Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Pine on March 03, 2014, 09:02:00 PM
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Do any of you ever get tired of archery ?
I have recently started loosing interest , but I think it's because of the never ending winter here in Michigan .
Two weeks ago I took the snow blower and cleared my archery range and it was blown full 30"deep in two days .
I have been shooting once a week at the archery range and the last two times I didn't care if I shot or not . Didn't care how well I shot either .
I have been shooting sense the spring of 1963 and have never felt like this before . :(
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Get a new bow and move to the south
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Spring will bring new enthusiasm- here in central NY we have had plenty of snow and it REALLY SUCKS- archery though is a constant glow for me, I look forward to shooting especially when the grass comes back. When the snow goes you'll feel better.
Hang in there
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Well said Charles.
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I get that way sometimes when I am not shooting well (like now). Whenever I start shooting good again, all the enthusiasm comes back.
I HATE not shooting well!
Bisch
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Nope. 20 yard range in the basement and 20 acres of stumps out the back door (and hundreds more I have permission to use).
Get some blunts and go have fun!
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Cabin Fever. It'll pass.
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Originally posted by Bud B.:
Cabin Fever. It'll pass.
I agree with bud and I'm in the same boat you are in so sick of winter I keep snow blowing my target out yet I have not shot at it since December. It has been just too cold -32 actual temp this morning I shoot a ten yd range in my basement but that gets old.
The only reason I keep snow blowing my target and shooting lane out is when it does get nice I will be able to go out and shoot a little without having to climb through 3-4 feet of snow.
As Red Green says remember I'm pullin for ya were all in this together
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Can't go stumpin' cause there is 3 feet of snow . Can't see the stumps . Even if I didn't drop dead from exhaustion I would be out of arrows in no time cause I wouldn't be able to find them .
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Maybe you're getting a cold!
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It will pass ,read an archery book :thumbsup:
Try Going Trad by David Peterson, it will motivate you.
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It's just the off season getting to ya, it will pass.
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Its probably the weather. I have been watching Traditional DVD's and reading traditional archery books. That has helped a lot. Keep your head up. The snow will melt soon and you will be able to hit the woods and your range soon enough.
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There are ways to be involved in archery other than shooting a bow. Make strings. Make arrows. Make strings. Make bows. Make strings. Get involved with your local 4-H, NASP, indoor range (bet they know of some folks that would like help learning to shoot traditional bows), etc. etc. etc.
I'm hard pressed to find time to shoot with all the other archery related activities I'm involved with...mainly making strings.
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Originally posted by Graps:
Can't go stumpin' cause there is 3 feet of snow . Can't see the stumps . Even if I didn't drop dead from exhaustion I would be out of arrows in no time cause I wouldn't be able to find them .
Pashaw. I went out in two feet of snow Saturday. Didn't lose (or break!) an arrow for two dozen shots at stumps, blow-downs, tider fungus on trees, bark on birch trees. There's always something showing.
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I have been mentoring three people as well as making strings . arrows , arm guards and quivers . I do enjoy that and I like watching them shoot .
I just don't feel like shooting :deadhorse:
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It was -8 here this morning. Set a all time record for the coldest day ever in March in the Kansas City area.
This afternoon I mailed a bow to another Trad Gang member than I came home and shot down the hallway for a while. Tomorrow I'm going to fletch some arrows.
I never get tired of it !!!
Bunny hunt with some Trad Gangers on Saturday. Turkey season opens April 1st, 3-D at Snow's April 12th and on and on.........
bretto
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This winter has been cold and more snow here than usual. I find myself building more bows and bow strings than doing actual shooting. As a result, my shooting is suffering. I've shot my two worst scores ever on the 3D course and in my winter archery league. that being said, I'm more motivated than ever to get my shooting form back.
Can you shoot indoors? Maybe doing some close bail/blind bail shooting will renew your enthusiasm. If it ain't fun, don't do it. You've been at it for 40+ years. I'm sure it'll come back around for you.
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Been shooting an indoor Techno Hunt league sense the first of January and I am tired of it but still have four weeks to go .
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I get tired of shooting sometimes. So, I take a break. I want to enjoy archery and bowhunting for the rest of my life, so there's no need to force the issue when I want some space. I didn't feel like shooting for about 2 months... spent my time playing the guitar and the piano instead. Just got my longbow out again recently. Now, I can't wait to wander and launch arrows again when the weather breaks!
