Why is it against the rules at most 3D trad shoots?
Is really that much of an advantage? And if it is why don't more hunters use it or learn it? I really don't know much about it or understand.

String walking is the same as putting a sight on the bow.  You move your string hand up and down to change your point on distance, then line up the point of the arrow just like you would a sight pin.

For hunting, I'm gonna go out on a limb and says string walking is next to useless.  You are changing the tuning of the bow every time you move that string hand up and down.  Add a broadhead up front and you'll be lucky if the arrow ends up in the same area code as your target.

String walking works well if the target doesn't move because the string walker sets up for a shot at a specific distance.  However, if the target moves, and most animals do, it changes the distance from the shooter.  Then the string walker has to start holding high or low on the target, sometimes continually changing as the animal gets closer or further away.  Some make it work.  Most don't. It's a very methodical way of shooting that doesn't work as well under conditions requiring a faster shot/release at variable distances.

Some hunters just set their bow up point on at say 20 yards and adjust their sight picture for nearer or farther. Works pretty good too.

This is my take on string walking.

String walking is no different than say, point on or gap. All three your using a reference point. String walking your just using the tip of your arrow every time.

The reason I think its illegal at 3D shoots is because if done right its VERY VERY accurate. Everybody has the option of doing it so I don't know what the big deal is. Your not adding anything to your bow to make you more accurate its just a different aiming method. But some people get scared and mad when somebody does something different and beats them. I think it should be legal and I'm an "instinctive" shooter. Even instinctive shooters use the arrow as a reference its just with the subconscious mind.

As for hunting. It is a bit of a hassle string walking. I shot a coyote once when I was a string walker. It can be done, but I switched from it because of the hassle with hunting. BUT I've read on here many people killing many animals using the string walking technique. Or like mentioned earlier you can have a set distance for say 20 yards and just go off that.

My 2 cents

QuoteOriginally posted by MikeW:
Why is it against the rules at most 3D trad shoots?
Is really that much of an advantage? And if it is why don't more hunters use it or learn it? I really don't know much about it or understand.

it's up to the event director what the shoot rules will be.  this is the same as designating what constitutes a "longbow" - there are different definitions, particularly with organizations like the ifaa.

as already posted by others, string walking is a "soft sight" method of aiming not unlike gap and point of aim.

for the very most part, trad bowhunting is about making shots at unknown distances.  all of the soft and hard sight aiming systems rely on knowing precise distances.  which is why almost all successful trad bowhunters aim "instinctively".