Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: KSdan on December 27, 2006, 07:47:00 PM
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Just curious. Been shooting trad for almost 20 years. Even won or near won a few local shoots. To be honest, I have had the blessing of hunting some great areas the last ten years. I have harvested a few great mature deer. However, for every one I have harvested I have missed a "chip" shot at deer that may be hard to come by one day soon. I missed 155+ deer the last two years in a row, and made a couple of marginal hits that harvested but were less than my typical ability. It is purely the mental thing I know, but I am very frustrated.
I deeply enjoy shooting and the romantic part of trad archery but I am finding that I just can not over come the issue with live critters. Frankly, I am a hunter and began trad archery because I thought it fit my hunting style better. . .perhaps even a superior "hunting" weapon. But I am seriously second guessing the entire process right now. I am seeing guys regularly harvest deer with their compounds with far less effort. . .and yes, I know the effort argument. . .but if it does not result in clean kills should I stay at it?
Anyone else went through any tough years and resolve it?
Thanks- I will sit back and observe.
Dan
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Go back to a compound? Nope not me. But you need to do what feels right to you. Good luck.
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well I missed 5 this year my first season trad I aint lookin back
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Dan: I've been there, but I long ago decided that how is more important than how big or how many, so I have stuck with it, for about 45 years now. When I miss or don't make a good shot, it's usually because I made a poor decision to shoot. My fix is to become more and more selective, and that usually means opting for closer shots as well. Only you can decide what's best for you. Good luck.
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Orion nailed it the way I see it!! Heck,I had bad years when I used ta gun hunt. Good luck whichever way ya go! :wavey:
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I also lost my confidence in being able to make a clean harvest with trad bow about 10 years ago, forced myself to not hunt with my longbow and picked up the compound (for the first time) for 9 years, went back to the longbow this year and have harvested 5 animals and one miss. I feel your pain, for me until I knew I could cleanly harvest the animal I could not hunt with the longbow. Yes it is between the ears and do not know of a simple solution. I would shoot the longbow OK in the back yard but lacked the needed confidence, tried many different approaches to practice, but a total layoff worked for me.
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I'm 54 and been shooting Trad since I was 16. Plenty of misses and thankfully only 4 lost animals over the years. I never once thought of shooting a compound because it was supposed to be easier. The older I get, I'm really enjoying the up close and personal shots I take and spending the days stillhunting over Mtns and valleys. Think of it as a "slump", just like a ballplayer you will work out of it and your confidence and enthusiasm will return. If your serious about going to the compound, then take your rifle out and fill the freezer. Same thing...both weapons are geared to make your hunting easier.
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Dan, Hang in there man! When I started I had no one to help me and made many mistakes.I got a few deer and missed alot.I went back to compound but I still shot instinctive.Killed the biggest deer of my life at about 8yds.Even though I am proud of my buck which scored in the upper 150s I always regret not taking my recurve.I found the compound so easy to shoot instinctive and missing game very little.But I beleive that if shooting trad gear is in your blood you will never be satisfied with those wheels.I have come full circle and have found my home.It doesn't matter what you shoot you will never get them all.But when you do it the hard way the reward is much sweeter.If someone chooses to shoot with wheels that is fine but for some they will never understand why we do what we do.but hey,THEY JUST DON'T GET IT!! good luck and GOD BLESS Tony
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You don't need anyone's permission, or sanction, to do what you need to do. That's up to you. I wouldn't even consider a compound...I would put sights on the recurve first.
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i would venture to say that more people put bad shots on animals with compounds than we think. i know of many. sure the gadgets of compounds will eliminate some error, but with that comes the option for more marginal shots to be taken, i.e. longer shots. i am pretty new to this and have never used a compound and i would hate to see someone with your experience quit. maybe you could devide your time with the two. maybe you could use the compound for serious horn hunting and use your trad bow to make clean, close, and "easy" shots to still enjoy the sport. wait til you feel that you have accomplished what you wanted for the season and then break out the trad bow to keep it alive.
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I have made the choice not to hunt the past few years because my job does not allow me to shoot on a consistant basis. I have just transfered to a new duty station and should have ample time to shoot.
I have thought about picking up my compound but haven't. It's not the same feeling.
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I went back to traditional archery two years ago after hunting with a compound for 20+ years. Shortly after that, I came down with a neurological disease that forced me to take well over a year off from shooting. The docs speculate it could be MS or possibly the effects of exposure to Agent Orange.
So far, I've missed the last two years of hunting (bow and rifle) because of it. Am I going to quit and return to a compound - heck no! I thank the Lord each day that I am able to shoot my bow. Sometimes it's only a couple of arrows; other days I can fling a couple of dozen. There is something about traditional archery that has a calming influence on my soul. It's hard to describe the feeling but I know a lot of you guys and gals know what I'm talking about.
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When I switched to Traditional I anticipated it to be more challenging. This is one of the reasons I love it so much. We all miss and sometimes miss often but that is also part of it. If it was really easy I probably would hate it. When I do connect with an arrow...it means more to me than one could imagine.Hang in there...Keep practicing and when your arrow connects you will understand why you didn't give up.....
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I don't see why you should feel any remorse if you do pick up a compound...you have to do what works for you. I spent the day out hunting today with a flintlock muzzleloader. However, I picked up a rifle when my friend wanted me to shoot him a doe on his land for his freezer (never did see any). Now crossbows...that is a different story.
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I shot 6 deer with a bow this year, missed many more, still have not taken a bow buck in 9 years of trying. Last year I shot my first bow doe in 6 years, this year they ran me over, lost a 7 point I hit opening day for several reason and Iam still sick about it, not a big deer, not even 100" but a trophy to me. All the deer that Ive seen, some bucks P&Y that were 25 or more yards, I just know they won!! If I shot a bow with sights it would not mean as much when I take a 80# doe. No I bought a compound and sold it before I even shot it, Not for me, I have a muzzleloader for that season if I need the meat but I will never give up trad, beef is too cheap at Kroger's to give up part of who I am.
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Dan, If I had 155 inch bucks running close to me I think I'd get a little mental too.
Only you can decide what you really feel. You can get advice from others but you have to make the decision on what is best.
Good luck with the New Year.
Ron
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Your situatation is not unlike mine, only I'm just getting started, Ive been a trad bowhunter for 2 years now and this year I killed my first deer with a bow of any kind. I tried a shot outside of my comfortable range and made a lucky hit on the femoral artery. The deer only went 40 yds before it collapsed. The kill brought suprising little excitement. I suppose I felt somewhat guilty. But the incident has really motivated me to shoot more and next year I plan to use more restraint.
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Yep, I quit but came back. For different reasons though. Deaths and serious injuries in the family made me adjust priorities in a big way. Nothing seemed to be enjoyable and nothing mattered. When I did try to shoot there was no concentration, my shooting was a waste of time. I sold all my high quality bows, only keeping the bows I have owned since I was a youngster. I do enjoy shooting a bow a great deal and in the past few months I'm getting back to my old self, checking the ads for bow deals, shooting two-three times a week and having a good time.
