Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Bowwild on November 27, 2010, 03:59:00 PM

Title: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Bowwild on November 27, 2010, 03:59:00 PM
Another thread caused me to come up with this.  

I like to keep learning to slow my rate of falling behind.  

In 2011 I'm going to promise myself to learn to  use my GPS unit to get out and back with confidence in new territory.

How about you?  What thing do you want to learn or get better at?
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Bowwild on November 27, 2010, 04:01:00 PM
Sorry, another thought.  Wouldn't it be cool if there was a Trad Gang get together where experts at various "skills" could share with others.  

We'd call it the TRAD GANG Skill Fair.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Bjorn on November 27, 2010, 05:00:00 PM
I took a GPS class at REI but that was just basics.............so I am interested in more. My son and I are scheduled to do a Bowhunter safety class this spring. Learning lots of new skills and perfecting existing ones got tons more to learn all the time.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Spinealigner on November 27, 2010, 05:19:00 PM
I want to spend more time with topographic maps.  Compare them with ariel views and hone in on some overlooked areas.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Dick in Seattle on November 27, 2010, 08:46:00 PM
my new skill is going to be making arrows starting from boards.  Just starting to work on it and nothing shootable yet, but I'll get there.  My club has a special category for folks who are using all equipment they made themselves and I have everything covered but the arrows.  (And no, making from bought shafts doesn't count.)  Oh, and maybe shooting well enough to qualify once I've made the shafts!  8^)
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Mike Bolin on November 27, 2010, 09:48:00 PM
Land Navigation with topo map and compass. I had a very basic course years ago with my Bowhunter Education Course, but most of that has slipped away from me. Bought a book on it this morning! Mike
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Mike Mecredy on November 27, 2010, 09:51:00 PM
I like to hone a different skill each year myself. One year i learned to build bows, another to flint knap, another some leather working, etc. This year I'm going to restore/customize a motorcycle.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Canyon on November 27, 2010, 09:57:00 PM
Along the orientation lines I want to refresh my night navigation skills. Our Search&Rescue Unit puts on a great class during which you must navigate point to point by the stars and a topo map. It is a perishable skill that you need to practice to stay competant.

Looking to improve my confidence in going deep into the wilderness for extended stays with minimal supplies. A map and compass will not be one of the things I take off the must have list though.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: fatman on November 27, 2010, 10:14:00 PM
Wilderness navigation w/ map & compass  :readit:
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Clint B. on November 27, 2010, 10:57:00 PM
Bowwild, is this like a New Year's resolution or are you going to hold me to it?  :)  Anyway, I'd like to take some time to learn my trees and plants better, especially the ones on the whitetail & turkey menus. This is important because agricultural crops aren't readily available in some of my hunting areas. For example, I have a habit of identifying the various white & black oak species only by the shape of the leaf. I don't pay enough attention to the acorns or to the trees themselves when the leaves are off. Clint
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: bretto on November 27, 2010, 10:59:00 PM
Making a selfbow is number 1 and a little knapping might be next.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: McDave on November 27, 2010, 11:22:00 PM
Learning to shoot the bow left-handed.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Sixby on November 27, 2010, 11:27:00 PM
I've always wanted to learn to foot arrows. I have a bunch of nice exotic wood from off the edges of boards. Zebrawood, purpleheart, some ebony. tigerwood, Ipe that ought to work real good for some heavy , hard foots. feet, whatever multiples of a footed arrow are. Grin

God bless you all , Steve
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: bigbadjon on November 27, 2010, 11:58:00 PM
I want to learn more about tanning hides. I always feel bad that I can't do more with my deer hides.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: bad arrow on November 28, 2010, 12:07:00 AM
Learning to set different snares. Get into trapping. Start a fire using the bow method....Phil
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Stiks-n-Strings on November 28, 2010, 12:12:00 AM
I'm going to get into some more primitive living skills and learn how to break some rock and knapp some knives and heads.

 Stiks
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Bowwild on November 28, 2010, 04:02:00 AM
Yes, after I posted this topic I thought, I'm probably a month and a few days early for "resolutions".    I realized there are some things I've been saying, "I'm not good at that" and I ought to set about fixing it.  Some good ones above.   Like I learned in a moonlighting job 20 years ago, when you find out you have a hole in your pocket, fix it.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: carpenter on November 28, 2010, 04:22:00 AM
I picked up a Osage stave this summer at Mo-Jam,so I am going to start learning to chase a ring this winter.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Blackstick on November 28, 2010, 05:19:00 AM
I have way too many things that need done and/or fixed, but I’m reading The Traditional Bowyer’s Bible – Vol. 1. I think making a selfbow would be cool and I am slowly headed in that direction.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: greyghost on November 28, 2010, 06:30:00 AM
Hopefully learning to enjoy full retirement.

Then trying to remember things I have forgot over the years.

