I got a Bear Blacktail Hunter Compound Bow and the draw length is about 1-2 inches to long, and I took the bow to a archery shop and the guy working there told me that there was nothing that he could do but to cut the string down, and that would drop the poundage of the bow, then he told me to just pull the bow back like you would a normal but but you will be fighting the poundage like a recurve or a long bow. Is there anything I can do or was he telling me the truth?

I got a Bear Blacktail Hunter Compound Bow and the draw length is about 1-2 inches to long, and I took the bow to a archery shop and the guy working there told me that there was nothing that he could do but to cut the string down, and that would drop the poundage of the bow, then he told me to just pull the bow back like you would a normal but but you will be fighting the poundage like a recurve or a long bow. Is there anything I can do or was he telling me the truth?

I sounds like the guy at the shop is correct. I suggest finding a different bow that has alot of draw length adjustment to better fit your draw length. Good luck and happy shooting. :thumb:

I got a Bear Blacktail Hunter Compound Bow and the draw length is about 1-2 inches to long, and I took the bow to a archery shop and the guy working there told me that there was nothing that he could do but to cut the string down, and that would drop the poundage of the bow, then he told me to just pull the bow back like you would a normal but but you will be fighting the poundage like a recurve or a long bow. Is there anything I can do or was he telling me the truth?

One should have gotten fitted with a bow to fit him/her by someone that is knowledgeable. If the bow doesn't match your specs it won't be very enjoyable to shoot.IMO
Sorry for your luck. Maybe you can take it back for a refund or exchange?

Do you mean you got (recently bought)the bow or you have the bow?

Either case, if memory serves me right this is an older, entry level, two wheel compound. Am I right? If so it should have slots in the wheels to adjust the draw length.

I'm guessing, but the shop guy may be right on that the bow may already be at it's shortest setting. If so he's right in that the only option is to short string it, but this is not a very good option for the very reasons he stated. Although short stringing 2" may get it to a point that the draw length fits better it's likely to drop about 15# from the peak weight. Also because the wheels won't be rolling over correctly it will have very little letoff and performance will suck. So the shop guy was telling you the truth.

Best option? Another bow, used if that's all you can afford, that can be fitted for your draw length.

I got the bow through a death in the family, could it still be used like it is?

I got the bow through a death in the family, could it still be used like it is?

Yes, it can be used, but not by you as is if you plan on getting any kind of consisant accuracy. Draw length is the most important consideration when choosing a compound bow. If the draw length is too long (mainly) you won't be able to get decent anchor points near your face so it keeps you from developing any kind of decent and consistant form.

is there a way I can switch the limbs out for recurve ones? and would that work better?

is there a way I can switch the limbs out for recurve ones? and would that work better?


There's a lot of things you can do, but will they work. That is the question. There's no straight and narrow answer. With most bows you can decrease the draw length by switching limbs, but the limbs have to be shorter by quite a bit. Then, if using the same wheels (cams) you have to come up with rpoper string and cable lengths. I believe yours has steel cables and that is, for all intent and purposes, beating a dead horse. The bow is too antiquated to sink that kind of money in it. Even if somebody could figure out the right cable length, having a pair of cables made would cost about twice what the bow is worth.

My opinion is that, if you are looking to get into archery, you need to look for a bow that fits you. Used or new is your choice.

do you have any good ideas of bows?

do you have any good ideas of bows?

Considering the questions you are asking I have to assume you have little experience with archery equipment. Therefore, my advice would be to find a local proshop and see what it has to offer. You can get properly measured for draw length (hopefully) and most will set up a few bows for you to shoot to see what fits you and what feels the best for you.

I think few would disagree with me on getting some hands-on guidance in these matters. Don't forget that sooner or later your bow will need some maintenance and the shop that does this would appreciate you buying from them. It doesn't have to be expensive. There are bows that sell new for $300 and there are some that grab upwards of $1000. Keep your target price under $500 and you'll find something. That's where working with a shop can help.



I think whatever you settle on it should be adjustable for draw length till you figure out just what fits well. God, I've been shooting for over 35 years and still tweaking my draw length.