Post by: Altiman94 on October 05, 2009, 09:12:00 PM
I sold my compound to concentrate on my trad bow right after turkey season here in Iowa. Now I'm having thoughts that maybe I should go back to a compound.
I'm shooting well, I'm seeing deer. I don't know why I am having these doubts. Can someone chime in and help me out?
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on October 05, 2009, 09:16:00 PM
Just sit and watch have bow ready. You need to stay relaxed. Just think about being in the deer woods and what you would do if you had your wheelie bow… Pick a spot, draw, anchor, and if need be loose the arrow. Everything will be fine.
Post by: celticknot on October 05, 2009, 09:16:00 PM
Post by: KentuckyTJ on October 05, 2009, 09:20:00 PM
Post by: hill boy on October 05, 2009, 09:25:00 PM
Post by: todd smith on October 05, 2009, 09:25:00 PM
You're shooting well, you're seeing deer... Are you actually having doubts or are you just not used to actually hunting without the compound?
Maybe it's just that you're trying something new and it's not comfortable with it yet.
It sounds like maybe you haven't given it a chance yet. You could commit to sticking with the trad bow for this season only. To give it a true chance. If you still feel uncomfortable after this year, pick up a compound again.
If you stick it out then harvest a deer my guess is that the satisfaction will be such that you'll lose any desire to ever go back to the compound.
Still, it's your hunt. It's your choice. With trad gear you really have to have the desire. If you're constantly second guessing things, it really interferes with the traditional experience.
Best of luck no matter what you decide. todd
Post by: Altiman94 on October 05, 2009, 09:27:00 PM
Do you guys find hunting from the ground to be an advantage with a trad bow?
Post by: Lechwe on October 05, 2009, 09:28:00 PM
Good luck
Post by: jtwalsh62 on October 05, 2009, 09:38:00 PM
Post by: straitera on October 05, 2009, 09:40:00 PM
Post by: todd smith on October 05, 2009, 09:43:00 PM
I don't find hunting from the ground to be an advantage as far as getting more critters goes. I find it's a wonderful way to hunt, but I get busted much more than when I used to hunt treestands. Actually this year I'm considering some time in the treestand, but I really prefer walk and sit sequences through the woods. S-l-o-w...
todd
Post by: hunt it on October 05, 2009, 09:56:00 PM
Post by: MnFn on October 05, 2009, 09:59:00 PM
Post by: Arwin on October 05, 2009, 10:25:00 PM
Just know that when you connect, you've played one of the most difficult games an archer will bestow upon themselves, hunting with a stick and string. You can do it, just give it some time and relax. :campfire:
Post by: reddogge on October 05, 2009, 10:26:00 PM
Post by: mscampbell75 on October 05, 2009, 11:01:00 PM
In the off season, after thinking back on the past season, I came to realize. The LB was not a disadvatage at all, it was ME. As soon as I put it in that perspective, it was an easy choice. I knew I was the only thing holding me back. If someone else can do it, I COULD TO. I began practiceing like nobodys business. Became confident in my shooting.
For me now, it is about more than just killing a deer. It is about self accomplishment. Setting my mind to something, and not letting up until I have my 1st trad deer.
With all that said, Only YOU know what it is about for YOU. If you want to kill deer then do what ever means neccessary. And you have accomplished your goal. If it is about the chanllage of the trad gear, do NOT talk youself out of it. Keep at it and satisfaction will eventully come.
I wish the best of luck to you.
Post by: Stiks-n-Strings on October 05, 2009, 11:13:00 PM
Had a dandy in at 9 or 10 yards saturday and just didn't get a good shot opportunity but man it was a rush. I never would of let him get that close with a wheelie bow and I would of taken a shot (had plenty of those out to 30 yards) and probably stuck him but he was close enough I could smell him since the wind was in my favor. It's all good though I got another chance of seeing him again and quite possibly a better buck either way it'll be great season.
Stick it out you won't regret it.
Post by: Coonbait on October 06, 2009, 12:05:00 AM
GLENN
Post by: Morning Star on October 06, 2009, 12:31:00 AM
Good luck!
