I just landed a new writing job at Bow & Arrow Hunting magazine and could use your suggestions for topics.
The first article is Shooting No Nos. It is an interview with Rod Jenkins, Len Cardinale and Ken Beck on the most common shooting mistakes for trad archers. How to diagnose and eliminate them.
The second article is a discussion on quiver types. I interviewed Mark Baker - hip quivers; John Shepard - back quivers; Nathan Anderson - Cat Quivers; Terry Green - bow mounted quivers, and covered my thoughts on side quivers.
Many of you know my heart will always be with TBM and they always have first chance at what I write. But it is nice to have a regular column job at the oldest archery magazine still being published and maybe reach some new folks that might want to give our side of the sport a try.
Please help me out with some ideas for subjects that would be of interest. Thanks for your help.
Hunting with vintage equiptment-Hunting with primitive equiptment-Hunting with Hi tech traditional equipt.-Making your own trad bow-Making your own Trad quiver-Trad arrow selections-Are carbon arrows Trad?-What is instintive?-Glove or tab?------There is your first years topics...Good luck Curt
How about a column that talks about the difference/advantages of a stickbow over a wheel bow when hunting. Might give the wheelie guys something to think about.
How about one on turning kids and new folks onto archery?
Congrats on landing the column. Though I don't shoot carbons, I think the trad guys are leading the way in front loading carbons for good arrow flight and penetration. That might be worth a column. Ed Ashby's research on broadheads, penetration, etc. deserves broader dissemination. How to make good wood arrows is another good topic. It's done every few years, but there' always more newbies getting into the game. Traveling with trad gear, particularly airline travel requirements. Good luck.
Todays new hybrid longbows-Recurve or longbow?-Making your own wood arrows-Short or long bows:whats best for you?-Hunting from the ground-Trad camo:your choices-Why we use feathers-Off the shelf or rest?Second years topics....Curt
Get started in trad for $150:the challange-Ghilli suits and the trad hunter-seats for ground hunting-Fred Bear the trad legend-Why simple is better-Packs for trad hunters-Earl Hoyt shot trad-Why we use trad equipt-Howard Hill-Third years topics....Curt
CONGRATULATIONS Denny!!!!!!!!!! :clapper:
I hope this is a "long term" position LOL!!!!!
At 1 subject a month,your probly gonna get 10-15 YEARS worth of ideas out of these guys!!!!!
Denny what about doing one on Broadhead selection. 2, 3, or 4 blade and what works best for certain hunting situations. Maybe a few different oppinions from well know bowhunters.
Discerning fact from fiction could cover a lot of things: it doesn't cost a fortune to get a quality set-up for targets and/or hunting; learning to shoot isn't that hard; there's nothing wrong with using a system of aiming; etc. etc. etc.
Chad
Traditional Archery and the internet...pros and cons ???
Traditional gear and the modern man. An article on the lure or draw of so many former compound shooters to traditional equipment.
Traditional archery is not just about the gear it's also about the mind set. An article covering the basic differences in the style of hunting used by traditional bow hunters vs. the compound bow hunters. For example, traditional bow hunters hunt more from the ground at eye level with their prey while the majority of compound bow hunters use tree stands.
Denny,
Congrats on the position! How about a definitive article on properly selecting arrows, i.e., spine, point weight, length. There seem to be an awful lot of threads related to this topic lately, so there must be a need.
Shoot Straight
Frank
Congratulations Denny. How about something to help cut the conflict between compound and trad shooters so instead of putting each other down we work together to preserve our sport.
Congratulations Denny!
Some great suggestions already - there are so many things you can discuss in a column like this. Try to remember your audience - primarily people who don't already shoot traditional.
Reaching out to the people who currently shoot compounds is by far the best way to help spread the word about what we love so much. Like you, I love TBM, but it is only preaching to the choir. The people not currently shooting trad never get a chance to see it. So I think what you are doing is even more important than writing another article for TBM.
Keep the topics simple and basic - focus on the fun of shooting trad gear. Let them know that people hunting with trad gear can be just as successful as wheel shooters. Tell them about the amazing growth of traditional archery and how it helps those who might be loosing interest in bowhunting rekindle the love for the sport that they once felt. Throw in a little history, and discuss ethics and fair chase. The satisfaction that comes with accepting a greater challange.
So many topics to fit into one little column, but a good man is on the job!
Congratulations, Denny!
How about a column about why you DON'T feel "disadvantaged" hunting with trad equipment?
I was in a Cabellas store a few months ago and a guy was walking around with a strung 48" bear magnum trying to find arrows to use with it and the employee there grabs some carbons with vanes and got pissed at me when I commented that a feathered shaft might be a better choice.It is important to remember the basics and stuff that is old to us is new and different to them.Whips comments are right on...Curt
Wow, congrats Denny and great responses....I agree on encouragement of those with youth and those who are into the compound shooting as well, women too...
Simplicity is a key for that but encouragement is what draws the sparked interest in many who may not tap into if not offered otherwise.
(I know that for myself)
Denny congrats on the column. I think that a few good column ideas would be:
1) Archers giving back to the community. (Hosting hunters ed classes, Pitching in to clean up after natural disasters etc)
2) Profiles of some of the pioneers in the sport.
