Interested in knowing the main reason behind why you "HUNT" with Traditional Bows.
....mainly due to the fact I am so bad with a compound :)
I chose for the thrill. The meat is just a bonus
None of the above.
I don't kill tables....
(sorry, just funnin')
none of the above
:laughing:
Don't get me wrong. I love the meat but I could do that a lot easier with a gun or compound. Just not as fun.
I also truly believe once you get proficient with a "trad" bow. They are a better tool for the job. At least Where I hunt.
I like the simplicity of Traditional hunting. I have shot compound bows with so much crap attached to them that I laugh when I think about it.
I feel I can kill anything I want to hunt with Trad gear. When I quit listening to everyone else I became a much better hunter. KISS {Keep It Simple Stupid}applies to me more than You know.
bretto
Bowhunting with Trad gear is basic & simple. I'm a simple man. It is the simple things in life that count. Traditional archery is a way to stay connected to our primitive past, our hunting culture that goes back 40,000 plus years. I like basic, simple things. The smell of a turkey cooking, filling the house with a wonderful aroma. The sounds of children laughing. The flight of an arrow. A sunset. The twinkle in my wife's eye when I make her laugh. The wag of a dogs tail. The taste of my cigar smoke. Honest people who give respect. Vintage bows. Song birds. Cold beer and fresh cut lawns. Grilled chicken. Yes, I'm simple.
Traditional archery is a link to our past, and a connection to our future. It is only the simple things that we will remember and take with us when our time has ended.
Never agreed that I needed more of a challenge. I just love the simplicity, ability to hunt, beauty/value of tradition, and the simple economics of it.
So much more fun with trad gear. I want as much meat as i can get, but like OBX said a gun would be much easier if it was just about that.
I have to admit there have been times I thought about going back to a compound. But I quickly got over it. I know I would kill twice as many deer if I used one. But then again I'd kill even mre deer with a gun so that line of thought does not work out. Remember the old compounds? The ones where the only real advantage was the minimal let-off? Well the compounds these days are just too far past that point for me to want use one. But a lot of my buddies do and they are all ethical hunters. Now crossbows are becoming legal in most states and as hard as bowhunting organizations have fought will likely be legal in all states at some point. I wanna distance myself from that crowd. Even non-hunters know the difference. As I have gotten older I have realized that bowhunting is largely a frame of mind.
To answer your question.."main reason behind why you "HUNT" with your Traditional Bows?"
I just got sick of not liking the draw cycle of compounds. Releases made it even worse and when I finally added a peep, I couldn't take it any more.
My first deer was shot with a compound. Maybe only the third live deer I ever saw. After that, I never had the want to bow hunt....until I picked up a wood bow
I like the feel of trad bows...and I really like to see my arrow in flight..I don't know why but there is something almost magical in watching an arrow fly straight and true in the woods..
Don't really know why? Years ago when I started bowhunting all my friends shot compounds.I liked the looks,simpicity of and the craftmanship that went into a custom trad bow,so that's what I chose.Seeing the old Howard Hill short films really had an influence as well. I always seem to do something a little different in hunting though.I used a blackpowder shotgun for duck and goose hunting.I'm also a falconer and hunt squirrels,rabbits and ducks with a hawk.Hunting my way is to please me,I'm not worried about the numbers,how far,the animals score,etc.The new ultra cam bows,lazer sights,trail cams,AR type black rifles,etc aren't for me.Not knocking what anyone uses or why they hunt,if it's legal it's fine with me.To each his own.
Guns and Compounds got to be too easy. I want a challenge when I Bow Hunt. I don't have to kill when I Hunt, just being out there is enough for me.
I just didn't enjoy shooting a compound anymore.Just wanted more challange I guess.