Post by: mjdglobal on October 06, 2009, 01:00:00 AM
Post by: leatherneck on October 06, 2009, 06:23:00 AM
Post by: T Folts on October 06, 2009, 07:35:00 AM
Terry
Post by: tarponnut on October 06, 2009, 07:43:00 AM
I would just enjoy your time in the woods and have fun. Shoot at stumps, squirrels, and be ready when the first legal deer gives you a shot.
Post by: BradLantz on October 06, 2009, 08:14:00 AM
I hope/think I've shed that now that I'm older. There is still a strong tie to success and a filled tag but I recognize now the journey is the hunt, the hunt is the success and the success isn't as weighted with a filled tag as it once was.
I can say too that when you do fill a tag with trad its so much more rewarding .... its why you do it
Post by: VAFarmer on October 06, 2009, 08:21:00 AM
Went the first day (Saturday) in the morning, trapsing thru the brush, and herd the famous "snort-wheeze of doom". Went a little farther, and found where they are bedding down. This was good as the harvest for me-now I know where they are sleeping back there.
Went Saturday evening-walking the edge of an open field, and jumped 3. Shoot-I almost stumbled on them, I was about 25 yds away when they moved. I would have taken this shot, had I seen'em. Again, good as gold-now I know where they like to bed down up there.
Now, if you are TOTALLY dependant on them for food-this is discouraging. But hey, that's what rifle season's for.
Just Saturday I had to put this into perspective for myself-so here goes-
You started this because something inside was urging you to go this route. You made the choice to do like I did, and pull your hair out trying to match arrows to your bow-wondering if you bought too much bow, or too little. Sitting here watching these other guys who have been doing it awhile harvest the deer that YOU want to be harvesting.
Well, you didn't start it to begin with cause you thought it would be easy-so now is the time for you to persevere. We (as men) were wonderfully and fearfully made-there is no limit to our potential but our own selves.
Stick it out with me-we will be better men later on down the road, not because we finally "got one", but because we had faith, and saw it thru.
God bless you buddy,
Farmer
Post by: kbetts on October 06, 2009, 08:40:00 AM
One thing I will say, however, is being a shooter and a hunter are two different things. I'm no Olympic archerer but I feel above average when it comes to closing the deal. With less to think about at crunch time, instinct does it all for you.
Post by: stickbow2442 on October 06, 2009, 08:46:00 AM
I never practiced much with a wheel bow but I shoot year around with my longbow just because I love it.
You can shoot with both if you want to. Get a deer with your wheel bow, then the rest of the season use your traditional bow.
Its all about having a good time with archery and hunting. Good luck.
Post by: tradtusker on October 06, 2009, 10:26:00 AM
Confidence is a Very big factor i think you have to believe when that string comes back that the arrow is going to find its mark.
i know a few guys that can not shoot well on paper, but they are the deadliest shots when that animal gets in front of them.
good luck with the season stick with it
! it is Very rewarding
Post by: GingivitisKahn on October 06, 2009, 10:51:00 AM
Have fun with your trad stuff - do some stump shooting, still hunting, etc. Sure, take a doe or something at the first opportunity, but that's not the hunt - it's just the work after the hunt.
Post by: dragonheart on October 06, 2009, 12:23:00 PM
Post by: JL on October 06, 2009, 01:07:00 PM
At some point, traditional equipment will feel "right" in your hands. This takes time and a lot of pratice. There is no shame in going back to a compound if you feel you airn't ready yet.
I will also tell you this, traditional equipment has taken every species of game that walks. There is no reason to second guess the equipment. Just got to get yourself right. Keep with it, make sure your arrows are flying true and your broadheads are hair popping sharp. You'll be fine once you get a couple on the ground.
JL
Post by: Gehrke145 on October 06, 2009, 01:25:00 PM
Post by: waknstak IL on October 06, 2009, 01:28:00 PM
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on October 06, 2009, 01:41:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Altiman94:What do you think would be better about going back to your compound? What's the attraction?
This is my first year dedicating to trad gear.
I sold my compound to concentrate on my trad bow right after turkey season here in Iowa. Now I'm having thoughts that maybe I should go back to a compound.
I'm shooting well, I'm seeing deer. I don't know why I am having these doubts. Can someone chime in and help me out?