Mine is another example of the mental thing and the affect it can have. Whenever real issues confront us in life we realize how meaningless our pastimes are. If a compound or a rifle is best for you, so be it. Trad is a nice hobby, not a way of life.
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Interesting thread. What I find really interesting, not only in this thread but in others on different sites of the same topic, where some people say they will shoot a rifle or muzzle loader for deer hunting, but yet downgrade or condemn those who shoot a compound.???? I'm a little confused with this type of thinking.
Person "A" is a guy who hunts with a recurve or longbow during bow season, and also hunts during the firearms season with a rifle or blackpowder weapon and he is deemed ok. Person "B" hunts with a longbow or recurve and will also hunt with a compound and he is looked down upon???
I will not hunt with a firearm because I get no enjoyment out of it. I will hunt with a longbow or recurve and also a compound when I want to. How am I inferior, because I hunt with a compound, to those that choose to hunt with a firearm?
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i dont want to get too far from the thread topic, but i dont think anyone on here thinks somone is inferior because of a compound bow. its just a traditional archery site, so most are in favor of using a trad bow. we are fortunate enough to live in a wonderful country where we are free to make these types of choices, both in schools of thought and in practice. good point though, we can be extreme on our ideas sometimes.
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Two Arrows, I'm confused also.
I've been shooting trad gear for 13 years now. I'm 29 years old.
I wasn't around for the recurve era with metal risers and sights and such. I honestly got into trad because of Traditional Bowhunter magazine. I was drawn to the simplicity and romance of trad gear.
I've been shooting wood arrows and two blade heads with fantastic success. I only take high percentage shots and have had great results.
For awhile I must admit that I picked up a little of the elitist attitude that is present in Traditional Bowhunter magazine, but lately I've changed my tune.
I personally do not feel "handicapped" by trad gear. Compound shooters look at it like it's a toy but I realize how deadly effective it is.
So my logic is: it takes woodsmanship to consistently get within bow range of a whitetail. If the hunter is within 20 yards I don't see much difference in pulling of a good shot with recurve,longbow, compound device or even a crossbow for that matter.
I realize that compounds do have a farther effective range than stick bows, but if the person sets their own limitations then equipment doesn't really matter.
I believe it was Gene Wensel who said it best: "What matters is attitude."
Do what makes you happy and don't get to wrapped up in what is "purer." We should enjoy our time out there that God has so graciously blessed us with.
Jaz
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Try hunting small game- hard. It is amazing how jazzed i get when stalikng a rabbit and the size, distance and movement all have to be calculated just like a deer. even your timing to shoot have to in snych. It's not just a rabbit, it is a game animal.
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Actually guys I hope this does no deteriorate into a trad vs. compound issue. It is not about longer shots, a better weapon, etc. My larger question was "Have any of you went through these times, considered quitting the trad world, perhaps have, and has anything been able to bring you back out of it?" My only personal compound inquiry is would this help me better hunter? (Yes, I know what many of you will say- but I can get within ten yards of 160" deer- so that is not the issue- the issue is confidence to kill the animal when the time is right)
Also, I hear many talk of misses- but misses can easily be wounded animals. I have a few over the years and do NOT like it- especially when they should have been chip shots!
Ron- yes, this is a part of my conflict. I actually have a few encounters every year with deer like this (and 155 is conservative NET). With a changing world and some personal health conflicts I really do not know how much longer I will have opportunity of such animals. If these were deer you could encounter anywhere and often, it would not be such of a dilemma.
Thanks all-
Yes- it is a personal issue. . .working through it here.
Dan
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If someone chooses to shoot with wheels that is fine but for some they will never understand why we do what we do.but hey,THEY JUST DON'T GET IT!! good luck and GOD BLESS Tony
Man you couldn't have siad it better
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Dan,
I thought about it before, especially when I was very busy at my job.
I agree with George, have you thought about putting a sight on your recurve?
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Nope!
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I can name a number of people who have missed big critters with gun,compound or any combonation of weapons(myself included) but you know what, that is why it is called hunting. My suggestion would be to relive whatever hunt that is bothering you and find your mistake, don't put so much preasure on the size of the animal and just hunt.
go luck,
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One of the guys I work with and myself were discussing something similar just today. THIS season alone, he tells me that he has wounded and lost two,and missed two more with his bow. This weekend he missed a buck with his rifle. He said that he was considering quitting bowhunting all together. His hunting buddy, another co-worker, says that he shoots great while practicing, and practices from a 15 foot ladder stand. Anyone want to guess what kind of bow he's shooting......... it's a Mathews Switchback . In talking to him he admits that he gets so shook up when he sees a deer that he "has trouble breathing"......I laughed with him and told him when he stops getting excited, it's time to quit.... told him to relax, that we do this for FUN, not out of necessity. JUST RELAX , HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE HUNT, IF WE PUT THE EMPHAMSIS OF KILLING, VERY, VERY FEW OF US WOULD MEASURE UP, TRADITIONAL, WHEELS, OR OTHERWISE.
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KSdan, reread your original post, maybe altering your method of practice, creating the hunting scene in your mind when shooting/practicing, or one of my favorite, shoot just ONE arrow before work. Also rehearsing the hunting shots in your mind making that perfect shot while on a bus, waiting in line etc. helps you feel more relaxed when the moment comes for real because you have already done it many times, in your mind. Many can shoot well practicing shot after shot but making the one shot count will assist in dealing with the shot at live game. Mental preparation is just as important as physical. I have seen many great shots on the range that have trouble carrying it over to the field, (holds true for golfers aso) work on the mental preperation and I think you will see improvement, Good luck.
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Go where your heart and conscience lead you anywhere else will only get you lost.
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Dan,
Confession time ! I shot compound for the first two weekends of the season. I then purchased a traditional Viper Longbow, used it for two weeks, and was surprised how my skills came back in the practice with it. I then purchased a John McDonald custom " Big River Bow " 48 # at 28". Ever since I got it I have not been able to put it down. That's what I've taken hunting this year until now, as in
TODAY !
I took my compound out for the first time today, I hiked in to the place where I put my double bull stand, which was on my back along with other stuff. Altogether weighs about 40 lbs. with all the other stuff I take. I walked about a mile. I had my hands free because I use a Alaskan outfitter frame. But in my hands I carried my compound. With all of the extra gizmos it weighs about 8 1/2 pounds, maybe seven at the least. By the time I got to the place where I was going to set my double bull blind, my hands were definitely tired. And then as I placed at on top of my frame, I was worried about knocking the sights off, or out of place. And then I was worried that if I didn't have my hand release attached to the string loop I would never make the shot in time. And then there was the idea of being able to shoot to the Windows properly, you know the difference between the sight and Broadhead.
