A buddy and I (both retired Army) are thinking about taking a trip next year to one of these two places for some hog hunting. Anyone have any thoughts on which would be the better place, or tips / tricks for either place?
Ask either RC or Ray Hammond, both members on this site. They both have great knowledge of the area.
Never been to Benning, but Stewart has plenty of hogs.
However, there was recently a change to the regulations which requires all bowhunters to pass an archery qualification test. 2 out of 3 shots in a 9" circle at both 20 and 30 yards from an elevated platform.
I just read this, I am stunned, sounds like someone at stewart doesn't like bow hunters.
Here is the reg:
h. All archery hunters must obtain an Archery Qualification Card every year prior to archery hunting on FS/HAAF. Archery Qualification Cards will expire 1 September every year. Archers must place 2 out of 3 arrows into a 9-inch diameter circular target at both 20 yards and 30 yards from an elevated platform. Qualifying will be accomplished by using field tips; no broad-heads will be allowed. The shooting sequence will be in the following order: top left circle, top right circle, and if required, bottom circle. Shots will not count unless this sequence is followed, and only 1 shot per target is allowed. Archers failing to qualify may re-schedule for a later qualification session. The Archery Qualification Card must be in the hunter's possession while hunting on the Installation. Qualification sessions will be conducted at both Fort Stewart Pass and HAAF Permit Offices. Shooters will be charged a $5 qualification fee in addition to the Installation hunting permit to cover labor cost while executing the qualification process.
EDIT: Here is a link to the reg and it is dated 25 Jul 11, I have a feeling this is going to cause some backlash this close to the season.
http://www.stewart.army.mil/dpw/wildlife/default.htm
I've heard they have a new rule there.
You have to qualify with your bow in order to be able to archery hunt there.
Think it goes like this.
You have to put 2 out of 3 arrows in a 9" circle at 20 and 30yds.
There are 3 9" circles. You have to start out shooting at the top left circle, then on to the top right circle, and if you need to, on to the bottom circle.
All of this is done from an elevated platform.
There is a $5 dollar fee to perform the archery qualification test..
The archery qualification card is good for 1yr. Sept 1st through Sept 1st. You must pass the qualification test to archery hunt on Ft. Stewart this year.
This is what I've recently heard. Sounds true.
I am steaming, what about the people that limit themselves to 15 to 20 yards? Or the people that hunt on the ground? This is an absolute BS reg, wish I new something I could do about it. Chris
QuoteOriginally posted by swamprooter:
I am steaming, what about the people that limit themselves to 15 to 20 yards? Or the people that hunt on the ground? This is an absolute BS reg, wish I new something I could do about it. Chris
I think it really puts a damper on guys with trad equipment...
20-30yd shot with a trad bow is a good ways out there in a hunting situation...
If I were y'all, I'd dust off the wheelie bow or borrow somebody's and go out there and zing a couple of arrows at 20yds and 30yds, get your card, then grab the recurve or longbow and go hunting.
It does not say you have to qualify and hunt with the same bow. ;) ;)
I will not use my compound, even though I still shoot and hunt with one, this reg is blatently antihunting and anti bowhunting and quite frankly, I will not be buying a ft stewart license this year. So if you guys want to break out the compounds more power to you and I wish you good luck. Chris
I live here and this is news to me.
I read the reg and it looks like you have to take a test for just the cantonement areas. The way I read it doesn't apply to the rest of the base. I'll check this week to find out for certain. I'll be out until Fri.
Just called and the guy thay answered the phone seems to think its for the cantonement areas only. He asked me to call back Wed and talk to his manager to be certain.
QuoteOriginally posted by WhiteOaks:
I live here and this is news to me.
I read the reg and it looks like you have to take a test for just the cantonement areas. The way I read it doesn't apply to the rest of the base. I'll check this week to find out for certain. I'll be out until Fri.
