Trad Gang

I just read this somewhere. And no, t'was not a guy but a GAL spake those self-limiting words. Though the originator of that statement knew me not, she punched my button as surely as a blind bullet fired at 45 degrees into the heavens might find its way back through the leafy canopy and strike me in my deerstand.

Not for girls?

It all started with Artemis..Diana if you will. The singlemost damaging role model ever displayed to young women. Devoted to the chase and the healing arts, and to children, she has led many of us down the garden path and into the woods.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Archers/artemis2.jpg)

There were others, of course, Amazons and other mythological archers, and as the timeline blends into our own era, the light is cast more boldly, female archers are limned in greater clarity, and reflect the great diversity with which the Earth is blessed.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Archers/1855.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Archers/japan_lady_archers.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Archers/yeomusa.jpg)

Now, I am not a girl, but a full-grown (overgrown) woman, and I started shooting as a girl of nine. I have had a lifetime of people telling me what I couldn't do or had to do because of my being female. I rejected it, I fought it, and have spent my time on Earth determining what I thought was worthwhile and what I thought was Shinola. I have pursued the worthwhile and gotten rid of the fertilizer as best as I could.

If shooting is not for women, then there are a whole lot of us deluded gals out there doing it. And it would take someone stronger than me to tell these proud girls, growing into confident, capable women, that what they did was wrong.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/ATAR07/th_Img_Emily640.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/ATAR07/Img_Emily640.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/ATAR07/th_Img_4636R.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/ATAR07/Img_4636R.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/BBTC/BBTC%2006/Img_3393.jpg)

So, where can all of this lead a poor misguided woman? There is stumping, backyard fun and 3-D shoots. It is a fun thing to be able to teach your kids, and while away an afternoon.
There is of course, Trad Gang. Or the Olympics.  Olympic video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5mu-531wS0&feature=related)  
Any number of paths lead the merry archers' feet into adventures and victories, self-improvement and analysis, defeats and rethought strategies. What endears me most to archery is that it gives me great excuses. Doing dishes softens my fingers and ruins my release. Can't do anything in the kitchen because the arrows are drying, propped on the counter up against the cabinets. Can't sweep, I made the broom into a bowscale.

Basically, housework isn't for girls who shoot bows.  :bigsmyl:  
Killdeer ~just thought I'd share a rant. And now you know where the button is. Certainly not on my lip!

Great post Killie!

that 'gal' you speak of sure must be shallow minded  :knothead:

I wish more women were raised in an environment that encouraged them to pursue outdoor activities like archery.  Less pink for little girls; save it for the red of a blood trail.

Woo Hoo! Git it done Gal! Ought to be more like you IMO.  At the 4-H shoot this weekend I was glad to see a bunch of girls shooting and the best one I saw was a girl.  Don't want her to shoot at me!  I always liked the "tom boy" sort myself.  They seem more real to me.
As usual, I enjoy your writing, even on a rant, as you say.
the nutty pine

Working in the kitchen...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/JLMBH/Img_5254FreshFlowers2.jpg)

Killdeer

Oh, go Killie!!!  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:  

This whole thread is just awesome...

:thumbsup:

Amen sister!  :clapper:

Don't forget the late great Ann Weber Hoyt.

That was a cool video Killie.  I wish my two daughters would take more of an interest in archery.

Dennis

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/MarshaCompton.jpg)

Not for girls you say ?   Better not tell my two

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/shelhebeen/DSCN0761.jpg)

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a144/shelhebeen/DSCN0759.jpg)

NOT FOR GIRLS??  You'd never get my wife and daughters to believe that one.   :archer:

Having taught many many kids and adults about shooting bowsnarrahs I can attest to the fact that gals- be they little ones or more seasoned- are much easier to teach and learn faster.    :scared:  so I can be like her because everybody has longbows...lol
 :readit:  

Very well ranted there Killy  :bigsmyl:

Killdeer....perhaps you'll shoot a round with my wife and daughter and me this weekend in Baltimore?