To say the least, I will not be taking it for the rest of the season. If I get a deer with my traditional, I'll eat deer, I had disciplined myself when I hunted with a traditional, 15 yd. was the maximum, that's were I'm efficient.
The bottom line is you have to make the decision. No one else can do that for you, my experience today, made my decision for me. I spent over $1200.00 on my compound,its a Hoyt PowerTec purchased it in April of this year. And now because of traditional, I don't like using it, simply because everything is simple with traditional, the bow, the arrow, and my skills.
I think what I see in the posting is the pressure, getting a deer, or wounding a deer. Thankfully I have never lost a deer. But my best buddy did, it was today 15 yd. shot. we looked for that deer for hours, and we had a good 4 inches of snow on the ground, lots of blood trail, spots were the deer laied down, that was 30 years ago, he shot it with a compound. So you can have those times with traditional and also compound. Just realize no matter what route you take, you still then have problems, I changed my sight on my compound three times, I changed my arrow rest twice, I purchased three different sets of arrows, the problems will come, what it comes down to, we need to get a good attitude about the equipment we have, and realize our limitations.
Like everyone said the decision is yours, but realize it's more than compound or traditional.
Because I was carrying a traditional bow when I passed on a 8 point buck, that was the hardest decision I've ever made in archery, because I've never shot a buck before, I really wanted to shoot that buck, he was five yards beyond my ability, it was darker than I would have liked to be to know if I would get a clean shot. So I just stood there and watch him. I would've liked to put him in the freezer, but he will be in my mind forever, because I shot traditional.
If I was carrying a compound at that time, I probably would have shot him, because I would have had more trust in wheels and cables and sights, then I would have had in myself.
Confidence, is what traditional gives me, if I understand my limitations, and do not break them.
Good luck in your decision
Carl
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Go back to a compound? Never! I'm one of those guys who look at today's compounds as vertical crossbows. As a matter a fact, since I've gone completely traditional,(14 years) I've taken more game than I ever did with the compound device. I simply get closer and I no longer have any temptation to take longer shots. Stick with your traditional equipment, success is defined in many different ways. T
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Personally if it bothered me to a point where I was thinking of quiting....I would.It is not supposed to be a job to hunt.Just fun.If the fun has gone for you why do it? jmo
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I am doing some soul searching as well right now. I'm coming off the worst year ever, period! I've found that most people don't question themselves until something goes bad, very bad. Misses wouldn't bother me one bit, everyone misses. Some, way more than others, but wounding bothers me to no end. I can honestly say, I've missed maybe 5 animals in the last 7 years of hunting everything from elk, Bighorn sheep, antelope, to deer. I've had a few losses down that path, and this year was a few to many for me. The sad part is, they were on gimme shots. To some, method is more important than the end result. This is very clear to me now. For me, the end result is very important. I know how I hunt, and what makes me happy. I hope you base your decision on what's right, and not what others may think. Finding that special spot, taking the time to setup right, and then delivering an arrow cleanly is what it's all about. If you can put yourself in front of an animal, shooting should be the last thing on your mind. If it is, you really need to question your choice of weapon. There is no excuse for missing multiple times in a season, none. To use the crutches of bow, long and recurve is really sad in my opinion. The woods deserve much more than man's ego.
Good Luck.
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Originally posted by Jaz:
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I personally do not feel "handicapped" by trad gear. Compound shooters look at it like it's a toy but I realize how deadly effective it is.
So my logic is: it takes woodsmanship to consistently get within bow range of a whitetail. If the hunter is within 20 yards I don't see much difference in pulling of a good shot with recurve,longbow, compound device or even a crossbow for that matter.
I realize that compounds do have a farther effective range than stick bows, but if the person sets their own limitations then equipment doesn't really matter.
I believe it was Gene Wensel who said it best: "What matters is attitude."
Do what makes you happy and don't get to wrapped up in what is "purer." We should enjoy our time out there that God has so graciously blessed us with.
Jaz
Now there's some wisdom well beyond your years, Jaz. You're dead on. Equipment rarely makes up for poor shot placement or poor woodsmanship. It took me alot of years, alot of kills, and alot of blown opportunities with rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, compound and recurve to learn this simple fact.
I no longer agonize over what I'm carrying when I walk into the woods, though 90% of the time, it's my Brackenbury recurve because that's what gives me the most personal pleasure. I killed the largest buck of my life this year on opening day of NY shotgun season. It was special, not because of what I had in my hand, but because my dad was there and I used his favorite shotgun - a different kind of satisfaction.
I find that the all or nothing argument we often struggle with internally is a trap. "Only trad, only bucks, only this, only that.." is a counterproductive mind game. I love being in the woods. I love hunting. I love the simplicity of the recurve. I love killing deer.
Do what jaz says: get out there and enjoy God's creation.
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I would rather kill the smallest deer with a rifle than to kill the world record deer with a compound. I would never consider going back to a compound. I LOVE TRADITIONAL In fact if a compound was the only option for archery I would quit archery.But thats just me,you do what you gotta do. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
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Nay,Nay My Friend!! Is this a Case of "It Aint The Arrow, Its The Indian?" :confused: Hope Things Get Better For You, and "Traditional" Means It Has Worked For Years!! Jaz Has It Down!! :thumbsup:
"Do what makes you happy and don't get to wrapped up in what is "purer." We should enjoy our time out there that God has so graciously blessed us with.
Jaz" :archer:
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I have been going through the same thing so I feel you pain, and this is what I have come up with. Trad archery takes alot of time...If you practice alot, you will be good. However, if your life circumstances do not allow you to practice all the time, the compound is an easy and quick fix to keep you in the woods. In years past I have been able to shoot every day, but due to life this past year I have not. That has shown up in my hunting and my confidence. I had the biggest buck of my life 20 yards from me last week and did not shoot because I was not confident I could. Last year he would have been dead!
So, I am contemplating using a compound for backup, and I am happy with that decision.