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Glad to hear that I'm not the only one suffering through the limitation of basement shooting.
My wife thinks my passion for archery is a full blown obsession indicative of some greater mental deficit evidenced by my apparent lack of excitement in other hobbies.
I thought for a moment and explained to her that its like a man lost in the desert for several days. He's dying of thirst and hunger. Put the worlds best cheeseburger in front of him and he doesn't want it, he only wants a glass of water.
That's how it is for me. My lack of hunting is my thirst and only hunting stickbow in hand can quench it, all else is an afterthought.
Just read what I wrote. Yep, she's right.
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SHAKE IT OFF!
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Its been a long tough winter here. When the snow is gone and the sun is warm you will be back to your usual self and wandering the woods with a bow in your hand.
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I just had a thought ; I think I will get my wife and make snow balls and shoot them with flu flu's with rubber blunts in the driveway . My wife is sick of winter as well . That could be symbolic of killing the snow .
DIE YOU SON OF A MOTHERLESS GOAT ! :bigsmyl:
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This is what my youngest son and I did today in the 18 degree weather. It was sunny, so out of the wind it was pretty nice.
(http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l607/bowhunterjoe/IMG_0279.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/bowhunterjoe/media/IMG_0279.jpg.html)
Shooting his 52" Red Wing Hunter
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shooting my RER LX -- not 3 feet of snow, but it was (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l607/bowhunterjoe/IMG_0281.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/bowhunterjoe/media/IMG_0281.jpg.html) cold, but fun.
This helps with the doldrums!
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I don't live in snow country anymore but I can recall many great days on snowshoes. Finding arrows can be d pain.
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It's been a long winter for alot of folks! Myself included. I agree it can be tough wanting to shoot at times..it will pass! And getting a new bow to shoot doesn't hurt either.. that helped me! LOL!
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I'm tired of snow, but no way I'm tired of archery.
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Take a break, no sense at all doing something you don't enjoy. Get out snowshoeing, small game with gun if that floats your boat, or join a gym.
If time passes and your still not keen on archery, its been cycled out of your system and you move on. Ill bet you'll be looking forward to it upon seeing that 1st blade of grass sprout.
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I've had so many extended periods away from archery due to deployments and illness, I've never had a chance to grow tired of it.
Maybe, if you take a break, and spend some time doing something else it'll rekindle the fire for archery.
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Right On Target Izzy! Guess when we can't do what we want, doing what we can may not be enough...
... mike ...
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Figure out a way to shoot in the house. Even if it's only short range you still have arrows in the air. I can only get eight yards in my little old farm house but it beats shooting outdoors in this crappy weather.
Another boost for me is always something new. It might only be a new tab, quiver, making dozen new arrows, or if going all out a new or used bow. Playing with bows off the classifieds is a blast and doesn't cost much since you can resell for about what you paid. There's a lot of great bows out there and it's enlightening to try them for yourself to see what others are talking about.
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I went into the doldrums in the mid 1990s, and hardly picked up a bow for a couple of years. When the fever came back, it came back with a vengeance, and it is still going strong.
Let's hope that your vigor for archery returns with the spring flowers.
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Most people have a time when their hobby becomes a bit less interesting, so don't worry about it. As spring comes along you will probably get the itch again. Meanwhile, make up some arrows or buy some new piece of equipment that you want/need to help jump start the desire again.
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dont get tire of archery
I do get burnt out on chasing deer at times
I think stump shooting,roving and hunting small game could cure the blues.
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Graps I started the same time as you . It will never leave you. I got side tracked with fly fishing but never put the bows away . Just extreme cabin fever . Making arrows and going on tradgang chatting with you guys helps the blues . Getting tired of shooting in the basement also. It will be a great spring !
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Find someone to shoot with. I don't particularly like practicing by myself. For me the bow is about camaraderie.
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Normal for the things of the world to grow tireing, even traditional archery. I have a friend that used to be a fanatical bowhunter, but with age he has really slowed down, it happens. I have found that the only thing in my life that never grows dim no matter what time of the season or my age is my relationship with Jesus Christ. In the end that will be the most important thing anyway, none of my bows will be making that last trip with me some day, but my Jesus will! You think about that, Amen! :thumbsup:
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Yes. Every winter I get tired of shooting in my basement and don't shoot very much at all. Also our hunting season is 4 months long and I shoot and hunt alot during the season and kind of look forward to a break. When spring breaks I always get back to it in preparation of the turkeys and 3-D. You will snap out of it no worries.