I don't read it that way, the reg says
All Archery hunters. I don't see anything that says just for the cantonment areas. Chris
it looks to me that those who made the regulations do not have any idea about traditional equipment.....just for the sake of argument,we have had people come to our hunter ed classes here in NC (advanced bowhunter Education), that could not do that with a sighted compound.....we also had one guy that did not pass with a scoped crossbow......sad but true....... :dunno:
The reg does specify cantonment area even in the title. I will know for certain wed
Are we reading the same reg? Chapter 1, page 6, Cantonment is not in the title, paragraph or the entire page. Chris
I'm reading 9th topic on left .
swamprooter,
You are correct. The reg does say all bowhunters but the 9th topic on the left of the main hunting page only discusses the 6 cantonment areas. I'm thinking this rule may just be for the cantonment areas and someone messed up by putting it in the regulations for all bowhunters.
I'll call a manager this week to try to clarify the regs for all. Its confusing when you read both documents. If it is correct, I'll see what I can do to maybe change it.
Yeah I agree, I look forward to what you find out and if you need any help feel free to drop me a line. Chris
I hope you're right Whiteoaks, but I'm afraid it's for the entire installation. From the way it's worded, "All archery hunters must obtain an Archery Qualification Card every year prior to archery hunting on FS/HAAF ." That's not only Fort Stewart, but also Hunter Army Airfield.
A guy told me today that he spoke with the people at Pass and Permit, and they're going to be set up to begin testing August 3rd.
Again, I hope you're right.
just for fun i tried there little test today...and failed. 20yds wasn't a problem, but 30 was another story. this really sucks for all you guys that hunt ft. stewart regularly. whiteoak, i sure hope that you are right.
If they are using the elevated platform at the Ft Stewart office it is like 25 ft high. What BS
Its what happans when people that don`t bow hunt make the rules.RC
I have seen this dance before. Fort Belvoir has this exact q-course. One of the GS tractor drivers a S has cozied up with the FB back room gang and has swapped hunts. We caught a bunch of guys gun huntng in the archery areas in those days. IMHO Nothing harder than hitting a white plate with no markings without sights on a white background . Many of the compound/crossbow folks believe this type of Q will limit the wound losses. Funny, GA (as well as VA) is a crossbow state. I wonder of one will have to buy a xgun or target wheel bow to qualify, then hunt with the bow of choice.
I called Willie, (Hunting Office Manager) and he just returned from leave so he is out of the loop on the new reg. He gave me Justin's number( the biologist) that helps to write current regulations. I called and left a detailed message on my concerns. Hopefully he will call back. More to follow.
I don't plan on hunting FS or FB anytime soon. But I will say I appreciate the time and effort you're putting into representing us WhiteOaks. I had hoped to make it down to that area someday. And being a former service member myself, I was going to take advantage of the property. This gives me hope.
Thank you again for being our voice.
-Jeremy :coffee:
Jeremy,
Thanks. I have heard Fort Benning Hunting suffered considerably due to the Armor School moving to FB. Use to go there all the time and people that work there tell me most of the hunting areas were cleared and the ones still available are packed with hunters. Stewart is big and wild. I've got to get this straight for the trad guys.
Randy
Latest Update.
Just got off the phone with the Biologist. Justin. He said this qualification was based on a request from the Garrison Commander to ensure hunters were proficient with their equipment. The writers called Fort Belvoir to get their policy. Justin admitted that traditional archers were not considered in the process. I asked him to go back to attempt to amend the reg for trad archers. He asked me what would be a fair test for trad archers. I told him most trad guys should be capable of passing the test @ 20, 15 & 10 feet shooting on the ground or 10 feet up in a stand. He will take my suggestions back to COL Milton for an approval to amend the reg.
Justin apologized about the oversite and said he would do everything he could to amend the reg.
If he is not successful, I will ask every TG'er to email their complaint to a central site where DOD takes issues, complaints, and concerns.