New to the site and so happy that I landed on this particular string.

Welcome Aboard!!  :campfire:

Killy I read the first two sentences of the start of this; and fell off my chair laughing!!

Of all people to say that too; YOU!!! LOL !!!

I didn't grow up with the idea that hunting was limited to men; and one of my favorite photos I have is of Maryln Monroe; shooting a bow; with a real honest smile on her face; and a quiver full of broken arrows. She apparently had fun that day shooting a bow.  :)  

I shot hunting tournaments with women; and there was a lady in the club that took a big five in Africa - never occured to me - that people would think archery or bowhunting as a manly man thing.

I would have loved to see the expression on your face !! That would make the perfect tradgang T shirt !!!   LOL !!

Great thread! This is a great way of life for all!

Killie, You're great!  Are you related to my "Bride"?  No one has ever been able to tell her, she couldn't do that....she'd prove 'em very wrong.  In fact she's my best a favorite hunting parterner.  I've seen her stalk a pig 'round and 'round the bush.  She's helped me clean her deer, and she alot better at cleaning squriel and rabbit than I am.  The only trouble is her horse bussiness has gotten so big, we don't get time to hunt together, much anymore.
Carry it to 'em!  Me, the Mule and the Red Dog will have your back!
JAG/Johnny

I have also heard that women cannot paddle canoes or go on wilderness canoe trips, at least that is what a Minnesota motor boater told me. Except for the thousands of women that are in the Boundarywaters every year.  Nearly half of the deer and fish I eat my wife is responsible for taking.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/420W/IM000987.jpg)

  (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/420W/group.jpg)

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/4runr/NewCamera018.jpg)

A little pink is OK for a shooter.

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/4runr/NewCamera002.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/420W/IM000703-1.jpg)

Sometimes I think my daughter will be more of an outdoor person than my 2 sons.

(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/MF_2006/Jenn_Big_Cat.jpg)

(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/MF_2006/2007-08/IMG_1610.jpg)

(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/MF_2006/2007-08/IMG_1614.jpg)

Kathy,

For a kitchen gal, you sure can brew up some good looking arrows.
Someone better not tell my 12 year old daughter that she's not allowed to shoot a bow. They might get a judo in the butt!!!

Good post Killie and stay strong!

I have done volunteer programs for about 7 years now around NC where many kids (and a few adults) get a chance to shoot their first arrow. It's been my experience that the girls are usually equal to the boys at the skill level. After that it's a trade off with the boys usually a little more aggressive, but the girls a little more attentive.

I love to see girls (young or mature) involved in archery. Makes for a more rounded sport.

I guess I shouldn't tell either one of these two that cause the love to shoot bows, guns and hunt.
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/sparson_bucket/100_0700.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r27/sparson_bucket/May112008001.jpg)

(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd312/sargeyriley/DSCN0147-1.jpg)
This was my daughters first year hunting. The smile on her face tells it all. Excuse the gun but not big enough to hunt with a legal bow as of yet.

Kathy it's ladies like you that inspire young girls like Marissa.

I never saw any girls in archery, onjy ladies. BOB

(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/flatbow21/mojam07/mojam046.jpg)

Gotta love folks that limit themselves based on gender roles...

I guess this means I can't cook or do laundry anymore?

Not for Girls???
My younger sister is a senior at a Catholic High school in Nebraska and took up archery just  kind of on a whim. she loves to shoot, but doesn't get a whole lot of time to do it.  
However, 2 weeks ago, she finished 3rd. in the State of Nebraska's school archery tournament!!!  :archer:  
I think I'm getting scared she might see this thread!  :biglaugh:

Archery is for EVERYONE! That is one of the great qualities of bow and arrow. Both of my daughters did not take to archery. But if you would have told them they couldn't do it...stand back and watch determination followed by success!   Good post Killie!  I like what you "cooked up" in the kitcken.