Post by: BradLantz on October 06, 2009, 01:45:00 PM
If he's feeling what I felt its knowing I was 2" group with a compound at 0-35 yards and anything that came within that distance was very likely double lunged and shooting a trad bow I'm not that good a shot and knowing I COULD have made that shot with a compound after the fact .... it weighed on me a long time and still does if I miss or don't get a shot opportunity.
I love the hunt for the hunt ..... I also like filling tags with big antlers and setting the table with tender young venison too and there is a balance that has to be met I think ....
Post by: tradtusker on October 06, 2009, 02:03:00 PM
there are tons of guys on this site alone that use only trad gear and shoot big animals (trophys if you will) consistently year in year out and fill the freezer, their is no limit with trad gear i think it's just case of taking your skill as a hunter and an efficient archer to the next level, to get it done.
everyone hunts at a different level i guess, you gotta have the drive though, i feel no restrictions with a longbow in my hand.
i also know a lot of guys that shoot both compound and trad ( i used to) can work very well in different situations, but dont get the misconception that it cannot all be done with the trad gear consistently. I dont ever pick up the compound anymore because i know i can do it with my trusty longbow
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on October 06, 2009, 02:11:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by BradLantz:I ask because the first post says "I'm shooting well".
"What's the attraction?"
If he's feeling what I felt its knowing I was 2" group with a compound at 0-35 yards and anything that came within that distance was very likely double lunged and shooting a trad bow I'm not that good a shot and knowing I COULD have made that shot with a compound after the fact .... it weighed on me a long time and still does if I miss or don't get a shot opportunity.
I love the hunt for the hunt ..... I also like filling tags with big antlers and setting the table with tender young venison too and there is a balance that has to be met I think ....
You can't find an answer until you find a question.
If it's a confidence thing, I would say you need to shoot at some critters before you make up your mind. If it's something else, then the answer could be very different.
First, we have to find the question.
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on October 06, 2009, 02:17:00 PM
Come back when you're ready. We'll be here.
Post by: Tioga on October 06, 2009, 02:34:00 PM
Well that dream was put to rest on the 5th day of the season. Wasn't one of the slammers, but a very respectable buck that decided to walk right into my shooting lane. Was the most exciting hunting day of my life bar none. Well worth all the worry.
I've thought about compounds since just to change things up, but then I pick up a catalog and see what they look like nowadays, and I just plain forget about it. Ugliest danged things around.
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: GANGGREEN on October 06, 2009, 02:49:00 PM
I had a spike at 18-20 yards broadside today and it would have been dead, dead, dead, without even thinking about it if I shot at it with my compound. With the recurve I was "pretty sure" I could have made the shot. I don't suppose I would have taken him anyway but, as Tioga points out, we have antler restrictions in PA and it wasn't even considered.
The one thing that has surprised me a bit is that I can't draw cleanly from a fair number of positions from my treestands. I really enjoy treestand hunting and plan to continue to hunt from elevated stands with my recurve. I've been in my stands this fall and always take some practice draws from different positions and there are shots that I'll have to pass up even though I'm only shooting a 58" recurve. I'm actually considering an ultra-short recurve to make it easier, though I suppose it may be difficult to find one that shoots as well as what I'm using now.
Post by: No-sage on October 06, 2009, 02:56:00 PM
Post by: dan ferguson on October 06, 2009, 03:02:00 PM
Post by: GANGGREEN on October 06, 2009, 03:04:00 PM
I won't say that I never missed or wounded game with a compound but I can honestly say that it's been years since I've done either and I typically take at least one, if not two deer per year with a bow. I have to admit to being a bit concerned about wounding one. Misses I can live with, wounding animals would be much harder to get over.
Post by: coaster500 on October 06, 2009, 03:41:00 PM
There will still be missed shots and lost game, but I respect that which I hunt.
I understand, do it when U feel right about it and have a bunch of fun in the process………………………………….
Post by: George D. Stout on October 06, 2009, 04:07:00 PM
How the hunt progresses is more important to me than what's in the bed of the pickup on the way home. I don't idolize big antlers, and I don't care what the guys think about how I hunt or what I hunt with. I'm comfortable with me and I use recurves and longbows because I love em. If I didn't, I would use something easier to use to kill a deer.
My bows challenge me to be a better hunter and make closer shots. That doesn't make me better, but it does make me different....and it keeps me going.
