First things first, to go bow hunting, you need a bow. That begs the question, do you have a bow? If you do, then you're already a step ahead. If not there are literally hundreds of different bows to choose from. Pick one. It doesn't matter if you like how the bow shoots or not, because in a year, your bow will be out of date and you wouldn't dare be caught dead with last years model. Many bows even come with a bunch of accessories such as arrow rest, sight, quiver, etc., all of which will be outdated next year as well.
Second, you'll need arrows. Again, your choices are nearly limitless. Everything from your old fashioned cedar arrows for the traditionalist; to new age, polymer coated, carbon fiber, ergonomic, aerodynamic, satellite guided, ROM optimized, hydroponic arrows that are guaranteed to hit the bulls eye regardless of how lousy your aim is.
You will also need a release, target, field tips, broadheads, camo, boots, gloves, treestands, doe pee, buck pee, fox pee, grunt tube, bleat tube, rattling horns, scent eliminating soap, scent eliminating detergent and an endless assortment of other odds and ends. Don't bother trying to acquire these all at once. No matter how much you buy, there will always be some amazing new product you just have to have.
It may be necessary to indenture one or more of your children to offset the costs of these expenses. Don't worry, it builds character.
Once you are properly equipped, you need to begin practicing shooting. Most people will recommend that you practice as often as possible all year round. I suppose for beginners or if you lack confidence in your ability that's a fine way to go about it. I suggest the more advanced method that you wait until approximately two weeks before opening day. This should be enough time to become comfortable with your bow without a lot of wasted effort throughout the year. It also has the added benefit of adding a LOT of excitement to what is normally a pretty dull time of year when something on your bow breaks and you scurry about trying to find a pro-shop that has the time to fix your problem.
Ok, so you've got all that set. Now where are you going to hunt? You might be thinking, "Duh, the woods." Well Mr. Smarty Pants, that just isn't going to cut it. First off, the woods you were thinking about hunting may be private property. I don't know too many folks that look kindly on weapon toting strangers trespassing on their land. If you happen to have land of your own or know someone that does that's fine and dandy. If not, you may have luck by going door to door asking permission to hunt someone else's land. This could be a long, depressing process as it gets harder and harder each year to find sympathetic landowners that don't require you to take out a secured loan for the privilege of hunting their woodlot. Your last, and least desirable, option is public land. I know there are a lot of hunters out there that have had a lot of success hunting public land. But really, these are hunters we're talking about. Do you really think they're being honest? In many places any public land will be swarming with hunters which can lead to some harsh words when you inadvertently disrupt someone's hunt as you didn't see him thirty feet up in a tree in full camo.
After you've determined where you will hunt all that's left is to wait for opening day, go out, and shoot yourself a critter. Easy as that.
Thinking of buying a bow?
Never miss your target again.
Must have hunting accessories. Here, here, and here.