My childhood heros were Traditional bow hunters, although it was not called traditional at the time. It was all there was if you hunted with a bow. There is nothing like taking an animal with trad gear. I did the compound thing for a while after I got out of the Marine Corps, and honestly found that it was little more difficult or challenging than a rifle. At least where I hunt and the distances for shots are fairly short. There was no challenge, and i must say that anymore it bothers me greatly that compounds are even called bow hunting. Not that there is anything wrong with them. They are a great hunting tool, but they are not a bow. Much like the inline muzzle loader with optics. The tv shows really turn me off for the most part. They have turned hunting into a business selling goofy gadgets that they should be ashamed to have their name associated with. Compound hunting is just that, bow hunting is something completely different. Thankfully there are those of us here to pass it along. The thrill of a traditional harvest lasts forever. Compound harvests are a dime a dozen. Probably going to far again, LOL. Sorry Terry.
I like the feelings of peace and serenity which bowhunting with trad bows gives me.
I hunt for the meat and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Traditional Archery is the only thing that qualifies as archery to me.
Eric
I've shot traditional equipment since I was a little kid in the late 60's. I tried shooting a compound and didn't shoot it well so I just stuck with traditional. Never had any problem killing a deer with it so why change.
battman, I could not agree more with you!!! Nice poll Mark.
Its fun. I like to see how close I can call them in. And bows are quite. I can bunny and squirrel hunt while sneeking in a stand or while looking for coyotes or deer.
I chose the thrill, but really it's because it is fun! I enjoy practicing almost as much as hunting. I just love watching the flight of an arrow from a trad bow. I shot with my sons this weekend. Both are currently shooting compounds. My eldest son's bow is so fast, I can't really even follow the flight of the arrow...no fun in that! My youngest wanted to try out his 50 yard pin today, so I shot from there too. First shot at the (cardboard) 2D deer target (uphill) hit about six feet short and skipped into the heart area. We both laughed at that one. Second shot hit about 4" low on the card. The third one was a double lung hit. I kind of had to walk them in because that's about twice as far as I usually shoot. I'd never shoot at game that far, but it was fun to shoot paper that way.
Because there are no shortcuts, no excuses and if I am successful its because of my skill as a hunter!!
I started shooting bows way before there were compounds ect. There was an age 8- early teens where the bow and I were one. I could literally throw the bow up and hit anything I wanted too. I truly loved it and still do.
I went through the compound stage and must have owned and shot everyone ever manufactured up to 1990. Then I woke up. I realized that I hunted a full day and never shot my bow. I viewed the bow as a tool and not a part of me. I was good enough to hit a three inch spot at 90 yards almost every shot and I just was not enjoying archery anymore/.
I got an old Bear Grizzly out of my shop and took her hunting .
That year I killed the first bull elk I ever killed with a stick bow. I have never been thrilled anymore in my bowhunting life. I started shooting and building stick bows and loving every minute of it. Never looked back or wished to have a compound in my hand again.
I can't explain it. I guess its not necessary.
God bless you all, Steve
It's just seems right for me.
The reason I hunt with a bow at all is because I first loved archery. Then when I was about 11 I saw a copy of Howard Hill's book, HUNTING THE HARD WAY. The "hard way" part of the title stuck with me. I liked the challenge and even today don't like to be told I can't do something (ask Laura). Today, it's still about the challenge but food in the freezer comes before the trophy hunt. If I lived in a Mid western state my goals might be different but here in NH I have evolved to where I tend to let youngsters walk. But in the late season if the freezer is empty or not full enough the early Fall's youngsters can't take anything for granted.
Because I go against the grain on nearly every thing I do. Think Beta tape players, Amiga computers and the same wife for 40 years.
It seems like there is a built in spirt to a traditional bow,they have a certain feel ,the lines on how it looks. Pick up a compound and to me there is none of that. When we get an old stick bow ,we want to share it with others here on this site. We wonder who owned it ,when it was made,its history. nobodys brags they got an old compound.
I worked in an archery shop for 2 years in college and met one to many anal people talking about how their setups weren't perfect. I realized compound shooters are never satisfied. I got fed up with mine and made the switch to simplicity...
I still smile when my Dad and Brother fiddle around with their sights at 40-50 yards.. I don't remember a time where I had a shot opportunity that far.. Everything is usually inside 25 for me anyways..