Couple good things already mentioned I may even look into.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on November 28, 2010, 08:10:00 AM
Learning how to be a father to 3 children instead of 2!
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on November 28, 2010, 08:17:00 AM
I would like to gain more confidence in talking to land owners. I talk to customers all day long with all the confidence in the world, (my company sells good stuff, so its easy). When it comes to having the guts to get shot down 90% of the time, I struggle. I desperately need hunting ground and I cant get myself to knock on doors. Dad has always came through with the old farmers he knew, they are passing rapidly and so are my privelages. Thats my goal!
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Bonebuster on November 28, 2010, 08:54:00 AM
Manitoba...way to go!!! You already have all the skills you need, it is just a matter of fine tuning your priorities. Hang on loosely. Don`t let your wife see any fear, or she will eat you.
Congrats!  :thumbsup:  

The new skill I want to learn is how to consistently trap coyotes.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: nd chickenman on November 28, 2010, 09:02:00 AM
It will definately be learning how to knap!! then move on to the self bow.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on November 28, 2010, 01:04:00 PM
I am going to learn how to make wood arrows everything from tapered to footed, I am going to start make my own arm guards and quivers, maybe work on the GPS.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: SpencerL on November 28, 2010, 01:53:00 PM
PATIENCE!  At least that what I think I should be working on.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Bowwild on November 28, 2010, 02:15:00 PM
ND Chickenman,
I think my wife fears I'll someday be a master napper! LOL
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Mudd on November 28, 2010, 03:08:00 PM
I'd love to develop some patience...lol

God bless, Mudd
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Cherokee Scout on November 28, 2010, 03:16:00 PM
walking with no knee pain.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: ron w on November 28, 2010, 04:08:00 PM
After doing this pastime for many years, after this season I should hone the skills to kill a deer......
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Terry Lightle on November 28, 2010, 06:12:00 PM
Making real pretty quality knives.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Covey on November 28, 2010, 06:27:00 PM
I would really like to hone my skills with topo map and compass. There are alot of big woods around here and it would be a confidence booster to know you could get in and out without trouble. So land navigation would be on the top of my list.  Jason
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: fireman_3311 on November 28, 2010, 08:12:00 PM
My goal is to keep improving with my Atlatl throwing! Hope to kill a deer with it someday!!!
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Mudd on November 28, 2010, 08:26:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by fireman_3311:
My goal is to keep improving with my Atlatl throwing! Hope to kill a deer with it someday!!!
:archer:
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Johner on November 28, 2010, 08:59:00 PM
There are way too many things that I want to learn.  For this coming year however I think I will keep it to metal working in general with knife making a specific focus.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: KSdan on November 29, 2010, 06:25:00 AM
gps/map skills.  Plant/tree i.d.   taxidermy
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: broketooth on November 29, 2010, 06:29:00 AM
ive already started before 2011 , im trying to learn how to sharpen my own broadheads and knives instead of having someone else do it for me. this is a skill that has escaped me most of my adult life so far. i should have learned to do this a long time ago. ruddy
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: HUNT 24/7 on December 16, 2010, 08:27:00 PM
I'm going to buy a whip & learn how to crack it. So whip cracking will be my new skill for 2011.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: seabass on December 16, 2010, 08:45:00 PM
i just want to learn to be a better hunter.i am not very good but want to be.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: JEFF B on December 16, 2010, 08:51:00 PM
i want to get my first whitetail Deer or hog but that means i have to come over there to Do it. BUT I HATE FLYING  :biglaugh:
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Mudd on December 16, 2010, 09:15:00 PM
I want to learn the art of invisibility...lol

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: limbolt on December 16, 2010, 09:33:00 PM
To become a better photographer.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: eman614 on December 16, 2010, 09:43:00 PM
i get to learn how to be a dad weather i want to or not. luckly for me,i want to.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Wannabe1 on December 16, 2010, 09:50:00 PM
I want to master the art of shooting my Howard Hill bows. I am hunting with nothing but Hills next year (except spring turkey, and that will be with my new Maddog) and want to be a lethal form behind the bow. Look out elk and deer!   :D
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: BDann on December 16, 2010, 09:50:00 PM
I have to learn how to sit still, I'm way to fidgety on the stand.  Oh, and maybe it would be good to learn how to hit what I'm aiming at!
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Wal on December 16, 2010, 09:51:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Mudd:
I'd love to develop some patience...lol

God bless, Mudd
Mudd, I feel your pain mate, it's a cross we have to bare    :)  

Cheers
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Mudd on December 16, 2010, 09:52:00 PM
Congratulations eman614 !!

You'll never have a more important job.

There's also a lot of potential for it to be rewarding as well.