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I read alot. when I was 40 sumpin I noticed I hadn't read a bood in a couple of months. picked up a book only to realize I didn't see the words very well.....trip to the eye Dr. In the my late 50's I notice my groups had gone south to such an extent, I was not serious about hunting for fear of wounds. started experimenting and found that all these yrs I had to see the arrow. I put in under my eye and made the sight adjusts by gapping. I could no get the arrow under my eye and look at my spot.
so i strated aiming (string walking). groups came back, confidence came back, hunting came back. then i discovered the DAS SRF sight. BINGO. put the arrow back under and I already had 4 decades of "feel" for the gap. I know this forum is not really geared toward sights and sight shooting but the SRF is not a like ya you have in your mind. to me it is an instinctive sight. the draw back is ya got to shoot with an upright bow, so if ya cant your bow that will have to change.
heck my hunting buds didn't even give me a hard time about it. I figure they had rather me hunt with a sight than have to spend the time looking for marginal hits game.
don't know how old ya are but think it over. SRF gave me a knew lease on tradbow hunting
rusty
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Dan,
I started shooting Traditionally when I was a Boy Scout in 1963. I've never owned a bow that wasn't Trad, and my experience with a wheel bow amounts to about thirty shots with my youngest brother's compound. For me if it isn't Traditional, it isn't archery. This fall I bought my first new bow since 1980... a nice Tomahawk.... 50# @ 28" ...I intend to shoot for a while yet! :-)
Hunting.....I've had two clean misses inside ten feet! One was buck fever, and the other a bitty little maple tree that I hit half way to a ten point buck. I've also had some seasons where I didn't get into the field .... not even one day. This includes the past three seasons in a row. I've had invitations from friends, but if I haven't had the opportunity to do some pre-season scouting, then during the season I'm just taking a walk in the woods....not hunting. I miss my hunting. :-(
Life continues to flow....step back and see what you want.
Lobo in West Virginia
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here is a pic of the SRF mounted on my favorite tree stand bow, 58" horne recurve with a bow bolt.
(http://www.trashwoodbow.com/misses/hornesrf1.jpg)
as you can see there are no pins, wires etc. the top of the aperture give me a 8yd shot, the widest area give me around a 25 yd shoot. you can see indeed the arrow is under my eye. I have shot the sight enough now I no longer realize I am sohooting the sight.
the sight acquires the target very quickly, easy to move with the target, and easy follow as the range of the target changes. keep in mind (at least for me) this is a hunting sight. I personally can't light matches with it any better than I could instinctively. what is did was make me very consistant and cut my instinctve groups by better that half.
rusty
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I loved hunting with a compound. One day while shooting at a friend's archery shop, I picked up a 25# Kodiak just for kicks and started shooting my 2413's out of it. Too much fun and I couldn't put it down. Bought a 60# recurve and had a blast all summer. Come fall, I was hunting with the recurve when I hit and lost a doe. First time I'd ever had that happen. I was so distraught I sold all my trad gear and went back to the compound. The thought of losing another deer was too much.
Two years later I jerked the release and hit a doe w-a-a-y back. Fortunately the femoral dropped her in short order. This made me realize that my equipment had nothing to do with losing that deer. It was all me. I enjoyed shooting trag gear way more than a compound so I went back to it and worked hard at fixing ME.
The results? Year after year of good memories, wonderful experiences, and a great deal of personal satisfaction. A hobby that never grows old, is just about as much fun to read about as it is to do, and is filled with people who represent the best of who we are.
Go back to the compound you say???? Like a 10 yard shot at a broadside skunk....I think I'll pass!
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KSDan, man I wish I had 1/2 of your experience and 1/10 of you success, I would gladly take all of your problem :) and still would have-a-ball!
take care
Alex
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first of all -no- no desire to hunt with a compound or rifle.
I read what you have said; and I am going to comment on that.
First of all what is a 'chip shot'? Any and every shot can be missed - because the shooting of a traditional bow is a mind set. Shooting a compound is a gear set.
Don't shoot at anything you don't want to hit.
If you shoot at a 150 buck; and you are into the majesty of the buck and not the shot- your going to miss...because at the moment of release you were into the moment more than the shot.
You did miss- why? I think it was because you value the hunt so much you did not concentrate on the shot enough- and that is a beautiful thing!!
Until you realise you missed :banghead:
One of the great things about traditional bowhunting is that it forces you to be out there longer and hunt harder; and to see the woods in a more intimate way. You have to do that to close the distance and make the shot you want.
Speaking of that - were the missed shots the ones you wanted? Was the deer on the perfect angle; was it really a 'chip shot' - was the fact it WAS a 'chip shot' what made you miss: because something did!!
This year I stopped by a camp of two bowhunters out to slay an elk. They did not have a deer tag; and they had deer walking right into camp to lick at the 'mineral content' of some hay they had raked up to put their tent up. The hay was some that had been under the horses last fall...
So; I was sitting there with these guys drinking a beer they shared with me; and heard a bull elk not more than a 150 yards away bugle.
They thought it was another hunter bugling from their camp- as they had heard the bugle every morning and evening since they had started hunting there. But there was no camp down there!!
When I explained that; and the one guy got a glimse of the bull; and I pointed out a herd of elk to them- right near camp- and they had not seen a single elk all week... well it set the following scene.
I wanted to kill a deer. It did not matter if it was a doe or buck; just wanted to kill a deer.
so; when we sat back down again; a doe walked right up to us at about ten yards. I took out an arrow and shot and put it right over the deers back. I then did it again. And again.
All 'chip shots'.
Why did I miss? Well; I had time to think about that; and went back the next night and missed again; and again. All ten yard shots.
I missed because in my heart I really did not want to hit the deer. We were in the wild; it was wild deer I was shooting at: but somehow- shooting at a deer standing between the long underwear and regular underwear; and towels and such hanging on a rope from tree to tree- with deer walking right under and through it all-
Was not really in my heart the shot I wanted to remember!
Never shoot at anything you don't want to hit.
I wanted an elk this year. I had shots and just did not take them because I was in their zone; and just was enjoying it so much. Of course I kicked myself when they ran off- but that is all part of being there.
How many of us have kicked ourselves for not shooting something the first day- that we had a shot at- that we would have taken the last day?
If the thought of ' if I wait- I might get a bigger one' is in your head when you shoot- your probably going to miss!!
Another thing. I watch a lot of tv hunting shows; and guys shooting compounds. You talked about how well these bows work- well- next time you watch a tv show with a guy hunting with a compound- look at his arrows. Look at the design on the arrows; the color of the vanes or feathers.
Watch when the deer comes in; and see how many arrows are in the quiver- and then when the guy or gal makes the hit- look again at how many arrows are in the quiver.
Often several arrows are missing; or the arrows for the picture of the hunter next to the animal will reveal different arrows in the quiver than when he climbed into the tree.
Don't fall for editing magic!! They miss too!
I watched a Nugent show from africa; where his son was shooting a crossbow the size of a grand piano- and he shot two animals that were not recovered before he came up with his prize. Uncle Ted did not edit out the reality of the bad hits; he did't dwell on it either; and you might have missed his sons comments about it.
You can miss with any bow; and good heavens- do you not remember deer season with a gun? :)
It was rare to hear one single shot ring out - was it not?
You just are into it man- so -stick with the stick :)
:campfire: :archer:
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Brian, great story, great insight. your advice is going straight to my memory bank :knothead:
thanks
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Quit? No freak'n way!!!
I did the wheels for 15yrs. Took my share of deer with them. Now I'm taking deer with trad and will never quit. It's too much fun. Yeah I missed with the curve, but I missed them with wheels also.