Thanks in advance for everyone's help should we need it.
What about gun hunters, are they going to have pass a skill qualification test. How about small game hunting with a bow, no test?
I am truly not trying to be difficult, and I really appreciate what you are doing and will help in any way I can, but this test is a slap in the face to bowhunting regardless of the standards. I was stationed at Stewart from 97 to 2000, I am now retired and continue to go back to hunt and fish but doesn't look like I will be from now on. I have been on several post sanctioned dog hunts on Ft Stewart where we line up on roads with shotguns and buckshot and blaze away at anything that runs past,in one morning we killed 48 deer and 20 some hogs, I accounted for 2 deer myself. All legal and condoned by Ft Stewart biologist to clear game off the ranges. No telling what was wounded with the buckshot and they want to talk about bowhunters.
I can pass their nonsensical test with my Truth, no problem, but I will hunt on WMAs. If you can't tell I am still fuming. Chris
Chris,
I understand. I didn't make this rule. I'm simply trying to work through it for the TG'ers.
Let's work to get the bowhunting to a reasonable point we all agree to. You are more than welcome to voice your concern to the man that made this rule. That would be the Garrison Commander. COL Milton. You can find his email on the Fort Steward website.
SJ,
I just moved from Benning to Stewart. Benning is overrun with pigs. They used to give a $40 per tail bounty. Anyway, not sure about Stewart. I bow hunted exclusively on Benning. Shot many hogs and deer. No shortage of either. Go to the Benning website and become familiar with the check in/out procedures. There is no archery qualification requirement unless that changed last year. I was in New Mexico last year and did not hunt. I have found some great spots for hogs. I'll send you some 10 digit grids!
SJ_Lutz (if you,re still out there), I believe Ft Stewart will have more hogs, because it is swampier and they had plenty when I was there in the early 1980s. Keep in mind the military's priority is training, so they will open or close hunting areas at the whim of any commander. Between two wars and the base realignments and closures, the training areas are probably quite busy. I imagine "cantonement areas" would be closed for training less often. I would call ahead and explain what you want to do before making firm plans.
Every post seems to have its own rules, but all require a hunter safety card and require you to sign in and out. Some will let you roam a given area while some will tell you exactly where to sit and which way to shoot. Some even want you to take classes on unexploded ordinance safety.
In the grand scheme of things, I think we're lucky they allow hunting at all. When I was at Fort Bragg years ago, a bowhunter in a treestand was shot and killed by a squirrel hunter. With idiots like that out there, its no wonder they have idiotic rules. Their rules are intended to prevent mishaps, not make it difficult for people to hunt. They don't need a reason to stop all hunting on their property if that's what they want to do. Installation Commanders have total power and their priorities are always:
1. Military Training
2. Safety / Liability
3. Wildlife Management
Good luck. Despite the rules, military installations are a great resource. - John
Quote
In the grand scheme of things, I think we're lucky they allow hunting at all. When I was at Fort Bragg years ago, a bowhunter in a treestand was shot and killed by a squirrel hunter. With idiots like that out there, its no wonder they have idiotic rules. Their rules are intended to prevent mishaps, not make it difficult for people to hunt. They don't need a reason to stop all hunting on their property if that's what they want to do. Installation Commanders have total power and their priorities are always:
[/QB]
With fellow bowhunters believing this nonsense we are truly doomed and in a few years only the upper elite will be hunting. That squirrel hunter should have been charged with murder, tried and convicted, instead of more idiotic laws and regs implemented on honest, conscientious hunters. I think I will bow out of this thread.
Chris
I am trying my best to refrain from responding to this thread, but I can't help myself!
True I do not believe in more regulations, but concerning militray bases, they do have a much higher standard to hold to and also many other considerations to take in effect and I truly feel it is just an honor to be able to even hunt and fish on these installations, cuz in many other installations, this is certainly not the case.