Post by: Bakes168 on October 06, 2009, 04:33:00 PM
Post by: buckeye_hunter on October 06, 2009, 04:44:00 PM
My 2 cents,
Charlie
Post by: vtmtnman on October 06, 2009, 05:52:00 PM
My advice to you is this-
I believe it was the "advice from the old timers" thread(I THINK) where one of them said,"take shots at animals."
This is my first year back to trad after a little break.I picked the bow back up in January and practiced daily (Not every other day,EVERY day unless it was downpouring or too dark).Shot fp's,bh's, varying angles,distances,kneeling,even trying reverse cant and over the back like Terry showed us.I have a treestand set up in the yard for practice too as that's mainly where I hunt out of across the road.
Once small game seasons came in I took shots at game,taking some in the process.I wanted to turkey hunt this past spring with the curve but was 50/50 on my shooting skills at that point.Next season I have 110% confidence in myself.
This I can tell you from experience.If you've practiced form,release,and picking a spot correctly,and you have reasonable confidence in hitting your target,your concentration when shooting at a live animal is different.You'll be amazed how you do things automaticaly using your subconcience when your mind is 200% in the game and the pressure is on.
It's been said on here archery is 10% physical and 90% mental.VERY true.I find I get complacent shooting at foam constantly.You have a very different mindset when aiming on a live animal.
I had a lot of time to think on stand before I had a shot opportunity this year.Basically I told myself I will take the first good shot opportunity I get on the first legal deer that is in front of me.If it goes perfect I will live with it,and if I screw it up and wound I will live with it and do my best to make a recovery.
Well,two days into our season in VT I got my chance,and I air mailed that arrow right to the spot I picked.She went about 40 yards and death rolled.
A lot of guys miss/wound because they doubt their gear,aren't focused at the time of the shot,or they simply are unwilling to kill(although they won't admit this one).
The confidence you get from making a kill with your gear only comes from just that.You can shoot at foam all day long but you will only be to a certain level of it.
The best thing I can tell you is-
Just do it....But only you can make yourself do it.
Post by: Roy Steele on October 06, 2009, 06:58:00 PM
You have to pick your hunting sites better and relie on the wind more.But it's just something about being on the ground at 15 yards with a buck moving by.
You may not beleive it but it gets easer each year you hunt.But at the same time more it makes you more humble and gradfieing.
Post by: Altiman94 on October 06, 2009, 08:23:00 PM
I'd rather shoot a deer (even a small doe) with my recurve on my own land than a big buck with a compound. I just need to stick with it.
I also think maybe next year ill buy a new bow. Currently i am using a hoyt gamemaster (no sights or elevated rests), but id like to have a nice wood risered takedown- ive been eyeing the bob lee hunter.
Post by: J-dog on October 06, 2009, 08:43:00 PM
While good in the back yard (I felt total confidence in hitting a target at 20 yards) for some reason I felt I should be responsible and have some sort of sighting system when shooting a breathing creature? I debated back and forth for awhile - it is just a "sights" mentality??
Wow, was I so amazed how predatory a trad bow makes you - close in, concentrated, just kill him, thoughts. And when you get that first shot and instincts take over! well - no better feelin other then a your childrens accomplishments.
Keep after it,
J
Post by: Traditional-Archer on October 06, 2009, 09:57:00 PM
I can relate with that starting from in the beginning, then I realized, I was doing the work. Not the bow. I mean I had to aim I had to judge I was the one to blame I had the confidence. The Bow was not doing the work no sights, no kisser button, no peep sight. It was all me, that is why I stopped shooting my bow with training wheels on it. You have your reasons, find what they are and build the confidence. Man when it comes together you will be elated. I wish you luck.
Oh buy the way, I sold my training bow and will never go back. But keep in mind my friend, you are no less a predator with a compound bow than with a recurve, longbow. I hope you find what you are looking for. Best wishes.
Bruce
:campfire:
Post by: stick_string on October 06, 2009, 10:55:00 PM
I missed a deer....ONE DEER; and I was ready to go back. :archer:
I could be crazy...I dont know. Just my thoughts.
Post by: tradtusker on October 06, 2009, 11:38:00 PM
whats with the word "harvest" here in the states?
