There's a very satisfying feeling to shooting a recurve or longbow well. It's the same feeling I get when flyfishing or flintlock shooting. The guys who embrace the traditional way of shooting are generally of the same mindset.....not taking the easy way out, but rather  the more satisfying feeling of accomplishment way. Different strokes for different folks...kudos to those who choose the path less taken cause' it's well worth the trip..my opinion...john

a reason for me and my dad to go outside and have fun or just to be out in nature

Its where I started with archery and where I am now ending up.  First bow was a Browning recurve I inherited from my grandpa!  I've sat in trees with wheels (like many of us) and sat in a tree with stick and string. I've stalked whitetails with metal and wheels and stalked them with a recurve/longbow... and every time I go out with wood and string, I feel like I am hunting, one with nature, in tune with the woods, instinctual: a wolf.  The wheels tend to make me feel more like an assassin.  Laden with technology, concerned with distances, fatigued by weight, and the tink of metal against the forest.  I am focused on the kill (destination) not the hunt itself (journey).  The wheels are a kind of crutch that make me feel 'safe'... I don't even know why that is?  Its all my hunting buddies telling me how great a compound is, how accurate, how I will wound deer with trad equipment... the mindset is ALL wrong... Shooting a compound for target practice is fun, but I am done hunting with wheels.  I embrace the wolf.

When I started out it was just "a bow and arrow".  No labeling of "traditional", 'cause that term didn't exist.  If anything, it probably labeled me as that "odd teenager" amongst my peers (and most older hunters) in the early 60s in PA.  :confused:    I admit, I didn't know too many other archers back then.

As for "zen", "witchery" or what have you; I'll leave that for others to debate.  As for me, there aren't many things that provide that feeling that I get when I draw the bow back and send the arrow on its "journey" to its target.  I cherish that joy as much now at 57 as when I was 10.  Many that I know don't, and probably never will, understand that feeling.

What started out as just another "tool" to use for hunting, certainly has evolved into something altogether different. I still enjoy shooting guns, if nothing more than once or twice a year, but the lure of the bow and arrow haunts me every day. I hope it continues to do so till the day I can no longer draw the bow.

Has anyone ever noticed the look on the face of a kid when they are shooting their first bow?  There is a reason they are smiling!  May you all keep smiling.............  

I shot an antelope @ close to 700yrds. with my rifle and a 28" wide muley buck @ 400yrds. and nice deer out to 65yrds. with my wheelie bow, I'm not trying to brag but that was fun, but when asked by friend or stranger about my hunting I seem to go into great detail about my 18yrd. shot with my bear recurve on a young button buck. When I tell the story they look at me like I'm crazy or high, I think there probably right. This is going to be my first all season trad year with a custom bow,and now I found a place here to tell my stories and people understand. Its just a blast!!!!!!  

It's a way of life
It's doing something that you must work at, something you really can't buy to make you better
at what you're doing. That clears it up as clear as mud.

Its the closest I can come to being at one with nature. To being a real predator.

With a rifle I can kill at distances that gives the animal no chance whatsoever. With my compound bow I have to stalk to within 30 meters but I STILL have an unfair advantage in that my equipment are mechanically "augmented" in terms of both power and accuracy.

With my longbow? I have to get close...REAL close. I can miss...EASILY...I am the one who's holding the bow at full draw. My muscles hold 100% of the draw weight, my skill determines the accuracy. I am the hunter.

With a compound bow an unskilled person can get good enough to kill in an hour or two. With my longbow I have to practice every day.

Traditional archery is my badge of honour. It is proof that I believe in fair chase and that hunting is not the same thing as killing.

Well, It's me and who I am.

Traditional archery is a quick way to realize that you may not be focusing on something when you think you are. Modern society breads attention disorders, with TV, games etc.  I think archery could be used tool to show children with ADHD how to be aware of there difficulties with attention and learn how to truley focus there mind.. I know it has helped me    .

Traditional archery is my release, it clears my head and allows me to focus. I love the simplicity of the tool. when that perfect shot is made i know it was me. Im going from gun hunter to longbow and skipping the wheels. no sights no let off, just the goal of making a perfect shot

QuoteOriginally posted by jcar315:
The journey not the destination.

nough said.  

Somewhere, "back in time>>>------->.

I feel Im part of nature ,walking in the woods,that my bow is made of,arrows too..

Traditional archery?

Shooting a longbow or recurve at Targets.

Traditional hunting?  Hunting with traditional equipment.

Enjoying the moment and surrounding myself with like minded people?  Friends who have a passion just like mine, who are ready to give it possible?  Well that's just a preference.

Traditional Archery helps me celebrate the human condition. The way our Creator has us wired with hand/eye coordination and muscle memory. For me, it has to be the best thing since sliced bread.

I don't think I have changed due to traditional archery and/or hunting with trad gear. Although it has driven home my respect for game animals and fair chase. The fact that we "need" to be close to game is SO COOL! If I do take game with a (non-bow) I kinda feel guilty and ask Him for forgiveness.

... mike ...

This is a quote from Marv Clyncke that resonates with me....

"That's what bowhunting is all about- getting close, and beating the animal at their own game. A lot of bowhunters these days go just for the kill and not the hunt. Hunting! That's what it's supposed to be. Hunting is fun if one just lets it be fun. We all want a kill, but if that doesn't happen it isn't the end of the world. If you have to kill every time out, take a smoke-pole!"


At lease thats what traditional bowhunting should be.

Expensive.  And worth it!  It changed me by making me poorer.

Has been since age 5 and alwaa will be a WAY OF LIFE for me.

It makes me feel as though I am no longer just a visitor to Mother Nature but rather a son to Mother Nature.

SIMPLICITY!!!!!!!!!!

Put an arrow on the string,pull it back,and SHOOT!!!!!

If you have to THINK about it,your making WAY too much out of it!!!!!

Forget all that tuning crap..... You can have the worst set-up in the world and if you shoot enough,your mind,eye,hand,body cordination will put you on target. Instinctively your mind will position your body to put the arrows where you want them.