3) Ways to get youth started. (Club fun shoots, Cookouts with bows and targets for the kids to try. Etc)
If you get behind and need someone to pinch hit for you let me know! LOL
As several have already said, anything regarding youth involvement will be a sucess. Also keying in on the fun of shooting traditional. An article about just picking up a bow and going stump shooting with the family would be good. I know many compound shooters who have no idea what fun a walk in the woods with a bow can be. Many of my hunting buddies fall into this group. They get so wrapped up in the technical side of shooting a compound that they forget its supposed to be fun. As soon as they spend a day out stump shooting with me they remember how fun flinging arrows can be. I usually bring along a back up bow and let them try it out. Most usually end the day wanting to go home and order a traditional bow of their own.
Congrats on the column Denny. I like to read about hunting Alaska, Hawaii, Australia or any out of the way stuff. I like to read about the hunt but also who you hunted with, how you got there and a break down what everything cost. It is nice to see what things are within my reach or not. Maybe some stuff on how effective trad. equipment is on large tough animals like moose, elk, water buff., I get from a lot of compound shooters "can you kill a bear with that?"
How about an article on your personal shooting style and aiming method and why you do it the way you do it? How does it help you in hunting situations? What are the pros and cons of your style? I think it's always interesting to read about someone's style and maybe take 1 or 2 tips from it.
Informal practice, ie. stump shooting as opposed to 'target' shooting. The joys of roving the hills with trad equipment.
Different bow types and characteristics. A column on longbows and their characteristics, recurves, flatbows, selfbows, etc.
Arrow speed vs. arrow weight for hunting.
Good luck in your writing!
Congrats Denny! How about some articles that cover the wide array of species taken by trad hunters. So that the wheel crowd can see that trad bows can and do take sheep,goats and dangerous game etc.
Congrats my Longbow buddy, how about a article on the "Perfect Arrow"for hunting...wow thats a loaded topic :thumbsup: or longbow dos and donts....how about I hush, and wait for my copy lol..again Good Luck ...Mark#78 :notworthy: :notworthy:
Have an Article about Archery as an entire Family Sport that the entire Family can enjoy, like Bowling or any other Sport that the whole Family takes part in enjoying. Archery dosen't always have too include Hunting, just shooting Archery for the pure pleasure of watching an arrow Fly.
Also how We as Archers and Archery Bow Hunters can influence our School systems in our communitys, to promote haveing Bowhunter/Education classes and possible Archery Sports as part of there regular classes, We have Football teams, Basketball teams, Socer Teams, track teams, Golf teams, WHY NOT ARCHERY TEAMS IN OUR SCHOOLS? I know that in My home State of Kansas we already have classes in Archery in progress in some of our Schools.
Iam a Certified NBEF Instructor and am more than willing to help teach Archery in our schools....ONE SHOT... :) :) :) :)
Congrats - I think a "getting started" article would intrigue many and possbily bring a few over from the dark side.
When I first got started info on buying a used bow would have been nice. Like what flaws to look for on a used bow and where and what a bows brace height was and how to change it so it would shoot good. Also the safe way to string and unstring would have been be helpful along with proper storage.
Also any of the info on different shooting styles like in your shooting videos would have been nice.
Congradulations
Congrats on the new job. When I first got introduced to shooting a recurve, I had no Idea that people hunting with them. I went from hunting with a rifle to a compound bow. A recurve or longbow never crossed my mind. And I bet its that way with lot of compound shooters today. So I guess any of the mentioned subjects would bring light to the tradition world. Articles on the effectiveness of a recurve or longbow would be good. My 2 cents. Good luck.
Hey Denny, glad you're on with them. I might have to subscribe now!
Setting up your trad bow to hunt / tuning your carbon arrows for best arrow flight.
Luck !
I love hearing the good ol hunting stories. It keeps my interest and it reminds me of reading some of Fred Bears stories and how they really drew me into the adventure. There are tons of information on the technical side of bowhunting and I usually only look at these if I am interested in a specific thing.
I like Hawkeye's suggestion. Comin from someone like you carries a little more weight.
Here's a copy of Hawkeye's post:
Congratulations, Denny!
How about a column about why you DON'T feel "disadvantaged" hunting with trad equipment?
Hawkeye.
Small game hunting with the bow. How about why does are trophies too?
Thanks for all of your great ideas. I'm going to print this thread.
B&A has been printing a couple feature articles that have longbows and recurves in them the last few issues. The editor, Joe Bell, is a hardcore hunter and respects trad archers. He's written some great backcountery backpack articles that I've really enjoyed myself. I think this will be fun and maybe we'll see some new faces here at TradGang.
Fact or fiction trad hunters wound more game than they kill, I here this in compound shops over and over , however I here about 90 yard ELK shots because they saw someone do it on TV show, so they do it...again good luck.. :)
Hey Denny, how about interviewing some former compound shooters that switched over to trad and have taken their first game. It would be cool to have them explain how they felt when that happened.
How about showing the versitility of trad bows like you did in the instictive shooting video where you shoot off you belly. I have never read anything that covered proper technique for those positions.
