[dowhatta]

I'm thinking about getting after the turkeys this spring, and am already looking for a new bow to replace my PSE Dakota. I don't have much money to spend ($300 max.) and was wondering what entry- and mid-level bows are available in this range.
I'm looking for something that would work for turkey and deer, so I guess it would need to shoot pretty flat but be in light enough for the long full-draw waiting time on turkeys.
What company and model should I be focusing on?
I can't afford the high-end stuff , but want good performance. Thanks for any advice

 

[Orions_Bow]

The Mathews FX is a great little hunting bow for the money. Parker also has some lower end bows that are made well as does Martin, Darton, PSE, Reflex and Bear/Jennings/Buckmasters. You should be able to find a nice bow for the price you want to spend. Here are some of the models that would work good for turkey & deer with out breaking the bank.

PSE Shark w/ Rimfire Cam - $499.00
Browning Mirage 1.5 - $499.00
PSE Typhoon Centerfire One Cam - $350.00
Alpine Impact X-Treme One Cam - $320.00
Ben Pearson Spoiler - somewhere around $350-400.00
Darton Storm - somewhere around $350-400.00
Fred Bear Realtree TRX - $399.00
Martin Prowler SE - Tru Arc Cam - $399.00
Mathews FX - somewhere around $399.00
Parker Extreme Hunter-Mag - somehwere around $399-450.00
Parker Hunter-Mag - somewhere around $300.00

 

[28LX]

I would look for a deal in the classifieds for a Parker. I have looked at these bows and they seem like a very good value. If you can sell your PSE maybe you could use some of that money to increase your new bow budget.

 

[Kstigall]

Use lower poundage for the turkeys. Use lighter arrows to keep the speed up. Penetration shouldn't be an issue on turkeys. Crank up the poundage for deer while using a heavier arrow. I don't know what your max shooting poundage is but I'd get a bow that you'll set close to it's max for deer. Then take a couple turns off it for turkeys.

The 2 cam bows will give you more speed which you may want when the poundage is turned down for turkeys.

 

[Barry James]

Bows

If you can, wait until bow season is almost out {end of January} and keep an eye out on the AT classifieds for your bow; alot of bowhunters will be selling their 04 models to buy the 05 line for 3-d; your set budget can buy a top end 03 or 04 model set up; good luck!!

 

[MNmike]

turkey

I love using my AR31 for stalking deer and hunting turkey.

I can sit right on the ground and have no problem drawing the bow when on my arse.

Plus it's sooo light.

You could possibly pick up a decent used one cheap now that we come to 2005. Don't forget, you'll need new goodies to put on er.

 

[spobow]

You can get a Reflex Grizzly (Poor Man's Hoyt ) for $250-$300. They shoot flat and fast and are quiet! I love mine!!!

BTW, welcome to AT, good to have you here!

 

[KYShooter]

For $300 bucks you should be able to do good in the classifieds. You will be surprised what you can get if you be patient and not be afraid to make an offer for somethin. Put another hundred with that and I know for a fact you could get something real nice. I see sweet bows all the time in the classifieds that you could pick up for 4 bills.

 

[MNmike]

something to keep in mind....

and has been said here before.

For turkey, how do you plan to hunt them. Use a natural blind, pop-up tent/blind, or a ground blind?

I went to a 60# limb because I hunt alot from a ground blind and a natual blind were I sit on my arse. Trying to draw and hold 60-70# while a bird slowly makes it's way in is tough. (IMO) Add that from a sitting position, darn near impossible for some without spooking the bird. That's wy I also go with a short A to A bow for turkey.

I found now that I really like all my bows with 60# limbs better. I'm not really loosing anything, and I'm not stressing myself.

Just food for thought.

 

[dowhatta]

AR31 or 34?

MRYAN,

I really do like the looks of the AR's and the Bowtechs, and have heard the parrallel limbs really reduce hand shock and vibration (something the Dakota has a little too much of ). I'm not sure about the 31, but the 34 may be right down my alley. I saw you have both, do you think the 34 would give me any problems drawing from a sitting position? (never shot from the TV-watching position
Also, is there any difference in performance between the single and the hybrid cam? Just in case I find a deal, I would like to know if the hybrid is worth a lot more money.

 

[Good351]

Here's my two cents: If you want to get serious about hunting turkeys get youself a quality pop-up blind, and use your current bow.

A short ATA bow is not "needed" to kill turkeys. My dad and I have taken many birds with our old Astro's at 48" ATA.