Now that I'm officially committed to labeling myself as an archer, it's time to get serious so I can modify that label to full-fledged, proven bowhunter. 

I've slung enough imaginary arrows while daydreaming at my desk, so during lunch yesterday I woke Luke Hartle from his own editor's desk daydreams (I heard him mumbling about teddy bears and cotton candy, but that's for another blog). I demanded we hit the local archery pro shop he talks so much about: Schaffer Performance Archery. No, I'm not already splurging on unnecessary archery gear. I don't even have my bow yet, so I needed to get fitted so I can start my BowTech Invasion.

We arrived at Schaffer and John Schaffer, the owner, spared no time before putting a bow in my hands. I drew back and he circled me like a hungry lion surrounding a young, unsuspecting water buffalo. OK, it wasn't that intense, but it was cool to know that a king of the archery jungle would be the first bowhunter to "size me up" for battle. There's no better way to begin a hobby you intend on getting serious about than by tapping the brains of seasoned professionals.

Thanks to John, I'm sure my first bow (which is now en route from Oregon) will fit like a glove. 

Check out the video below to see how John used his expertise to visually "size me up" for my first bow. (By the way, I've got a 28-inch draw length and I'll be pulling 60 pounds.)