I think if I had to do a column every month I would break my column into sections like:
1. Start with a "blog"--whatever you want to talk about.
2. Then add a tech section discussing such things as feather burners and how to set them up or anything else that would fall into this catagory.
3. Then maybe a "review" section or equipment section where you could discuss things like great quivers or backpacks.
4. Then maybe a "faces in the crowd" section like what sports illistrated does where you could list differant Trad. shooters in differant areas. There are some great shooters and hunters out there that nobody really knows of. Lots of small towns around the US have good shooters and hunters. You could post their picture, list what they shoot and maybe their tips.
I don't know how much room they give you to work with but these where just some ideas that popped up. Another thing I used to really like reading was the ramblings of the colonel in the back of Guns and Ammo mag. He just talked about anything and went from one topic to the next, but it kept up my interest. That was always interesting to me.
Stuff like that to me are at least more interesting and better than the same ol thing everybodys used to seeing.
Just my thoughts, Gapmaster
and congrats on the assignment !!!!
A lot of good suggestions and I am sure whatever you write, we will enjoy. Congrats and can't wait to see you in print.
3 vs. 4 fletch... Working this right now. How bout how to film yourself hunting... That might be a cakewalk for you!
Happy hunting,
Jason
Congrats Denny. Hey, how about one on having fun with a bow. How to stop being so darned serious for a day or so.
ChuckC
I have to agree with what buzcut suggested. A very good topic,indeed.
Are you doing this full time now?
Congradulations Denny. I enjoy your writing.
Is target panic truth or myth
What to say to naresayers
Can it be solved without a lobotomy
Congrads with your column -Ray.
Compound bows have been mainstream for so long now, that there are alot of hunters/shooters that started out with them , and have no experience with a traditional bow. Twenty years with a bow used to be a given that there was a recurve or longbow in the past. Not so now.
I can`t help but believe that there are alot of folks that would love to try a traditional bow, but have no idea where to start. Beautiful old time photos, to catch their eye, and words about getting more out of using less. Everyone wants more.
Maybe an article about how everyone used to start out with a traditional bow, and how much someone who started with a compound has missed out on.
I can see there are lots of topics to write about, but finding ones to make them stop flipping through the pages and read what you have to say is the challenge.
Good luck with it.
congrats denny, maybe a topic on where to find good info (explaining good, bad, and options). traditional only shops, a source for bowyers, classic books and movies, and intro to tradgang. congrats again, tim.
"Are you doing this full time now?"
bihunter, it is just a little side job. I am still pounding nails to pay the bills. I enjoy video and writing, but they don't even come close to being able to support a family in traditional bowhunting. It is a labor of love and a tax deduction. :)
These pieces are to be 1200-1600 words, I hope they use a lot of pictures like they do in feature articles. I think that makes articles more interesting.
Thanks for all of the ideas and support. You folks are great!
I would like to see pics (lots of pics), and stories of the trad shoots around the country.
How about an article about how well a trad bow shoots compared to a compound compare the 3 top compound makers and there rep. shooters and 3 of the top recurve and trad shooters and compare the results on a straight target course and than a 3d course. Do an average kills a year as well between the 2 groups. Explain how one could get that good.
How to get a reasonable setup and get a start in archery...emphsis on options for starter bows to get people shooting without investing $500 or far more. Take a look at DECENT entry bows, arrows, etc.
How about a regional look at the traditional bowyers available, rendevous,expo, get together schedules, and a look at the wood combo's available for bows. Some of the exotic woods and combos rae stunning and may get some people interested. Would like to see a tips piece, and maybe something unique like the armguard/knife combos. Good luck and have fun.
Thanks again everybody. A lot of great topics.
congrats denny!!!
how bout some focus on small and medium game hunting with the stick n string. its where most of us started and most of us will finish our shooting days.
it'll be a different focus than the generic " monster " whitetail stories and it'll enlighten folks as to how well small game and stickbows go together like Hill bows and back quivers.....
Not to beat a deceased equine...
But I think an article about how to get into trad archery would go a long way in getting others to try our sport.) Most do no realize you can get into it for $150 or even less.
Also emphasizing the family and fun aspect (field shoots, small game chasing, stumpin' or what not.) Could lead to a few columns! ;)
My two cents... worth exactly what you paid for it!!
Look forward to seeing your articles.
Thanks for allowing us to give you input!
Take care
John
I agree with Vermonster.... Does as trophys!
How about a column comparing Black Widows to everything else- we could just refer your article to all those threads that get posted!
Seriously though, congrats on the gig.
-Charlie
Hey Denny,
I've always had an idea that stories just about ordinary hunts would be a seller. I've read enough about the "latest tactics to kill a big buck" type of stories. Even the equipment type articles are more than what I prefer.
My thoughts are that every hunt is a story, whether or not an animal was taken. Often times many of life's lessons can be learned from just a simple outing. Friendships can be made/renewed, ethics can be learned/challanged, and memories are always made. In my opinion, even the shortest of hunts are stories to be told.
If you did a column like this, I would probably subscribe.
Robert
you gotta have one on small game and small game points