I can agree with the 20yd test, but do not see the necessity for the 30yd test as well, especially considering the ranges that we normally prepare and shoot for, BUT, really, if someone cannot put 2 out of 3 arrows in a 9in circle at 20yds under some pressure, should they really be shooting arrows at live game at unknown ranges under hunting situations? Now true 30yds can be a stretch for many shooters, but I imagine that if most people interested in hunting on the base will actually practice and prepare for the test, it will not be that difficult to pass the shooting test at 20 and 30yds with their equipment, it is really not that difficult and as I said, with practice I am sure most will have no problem with doing this.
Ok, flame on, but those are my feelings and like I said I appreciate the opportunity to hunt these installations and will abide by whatever regulations they deem necessary to ensure we still have a place to hunt and go and do my best to not cause any more problems or concerns for them. Their place and their rules!
I`ve been blessed to have hunted with one of the best pure woodsman I believe there is. He is a killer with a longbow and has probably killed as many or more animals as the top 5 that visit this site. 3oo + big game animals .I`ve shot and hunted with him and can tell you he would probably not pass the 30 yard test.
Its about like having a muzzleloader test at 250 yards. The weapon was designed for much closer.
I just came in from shooting. I hit the 20 yard plate 31 times then missed about 2" on the 32nd shot. I hit the 30 yard shot the first two times then missed 4 times in a row.This is with a Hill Big 5 and Simmons tipped arrow.
Gonna hang up my bow...NO
Gonna shoot 20 yards and less...YES.RC
Wow........I guess this'll learn me about asking a question..... :)
Hopefully common sense will break out at Ft Stewart and a more realistic qual will put in place for us trad guys; I don't suspect they'll toss the qual process out entirely tho. It is frustrating that there's no universal DoD standard for hunting on post. The same buddy and I have turkey hunted the past few years at West Point, and that process was as smooth and reasonable as it could be.
Thanks very much guys for all the info guys, and I really hope that the Stewart regulars are able to get something worked out.
It's a great place to hunt and I'll do what I have to to hunt it. I'll know Friday if they will change test
That would be great Andy! Pretty sure I can still work a map and protractor......
QuoteOriginally posted by Andy Adams:
SJ,
I just moved from Benning to Stewart. Benning is overrun with pigs. They used to give a $40 per tail bounty. Anyway, not sure about Stewart. I bow hunted exclusively on Benning. Shot many hogs and deer. No shortage of either. Go to the Benning website and become familiar with the check in/out procedures. There is no archery qualification requirement unless that changed last year. I was in New Mexico last year and did not hunt. I have found some great spots for hogs. I'll send you some 10 digit grids!
I am believing they will take another look at the regulations and make them a little more reasonable for the trad guys, but who knows, sometimes things just don't go the way most reasonable people would see them.
It would be intersting to watch some people shoot it with all kinds of equipment just to see how they do and I imagine that once they start testing people it will be quite an eye opener for them, and probably not in a good way I assume!
RC I have no doubt you will be able to pass the test, just visualize the circle is fur and you are golden!
Sorry, I am not bowing out after all.
Mark,
Why in the world is it an honor to be allowed to hunt on military installations? We do them an honor by bringing in millions in revenue and controlling wildlife populations. I spent over 20 years in the Army and have hunted and fished on a lot of installations and overall they do an OK job but I can't believe that you guys are OK with bowhunters being singled out, traditional, compound or crossbow. What about the gun hunters, should they not also have a qualification? What about the slob hunters that don't worry about their marksmanship and blaze away at running deer at 150 yds with their semi auto hunting rifles? Or the gun hunters that don't even worry about zeroing their rifles? After all a gut shot deer is a gut shot deer, no matter if it is a bullet or an arrow. What about buck fever how are they going to cure that? I've known some dang fine shots that make some awful shot on game just due to nerves.
Ethics can not be regulated or inforced no matter how many new laws and regs are passed. And after all, it is not the government's place to regulate ethics or morality, it is our job as hunters.