Youngest daughter is coming over today to shoot with the ol man.......that would be the daughter that started when she was 4 years old and at 21 has three deer and two elk to her credit!

Raised all four of my daughters to hunt and fish. They all still love to camp and fish. Two still hunt with their husbands. Other two did not take to hunting as much, but they all love the outdoors and love eating wild game. Better not tell any of them that girls can not do things. As kids they wupped up on two teenage boys that were trying to bully the youngest. Try getting 4 women mad at you and see what happens to ya. LOL

Love the thread and rant Killie.

Amen

Very good post Killy....

Once again Killy your post is both well written and to the point.  I agree whole heartedly.
D-

You might not want to explain to this "little girl" why girls can't shoot ...

(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn279/freaswh/100_0210scaled.jpg)
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn279/freaswh/100_2146scaled.jpg)

Great post as usual Killdeer. Couple Mojams ago there were some great pictures of my ,then, 5 year old daughter shooting her hedge bow that I made her. She's since outgrown that one but she'll be at Mojam again this year shooting something else. Sure wish we could get Killy west of the Mississippi so she can meet and inspire the kids out here...and some of us "adults" too.

Good string.
I have taught many young men and women to shoot but one of the memporable students was one of the boys mothers, 4 years ago.  She took to archery faster than her son and I had her grouping nicely by the end of the first day.  When I asked if she wanted to try the Rifle she said "not enough challenge with a gun".  She is a school teacher and continues to shoot a recurve till today.
Aloha
Steven

Wow! Matt's daughter is having the childhood I wish I could have had! No guns in my family, I had to move away from home before I could buy a BB gun. I don't know why I was allowed a bow, especially at nine, and with no guidance. Guess they thought it was a toy, and they sure weren't going to buy me the suit of armor that I saw at the toy store. Dang I wanted that!!   :D    I credit my mom with getting me the bow, and as time goes on I understand that she knew me better than I will ever know myself. She bought me another when I was thirteen, and yet another when I was fifteen. I hope she can see where I have gone in the twenty-five years since she died.

As far as inspiration goes, you have no idea how my heart swells up and my whole spirit glows when I look upon all these wonderful daughters and mothers, walking the old trails in the old ways, and partaking of the mysterious gifts of life and death, of creation and the eternal circle that are laid out for us wherever we allow the Maker's works to stand. Without it, I would be dead inside.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/Sheba/YALLERDAWGCATFISHMAY99.jpg)

Killdeer

Killdeer,  In your first post I saw the pic of a fella from my neck of the woods with his girl and wife ( I hope it's his wife cause I aint met her yet) but the guy is Steve Kendrot and a super cool Dad to this little girl....I shot with them a few weeks ago and this girl is very good with her bow...Steve and I have a lot in commen and it was funny to see this post because I have a 28 month old adopted daughter sitting in my lap holding an old hickery bow that I am getting ready to make a string for and she is already saying "buck" and pointing the bow at the ones on the wall...Her name is Ande named after my grandma Edna....We flipped the name around....I look at Steve and his daughter who I believe is Ally or Alexandria and can't wait to have pics shooting with my daughter one day...They are a good team and I enjoy shooting with them when they're at our range at Tuckahoe....Now I gotta get a little back quiver,arm gaurd,glove and some arrows made for Ande and she will be set to shoot...Is 28 months to soon?  Heck she already is sayin "Buck" God Bless, Keefers <")))><

"Not for Girls"? She should meet my fragile little 5'3" 110lb wife, maybe not, she might get a punch in the solar plexus. My wife was a Marine and Army Military Police officer and she hunts with bow and firearm. Strange girl, she liked the move "300" as well as "Ghost". She wears a dress but also likes camo with her snake boots.
Thanks for the thread Killdeer, she'll love to read this when she gets home from visiting her mom this week,
John

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/420W/IM000534.jpg)

That is one terrific pic, Jim!