Because I like archery, bow hunting , bows and arrows and all the things that go with it !I dislike compound devices, thier not bows some of them the limbs dont even bow . Recurves and longbows are BOWS. I dont think using them is bowhunting, same as an X gun .That sounds harsh but thats how I feel.We need to convert more compound shooters they are just poor misinformed people that are missing out on all this fun....Tim
For me, its cause it takes work. Anybody can kill with a gun. Just about everyone can with a compound these days. Trad archery just makes a person a flat out better hunter...period. I have a buddy that slays big deer every year with a compound or gun. Know how many recurve kills he has in his third season of trying.....none. I don't have enough fingers for all mine.
I hunt just for the thrill of the hunt and the pure joy of being out in nature. The meat is just a bonus.
I like simple things.
I started shooting a recurve about a year ago, not really planning to hunt. I hadn't shot any kind of bow in 20 years. I wanted to learn the skill part of archery first. Then at some point I thought "It would be fun to hunt this way". I've killed deer with a rifle sitting in a deer stand, so now I want to hunt "for real". Haven't got my first bow kill yet, but I've been close to deer when scouting this month, WOW! It's fun just being close to the animal like that.
I read all these and there are a lot of good stories. I really like Hit-or-Miss's description! I hunted in high school, in the 80's bought an almost top of the line bow in 89 (York Mojave 65% let off). Went into the service and didn't get back into it again until 2010, took my old York out and missed a scrawney buck at 12 yards from a tree. That winter, I got outfitted with a new Hoyt with all the latest sights and what not. That winter, I watched all the Fred Bear DVDs and decided to try a Bear recurve. I got hooked because it was simple and incredibly challenging at first.
I figured if Fred took all those game with a stick bow, I could too. Sold the new compound and worked my way through various bows, longbows to be exact. I like the simplicity, the challenge, the need for constant perfection because the shot can fool you in a wink if you are not "on". I joined sites like this and you guys helped out immensely! Still do! I saw how some of you guys shot which amazed me truly and still does!
The device is simple. If you break a string, you do not need to call it a day or a week and head to where there is a replacement and a bow press. In the field repairs are simple. Its art, grace and beauty. It keeps me hungry every day. I never want to give it up, ever.
It is just plain fun and makes you feel that you have accomplished so much in just seeing game at wolf's range.Sometimes words can't even desribe how you feel,glad to be able to enjoy it with many great frends.Making fond memories isd what its about plus the meats good. :biglaugh:
I get a certain feeling of simplicity, tradition, and being close to nature that I only seem to get with my longbow. In todays life of cell phones, apps, computers, ithis and ithat.....its nice to have a leather grip a stick and a string in my hand.
yes!
It just feels... natural.
I get a certain feeling of simplicity, tradition, and being close to nature that I only seem to get with my longbow. In todays life of cell phones, apps, computers, ithis and ithat.....its nice to have a leather grip a stick and a string in my hand.
I get a certain feeling of simplicity, tradition, and being close to nature that I only seem to get with my longbow. In todays life of cell phones, apps, computers, ithis and ithat.....its nice to have a leather grip a stick and a string in my hand.
Been doing this for a long time....sooner or later I'll get it right! :readit: Plus I think it makes you a better hunter........Maybe not as successful, but better! :wavey:
for me it is simply the rush I get being that close to such an incredable wild animal.an dam they taste good.
Because I like to.
Tree Rat summed it up quite well. Very simple.
shot compound for many years and even made it to pro staff "status" - when i found traditional archery it gave me the pure excitement back again. reminded me of why i started bowhunting....to get close to deer/critters ....not necessarily harvest them.
The overall challenge.Thats the main reason for me.
I like it because i can keep it simple. Too much garb involved with compounds. If we're not careful, we can do the same with traditional bows (i.e. Over analyzing FOC, tuning, spine, etc.). If they fly straight, shoot em.
'cause I don't need that stinkin' release hangin' off my arm! :bigsmyl:
As someone said above because I love archery and shooting. I doubt the new moon returning in heaven reminds anyone of a compound or a crossgun!
Why? Because "Y" is a crooked letter! That's Why!
Can't tell ya why I love it so much. Stalking and still hunting just gets my blood flowing. I dig gettin' close to deer and don't care if I kill one or not. Been at it this way for almost ten years and have yet to put one down. Many, many close calls keep me at it though.