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: jonsimoneau on December 16, 2010, 09:53:00 PM
I'd really like to be able to increase my range....Now don't get down on my guys.  I like getting close, just like everyone else, but I do not think a 30 yard shot is out of line...with perfect conditions.  I'm good to 20 now...a few years ago I was good to 25.  This last year...I simply did not get to shoot as much as normal.  I would like to get to the point where if a deer comes within 30 yards...I can say "gotcha!"  If I am not able to achieve this...well...at least I will have alot of fun trying!
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: bigugly1 on December 16, 2010, 10:28:00 PM
Hunting with trad equipment.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: snow leopard on December 16, 2010, 10:39:00 PM
perfecting my shooting, in particular with longbows.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: lpcjon2 on December 17, 2010, 07:30:00 AM
This year will be dedicated to my son Tucker who has been shooting since he was around 6 yo, and in February he turns 10(In Jersey you have to be 10 to get a hunting license). I want to spend the year working with him so he may be able to harvest something larger than a squirrel. I want to teach him everything from land nav to getten the ok from mom to go. He is all in and excited (me to).   :campfire:
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on December 17, 2010, 08:05:00 AM
I'd like to become better at field-dressing game and cooking it.

And, I'd like to do some back-pack hunting overnight (I got the gear from Whip, now I just have to use it!).

And, I'd like to burn more ammunition through my .416 Rigby, practicing quick and accurate repeated shooting at close range.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Mint on December 17, 2010, 09:27:00 AM
I have a few of them planned.

1. To fully learn my GPS capabilities.
2. To learn how to tie 5 basic knots.
3. Using a turkey diaphram call.
4. Learning video editing software.
5. Convincing at least 3 more people in my archery club to use lifelines for hunting out of the treestand.
6 And finally to keep my mouth shut when I havea good thing going when my wife complains about something I am not doing. LOL
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: lpcjon2 on December 17, 2010, 09:44:00 AM
Mint, let use know how that last one works out.   :goldtooth:
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Caleb the bow breaker on December 17, 2010, 10:01:00 AM
I would like to boost my morale.  I easily lose confidence and tend to be pessimistic by nature.  I would like to improve my attitude in life and in bowhunting.

Caleb
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Bowwild on December 17, 2010, 12:20:00 PM
Mint,
That turkey calling goal.  Way back in the 70's I taught myself to at least sound like the recorded sounds (45 record - boy that dates me) of turkeys.  I would listen to the record and then try to mimic the sound and RECORD myself. Then I'd play  back the recording and compare. I found when I hear the sounds I make directly it sounds different than if I listen to an indirect recording.  Sort of like video-taping yourself shooting is more revealing than just imagining how you are doing it.

These days with CDs and I-Phones this would be a much more simple process.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Oliverstacy on December 17, 2010, 06:32:00 PM
I think I'm going to build and offer 3-bundle strings...maybe!

Also looking into an endless jig...maybe!

Maybe!

Josh
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: 59Alaskan on December 17, 2010, 06:49:00 PM
In terms of learning:

1.  Continually improve my shooting skills.
2.  How to paint/finish an arrow with anything resembling a satisfactory job.
3.  How to get within bow range of a turkey

In terms of feats:
1.  Build a respectable looking set of arrows.
2.  First trad kill(s)(unless I do this in 2010).
3.  Get out hunting more with my wife/kids.
4.  Get the family to at least one 3D shoot.
5.  Re-finish at least one of my Bear bows myself.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: shortstroke 91 on December 17, 2010, 06:49:00 PM
I'd like to learn to trust myself to MAKE THE SHOT. I know I can do it but when the time comes I start second guessing my abilities.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Red Tailed Hawk on December 17, 2010, 08:09:00 PM
Learn how to tan a deer hide, should be fun.   :D
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: SEMO_HUNTER on December 17, 2010, 08:55:00 PM
I'm going to turn my bow making up a notch this year.
With 3 Osage longbows under my belt, and a 4th Osage take down in progress.......I'm going to try my hand at a laminated riser with glass limbs/wood core this year. I'm also going to try and do it by gathering the materials and making all the necessary tools, jigs, and other necessities myself......no kits!

IdahoCurt has some beautiful tiger myrtle lams that I've been eyeballing, and I saw some Dymond wood laminate blanks on a website that I just gotta have a riser made from!
I already sent them an email about a blank and the lady said, yes definitely they can cut me a bow blank.
So sometime after the first of the year, but before spring turkey season.....it's on!    :saywhat:
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: buckeye_hunter on December 17, 2010, 09:01:00 PM
Does shooting 3 under and shooting accurately at live game count?  :banghead:
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: KEG on December 17, 2010, 09:26:00 PM
I have several bow blanks I would like to finish then make a self bow.
I also would like to learn how to knap arrowheads.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: slivrslingr on December 17, 2010, 09:32:00 PM
Get confident enough to hunt shooting left handed.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: Fischman on December 17, 2010, 10:00:00 PM
Learn where and how to get one of those big whitetail bucks on my trailcams to be under my stands with me in it during daylight hours.
Title: Re: What new skill in 2011?
Post by: jfelkins on December 17, 2010, 10:08:00 PM
Map & compass

Here's some good info   Kifaru (http://www.kifaru.net/plot_blust.htm)

I wanna do an adventure race in 2011. I've done an Ironman but the AR requires land nav skills.