Don't give up
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Hello Dan, I hope my earlier post didn't sound like I was bashing compound shooters.I was just telling of my experience and personal preferance.If you feel in your heart thats what you would like to do I say do it.Try it out,I hunt for my satisfaction and for no one else.I could be wrong but I believe that if you try the compound you will eventually go back to the sticks.But hey in the process of you doing this I really think your confidence will soar and then you will say,HEY!!!! I think I can do this with my trad gear. and wola!!! a new journey begins.GOD BLESS , happy hunting, and no matter what you choose to shoot may you hit your mark. Tony
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Although I have taken several deer with a compound what I remember most are the times a compound let me down.
Like the time I went to draw on a buck at 20 yards and the release fired early and I split my lips open while the arrow flew through the trees...Or the time a mature 8 point was crossing my path and I drew too early. He paused and I had to hold the bow drawn so long that my arms gave out started to shake which made the arrow fall off the rest...Or the time I drew on a trophy ten point and the arrow squeeked on the rest and he spooked...Or the time I skipped an arrow off a bucks shoulder only to find out later my sights had loosened and moved...Or the time a huge 8 point (26" spread) walked right up to me (3 paces) and when I drew back the arrow dropped off the overdraw and I had to shoot it off my wrist which gave him a nice haircut...Or the time my arrow droped between the rest while trying to harvest a nice forkhorn and my bow got stuck in the full drawn position...Not to mention the times I just couldn't get away with all the mechanics of getting drawn on bucks at close range. Or the numerous other deer that spooked from either the drawing or releasing sounds of the compound. Or the tired arms from walking around with a 7 pound bow all day. Or the hours spent trying to tune the bow to hit where I wanted just to have to redo it all next time out because it seemed to be pitching arrows again... Or the times I couldn't see my sight pins in order to make the shot...The list goes on and on. I don't ever want to deal with all that again.
I will be honest though and say that I was where you are at earlier this year. I had been hunting a nice 10 point and had it duck my arrow at 20 paces. Then I watched a video of some guy plugging deer with his super fast compound and it actually made me take mine out for a hunt. I started to hate that heavy thing in my hand and when I got within 20 paces of that same buck...well he ducked the arrow from the compound too. It wasn't the bow it was me and it was that jumpy buck. I went back out with my recurve the next hunt and this time I harvested that same 10 point. I will never touch a compound again. I will never loose faith in the simple things again.
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I wanted to, but it would take me too long to haul all the longbows and recurves I have out to the curb.
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Shooting a compound is indeed eaiser than the trad way. I have been to wheels and back. I still own a couple of them, but they now gather dust in the attic. I promise I could pick one up, and in a matter of minutes, be shooting tight groups. So can anyone else, that's the point. The old saying about "it's not the destination, but rather the journey" is so true, especially in traditional archery. We go to the woods to hunt, and if we harvest an animal, it's iceing on the cake. It's the journey that's important, not necessarly the harvest. "We do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard." JFK
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Yep, well if ya given it up just pack all your trad bows up and send em down Louisiana way to me, you wont be able to sell them for much and one of them compound jobs with the lights the gps, and cable TV reception and its carrying case will set ya back oh about 1000 bucks or 1500 depending ...plus new arrows , release...yes sir send ur old bows on down , or there is always rifle season... :wavey: nobody said it be easy, its bowhunting, not always bow kill-in...even when ya do all ur homework...ya know Im kidding ... :) ....I hope ya stay trad...A archer pal, Marco#78 :thumbsup:
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I usualy pop in a trad video when I get the urge to go back to wheels,that usauly does the trick!!! :knothead:
My wife and I was watching a hunting show the other day. The hunter was very nervous you could see him shacking. She commented about it, I told her that when I got to the point that I wasn't excited and nervous I would Quit....
Traditional hunting isn't easy,but very rewarding..
But I will have to say that I haven't missed a monster buck yet? :banghead:
But Quit NEVER
Keep the Faith my Friend
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Dan,
Started shooting 15 years ago with the compound for physical therapy due to an arm injury which almost left my left arm frozen in a 90 degree angle. Switched from right to left hand. Got stated with about 30lbs and over a short time increased to 70+lbs with greater flexibilty in my left arm. I tell you this cause the Compound Bow after a few years did what therapy three times a week could not do and that was to give me back 95% of the use of my left arm again. So I owe alot to the compound bow and archery in general. First time in the woods I harvested a deer in the first 10 minutes of daylight.
But I got bored and found no challenge that pushed my Americam will and spirit of hitting 1/2" pieces of paper at the range and pissed off everytime I missed it .
Picked up a recurve then found true love with the long bow..
Now I love to shoot both, but the compound is my gun and the longbow is my pleasure as when I het the mark it's guves a greta high and when I miss I am humbled,not pissed as with a compound.
I have harvested much small game with the longbow including a black bear in Newbrunswick, but not a deer. The only real opportunity with a longbow came when a doe with two yearlings approached me within 5 yards. She just couldn't leave the kids behind could she. LOL.
What I'm driving at is will you be truly happy to shoot a deer with the compound bow,,,a nice 6 or 8 pointer,,,hell ya....So do what you need to do to fill the voids as we all know once you get the big one out of the way, you'll find comfort and more confidence in Traditional.
Best of Luck and Happy New Year to all.
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Dan...I mean absolutely no disrespect when I say this.
Everybody is in this for different reasons. Everybody needs to be stroked in different ways to remain happy. If you feel that you are not having fun shooting trad, then by all means go to compound or cross bow or rifle, or just quit the shooting sports altogether.
You need to examine yourself and why you do what you do. Then make a decision...is is good more often than not, or bad more often than not.... and by that I do not mean can you shoot straight, but rather the feeling that you get while doing this. Based upon that examination, you, and only you need to decide what you are gonna do.
Many of us are here, not because we feel that Trad is better, or holier or ...whatever, but because it is what we do. If I, personally, got to the point where I felt I could not shoot at critters with my bow and arrows.....I might stop hunting them(ie actually shooting at them, not necessarily the going out there). I still get way too much thrill out of shooting the bow to even consider this.
There are a bunch of choices you, and we, make every day of our lives. There are typically a bunch of answers to all the questions. Quitting is one of them, shifting your actions a bit is another. Maybe you should consider shifting a bit first instead of quitting. Shifting might mean not shooting at critters, or not unless they are say 10 yards or closer, or 15 or whatever your shift might become.
Whatever you decide...good luck out there !
ChuckC
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Chad Lewis said it just about the way I feel. I shoot both just depends on what Im hunting even though I sold all my compounds as of now. I would say the best thing is shoot a mess of doe's, small game does help but its still not the same as biggame. Just my .02
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I haven't considered quitting trad, but have on occassion considered going from "primitive" back to regular ol "easy" trad. Not due to any deficiencies in my primitive set-ups. On the contrary they have handled everything I have thrown at them and still eager to hunt like a 2 year old bird dog, but simply because it's so much "easier" to just call some bowyer like Bob Morrison,or Ron LaClair, or Jim Reynolds and order up a glass bow to spec, call some dealer and order up some arrow shafts (maybe even some carbons), glue on some nocks, feathers and 5 degree heads that are already pre sharpened and go hunting.
