I picked up archery about a month ago with the goal of eventually going on a hunt. I'd never really fired a bow before, and I've never been hunting, so I am a complete FNG.

After a less-than-ideal encounter with a big box store, I went to my local pro shop and got the help I needed to buy my first bow. It came with a few starter items from, I believe, the manufacturer. Here's what I got:

2008 Bowtech Tomkat w/ 60# limbs, 27.5" draw, and 8.5" brace height
Alpine stabilizer
Generic hostage rest, sight, and attached quiver
A dozen Predator 200 arrows w/ field tips
A bag to carry it all in

Last weekend I replaced the generic sight (which really was crap) with an Apex Gear Atomic 4-pin w/ a light. So far I'm pleased with the bow. At least it feels easy to use, and I can concentrate on my form, which needs work.

I'm located in northern VA and practice at the Bull Run Shooting Center, which is the only local public range. Eventually I'll start thinking about hunting, but I want a lot more practice before I get anywhere near an animal.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying the podcast and have a growing collection of books, web sites, DVDs and other bow hunting info to consume. There's a lot to learn.

Cheers,
Skutai