So, THAT'S Steve Kendrot? I was bumming around with Bernie and saw this cool family. I asked for a pic and they graciously allowed it. They represented to me what the Baltimore shoot is all about. Hope to see them AND YOU there this weekend, Keefer! And no, 28 months is not too young. Take pics.
Killdeer  :bigsmyl:

No Girlz Allowed!  :-) Pic of Karen Campbell, my wife, practicing with her 70# Adcock for her water buffalo last summer. Took it with one arrow.

(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa134/jaycampbelljd/karenbufftargettinypixels600.jpg)

- Jay Campbell, JD

Here is my four year old, Helen. She has been to two 3-D shoots with me so far this year.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/faabala/Archery/CIMG0211-1.jpg)

My sis-in-law shoots recurve and compound. Hunts birds, deer, etc. Trains dogs, fixes the house (Thank God she can, cause her husband can't!   :D )
and all the rest.
The "frail girl" crap don't stand a chance around a woman who doesn't accept that idiot statement!

Aw Killy.. Everyone knows girls can't shoot !

 :bigsmyl:  

OK.. I'm teasing..  Jay. don't let Karen hurt me...  

I made a bow for a young lady last summer who, if you told her she couldn't do it, would do it AND BEAT YOU at it just to show you she could..

I am betting if she ever gets the chance, she will carry out just as much elk as I could, again.. cause she can.

ChuckC

Miss Chloe Beth Wilson...My wife said She doesn't stand a chance.  :)    :)    :)  She's 17 months old and THE Boss! Just ask Skyler... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/DSCN1252.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0779.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0896.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/RSCN0342.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG1563.jpg)

Jay, that is one strong wife you have!  70 pounds!  Wow!

Killy, wonder if you'd consider doing an arrow build-along?  I really like the pictures you have posted of your arrows.  It would be helpful for a noob, like myself, to see how someone like yourself makes all of those cool arras!

my girl at a 3d shoot a couple of years ago... girls can too shoot!
  (http://www.honnold.org/pics/thp/3%20d%20shoot%20resized%202.jpg)

Here's my youngest daughter shooting at two different events, first pic is at a holiday resort in Turkey, the second pic is at a fair last year. She was constantly hitting the yellow circle at 15 yards. She would outshoot several "guys"  in our archery club but I still cannot get her to join me in trad archery.   :(  

V-Archer   :archer:  

(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l118/V-Archer/MirtheShooting.jpg)

(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l118/V-Archer/Mirtheshootingatoutdoorfair.jpg)

Girls Rule      :pray:     .......I know my place in the home and at the fishing hole!  Don't have a photo of her with her bow but YES she shoots and shoots well!

    (http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_0859.jpg)   (http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/img_0147_edited2.jpg)

Great thread Killie. We'll get some more "girls" shooting before the summers over too!

dont tell this little red head.
(http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q271/flightmedic_album/P1010187.jpg)

My wife shoots and so does my 5 year old daughter, my daughter started shooting at the age of 3. I made her a red oak and black walnut longbow and she burns that thing up.

Killdeer,
So nice to see this thread busy and beautiful!
All the pictures are wonderful....congrats to all parents who let their kids experence the beauty of nature and how to enjoy it properly.

I have enjoyed this thread....
Connie

Earlier this year my Turkey Creek Longbow went to someone it was made just right for, and the PM was erased so I don't know name but I do remember her age, 11 years old.  And she's quite the shooter


  (http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p213/BowNow/untitled.jpg)

  (http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p213/BowNow/a.jpg)

  (http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p213/BowNow/b.jpg)

  (http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p213/BowNow/c.jpg)

I think it's pretty cool, when a young gal like that, can start out with a three-piece takedown Turkey Creek Longbow,

Now that's quite a Dad, or should I say
"Daddy's girl"


Carl

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/madpigslayer/My%20Baby/haileyanddoughuntinggophers.jpg)

here is my boss with our favorite cowboy.