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If your shooting since 63, then you must remember the real cold winters we used to have, that's all this is, just a real winter for a change. A few years back, we didn't have any snow in N.J. at all !, now that was different. Yeah, it's a pain in the butt, but since you or anyone else can't do anything about it, might as well get out and enjoy it, with or without a bow and arrow, but I think it's always more fun with.
Good luck.
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Archery is what keeps me sane. I make arrows, shoot in an indoor league, walk the outdoor course for conditioning, plan the upcoming fall hunts etc.... The latter is a bit more passionate this year since I am going on a Colorado drop camp elk hunt this fall and I just picked up my own piece of hunting ground her in Michigan.
D.P.
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Originally posted by bowtough:
Normal for the things of the world to grow tireing, even traditional archery. I have a friend that used to be a fanatical bowhunter, but with age he has really slowed down, it happens. I have found that the only thing in my life that never grows dim no matter what time of the season or my age is my relationship with Jesus Christ. In the end that will be the most important thing anyway, none of my bows will be making that last trip with me some day, but my Jesus will! You think about that, Amen! :thumbsup:
Well said!
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Good one bow tough but when I go I have a stcharles longbow with this on the limb. Greve. Not. Nor speak of me with tears . But laugh and talk of me as though I were beside you . I loved you so. T,was heaven here with you. It was for my carol who passed . Sorry off topic a bit. , and yes Jesus will show us the way.
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Hate to say it Graps, but I've been shooting longer than you have, and I've gotten tired of it too(several times) Let it go for awhile. It's never left me completely, and always comes back pretty strong. In the meantime find a different hobby, OR take up some other FORM of archery. Lately I've become interested in the Korean style of archery. The bows and shooting with a thumb ring (which may also be directed toward Turkish or Chinese bows) That leads to making your own thumb ring/s, bamboo arrows, etc. A lot of history involved there too, if you're a history buff.
Just some suggestions which have helped me. :thumbsup:
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Nope... Everyday, I find something to keep me interested.
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Think its cabin fever..I can't wait for spring. Went out hiking it the snow over the weekend, was great to be in the woods, there's no stress in the woods. Camping,fishing and turkey season is right around the corner.
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Originally posted by Graps:
Do any of you ever get tired of archery ?
I have recently started loosing interest , but I think it's because of the never ending winter here in Michigan .
Two weeks ago I took the snow blower and cleared my archery range and it was blown full 30"deep in two days .
I have been shooting once a week at the archery range and the last two times I didn't care if I shot or not . Didn't care how well I shot either .
I have been shooting sense the spring of 1963 and have never felt like this before . :(
Graps...I hear you...my shooting is limited right now to my office. All I can do is keep my form in check, shooting at 7 yards.
One of the things that keeps my archery spark going is being involved in local/state archery organizations. Last Saturday I worked the MBH booth at the Outdooorama. Next Saturday I am attending the MBH members meeting. I'm working with Dean Hall, MBH President, on a membership drive program. I'm writing a couple articles about bowhunting.
Get involved with the MBH, MLA, or MTB....surrounding yourself with like minded archers keeps the spark strong.
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Originally posted by Graps:
Do any of you ever get tired of archery ? :(
Interesting question and honestly, I don't think it's because of our winter, brutal as it has been. I hate to admit it but at times, I tire of it as well. I haven't lost interest in the "hunt" but it does get to the point where for myself, the amount of effort I need to pour into being proficient starts to outweigh the enjoyment and benefits.
Back in the spring of 2012 I went on a long awaited trip to Alberta to bear hunt. During the year prior to leaving for that trip, I shot my bow every single day... I NEVER missed shooting. Sometimes it was just a couple arrows but more often than not, it was many more than that. Frankly, I put an ENORMOUS amount of pressure on myself and it ended up taking the joy right out of it. I waited all my life to go on a trip like that and I wasn't going to risk being anything less than prepared.
While I was indeed prepared, after that trip, I never picked up my bow again for close to a year. I was totally and completely burned out. Sadly, shooting that bow and making sure I was successful had become a major part of my identity - that was not a good thing.
I also think that at some point the "age thing" begins to be a factor. Face it - while there's obviously some physical involved, 90% of shooting a trad bow is mental which can easily turn into emotional. When you think about it, golf (even though I've never played it) is much the same as archery. How many 58 year olds do you see winning Major titles on the PGA tour? Not too many. At some point you just lose "the edge". Are there exceptions? Of course but by in large...