Then I wouldn't have to have a bunch of tools,like chain saws and mauls and wedges, and bandsaws,and a bunch of staves, wouldn't have a bunch of osage dust all over the house, wouldn't need string making tools and materials, or a bunch of leather scraps. Wouldn't have to have cane drying which I wouldn't have to straighten and plug, wouldn't have to pound sinew, melt hide glue, wouldn't need rawhide and snakeskins, and a bunch of different little tip overlay pieces. Wouldn't need to cut heads out of bandsaw blades, wouldn't need a grinder to set up the bevel for sharpening, wouldn't need boxes of feathers that need stripping...Heck, wouldn't even have to unstring the bow if I didn't want to. Wouldn't have to worry about heat or cold or rain affecting my gear......ahhhhhhh
Yep, been pondering the "easy life" on occassion.
Maybe someday..just not quite ready yet! :archer:
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I am happy just having the opportunity to pick up my longbow, quiver and daypack and spend the days in the woods. I have always felt that way. Guess I'm a hopeless romantic, it's always been about the journey, not the destination. This year hasn't exactly been in the cards though. I had to sit out most of the season due to illness. I am looking forward to Spring Turkey though! With the help of God.
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:scared: NEVER, I bleed trad :campfire:
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Well this is my first trad season and i missed a lot of shots, but then again when i first started bow hunting with a compound 20+ years ago i missed a lot then. I was lucky enough to get two button bucks, and a nine that was found a week later made a good hit no blood trail. I say you have to go with your gut feeling as for me I'm sticking it out. This trad stuff has opened up a whole new world for me and my son is into it also. There are a lot of guys that are just as deadly with trad as some are with compounds . I'm guessing that it has to do with concentration and consistency both of which i need work on. Personal choice, you can always use both that might work for you. Good luck with whatever you choose.
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I don't think I'd quit, what I'd probably do is move as close as it took to become really confidend. Even 10 yards. Frank :thumbsup:
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Dan...I've read through the four pages of posts that seem to be wavering in direction...Your topic starter and second statement have brought me to a different opinion about your self imposed dilema...(Remember This Is Only My Opinion) Formed by the too many books I read...
Why are you questioning the human condition? You are not a machine. These feelings of lost confidence and fustration can be combated by "having fun" shooting a bow and using "visualization" while shooting for practice and hunting alike.
It seems to me you are putting too much pressure on yourself...Don't have to quote your words...I read them twice. Try to look at the positive side of all that brought you to this point...
I know you have what it takes! Stick with it a little longer. Might just be something simple like stump shooting that will get you out of this state of mind... :) ...
Good Luck...>>-----> mike <-----<< :thumbsup:
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I tried to go back to a compound 2 years ago and what a frustrating experience that was. I had thought going to the high tech stuff would help me bag a deer better. I spent more time and money trying to tune that wretched thing than I did hunting. Save your sanity and stick with what you've got.
Like stated above, get out and do some stump shooting or like I do, go out to public land and shoot discarded pop cans and garbage. The best shooting is when your having fun and not pressuring yourself do shoot perfectly. When next season rolls around you'll be relaxed and the shot will come naturaly.
I know how it is to have a bad season with missing shots. It seems when the next animal comes in, all you can do is think about the last shot you missed and panic sets in. Get a 3-D target and practice on it heavily. The next time you get a shot at a deer, visualize it as a 3-D target. Stick with it brother!
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I have a friend who's had a similar mindset of late. For him, the mental aspect of making a good shot on a live animal has been so crippling that he passed on a nice bull at 12 yards this year - he just didn't feel comfortable taking the shot. I imagine that there's so much intensity and animosity surrounding a shot that it isn't really fun for him. My only suggestion is what others have already said: The experience should be joyful! I, of course, would love to see you overcome your adversity, but it's more important that you're enjoying your time in the woods - with trad gear or otherwise.
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Some one mentioned they picked up the compound after shooting trad and it did not feel right. I found that out long time ago when I first got started.I missed a deer twice the same nite that I could have gotten easily with a compound. First off I had to think about it if I had shot at the deer with my compound I doubt I would have gotten a second shot and after picking up the compound it truly felt foreign in my hand. And I decided right there I would not give up, don't have a compound in the house anymore have not for lots of years. Any way ramble, ramble its no sin either way. Cheers!
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OK, look. Nothing I'm going to say is aimed at you.
If a person NEEDS to kill something on a regular basis......if 155+ means something to you......then you should shoot what works for you.
Hunters go through a natural progression:
1. New hunter just wants to kill something to prove he can.
2. Next step is the "Limit", again, to prove he can.
3. Then comes the "Trophy", mine's bigger'n yours, stage.
4. Then he starts to challenge himself with personal limitations such as hunting from the ground or using a selfbow, ect. This hunter waits for the perfect shot. He wounds few animals, because he won't shoot unless it's a slam-dunk.
5. If we're lucky, we reach the final stage, when we have nothing left to prove and just Revel in being out there. Joyful for the chance.
Be honest, and find yourself someplace in the progression. Shoot what you want, and don't sweat the small stuff!! Life is too short to fret over equipment choices.
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I am still trying to bag my first deer, so I'm using a crossbow for the time being. It has recurve limbs:) Once I get more confident with my recurve then I will switch.
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Old Ways, you cite the same reasons that led ME away from my compound.
K.I.S.S.
For me it boils down to this question: At which range do you want to kill an animal? 300yds? 150yds? 80yds? 40yds? 20yds? 7yds? Most of the satisfaction I derive from bowhunting comes from interacting with wildlife and seeing how close I can get game before shooting. I lose out on this with longer range weapons.
I agree with dougers and Molson: I don't think I'd be any more accurate with a more advanced weapon... I would still face the choice to take the marginal shots within each weapon class. As one steps up the "technological weapon scale", one certainly increases the maximum effective range of the weapon, but the hunter is often far less capable than the weapon he/she is using. I berated myself for making marginal hits with my bow this year, but then again... my brother made no BETTER shot with his rifle! What's the difference? Only range. All the deer went down; he just had to walk further to retrieve his. ;)
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I'm glad to see this post. I can relate to you Dan, as this year, I've had probably the worst year bowhunting deer so far. My issue is target panic, by my own admission! I can't seem to break it, whatever I try. I'm fairly accurate, however I stuck two bucks this year (one at 10 yards) and lost them both. I'm very seriously thinking about going back to a compound this coming year, and shooting it instinctively (like the Fitzgeralds). My heart is traditional and has been for about 18 years, but I just feel I owe it to the game, and to myself to be as accurate as I can. I feel your pain!