... mike ...
A most peaceful essence which breathes through me providing an unbreakable connection between my quarry and me.
I've been shooting traditional bows for 70 years and hunting with them for nearly 60 years. I've never owned a compound and only shot one once about 30 years ago. I've never felt a need for any other bow than my recurves and longbows. I'll stop using them when they throw dirt in my face.. :archer:
I love hearing deer chew on acorns and actually being able to smell wild turkeys when the conditions are just right.
Never really experienced those things much until I started using a recurve in '89. I've been addicted to watching arrows fly ever since.
Hunting for the "slam dunk" shot at a particular animal instead of just hunting for the animal is what keeps me coming back year after year.
It's hard but it's pretty simple at the same time. I just like it.
Trap
Simple answer: I enjoy it.
Because I like too. Simple is beautiful, and very deadly when you hone it. God Bless
The Bible saids "Grab your BOW" not a compound b/c a compound is a machine, not a bow; so if the Good Lord wanted us to grab a compound, He would have said so but He said a "Bow";
That's good enough for me.
:campfire:
It just feels right.
The legacy, traditon, the challenge. I love the feeling I have getting closer to my primitive intincts and geneology. Sometimes, when I have a young Doe feeding in front of me on the ground, I can look behind me and see Mr. Hill, Mr. Bear, some family members and pope and young looking over my shoulder, sharing the moment.
QuoteOriginally posted by Roy from Pa:
Guns and Compounds got to be too easy. I want a challenge when I Bow Hunt. I don't have to kill when I Hunt, just being out there is enough for me.
Ditto.
None of the answers really quite apply for me. I shoot trad bow, I have since I was three,except for those nine months I owned cumpounds back in 74, the same reason that I play classical guitar, paddle canoes and run around taking pictures of birds. Its a chick magnet.
That is code for I think it feeds my OCD tendencies.
With "trad gear", for the thrill....
hunting in general... for the meat!
F - U - N
All of the above. I like the hunt, i like the trophy and I like the meat.
If i didn't, i would just go to Kroger.
God Bless,
Nathan
Its not about easy or difficult, or any of that. It's just what I do. It"s me.
ChuckC
QuoteOriginally posted by ChuckC:
Its not about easy or difficult, or any of that. It's just what I do. It"s me.
ChuckC
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Hit-or-Miss: You have a way with words, couldn't agree with you more !
Because they are the only bows available,the other things look bicycles to me,just mechanics toys
I have nothing against hunting with a compound IF that's your game. I have been blessed to harvest 13 deer with a compound bow. Now days it seems as though "compound bows" have evolved into "vertical crossbows" and I CHOOSE to hunt with stick and string...besides, its more fun AND rewarding
Compounds and all the gizmos attached to them always gave me an uneasy feeling. I also have been shootin trad bows since I can remember. Its alot more fun and I derive alot of satisfaction from a stick and string. You guys know that feeling of that perfect release your form was perfect and that arrow is stuck in that bullseye. You know the second that arrow leaves that it was real good. Compounds never gave me that feeling.
Its all I have ever known. Never have shot a compound
Any one else want in on this one?
I'm sorry but I don't feel the need to explain why especially here on tad gang.
I enjoy using my longbow much like I enjoy starting a fire with flint and steel when camping. Sure there is better technology that would make the task easier, but the process of using the older more classic technology makes the process more enjoyable for me.
If I'm out just to harvest meat, I always have a rifle that will allow me to take any shot I have so long as I can physically see the game I'm hunting.
The meat is a bonus...
A package deal if you will.
I responded to the "thrill" choice but the real thing that draws me back to the recurve is nostalgia.
It's just me but I don't use the word "traditional" to describe my equipment or hunting style(s)unless I get lazy or careless with my choice of words. I'm not sure why the word bothers me but maybe it's because I entered archery when there was no such description or segregation among bow hunters based upon their equipment choices?
It doesn't bother or matter to me whatsoever if others use the word traditional. Most of the time I know what they mean. When one (not in this thread by the way)starts splitting hairs and judging another's degree of traditionalism is when I am repulsed.