Thankfully, I'm back to shooting again and I'm looking forward to a trip to Manitoba this spring but I've learned a lesson. RELAX A BIT! Enjoy life and don't put that much pressure for perfection on yourself again.
Best wishes as you sort through your own circumstances. Take a little break. You probably find yourself missing it and when you do "come back" to that place that makes it enjoyable again, you'll have a whole new perspective. :wavey:
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The only time in the past 45+ years I grew tired of archery was during the Target Panic years. TP was really bad from about 1988-1995. I cured that problem in 1996 and the joy immediately returned.
I live where I can shoot indoors anytime I want, off the deck, and even on a woodland trail between my son's and my house.
I wonder if I would enjoy shooting as much if I didn't have a big hunt (for me big is anything out of state)on the horizon. Having a big hunt planned keeps me fired up. Shooting is sort of like active day-dreaming.
Heck, I'm going to apply for Bighorn Sheep in Montana just so I can add that beast to my dreaming. I sure don't expect to ever be drawn but what if?
I don't know where in MI you live but maybe you might consider volunteering to work your state's first live "NASP® State Tournament"? Your DNR can provide all the details.
Or, volunteer (through me) to work the 2014 NASP National tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. Come see 10,800 students shoot competition bullseyes and 4,600 shoot competition 3D. Kids from 35-40 states will be there! Seeing 540 kids on the 1,450 foot long (indoor) shooting line fires everyone up!
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This past week my wife got tired of me chasing her around the house, so I went out in snow to shoot. I got tired of those cold aluminum arrows real quick, so I came in and made a bunch of cedar arrows. I don't think that there is anything wrong getting away from shooting in the off season completely. It keeps one from getting stale and allows some healing time for unseen wear and tear.
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Dale, you not only have a severe case of cabin fever, but also being a toolmaker I know you have been working long hours. I have not shot my bow in months nor do I feel like it. It's too cold outside to enjoy it and it is hard to be obligated to as league. Just wait till thaw out and longer sunlight hours. I know the hours at work show no sign of letting up but hang in there. Leave work early once in a while. Turn down weekends. Get with me if you don't live too far away and we will sit around the fire pit and talk about the one that got away, the one that didn't get away etc. Also know that the winter doldrums happen to everyone to some degree. Winter in Alaska takes it's toll on many because of the cold and lack of sunlight.
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Think this winter sucks everywhere. I try shooting indoors at our club once a week plus shoot our 3D winter league,cold but at least I'm getting some time behind my bow. But I'm new to trad only 5 years in. Snow has to melt sometime keep on shootin'.
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yup i get tired of archery every time i shoot my bow for 3 hrs then i just do it again the next day LOL!!!
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I would sometimes get tired of the 3D shoots and whining and stuff that goes on at these ranges and such....but I never get tired of bowhunting and though I dont shoot as much as I used to shoot for practice...I still find time to fling a few arrows. Even when I am not bowhunting or preparing to bowhunt...I can read about it, watch it, make arrows, look at my bows, dream of new bows or sell older ones to make room for more.
So no I dont get tired of archery/bowhunting...I get tired of waiting for weather to improve or the next season or not having time to hunt...but not bowhunting itself.
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My greatest fear is some day I will not be able to shoot archery. I seen this happen to my best friend, he was more like a brother to me then a friend. He is 76 years old now and in a nursing home feeble hard to walk and too weak to draw a bow. However, all he talks about is going to the range and shooting or going deer hunting. He told me last week he dreamed he had all his arrows out and inspected for hunted season and all his broadheads were razor sharp. Gog love him I would give anything to tkae him out one last time. I have to have should surgey on the lfet should maybe the right too for arthrist and bone spurs and some small tears. Could not shoot at all last year. However agent orgent struck me again and diabetes got worst and now on insulin and my heart went into AFib and I have to have a Pacemaker put in maybe in 2 week waiting on Doctor to decide when. Shoulder has to wait on heart so probaby won't get should surgery done till July because we have to go on vacation in first part of June. Wife is just finishing Radiation treatment for cancer and needs to get away for a while going to Mobile for a week on the beech. Hopefully I can shoot by August so no I never get tired of shooting it is my life's blood.
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Originally posted by Graps:
I just don't feel like shooting :deadhorse:
Then don't. No need to force yourself to do something you don't feel like doing.