Crops are "harvested"
Deer are "Killed"
is that just a politically correct sounding thing?
Post by: Michael Arnette on October 06, 2009, 11:43:00 PM
Make sure your arrows are well tuned and that your broadheads fly well. Also don't waste all your time in the early season, make sure to leave some time and energy for the rut.
Good luck and have confidence.
Post by: Bonebuster on October 07, 2009, 07:29:00 AM
There are many ways to judge how successful a hunt is.
It is very difficult to close the deal with a stickbow. As the difficulty rises, so does the satisfaction.
As strange as it is, it is the "struggle" that we all strive for. The more "struggle" you invite, the more it pays you back.
My deer rifles gather dust...not enough "struggle". :D
Post by: toddster on October 07, 2009, 07:42:00 AM
Post by: Altiman94 on October 08, 2009, 08:31:00 AM
We followed the blood trail, but it was very sparse. It went over a mile then was lost. I had about 7" of penetration but was unable to see where the shot was on her body. I did find the rest of the arrow, so I'm hoping she lives to see another day.
Just part of the game, but i hate losing an animal.
Post by: Stone Knife on October 08, 2009, 09:31:00 AM
Post by: Mo. Huntin on October 08, 2009, 12:15:00 PM
Post by: Morning Star on October 08, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
Quote
Just a small update. I took the recurve and headed out to one of my stands last night after work. About 630 a nice doe came down my trail and offered a shot at 15 yards. I took the shot and trailed her for over 6 hours until 1 A.M.Loosing that Doe is a tough one to swallow, there can be so many variables in what happened though. Could possibly have been to no fault of yours. Arrow deflection, broadhead deflection, deer jumping the string....etc. I know it sure don't help your confidence, but I will offer advice to not give up!
We followed the blood trail, but it was very sparse. It went over a mile then was lost. I had about 7" of penetration but was unable to see where the shot was on her body. I did find the rest of the arrow, so I'm hoping she lives to see another day.
Just part of the game, but i hate losing an animal.
I remember feeling somewhat the same as you the first year I switched from wheels. Felt unsure, but I ended up killing 2 deer that season. One thing I feel helped contribute to my success is keeping all my shots under 10 yards, even though I could group well at 15. It was a range I had pure confidence in. I think that really helped with my success off the bat, it sure did wonders for my confidence.
Don't let it get ya down for to long. Loosing one is definetly a worse case senario for us all. In the big picture, if she dies, she will be used by critters that probably need the sustinence more than us. That's definitely not an excuse for any bowhunter to take loosing an animal lightly, but it is the truth.
Use it as an excuse to continue and find perfection.
If I could help, feel free to shoot me a PM or email.
Mike
Post by: Altiman94 on October 08, 2009, 05:28:00 PM
I don't enjoy losing the animal, in no way or form, so i hope she lives. I will keep my limit 10 yards or under.
Post by: vtmtnman on October 08, 2009, 07:24:00 PM
Post by: JJA on October 08, 2009, 10:44:00 PM
Post by: LCH on October 09, 2009, 08:41:00 AM
Post by: dragonheart on October 09, 2009, 12:56:00 PM
Remember to allow things to happen with your progress and shot execution at an animal. There is far less conscious effort in shooting an animal with trad equipment than a compound. All that exists is the small spot, I mean a hair you want to hit. That is it. That is the the only thought. Only concentrate on aiming, no thought of the mechanics. That is trained into prior to the going afield.
Maybe focussing on enjoyment of the experience and the hunt, rather than a concern over your weapon choice?
Post by: nkw880 on October 09, 2009, 02:07:00 PM
Post by: swampdrummer on October 10, 2009, 01:26:00 PM
My one kill, I really missed so bad that the arrow caught her in the neck, 6 inches behind her ear. Just pure luck that it picked up the artery. Wife didn't understand why I was so disgusted with that hit....
Post by: Flatshooter on October 10, 2009, 01:44:00 PM
Post by: Altiman94 on October 10, 2009, 09:23:00 PM
Tonight from a different stand had 3 does come in, but way out of shooting range. At least I am still seeing deer. The weather here has turned abnormally cold (30's).
Post by: vtmtnman on October 10, 2009, 09:30:00 PM