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HOLD THE PHONE!!! I don't like to see so many guys wanting to... :banghead: ...quit the trad bow cause of some bad shooting...I lost a nice buck with a poor hit myself...On the ground, stalking at eight yards with a neck hit...No Blood Trail...(Killed 4 weeks later during rifle season)...
Shouldn't we ask ourselves...HOW and WHY this happens and not beat ourselves up? Maybe it's just me...I would love to see US do that.
>>-----> mike <-----<<
PS...Some say I over think things...Just like to understand how my mind and body works... :) ...
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Dan ben there done that. Had a bad fall and injured my wrists 4years ago.I panicked and sold my recurve thought my trad bow days were done. I took a nice 8 point with a low poundage compound that same year. When i told my brother i had a nice buck down he said you don't seem very excited. i thought about it for a minute and said your wright somethlngs wrong i should be thrilled. I was happy i got my deer but something was missing. That something for me was doing it the trad way. Thanks to the good lord my wrists have healed and i now enjoy traditional bows agian.There is no shame in hunting how ever you choose you are the same man no matter what you carry in the field. Best of luck TD.
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Most of the time, all of us have some kind of trouble, something that bothers us. Sometimes it trouble that is seen and sometimes it's not. Sometimes, it takes a long time for us to realize what are real troubles are. I know that I am a person that is all or nothing. That's my personality. I'm the type of person that could do traditional archery for living, if I just find the right niche with it. But the trouble is once something enters into my life that I'm doing it just to make money and exist, it's over.
I flat out don't like it anymore. I have only one more day to hunt for my deer. We haven't had but 1 in. of snow ever since winter began, and that's embarrassing when you are from Minnesota. Even up North they're having to snowmobile on the lakes because they snow has melted away.
I have had coyotes enter into an area where I've been hunting (500 acres), its public land so there's about eight other hunters that do archery there, I'm the only traditional bow hunter. In this public land they is no rifles allowed, they can hunt small game with a (fine shot) only. So I've gotten on personal basis with all the stupid hunting dogs that have walked across my blind, there is one dog that has a bell on it, his name is Mike,
I dislike that dog, but that dog knows no better than what his master tells him.
We haven't seen deer in that 500 acres for 6 weeks now, we just saw five does Friday 12/29, they were coming across the pasture, and the lead doe stopped, and looked intently across the field, and turned back. There was only two of us hunting the 500 acres that day, we had a little rain, and it weeds out some of the other hunters. No other vehicles just mine and another fellows. We stayed in our stands until it was totally dark. We walked out together, when we were about halfway out we heard the coyote call. It's upsetting, but not enough to quit traditional.
That 500 acres has been like a huge open space that God has given me, I see His handiwork, and all the things He has created. So for me, traditional bow hunting, has been a peaceful thing. I sat in my blind waiting for deer to appear, putting it on the right trails, and doing all the right things. And a day has gone by, that I haven't seen flock of geese fly overhead, the Cardinal land 3 ft. from me, but nuthatcher that would almost take food out of your hand. The details in the feathers, the timing that they come around you could almost set your watch by. And did I mention the sunsets, that sometimes look like stained-glass windows, because of all the color that the ice crystals change the light of the sun into.
Traditional bow hunting is more of an inward thing, than anything to do with the outward. Yes we can dress up like the old people that used to hunt by bow only one time. But when you put that nock to the string, and you draw the string back, and you release it, it tells more about the inside than it does the outside. The confidence, the understanding, the commitment, the dedication that you have to making everything work right for that one shot, tells more about you than anything else, that anyone else can see. Does it make a difference rather that bow is traditional or a compound. Really I don't think so, we are such a image minded society, that we are designated by what we have in front of us more so than what we've got within us, that it is disappointing.
I appreciate each and everyone of you on these threads, some of you are encourage others, some of you just set by and listen to others, some of your are problem solvers, some of you show your love and concern for others outwardly, by your dedication to your craft. I even seen some of you offer your own bow to someone that's lost there's so they could use it for the rest of the season. So I don't think this site is about traditional or a compound. I may not have a deer in the freezer that year, but I have much more than that, because of all of the openness, caring concern, that I see on this site.
Oh I did mentioned their some of you that are hardheaded ! "I wouldn't go back to compound if that's the last thing I had to do" but did you notice those that mentioned it that way, never, never, said that anyone was any less if they shot with a compound.
So enjoy your last day, as a legal hunter. And then comes set around a campfire that this site has created, and I'm sure there is more than just the trouble of compound or traditional, missing are hitting, they'll be someone here and they will share your troubles, they will also become a part of your grief or should I say lost of confidence in yourself. There surely someone here that will raise your spirits so that you can enjoy your craft again. I have had many years without deer, but I do have to say this is been my saddest year, because I'm not yet named among those that shot it with a stick, the string, and arrow. Although I did 30 years ago, and this is my first year of`traditional since then, it's been my best year by far,
Because of all of you
Thank you
Carl
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Thanks everyone- I do think there are a few misconceptions but I sure have received pms of guys wanting to share the real story.
One thing throughout this post is some of you suggest I need to limit my range- that is not the problem. Frankly, anyone on here saying they are missing deer are generally a FOOT off. I missed a monster this year at 12 yards- over his back. I take responsibility; it is not the equipment but my ability to shoot it under pressure. I did not pick a spot- which I rarely do on live targets. Been at this for 20 years, shot many animals including 150-170" whitetails, from 6-26 yards. Yet I can honestly say that every shot has been what I call a "zone" shot. I was shooting for the chest and not a spot. During the past ten years I have missed 4 bucks over 150"- three were under 15 yards- a miss means I am a FOOT off. Yet, I can hit a golf ball at 18 yards 7/10 times. It is a mental breakdown for which I am responsible- HOWEVER, after 20 years if I have yet to break the problem perhaps it is time to reconsider.
Believe me- I would like to take every animal I hunt with a tradd bow- but fairness to the animals, limited time, and desire to compete with a mature buck has got me thinking seriously about my own limitations. In this case it may be mental limitations!
Do I love to shoot, the arc of the arrow, trad life- you better believe it! Can't imagine not hunting with it. But then again, a 160" deer or even a doe at 16 yards deserves my best accuracy. Will a compound solve all the problems-"NO" But would a compound help? I am thinking about it. (Many pms, including "celebrity" guys have had similar thoughts)
Again, re-read my original post. This is not about one bow over another, my bigger question was "have any of you been here?" "What did you do?" "Were you REALLY able to over come it?"
Thanks again for a great discussion
Have a blessed New Year
Dan
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Dan-
The compound itself will not help you overcome your problem. Many compound shooters miss shots on animals regularly for the same reasons you are missing shots. You make a mistake and dwell on it to the point the anxiety overcomes you and you continue to make mistakes. I have a friend who has not made a shot on an animal in six years. He hunts with a compound and shotgun. This year he missed a deer at 15 yards with his bow and at 8 yards with a shotgun. He gets so nervous when an animal approaches that things go wrong. It's almost as if he "wills" something to go wrong.
