade to drop away rest. You'll prob be in for more money once you get a case and arrows and broad heads etc.

I hunt in a similar setup. Low fence small acreage. This year I shot my first buck. 20 yards broadside double lung and it ran 30yards before crashing. I also shot a spike on a diff property that was high fenced. I hit em at 30 yards quartering away , a little high and back that maybe clipped one lung and it ran 800 yards maybe before it expired ! On a low fence property it may have been on a neighbors land.
I personally like fixed blade. Slick Tricks magnum bc there is less room for error like a mech braodhead not opening. But you'll get more blood and damage with a properly executed mechanical broadhead like Rage, etc.

The main thing is practice a bunch and make sure you take ethical shots that you know will be nails and your deer won't go too far. Pass on marginal shots.

Thanks for the response. Good looking bow. Also a little more confident in the hunting given your experience.

Find the best bow shop in your area and ask a professional.

I feel like I got the perfect bow for me bc of this.

IceCream14 said:

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Find the best bow shop in your area and ask a professional.

I feel like I got the perfect bow for me bc of this.

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Echoing this. I bought my first bow in 2017. Went to a shop. Shot ten bows. Bought the one the I shot best

You're in Houston per your profile?

Go to West Houston Archery. I've never met a more friendly group of people. They helped me when I bought a bow...way more than it was worth selling me a Mission. Every question I asked was met with a respectful and helpful answer.

I'd look at a Mission if I was going to enter into the bow market to test it out. See how you like it, and if you upgrade, the adjustability of the bow will let you pass it on to your kids or wife.

I have a 5 Pin Trophy Ridge Cypher sight and a Lynx Quiver I'll send you if you get a bow. Not top of the line, but they're just sitting in my garage right now.

Most deer will run about 50 yards with a well placed bow shot. I shot a buck and a doe this year, buck went about 70 downhill, doe went 43.

The best bow for you is the one that fits because you'll be most comfortable with it. Like others have said, just go shoot a bunch of them and see which one strikes your fancy.

As far as the Hoyt PowerMax goes, it's a very good bow. That said, you could get a Pro Defiant in your price range, and it's definitely an upgrade over the PowerMax. You might even be able to find a HyperForce at the top end of your price range. Don't be afraid to look at good used bows either.

AggiePetro07 said:

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You're in Houston per your profile?

Go to West Houston Archery. I've never met a more friendly group of people. They helped me when I bought a bow...way more than it was worth selling me a Mission. Every question I asked was met with a respectful and helpful answer.

I'd look at a Mission if I was going to enter into the bow market to test it out. See how you like it, and if you upgrade, the adjustability of the bow will let you pass it on to your kids or wife.

I have a 5 Pin Trophy Ridge Cypher sight and a Lynx Quiver I'll send you if you get a bow. Not top of the line, but they're just sitting in my garage right now.

Most deer will run about 50 yards with a well placed bow shot. I shot a buck and a doe this year, buck went about 70 downhill, doe went 43.

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I'm I San Antonio now. I just never changed my profile. I think I'll find a place and go shoot some. If you know a reputable one here in SA, please pass on. Thanks for all the info. Sounds like my best bet is to get fitted by a pro who knows my price point going in.

And thank you for the offer on the parts. That's very generous of you. If I pull the trigger this time I will definitely let you know!

Being left handed won't affect you too much. I was able to find plenty of options in that price range being a lefty.

Don't let the small acreage discourage you from bow hunting. Also a good, inexpensive used bow is sufficient to make a kill. I shot an old Pearson Spoiler for years and killed deer, hogs, coyotes and a bobcat. Most while on the ground and never tracked anything more than 50-75 yds..

In my opinion if you are being conservative on cost you are better off buying used. Buying decent accessories and getting the bow set up will blow a bunch of your budget. Good rest, quiver, release, case, and arrows will be very expensive.

Figure out what your draw length is and then look for full bow setups on craigslist, ebay, and archery talk etc.

Example set up on craigslist

Mission Ridge Range and Academy in north SA is where I've gone before. Staff is extremely helpful and friendly

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Buying decent accessories and getting the bow set up will blow a bunch of your budget. Good rest, quiver, release, case, and arrows will be very expensive.

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Excellent point. Don't blow your wad on the bow then skimp on outfitting it. You're much better off buying a modestly priced used bow and getting the best components you can afford. Even still, a good bow that's setup well won't perform worth a crap if you don't buy good quality arrows that are properly spines and tuned to your bow setup.

Good points on used. You can get a very recent top of the line bow used for a good deal.