In Germany you have to attend a long, expensive class in order to obtain a hunting license which includes a qualification test. When you pass and can afford to be a member of a hunting club you go hunting with a guide called a jagermeister that points out the animal for you to shoot, after the shot the land owner gets first choice of the meat and trophy. Bowhunting is absolutely illegal even for small game. Under these circumstances hunting is very safe and the idiots and most of the population are excluded. Chris
Yes I am familiar with European hunting, have been over there a few times myself and it is definitely geared to the priveledged to say the least.
But a military base that allows civilians access for hunting and fishing is considered an honor to be able to participate in as they are strictly controlled and with many security measures in place and it is a gift for them to allow us to utilize the area as most bases do not allow civilians open access to the installations like these areas do and I would not take it for granted. This is not a WMA we are talking about that is open to the public and bascially publicaly centered, but where our government trains our fighting forces, #1 use of these bases are for training our armed forces not public use, so yes I do consider it an honor and priviledge to have access and so should any person that get's to use it. They could care less about any money brought in by hunting/fishing nor any animal control efforts, they can certainly handle that all themselves very easily, and I am sure that dealing with the hunters/fishermen probably cost them more then anything they bring in. They certainly do not have to let any civilians on the property but do, so we should be appreciative of that and support them as well.
I don't see how anybody could not see the distinction between a military base and WMA and the unique opportunity we have. If it is abused, misused, etc. it can be taken away.
I know it is a pain to deal with all the regulations conerning hunting and fishing there, but that is the sacrifice you make to use it. It is not a given right but a priveledge!
Now as far as archers being singled out, I agree, but unfortunately that seems to be the case in most situations as we always have had to fight for our way of doing things. If they are going to issue a competency test I would love to see all users be subject to this test, but that ain't likely going to happen since most people in control seem to think that archery is less efficient then firearm hunting even though we all know there are alot more animals probably wounded with firearms then bows,number wise, but apparently there has been some sort of problem occur in the past with some archery related incident for them to single out archers on this or else it all has been brought up by the opening of the cantonment areas which are archery only and they have concerns about wounded animals in those areas.
Understandable on their part, not understood as well on our side, but from some of the posts and comments I have seen pertaining to this issue it does appear legitimate since many some people have expressed their inability to accurately place their arrows on target at reasonable distances so maybe there is some merit here!
Boy, that should get some going!!!!
WhiteOaks,
I know this is sort of off the subject but which bow will you hunt with, LOL
Mark, Thanks for your responses. I'm glad there are still folks out there who don't have a constant sense of entitlement. FWIW, If I recall correctly Aberdeen Proving Ground used to make you qualify with slugs before you could hunt with a shotgun also. They would then drive you to your assigned stand in a bus, show you where to sit, explain your "fields of fire," and let you know when they would be back to pick you up." The one time I hunted there, I had a (legal) doe come to within 20 feet of me and all I could do is look at it because it was behind me and out if my firing limits. The whole thing was pretty stupid, so I didn't go back.
At one time or another, I've hunted on Ft Stewart, GA; Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD; Ft Bragg, NC; Ft Bliss, TX; and White Sands Missile Range, NM. I have to say Ft Bragg impressed me the most. They had a really effective wildlife management program and a decent level of control through common sense rules.
Chris, I knew you couldn't stay away. Hunting already is largely a sport for the wealthy. Instead of blaming the military, I would blame the "industry" which has opened people's eyes to the amount of money hunters are willing to spend to hunt. Thanks to the industry and television, licence fees are higher and landowners who used to allow hunting now charge for it. It is the inevitable result of increasing human populations and decreasing amounts of huntable land. Wildlife is a resource and "the monkey don't dance for free." I don't know about you, but one of the biggest things the military tought me was that life isn't fair. - John
The Military pays my bills I love the military, but I abhor ignorance. My tax dollars, yes us military retirees still pay taxes, pay for that land. My permit dollars pay for many things on post. It has nothing to do with entitlement it has everything to do with fairness.
