It's a mentality, my dear friend. Not the equipment one has, but what's in their mind, heart, and soul.
When someone opens their home and hunting grounds to new hunters; to me, that's traditional. When a veteran hunter reveals a secret spot, or that crucial, game-getting piece of advice, to a novice; to me, that's traditional. When a person finds solice in caring for their weapon like an old friend, or when someone kneels to say prayer for fallen game; to me, that's traditional.
But mostly...it's when one can enjoy the hunt itself, to truly savor it, more than the taking of actual game. That's what I'd like to think of as "traditional".

Bowspirit is a great name for you.Beautiful.

Very well said Chris. So when ya coming down to chase bunnies? I am looking into a Thursday night up on Central...

Thanks, Brian & Jamie. Jamie, how's this week look for you. I still have to find out when my days off are this week. As far as thursday goes, better see you there bud. Good times are always had by all...

I might be able to do that Chris....I will PM ya when I know for sure.
We need to start getting into shape for the hunt...little walk today killed me.

And Brian, your mailbox is full. Just thought I'd let ya' know...

Hah! I hear that, Jamie. Starting Jan. 1st, it's out with sleeping in and consuming junk food and so many adult beverages. From then on out, it's nothing but getting up to run at 6, plenty of fruit and whole wheat, low fat chicken sandwiches. Was too outta shape last year to really enjoy the bunny hunt. Not making that mistake twice...

QuoteOriginally posted by Bowspirit:
It's a mentality, my dear friend. Not the equipment one has, but what's in their mind, heart, and soul.
When someone opens their home and hunting grounds to new hunters; to me, that's traditional. When a veteran hunter reveals a secret spot, or that crucial, game-getting piece of advice, to a novice; to me, that's traditional. When a person finds solice in caring for their weapon like an old friend, or when someone kneels to say prayer for fallen game; to me, that's traditional.
But mostly...it's when one can enjoy the hunt itself, to truly savor it, more than the taking of actual game. That's what I'd like to think of as "traditional".

This was well written Bowspirit...I read it a couple times and it seems like you are at peace with yourself.... that's a huge accomplishment that i admire greatly...

i'm not sure about the "truely savoring the hunt, more than the harvesting of game" being traditional though....my great grandma used to get seriously upset if there wasn't nothing to go in the frying pan after grandpa was out hunting...LOL!

QuoteI read it a couple times and it seems like you are at peace with yourself  

Hehe..far from it actually. Waaaaaay too young to be at peace with who I am right now...

Well Kirk....iffn' ya wanna chase some whitetails or turkey birds down here in the hills and hollers of the northern Ozarks consider yourself invited and welcome.  Our deer aren't like those huge cornfed beasts of Illinois or northern Missouri, (mostly cuz there ain't no corn down here!), but the hunting is up close and personal.  If you come I believe you should prepare yourself for another round of culture shock...hehe.

Come to think of it, in a way we are all neighbors, thanks to trad gang.

Now, about that equipment....If I were to ever carry a compound, (shudder), I wouldn't feel any kinship with Nimrod, Robin Hood or William Tell.  For me the equipment is very much a part of it.  I wouldn't change my ethics if I were carrying a modern bow or rifle but that kinship would be gone.  Obviously we can never reacapture how it really was centuries ago, even back in the days of Hill and Bear, but by using bows and arrows such as they did we can experience what is required to take game with them and the same thrill and elation when successful.

Vic

So nostalgia is a big part. Its funny, I havent really found a response that I cant relate to....
It is funny that we are "traditional archers" using computers to relate, communicate and celebrate our love for (dare I say it?) primative archery.    
Chris what about weekends?

You lookin at me?  :rolleyes:

Actually Jamie, Saturday should be doable. Just have to run back to the store to check and make sure I have it off...

Not at all Brian...I was agreeing. Its kinda ironic isnt it? I have seen numerous postssaying what is and waht isnt traditional....yet it was all said via a keyboard.

Oh how I wish Fred Bear were around to tap in his 2 cents!  

QuoteOriginally posted by Bowspirit:
 

QuoteI read it a couple times and it seems like you are at peace with yourself  

Hehe..far from it actually. Waaaaaay too young to be at peace with who I am right now... [/b]

I haven't a clue how old you are my friend....but peace of mind, and thinking along the lines you have written shows what's in your heart is good....Who knows? Maybe you will actually be one of the fortunate ones in life who will actually obtain wisdom while you are young enough to share it with others.... Sounds to me like your on the right track....

I have searched fo many years to find an inner peace within myself....Kirk

Ya know Kirk, I have met him just once...and I agree completely.
I have been thinking about this post and I think I have figured out what is so appealing about trad, the wilderness, and this site. Everyone on here is tremendously awed by nature. There is a powerful connection there that we all seem to share regardless of our location. I can honestly say I would feel comfortable ebough to travel anywhere and hunt with any of you. Now thats just cool.