What will help you is the BELIEF that switching to the compound is the answer. You have this belief because you have given yourself that option. I have been there, done that, and I understand it. The bottom line is whether you really want to keep shooting trad or not.
If you really want to keep shooting trad then you can make some adjustments to your shooting. You first have to determine why you are missing and decide how to fix it. As an example, I had, and sometimes still have, a problem dropping my bow arm. If I screw up a shot it's going low. It took me awhile to realize exactly why I would shoot low. Once I figured out why, I adjusted my shooting style to make that mistake less likely to occur. When it does occur, I know immediately why I missed. This recognition and knowing how to correct it, does wonders for your confidence. Don't dwell on missed shots. A missed shot is nothing more than an opportunity to identify a way to improve your shooting. It took me a long time to actually understand this.
It really is that simple to fix. There's a big difference between, "I missed because I dropped my bow arm" and "I missed again, I just can't do it." Good luck in whatever you decide.
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Hey- to all who have contirbuted:
Electronic messages may not convey all- but SERIOUSLY.
I deeply appreciate this discussion and all the input. This seems like a real campfire discussion as it should.
Also- not that I can help everyone, but any of you ever serious about hunting KS, feel free to pm me. I can at least get you going in the right direction if you don't have any contacts.
Thanks Again-
Dan
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Dan-
You don't have any mental limitations. They say archery is 90% mental and 10% physical. I believe that to be true primarily because folks do not correctly identify the physical problem which is creating the mental one.
You say you don't pick a spot. I'll bet my best bow that when you shoot at a bale you can draw back and stack arrows one after another at 15 yards without FULLY concentrating on a spot. So, is not picking a spot really the problem or is shooting high the problem? They are very very closely related. Maybe when you get excited you lift your head higher. Maybe you pull through your release. Maybe you don't bend at the waist. All kinds of things can happen when you get excited that cause you to shoot high. Think of it as a puzzle to solve and not a mental affliction.
I kept dropping my bow arm. I had that problem for a long time. I tried everything I knew of to correct it and couldn't get it consistent. I finally solved it because I was trying to figure out how Fred Asbell shot while wearing that fancy Fedora. I discovered my body was actually facing the target too much and I was drawing at an angle which caused my bow arm to collapse. Go figure. All that practice and work toward solving a bow arm/release problem that didn't exist in my bow arm or release!
The bottom line is there is no mental problem in archery that cannot be solved by the correct physical diagnosis and proper remedy. You just have to identify what is really going on.
I will say that if I were having "mental" problems with my shooting I would buy a clicker or a sight in a heartbeat. Then I'd use them until I fixed myself. That sight Trashwood showed would be a great tool to help you learn to pick a spot. I'd bet with a little adjustment it would probably work with a canted bow too. These two items will help you determine where the flaws in your form are quicker than just about anything.
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No I would never give up. Trad archery is harder which makes the reward greater. As for your problem, you need to visualize where the "bullseye" is on the deer. Focus on the spot and trust yourself! Since you have no problems when you practice, I think you get distracted by the deer and lose focus.
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I had a compound, gave it to my brother a few years ago. I'll be sticking with my trad gear. Really enjoy it.
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i had a compppppp oh hang on i am going to be sick yuk. dirty word go wash your mouth out. i love trad gear and i would never go back to that other thing even if some one said here is a free one i would just do with it like i did with one i had smashed it against a tree awesome explosion. you should try it some time LOL!!! :archer: :archer: :archer: oh yeah if things are a bit tough just try harder.
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Just started practicing with my longbow, this is my YEAR OF TRANSITION. Honestly couldnt say if i will get frustrated and give up. Cant hit junk yet.
I will have to see how I do when faced with the real test. But I wont throw out my compound because I had my first 3 bowkills with it. Plus, its not one of these new doohickey bows that has swiss cheese holes all through the limbs and riser, just a 97 PSE I got for 140 bucks at a pawnshop.
The trophy chasing at all costs is what turned me to shooting Trad.
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Dan, it sounds like you've been at this game for a long time. Maybe you are just having your confidence shaken a little. You'll get it back. I think that is normal.
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Animals are lost to all hunting weapons each year. Traditional has no corner on that market. Perhaps getting back to basics and doing some small game hunting/bowfishing would get your groove back.
This will get me some heat, but what weight are you shooting? Sometimes as we age it is hard to admit that we need to go a bit lighter to better control the shot, especially as the temps drop.
In the end only you can decide what is right for you and personally I would never hold any weapon choice against someone so long as they are ethical, legal and HUNT!
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If getting game IS the goal, switch back or even go to firearms.
If HOW you get the animal is more important, then work it out. I used to sit around deer at game farms, and feed em, to get used to being close to them.
Find something else you can hunt during the off season, like TX hogs, and go down and hunt every month or two, even when its hot. Spend time shooting stuff. It will help.
Compounders lose lots of deer. Gun hunters lose animals. I wouldn't sweat THAT part of it. No one likes to lose any animal, but nothing gets wasted in nature, believe me.
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I think about it everytime I make a bad shot. I can't put in the time I used to. I'm lucky if I shoot 40 arrows a week anymore. I have recurring elbow pain and now a finger that feels like it's coming off.
Then, I'll make a good shot and it all goes away :-)
The guys I know who have gone back to compound devices STILL mmmmmmiss and wound critters. Discover your effective range and stick to it, pick a hair to split instead of the whole animal, and your "scores" will go up.
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well said dave i like your way of thinking bro :thumbsup: :campfire:
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Yup, I'll absolutely quite traditional archery and hunter ... a few days after I die!
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pm sent
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Good topic. Started in December and here it is March and there are lots of opinions.
Its a personal thing.
The best advice I have seen is what Biggie said.
Keep your shots close and shoot at a single hair, not the kill zone, and your scores WILL go up.
I hate to think of your bow hanging there, not out
hunting when the time comes.
Your concern for the critters is what makes you a true hunter, no matter what weapon you use. Its why you are a traditional hunter. The spirit, the honor, the sights smells and feelings. Not the kill. ;)
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if it makes you feel any better I have yet to see a trad shooter consistently group past 20 yards and I've seen quite a few shooters...and I'm talking barebow...so as far as im concerned if you can group inside a paper plate at 20 yards consistently your doing just as good as anyone I've seen...I hear stories of guys that can shoot and group from longer distances but they must be few and far between
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I am not planning on quitting. If I get to where I cannot hit at 20 I will wait till I get a shot at 15, or 10, or even 5. I have too much fun with trad. Besides, I can always stump shoot out to whatever range I can see a target at.
ChuckC
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Quit Take a break
If you like slingin arrows with a compound than thats for you!!!!!! Nothing wrong with it,But if you want to pick up the old stick bow its always gonna be waiting for you.