Long Island Shops: referrals please

[Bobonli]

Greetings,

I'm a new member here seeking some referrals to reputable and knowledgeable shops on the island. I'm a bird hunter who has developed an interest in bow hunting and hope to harvest my first deer next season. I've taken a lesson** and started to poke around some shops on the island and realize that some seem to cater to a school-aged, competitive archery crowd. Nothing wrong with that but I'm not really interested in comp. target shooting in and of itself. I'm looking to develop a relationship with a shop/instructor that knows about hunting.

I'd appreciate some referrals/ suggestions for shops that are hunter-focused, or at least have someone on staff who can speak intelligently on the subject. I'm in Western Nassau, near the Queens border. Not afraid to drive for good service.

** 90 min lesson at a place catering to high schoolers, in which the "instructor" spent 15 minutes with me then walked away to shoot on his own. I'm hoping this isn't representative of all the shops in the area and hope the guidance here will get my on the right track without having to visit every shop.

Thank you

Bob

Edited February 7, 2018 by Bobonli
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[NonTypical]

There are many good shops here on the island, but I can't recommend anyone that's going to give you 90 minutes of undivided attention. I would look into joining a 3D shooting group like http://suffolkarchers.com/ once you purchase a bow. I've never shot there, but I've good things about it. And I'm sure that there are some passionate shooters that would be willing to share info and experiences with you. You can shoot 3D targets at various ranges rather than the same 20yd shots at a piece of paper. 

[First-light]

Smith Point Archery talk to Jeff or his son. Great place.

[virgil]

I agree with First Light. Smith Point is a good shop and definitely is focused on hunting. 

[Bobonli]

14 hours ago, NonTypical said:

There are many good shops here on the island, but I can't recommend anyone that's going to give you 90 minutes of undivided attention. I would look into joining a 3D shooting group like http://suffolkarchers.com/ once you purchase a bow. I've never shot there, but I've good things about it. And I'm sure that there are some passionate shooters that would be willing to share info and experiences with you. You can shoot 3D targets at various ranges rather than the same 20yd shots at a piece of paper. 

Finding my way to a 3D range is definitely on my agenda. I need to get a little more squared away in terms of technique first. Although it didn’t expect 90 mins of custom lesson, I did expect something more than “don’t run with arrows in your hand” and “ here’s where you want to have your hand near your face” before disappearing. Live and learn.

my quest for a reputable shop is so that I don’t end up getting pushed toward a target bow or other items unecessary for hunting  I’ll check out Smith Point  

 

re

[Bobonli]

I could use some more guidance. I’ve visited a couple of shops and have seen some flaky behavior that makes me wonder if the people are competent and made me realize that the bow tech is probably more important than the salesperson. 

For example, shops selling people bows without measuring them, sending them out with sights etc not adjusted properly. For a new comer this can be the difference between initial success and failure. Not talking about a big box store either.  

Appreciate more suggestions; in particular, a place that really knows fitting and setting up the bow. Feel free to PM if that is more discreet.

If there’s a better, more local forum that I should be asking this question please suggest it. Archerytalk.com didn’t appear to have an active NY sub forum 

 

[BizCT]

I’m in westchester. I’ll give you 90minutes undivided attention. 90 x $1,710/hr so $2,565. But since you are new here, I’ll do $2,300 cash. Let me know....


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[NFA-ADK]

The guys you want to talk to are the techs for bow set up, shooting form and instruction is not very complicated for shooting a bow.  Once you have the basics most learning is really done by shooting with other experience shooters.  Anyone can tell if your form is off or if your dropping your arm or not following through IF they are experienced at it.  U-Tube has many instruction videos on how to execute proper form. 

I shoot at Suffolk Archers, if you are interested in checking the club out send me a PM.  I can take you on the tour and give some instruction on shooting form.   No charge!  

[vcollaco]

C & B Archery in Hicksville.  Nice range, decent selection, knowledgeable techs.  They don't nickel and dime you for every little repair or adjustment.  

[Jeremy K]

30 minutes ago, Biz-R-OWorld said:

I’m in westchester. I’ll give you 90minutes undivided attention. 90 x $1,710/hr so $2,565. But since you are new here, I’ll do $2,300 cash. Let me know....


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Are you going to skip over the tree stand portion of the curriculum ? 

[BizCT]

Are you going to skip over the tree stand portion of the curriculum ? 

Correct. “Lob it in” from 20-80yds, standing, sitting, kneeling, etc. I teach classes Sept 20-30 in preparation for the Oct 1 open date


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[rachunter]

1 hour ago, Bobonli said:

I could use some more guidance. I’ve visited a couple of shops and have seen some flaky behavior that makes me wonder if the people are competent and made me realize that the bow tech is probably more important than the salesperson. 

For example, shops selling people bows without measuring them, sending them out with sights etc not adjusted properly. For a new comer this can be the difference between initial success and failure. Not talking about a big box store either.  

Appreciate more suggestions; in particular, a place that really knows fitting and setting up the bow. Feel free to PM if that is more discreet.

If there’s a better, more local forum that I should be asking this question please suggest it. Archerytalk.com didn’t appear to have an active NY sub forum 

 

i don't use shops much anymore but i'll third smithpiont archery.There hunters and not pushy at all just go there and talk to them. There prices are/where right there with online prices.

link: smithpoint archery 

[Bobonli]

On 2/13/2018 at 4:43 PM, Biz-R-OWorld said:

I’m in westchester. I’ll give you 90minutes undivided attention. 90 x $1,710/hr so $2,565. But since you are new here, I’ll do $2,300 cash. Let me know....


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I've been thinking about your offer. I won't go a penny over $1585 an hour!

We can cover the tree stand in a separate lesson.

I'm sure I come across as a puss, and that wasn't my intention. I just want to develop good habits and go from there. The best way I know how to do this (from shotgunning) is to have a coach/lesson. I went to another place this past week and they set me up with a rental where I could not see through the peep and could not reach the trigger with my index finger. I never expected 90 mins of undivided hand-holding, but they should at least make sure the thing fits and works before they turn you loose on the range. I  watched other customers get the same service, so it wasn't just me. 

I tried one last place today. In 20 minutes the guy adjusted the rental bow and the trigger, gave a few pointers and had me shooting grouped shots. Cost me $10 for the range and $20 tip. It was never about the length of the lesson, just the quality.

[kperez1980]

C & B Archery in Hicksville.  Nice range, decent selection, knowledgeable techs.  They don't nickel and dime you for every little repair or adjustment.  

Love them they helped me with my first bow and lessons


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