While in CO elk hunting, we ran across other bowhunters, as well as hikers and mountain bikers. Those who commented on our longbows were very impressed. Hard Core, purists, doing it the hard way, real bowhunters were some of the comments we got. Never a negative one. I think more often than not, people are intrigued by the simplicity, and the discipline of traditional archery.

We talked with a couple on the trail, both non hunters who were really in awe that we could take up the challenge of bowhunting elk with longbows. the gentleman was really curious about our gear. He said backpacking in and hunting, especially  with a traditional bow really impressed him. Made us feel pretty good. They wished us luck in our quest as they departed to continue their hike.

Met another fella, hunting muleys who was originally from MI, resides in CO. We struck up a conversation at the trailhead, and he was showing us on my topo some areas he had bumped in to a couple elk. When he saw our bows in the back of my truck he was instantly interested. We talked about trad archery, and my son put on a little demo for him. AS it were, he was also a lefty, so we let him shoot a few shots with judo's. He was lovin it. I suspect we may have recruited another into the fold. He went on and on about how simple it was, and how much fun.

We ended up sharing a campfire and a few cold drinks withhim and his wife, and he showed us several areas to hunt that may be productive.

At my club, it's all compound shooters, but they are all respectful of trad archery. More often there's ribbing like Mathews vs Hoyt vs Bowtech,etc. They leave me alone! As to some history on longbows and recurves, I have always thought the longbow was more of an infantry weapon, and the recurve was originally for mounted troops/cavalry. Kind of like a long rifle and a carbine. Maybe someone can add to, or correct me on this....  Shoot straight!

When I took my Hunter Safety Course a few years back I was the only one shooting a Trad bow, a Browning Cobra. I agonized between it and my compound when I grabbed gear for the day. I grabbed the Browning and went all Trad that day.

I got a lot of looks and could hear the buzz of conversation behind me as I stepped-up to qualify. I was nervous as I'd never shot in front of people before.

Somehow I tranced out, couldn't even remember any of it afterwards, and put all 5 arrows in the middle of the vitals, surprised even myself! The buzz of comments was louder now, and excited. I calmly walked over to get my certificate, as if it was just routine shooting on my part, which at that time it wasn't.  

When I went to the old fellow that was giving out the certificates he had a big old smile on his face and told me he hadn't seen a bow like that for some time. He complimented me on some fine shooting. I could tell it made his day, and mine.

I like 'Old School', and refer to myself that way often.    

My son and I were in the Snowmass Wilderness for Elk a few years ago. Outfitter bringing some other hunters through to another drainage while we munching at the noon hour. Saw that we had ourcamp attached to our backpacks as well as "stickbows". Talked briefly with us and as they started to leave the Outfitter says to his client's. "Primitive Dudes _ _ Studs"    

I'm called crazy by my wheelie buddies.    But, they are baffled how I do it.  

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Originally posted by Butts2:
My son and I were in the Snowmass Wilderness for Elk a few years ago. Outfitter bringing some other hunters through to another drainage while we munching at the noon hour. Saw that we had ourcamp attached to our backpacks as well as "stickbows". Talked briefly with us and as they started to leave the Outfitter says to his client's. "Primitive Dudes _ _ Studs"