Most of us like to shop around and search for the best deal we can find, and that now includes using the internet as one of our main sources of research.  Having worked part time as an archery tech in an archery pro shop for the past 20 years, I have seen numerous of the following errors when us folks don't consider the expertise offered only in Pro Shops!  Here are some common issues I way too often saw;

1. Draw length wrong and the bow not capable of any draw length adjustment
2. Timing of the bow not set
3. Draw weight
4. Axle to axle length - it sounds good to shoot short A2A bows, but when you actually shoot one for 20 shots or so, humm some just don't work out like you thought

The second most concerning cost savning shoppig techniques I saw over the years was the "used bow market", "a friends old bow", numerous "pawn shop" items or the big houses on the internet for personal sale items, you now their names!  Common issues more than what is listed above;

1. Worse condition than what the pictures showed
2. Sights, rests supposedly added were not as advertised
3. Shipping costs were rediculous
4. and what I listed above

       Do yourself a favor, Go to a pro shop!

I think you will save yourself a lot of grief, time and money if you just trust the Pro's in the Pro shops to give you the straight scoop and to help you make the tough decisions on the long list of top quality equipment out there today.  Here is the list of Pro Shops that I have been in that carry numerous brands of the top suppliers of archery equipment today.

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Archery In The Wild - www.archeryinthewild.com

Longmont, CO   (720) 652-9100

If you are in the Longmont area, give them a call and stop by!  They have plenty of shooting lanes, a lot of support equipment and can make you strings if you need custom strings.  Stop in and see the critter heads on the walls, that will give you more to talk about!  If you have a need for Mathews, PSE, Elite, Bow Tech, Hoyt bows, they have them and a boat load of accessories.  They always seem to have time to pick on me, so pick on them back, but don't miss the chance to shoot the 30 yard range as you get ready for the season.  Winter leagues and a Ladies Only night are also on the agenda.  Take the time to call, or stop by you won't be sorry you did.  You will be sorry if you need some professional help and you didn't stop!

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Bullseye Archery -

Cheyenne, WY  (307) 637-7499

Not far from the Cheyenne Field Archers Building is Bullseye Archery!  There is a wide selection of equipment in that building and a fuzzy critter behind the counter that loves being petted!  If you want to know about bowhunting in Wyoming, stop in, they won't give you an exact place, but if you listen you can sure pick up some hints on how to hunt properly!  They handle just about any bow made so if you have a breakdown, they can fix it!

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Full Rut Archery & Hunting Club - www.fullrutarchery.com

Parker, CO   (303) 840-9271

Folks, if you live near Parker, anywhere near there you owe it yourself to take this drive and enjoy what is available to you at this archery club!  At leat 10, 20 yrd lanes, 4, 30 yrd lanes, a full set of pop up targets, an outdoor 3D range and outdoor 70 yard sight in range and a flu flu area.  A cafe and coffee shop and yes, a pro shop as well.  You do have to drive a bit, but it is worth it.  I am going to try to convince them to have a Triple Crown next winter and early spring, what a great place for a large event like an indoor triple crown.  JOAD classes and clubs along with Techno Hunt.  If you haven't been there I am telling you, you need to go!

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Jax/Arrow Dynamics - www.jaxmercantile.com

Fort Collins, CO   (800) 987-9059

Arrow Dynamics long located out on the east side of Fort Collins has joined with Jax and is now at the main Jax site on North College Ave.  The same service you had at the old building is now at the new building, including the indoor range and the yearly 3D shoots held in late winter and early spring.

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Red Rock Archery -

Grand Junction,  CO   (970) 241-2697

Gabe and the gang have so much going on in their building, you can spend a day just looking at the critters that come from all over the country!  From elk, to deer, to turkeys, to Mountain Lions, even fishing stories, if your looking for information about hunting any species on the western slope, stop in and talk to the guys, not just about archery but about bowhunting, they can help!

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Southern Oregon Archery - www.southernoregonarchery.com

Central Point, OR  (541) 664-3310

Rosies, were used to hi mountains and steep hills, their used to dense forests and steep hills, but we all get to hunt elk.  I can't wait to get out and hunt there in the next couple of years, and when I do, I am headed here to pick the brains of the local folks about where to go, maybe the will give me a great location, or not!

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Top Pin Archery - www.toppinarcheryproshop.com

Custer, SD  (605) 673-5880

You have got to stop in and see the deer heads on the wall in Matts shop!  If you think the east has all the deer, stop in and you will see some heads to make you drool!  Lots of stuff and great indoor range and lots of stories.  There is a lot going on in SD with hunting, to catch up on all the latest info and what you need to do, this is the place!

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