I didn't switch from compound hunting for the challenge, and I didn't switch because of nostalgia. For me, it was simply a matter of enjoyment. Practicing with my compound wasn't fun any more. When I started shooting a recurve, I felt like I was fifteen again, and I couldn't wait to shoot. It brought back the joy!
Simply because it's simple!!!!!
I started trad because, I had bought a compound and had some minor problems shortly after. Took it back to same dealer I bought it from, and it was covered under warrenty. They would not give me the part to fix it myself. And charged me 200.00. I got so pissed off. I bought a morrison from a gental man on here and that started it. But the simplicity(gadget wise)is great. But does limit my range and make things" harder".Oh and also I love looking at a nice piece of"wooden Art". And now have started making my owen bows,wich I could never have done with a compund.
there are NO other kind of bows, everything is are machines, i don't use machines to hunt with
I don't know any better!!!! :biglaugh:
The self-imposed challenges-Longbow; ground; and me.
I am new to trad and I made the switch because I realized HOW is much more important to me than HOW MANY.
Kingsnake
It's making the SHOT when it counts.. Can I perform when at the precise moment! Everyone's life is slipping away 1 second at a time,HOW good are you at THIS time? If you're using a rifle or compound ,it's Not on YOU. :dunno:
Watching films of Howard Hill, Ben Pearson, Fred Bear, and others shoot feathered shafts through the air got me hooked! The mystical flight of a feathered shaft was strangely addicting, and I found myself trapped in it's grip.
Even before I attended a "Boy Scout" camp in Northwest Michigan in 1966, I had been shooting traditional bows for a couple of years. You see, there was no "Compounds" available when I began. However, when they showed up, I fought it until I was a young man in the service of our country. It was 1977 when I began a ten year seduction of the "sting gun." During that time, I lost the feeling that I was apart of the process. That new fangled bow was a hunk of metal, with cables, and cams that I held and shot. It was not beautiful, in fact the more I tired to find the beauty and warmth in it, the more hideous it became. Cold in my hand, heavy, and making more noise than a dixieland jazz band! With fiber optic sights it was accurate, and fast. Yet it left me wanting.
A very, very, good bowhunter I knew at the time told me, "There is nothing that you can bolt on, attach, or glue to your bow that will make you a better bowhunter." The truth, and honesty in his advice hit home with the gentleness of a sledgehammer right between the eyes. The sledgehammer or truth!
It was about that time that I met the late, Glenn Parker, who built me my first custom made stick bow. As they say, the rest is history. I am again one with the bow I shoot, and can again see the mystical flight of my arrows as intended.
It was akin to being reunited with a long lost lover. A sleek, shapely object of my affections.Shooting a traditional bow is as natural as eating, sleeping, and fatherhood. That is why I choose traditional bows for hunting.
Fred Bear showed me how. I've come to the point in my life where I'm only going to hunt with vintage Bear equipment.
Ross
Had to laugh last night watching TV. Turned to the outdoor channed (hardly ever do but wife is out of town so I was not forced to watch HGTV). I was amazed at all the commercials about bows, arrows, broadheads, ATV's, calls, crossbows, attracting scents (actually one that advertised with only urine from one particular doe in heat), cover scents, scent free clothing...bla bla bla. All the adds were designed to help you "kill" the big one. I have strayed so far from that thinking it is funny to me now.
simplicity
I love hunting with a self bow.
Why? Because it's hunting the hard way.
Harvesting game with the least of amount of technology is what is all about for me.
IMO It's give the animal a more sporting chance to get a way. It's closer to being on an equal footing with the animal. The animal has no technology just its survival instincts and we have technology. Of course true no technology would mean just that nothing store bought( feeders, calls, camo, scent control etc etc). I haven't tried it completely with no technology but I am getting closer to using less and less.
We hunt for the sport of it and not for survival so its only natural for me to give the animal the greatest sporting chance I can.
For the simplicity, for the challenge, and it's just plain fun!
It's easier !!
It just feels right!
Simpler and just plain more fun.