I've not been able to shoot since my surgery Dec 12th...and am going to go shoot my 1st arrow today out of a light weight bow Glenbo sent me. I was shooting with my teeth for a while, but now I'm fixing to take my 1st normal shot in 3 months.
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I would take a few weeks off. The itch will come back.
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I sometimes take a break for a month or so in the winter and do other stuff that needs done like clean out and restock the camping boxes, refinnish bow or shotgun stock or muzzleloader stock, take apart and regrease/reline all my fishing reels, repair and rewrap rod guides, tie flys, make more arrows, paint/retile the kitchen.......etc......Then when I pick a bow back up it really is enjoyable like greating an old friend. It usually only takes a da or two to get my eye and form back after doing it for so long........so take a break, relax, enjoy life and get back to the bow when you are ready.........
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:coffee:
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Sounds like you're really getting tired of life up north. Come on down to North Carolina. We'll be in the mid 60s next weekend and the Crappie will be schooling in 10' of water, the Stripers are running upstream as I write this. Turkey season is right around the corner. There's always something in season here.
Mike
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Chad got it (for me).
Nothing does the trick like teaching a newcomer.
They are excited, and remind you of what made you excited and brought you joy. Plus, a beginner usually asks easy questions that you can give the answers to, once you remember them. :D
Killdeer :biglaugh:
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I have also been a little ho-hum about shooting but I didn't shoot well in the fall and this along with the long cold winter that still isn't over doesn't help. Hopefully when it finally warms up so will my enthusiasm for archery. :dunno: :confused:
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Hey Man, Maybe you're not tired of archery, maybe you're just tired? My job and the bills and all the stuff drags me down sometimes. I'll have a drink and smoke my favorite pipe and just relax. I dunno, maybe take a break until you wanna shoot again. Best wishes
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:help: I can't get enough shooting in good or bad :archer2: if I shoot my guns I feel I am cheating on my Longbows :eek:
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Archery itself never seems to tire for me. What does get to me is the commercialization of hunting. I feel like it's really hurt our deer herds in most states (IA is where I live, but read of alot of other states going through what we are).
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I seem to get tired and board of just about everything at one point or another . When i get that wat i try and count my many blessings , sometimes its easy to forget my blessings and become unthankfull for all i have that i dont desirve . Once i do that i can truely enjoy what i have and have been blessed with .
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'this too will pass...'
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I haven't gotten tired of it yet! Still love shooting my bows!
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I'ts the weather. At least it is for me.
Just hard to get excited about much of anything when it seems like such a big ordeal to just go outside and deal with the cold and snow. I also work outside everyday so i'm real tired of the weather.
Hoenstly I'm looking forward to mowing the grass this summer :)
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Winter is tough - Seasonal Affective Disorder - not enough sunlight, not enough Vit. D - as we get older, everything slows down and the cold feels like it is in our bones. Tough to shake it.
I am fortunate to have a small workshop in the corner of the basement, next to a wood stove. I fire up the stove, get out a wood shaft, a scale, feathers, feather chopper, fletching jig, glue, taper tool, hot melt glue, practice points or a broadhead, wipe on poly and an alcohol burner. If you accumulate the tools over time, it is not so bad. You can build an arrow with a lot less.
I make wood arrows one at a time. It is a hobby, not a contest to see how many I can produce in how short of a time.
While I am putting the arrow together, I think about how I can improve my shooting. When I am done, I end up with an arrow. When I get a break in the weather, I run outdoors and fling it. Some turn out good, others are kindling. Saxton Pope describes building dozens of arrows to get one good set. The best ones I mark for weight and keep for the Spring.
Hopefully this will inspire you. Take a break, build some arrows. Have fun.
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I have gotten burnout with archery several times in my life. Once was a 5 year hiatus which brought me back to a stick shooting a stick rather than the wheels and release aids that I left. Currently, this hiatus I have not shot my sticks in close to 5 years now and due to age and health issues may never shoot them again.
I as like you I started this in the early 1960's and was obsessed with it most of my life but then for whatever reason all of a sudden the switch went to the off position. I miss it at times like tonight but generally I don't even think about it most days.
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BUY :wavey:
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i haven't done much this year yet. Been extremely busy around home and this has taken up alot of time. Tuning frustrations make it hard to get motivated too. I'm starting to get more spare time now and the cool of autumn is starting to stir the spirit of the wild again. Hopefully going to get away for a hunt this 'daze off'.