Killdeer, I dont know nuthin 'bout no girls outfishing me my whole life...outshooting me at the range...heck, even in my Corporate World I dont know nuthin bout no girls doing all the hard work and just plain making me look good!

and for SURE they cant outcall me in the field...gosh, I need a nap, girls cant shoot indeed.   :help:  

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/madpigslayer/baby%20bows/HaileysdollwithDinastoybow.jpg)

Well said! I had my daughters shooting bows as soon as possible. I like to think that that will be one of their fond memories of me.

This is my 10 year old when she was 8....and she's tuff as nails at times let me tell ya when she gets her mind out of the way.

She hesitates till she sees that the arrow did go in between the shoulder bone and upper leg bone, then she confirms the shot....
  Doe Indian Sneak (http://www.tradgang.com/videos/tg/terry11.wmv)  


Hard to see in the video....but she laid it right over the elbow...just barely,...just perfect.....   Boar Indian Sneak (http://www.tradgang.com/videos/tg/terry21.wmv)  

Check out her form.....bow arm, and follow through.  What's amaizing is that before today, she hasn't shot since this spring.....   Rising Boar Sneak (http://www.tradgang.com/videos/tg/terry31.wmv)

Form Isolation.... (http://www.tradgang.com/videos/tg/shoot3.wmv)

My little Sarah would really be mad at me if she knew I posted these...but this is just too funny not to. She was shooting good and having a blast...then she started to get a little frustrated at this Rhienhart target that kept bouncing her arrows off....then she miiiisssssed.


See, this little gal is soooo sweat, even keeled, and laid back....don't take much to keep her happy...but this little angel proves she's human every now and again.


We got the wheels back on in a jiffy with some chocolate milk, for this little gal, chocolate milk makes everything all better again.

She was 5 at the time.


Smooth Sailing (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/MVI_2893.AVI)  

 Wheels are starting to wobble....6th bounce off (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/MVI_2895.AVI)  

 Little Miss Perfectionist...Lug nuts coming loose.... (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/MVI_2899.AVI)  

 She can hardly hold it in the road.... (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/MVI_2900.AVI)  

 And the wheels have come completely off.... (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/MVI_2897.AVI)

Killdeer,  I can't make it there this weekend because I am helping out at our church with a Mother Daughter luncheon and we men folk are letting our dear ladys have the day off being served by us men....I was going to go but the Mrs. needs a day off at least once a year....I will try to get some pics of Ande my new daughter on here but I may need help trying to figure out how to get them off the camera and into this commonputer thing ma jig...I know of quite a few of the Eastern Shore guys and gals will be there....You all have fun and hope the weather holds out for you ....God Bless , Keefers <")))><

Girls and BOWS and I ain't talking about the kind they wear in their hair! I have 3 daughters and taught them how to shoot a bow & arrow, now there all growed up and hopefully there teaching their children what I tought them, I know the middle daughter who lives about 25miles away brings my grandson(5yo)over to shoot with me and he shoots at home with his mom. I recently divorced, and married a woman who loves to shoot the bow as much as I do, and she entered her 1st 3-D shoot and took 1st place, Great Job! I also teach Youth Archery and have had two young ladies, 15yo compete in the North American Indigenous Games and won Gold Medals in the Traditional Class. Women & Girls in my opinion have the most perfect shooting form in Archey.  My hats off to all female archers, and you Kathy for this fine thread.
May The Creator Bless Us All >>--->

Muz, you don't post often, and so I am honored that you posted here. Congratulations in teaching youngsters how to make one stick throw another. How terrific it must feel to have your students win the gold! Congrats on winning a winning wife, too.  :thumbsup:  

Keefers, the Missus comes first. So bring her to Baltimore.   :D   I know, I know. Give her a day of being served by men. And don't make a mess.  :rolleyes:  

I'm gonna go get some chocolate milk.
Killdeer  :archer:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Killdeer:


I'm gonna go get some chocolate milk.
Killdeer   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup: