1. You have the desire to shoot a traditional bow.
2. You buy a used bow that is too heavy and some arrows.
3. You struggle to shoot it but love to watch an arrow fly.
4. You buy a lighter used bow.
5. You practice and practice.
6. You buy every book and magazine you can find on traditional archery.
7. You know who Pope, Young, Bear, Hill, Ron La Clair, and G. Fred Asbell are.
8. You learn to tune the bow and arrow.
9. You realize a tuned arrow doesn't help much if your form is terrible.
10. You still love to watch an arrow fly.
11. You hunt deer.
12. You harvest deer.
13. You buy more bows and start making your own equipment.
14. You hunt small game and fish also.
15. You still love to see an arrow fly.
16. You go to many shoots and place in some.
17. You take more game with your bow.
18. You still love to see an arrow fly.
19. Over the years you take many animals.
20. You realize that the animals were not really what you were after.
21. You become friends with many other archers throughout the country.
22. You still love to see an arrow fly.
23. G. Fred Asbell and Ron La Clair know who you are.
I think I'm somewhere between 18 and 22.
who the heck is G Fred Asbell :confused:
I just need to meet Mr Asbell and I am a clean sweep, its been a helluva ride!!
I'm at #22 with the exception of not ever placing at a shoot... I guess I would have to go to one to place though!!!
Not really into competition, except with myself.
Interesting read.
Finances won't allow me to travel, so if internet friendships count, I'm at 22. If not, I'm at 20, and I still love to see an arrow fly. ;)
Interesting thread Gordon, thanks.
Bob
QuoteOriginally posted by fnshtr:
I'm at #22 with the exception of not ever placing at a shoot... I guess I would have to go to one to place though!!!
Not really into competition, except with myself.
Interesting read.
I missed that one. Same here. I've never been to a shoot, or shot a round of 3D, in spite of the fact that I've been shooting bows for over 40 years.
Bob
Interesting thread! I guess I would say that I'm at 15.
QuoteOriginally posted by drewsbow:
who the heck is G Fred Asbell :confused:
Here also, I guess I am stuck at stage six.
#22 I guess, though I have met G. Fred.
Subtract #12, not there yet
Edit #13, I do arrows, tied nockpoints, silencers, etc but haven't built a bow yet
Edit #14 haven't caught a fish shooting yet
Edit #16 have shot real well but not top 3 yet
Subtract #19 haven't taken many critters yet but have gotten close on many
Edit/subtract #23 G doesn't know me yet, Ron and I have rubbed elbows here on TG posting but we don't have a relationship beyond that.
"Check" on the rest of the list.
I'm at 18.
I switched about 6 years ago.
But I've met G. Fred Asbell.
I've also skipped on #16, not that I mine embarrassing my self, it is hard to get to one.
I'm at 13.
On 22 minus 12 & 19. But hopefully this fall it will change.
(http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae302/bruinbow/IMG_20150130_192421470_zpskmfzlvko.jpg) (http://s982.photobucket.com/user/bruinbow/media/IMG_20150130_192421470_zpskmfzlvko.jpg.html)
QuoteOriginally posted by drewsbow:
who the heck is G Fred Asbell :confused:
:laughing:
I would say I'm between 11 and 15
I'd say 22. Although I've met Fred, I doubt he remembers me!!
I still and will always love to see an arrow fly. That says it all for me.
I would say I'm on 22 and maybe 23 . Ron knows me and GFred and have talked more than a few times. Not sure if G Fred would remember me by name only?
22 and 1/2,Fred knows me but have never visited with Ron.But been a long time ago the last time I placed at a shoot.
After only 48 years.........stage 11... :dunno:
QuoteOriginally posted by drewsbow:
who the heck is G Fred Asbell :confused:
I am not alone with that question! :dunno:
F-Manny
#22 for me!
Bisch
This list was really fun to make but the grandson had a ball game this evening I didn't want to miss so it probably should have had a little more thought put into it. I think it shows the trials a traditional bowhunter goes though (it's not easy) but though it all, if he still loves to see an arrow fly, he will probably stay with it. Also I am a big fan of Asbell and La Clair and to be on first name bases with them would be the traditional archery pentacle in my way of thinking. I have met both of them but I doubt they would remember me.
Gordon
That's quite a list. There were some in the middle that I never did and some that I did are not the list. The one that is not on there that is still bugging my butt. You knew where the cock pheasant was going to bust, you did not know that an eagle was going to take a low pass, you did know the arrow came off the string when you turned to watch the eagle, but you did see the arrow fall off your bow and stick in the ground when the pheasant got up right you knew it would. You know you cannot kick yourself in your butt, but you keep trying. I still cannot think about the 14 pointer. There should be a category for not even getting off a shot, but you will never forget. I have talked to Howard Hill, John Schulz and many others, but it is those total screw ups that will plague my brain forever.
Was stuck on #7 but Google bailed me out on Ron L. and G. Fred. Frankly, don't care if they know who I am. Love to watch an arrow fly whether at a target or an animal. That's the stage I am at presently and from which I hope I never digress.
22 1/2 met Mr. Asbell but not Mr. La Clair.
I think I'm at about #8. I'm learning about arrow tuning. I'm having a hard time figuring it out. Need better tools, that and some good schooling.
X2 huronhunter
Not sure where the heck I'd place on the list. Not much interested, I guess.
On Asbell, I find the man amazing. Sure, I can see someone saying, "Who's Fred Asbell." The man is so low key. He'll post an article in a magazine with the "jee wiz" attitude like he's just another fellow in the pack. His books read the same way: never the "expert," just his way of looking at things.
But, pick up a copy of the Compton archives and scan for his name - you'll be amazed who Fred Asbell is.
(http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af200/mzirnsak/Asbell/DSC_0461-1.jpg) (http://s1007.photobucket.com/user/mzirnsak/media/Asbell/DSC_0461-1.jpg.html)
(http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af200/mzirnsak/Asbell/DSC_0427-1.jpg) (http://s1007.photobucket.com/user/mzirnsak/media/Asbell/DSC_0427-1.jpg.html)
(http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af200/mzirnsak/Asbell/DSC_0346-1.jpg) (http://s1007.photobucket.com/user/mzirnsak/media/Asbell/DSC_0346-1.jpg.html)
Great 4 days spent with one of the last true greats of this sport.
I guess I'm at a stage where I don't really relate to the "stages" as listed by the OP.
I've always been a hunter )I'll hunt with about any weapon) and my bow hunting is just an extension of that.
I recognize the ongoing theme of watching the arrow fly. I wouldn't describe my continued interest exactly that way. It's similar but there's lots more to it. I'm a "shooter" and I also enjoy the self sufficiency that comes from developing low-tech or primitive skills.
Fortunately, the people who are important to me already know who I am.
Too me, that brings up something else that I love about archery and bow hunting. I know that there's a lot of socializing and what-not with clubs, competition and shooting/hunting with friends or even celebrities but, what about the solitude?
One of the things that I enjoy about archery is that it's one of the few things left that I can control with no interference. I shoot as I please and I hit the mark or I don't. It's all me!
One of the wonderful things about it is that nobody needs to know. I sometimes like to socialize with those who have common interests too but I don't shoot or hunt with a bow for reputation or recognition. I get paid for working for those sorts of things.
you need a
1a. frustrated as hell
I'm at #22. After 40 years of shooting, it's still all about seeing the arrow fly. That's what hooked me on it as a kid. I've never met Asbell or La Clair, but I did meet Gordon at a shoot in Pawhuska, Ok.
Right around 9, although I did meet Fred at the BW clinic a few weeks ago. Great clinic and Fred is a true gent.
AJ
You left out two:
24. You recognize and applaud the humor in posting #23 on this list.
25. When you mention the list to your pal Chuck Norris, he asks excitedly, "Oooh! Can you introduce me sometime to G. Fred and Ron? That's been on my bucket list for years!"
I'm at 10.
eidsvolling, thanks for pointing out that this was all in fun and meant to be humorous. Brad, I hope you're doing well. I finally had to give away that 76# bow "Good Medicine". Just got to be too much weight for an ol' man. That bow really shot well for me.
QuoteOriginally posted by mgf:
I guess I'm at a stage where I don't really relate to the "stages" as listed by the OP.
I've always been a hunter )I'll hunt with about any weapon) and my bow hunting is just an extension of that.
I recognize the ongoing theme of watching the arrow fly. I wouldn't describe my continued interest exactly that way. It's similar but there's lots more to it. I'm a "shooter" and I also enjoy the self sufficiency that comes from developing low-tech or primitive skills.
Fortunately, the people who are important to me already know who I am.
Too me, that brings up something else that I love about archery and bow hunting. I know that there's a lot of socializing and what-not with clubs, competition and shooting/hunting with friends or even celebrities but, what about the solitude?
One of the things that I enjoy about archery is that it's one of the few things left that I can control with no interference. I shoot as I please and I hit the mark or I don't. It's all me!
One of the wonderful things about it is that nobody needs to know. I sometimes like to socialize with those who have common interests too but I don't shoot or hunt with a bow for reputation or recognition. I get paid for working for those sorts of things.
I like what he said. I'm at 22 but minus 11 and 12 I just can't really get into deer hunting.
You understand the bow is as much a part of who you are, as you are a part of the bow.
Don't really consider those stages, just some things common with trad archers. Alot of those don't, and likely never will, apply to me.
I would be at or near 22, with the exception of 16. I've been to quite a few shoots but never competed.
I sure love to see an arrow fly.
I know you Gordon, does that count for 23?
No Eric, knowing me sets you back two places. :)
I'm doing good Gordon. I hope that bow serves the new owner for years to come. Maybe we will run in to each other at a shoot in the future.
'bout 22. Shoot when I can but look at my old Bears everyday.
I read thru most of the responses, and it looks like a fun thing. I think we morph and shift stages every other day, depending upon our mood and the task at hand.
One thing that popped up, maybe in jest, maybe for real, I don't know.
Who is Fred ?
This request is not meant to demean, or any other bad thing, it is meant as a suggested guidance.
Many, many of us come into this sport and don't know of its history, of its past and present.
They do know how many feet up in a tree a deer can smell you at 1,000 yards cause they just read it in some magazine, posted by some "expert".
Please, take some time. Get some books, read some of OUR history. You don't have to become a professor or a graduate degree'd student of traditional archery, but knowing a bit about us tends to make or break the bonds a bit. Makes you more a part of the big group.
Some of us say they don't want to be a part of a group, that's OK for you (then why are you here reading this ?), but others do. Its fun ! It's enjoyable. It boosts your learning and your experiences tenfold.
Become, and learn about what we were and what we are, about some of those folks that, because of their actions, have shaped and directed our sport ( a little or a bunch)and maybe become one of those folks that help direct and shape our future.
ChuckC
15
Add a number for shot too much and injured my shoulder.
I guess I like to see an arrow fly.
22, G fred Asbell, never heard of her!
LD
LOL! make my #11 hunting hogs....good one! Haven't killed anything yet. Yeah I need that number for hurting my shoulder too, 3 times. Guys, watch Arne's video on drawing, and save your shoulder.
Living in Norway I will probably never ever get past 10. But I practise and practise, and I love to watch the arrows fly. What that say about me, I dont know. And frankly, I dont care. I love are traditional archery. Simple as that.
Trond :thumbsup:
#10 for me. I'm a reformed ex-compound shooter who just went trad about 4 months ago. Loving it!
Tom
Thanks to the members of this forum I was able to skip steps 2-4 and get straight to practice... which I am not devoting enough time to.
I am at 22 and hope it doesn't end at 23! :bigsmyl:
I'll say i'm close to #20. I think i skirted #19 and #16 was a few years back. I as just out with the Dog yesterday checking out some new to me elk country and shooting a few stump arrows. Another Great day in the hills.
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/Mobile%20Uploads/20150609_142830_zpsyibdwvzy.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150609_142830_zpsyibdwvzy.jpg.html)
the stumps were few! ;)
10
With traditional equipment, I would say 13, but I skipped 12 to get there. However, I've spent enough years in the woods to say 20 applies as well.
I am 1 through 22 I started this journey back in 2009 and I love every minute.
Guess I'm a solid 11, and counting...