I have no idea what you are talking about, Ft Bragg is the worst post I have ever hunted on. They have no automated system for signing on and off areas and all of the ponds and facilities are very poorly maintained. The best I have ever seen is Fort Huachuca which only allows active duty, retirees and GS civilians to hunt on post. Maybe that is the answer. Chris
What is going to happen to the NR hunters ? Am I going to drive 11 hrs and then not pass the 30 yd test ?
I have seen 1st hand how such military rules have played out . I hunt at Letterkenny Army base and at one time they had an archery qualification test. It was a 20yd. test . For some ( both trad and compound ) the pressure was to much. I have a friend that kills a lot of game but cannot shoot targets in front of people.
The archery test was abandoned.
Every year there is new rules depending on the commander. At one time you were not allowed to shoot white deer. After a guy cut himself with a saw, we were not allowed to have saws.
Last year the commander incountered a pile of human waste in the field while walking the dog . If it happens again hunting will be closed. :scared:
Amazonjim
Thanks for asking
I got a 70 super k that needs to kill something
Will use it first
I could say whichever one I can qualify with
QuoteOriginally posted by mark land:
...or else it all has been brought up by the opening of the cantonment areas which are archery only and they have concerns about wounded animals in those areas.
I think, more than likely, that's what brought this whole thing on.
Quote...but from some of the posts and comments I have seen pertaining to this issue it does appear legitimate since many some people have expressed their inability to accurately place their arrows on target at reasonable distances so maybe there is some merit here!
I've shot in a good many traditional tournaments, some of them fairly high profile like the IBO World, and to be totally honest, there aren't that many traditional shooters out there that could pass this test, especially from an elevated platform. There are a few, but it's a very small percentage.
I think there are alot more folks who could pass this test at
truly reasonable distances, but 30 yards is a stretch, IMO.
So to the guys that live close enough to hunt Ft. Stewart, what will you do if this new rule stands? Mark Land, do you plan on taking this test? Folks have been hunting Stewart for a long time and when bad rules come up, I would expect anybody to ask question and raise objections. Thats one of the privileges of our society. And I think it is dangerous to label people as having entitlement isues because they question this isue. Makes me think sometimes that we are not the brotherhood of sportmen that we always want to portray to the rest of society that we are. And RC was right about the rule. And I think he has had enough experience bowhunting Stewart and in general to back the position up.
I did say I agree the 30yd test is a bit much and hopefully they can make a change to that, which I am sure they will look at.
But yes, I will take the test and do whatever they want me to do to have the opportunity to hunt the base when I choose to go.
I have shot with alot of tournament shooters and many more casual shooters and the difference is very dramatic to say the least. Some of the best trad 3-D/target shooters I know can shoot softball sized groups at 40yds, but of course they are a select few, but have seen many "good" shooters do very well at 20 and 30yds and of course many others that struggle to hit a 3-D target at 15-20yds, so there is alot of variety in shooters out there. But I do believe with practice, many will shoot alot better then they think if they practice those shots well.
I'm trying to lay off of this as to not offend anyone, but I do believe that when you actually get down to it and challenge many trad shooters with their actual field accuracy under pressure, it can be alarming!
I have been practicing those shots and can do it, is it easy, of course not, but doable, yes! Just have to make it count when the time comes, but then again with the pressure of shooting a live animal, I can't imagine that being any worse then a shooting test!
You've driven several hours to get to Ft. Stewart to take your "scheduled" archery test. The wind is gusting and it looks like rain. Now you've got to decide what to do: 1) pay the fees ($5 PLUS the permit fee ??) and take a chance 2) reschedule, get a motel room and hope for better weather the next day 3) get your firearm and go hunting 4) go home. Nice options!
I changed my last post and am done with responding to this thread. Hopefully some changes will occur in consideration for Trad hunters and I can understand the limitations of some, but if not we will have to live with it and if you choose to hunt the base you will have to abide by their rules.
Good luck to everyone and have a great season!
Bill and Dave. If Stewart don`t work out for you I will be happy and honored to share a campfire with you on a couple of my other public land honey holes.RC
RC , might have to take you up on that. I have been trying the 30 yd. test and it don't look good.
Bill
The problem is not 30 yds, it is the fence right in front of you, and a white plate on a white target. Combined with stage fright makes it dang tough. I find it hard to believe the test is for the entire base. Stewart is as close to wilderness as anywhere east of the Mississippi.
I agree Michael. I hope they rethink this thing. I`ve hunted there for years and hate to think I may be to poor a shot to hunt it again.RC
I have a couple of spots as well, and scouting out some more week after next. I plan on hunting pretty hard during squirrel season for some pork. Good luck to you guys and it is a dang shame about Stewart. Chris
Thanks RC, really looking forward to hunting with you again. I certainly hope we can work something out. Stewart is a wonderful place and I sure would like to be able to hunt it again.
Which one is better for hogs?
Nalajr
It just keeps getting better.
FS/HAAF Archery Qualification Schedule
The following times have been established to qualify potential archery shooters on Fort Stewart/HAAF:
Thursday 1400 – 1800
Saturday 0800 – 1100
Participants will register at the Pass and Permit Office on FS or at the Outdoor Recreation Office on HAAF and will receive a qualifying sheet. Cost is $5 per session. After completion of the qualification session, successful shooters will be issued a qualification card and the Pass and Permit staff activate an Archery pass in HunTrac within 24 hours of completion.
Participants will be required to hit 2 of the 3 targets at both 20 and 30 yards.
Additional sessions will be scheduled if demand warrants.
Looks like bowhunters could possibly waste a day or more getting through this process.
Not so tough on the locals, but the out-of-state hunters are gonna have it rough.
I wonder if they would accept a state bowhunters education card in lieu of this, especially for out of state folks. I believe they accept out of state hunters ed cards for non resident gun hunters. Lets approach this intelligently and hopefully it might be resolved in some manner.
I have spent many a wonderful day hunting the beautiful land encompassed by Ft Stewart. All should be able to enjoy it blessed habitats.
I know here at fort rucker in alabama all that is required is that you have passed a hunter education course,there are lots of hogs in fact the permit is free to hunt them.
The test will weed out a lot of people both trad and compound shooters. I worked at a nuke site that allowed us to bow hunt but we had to to qualify though a shooting test. Around 65 guys showed up to the preseason meeting and when they heard about the test over 30 guys dropped out. A lot of people are afraid of being tested and can't shoot under pressure.
I agree with Mark's comment, 30 is a bit long but doable. 2/3 at 20 very reasonable. I have no problem with doing what they request. Still think it should apply for all hunters and weapons though.
I really don't understand what the shooting test is supposed to do, besides exclude a lot of hunters. IMO poor shooting skills is not the main reason game is wounded and not recovered with a gun or a bow, taking risky shots is. Like I said before, you can't regulate or enforce ethics.
Just because I can shoot lights out, everytime, at 30 yds under pressure or not, doesn't mean I won't fling arrows at 75 yds or take shots at running game, or maybe get buck fever so bad I shake like a leaf. It seems to me that some of the best shots take the riskiest shots, if you know your not worth a crap past 20 yds you are more apt to watch your range and shots.
I admit, I probably can't pass the test with my recurve, I also know I have no problem out to 20 yds. That's why I have a very nice, expensive, Bushnell laser range finder to make sure I stay within my personal limits. Chris
I'm still trying to correct this but I wanted to attach a link to email complaints. I hope everyone will take the time to ask Fort Stewart to reconsider their new policy.
https://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=card&sp=5486&s=85&dep=*DoD&sc=15