The other day an old buddy who I  hadnt hunted with or seen for several years stopped by. Different jobs, shifts, and family and so on had separated us. He was drinkikng coffe with me and asked how deer/turkey hunting season had been. I told him I had managed to take a big doe, and a nice buck, by my standards, and 2 turkeys this fall with a bow, and one this spring. When he asked what kind of compound I was shooting now, and when I told him I had went all trad a few years agow, he looked astonished, and asked me what happended to me, like I had lost my mind. I had to think about that as I took a few more sips of coffe and here was my honest answer. The best thing in hunting thats what. Since I didnt run a sporting goods business anymore, wasnt trying to sell every gimmick on the shelf, didnt feel like I had to kill a bunch of deer or a bigun or nothing to prove myself to anyone, jsut enjoy the hunt and whatever it brings. I told him  I liked feeling like a kid again everytime I went out to shoot my bows, not boring over and over machine repition. I explained to him how I loved making my own flemish strings, arrows and a few experimental flint heads, and teaching some young kids to do the same and shoot instinctive. I explained how watching the 4H kids I coach bring home a armload of trophies after a meet, some for the first time ever in their life,  at anything they every did, was better than a P&Y buck to me, because the deer would be dead, but maybe that spark would live on in these young folks having a ball. I explained how the 4H recurve teams had brought home 1st and 2nd place trophies at the state championships 2years running, and instead of being big headed, I was humbled by the hugs and thanks from the kids and parents for volunteering and coaching them. I explained how I never took a turkey with a compound, but this fall took my 10th with a trad bow, which was a big achievment for me, as all who know me, know that I am no great shakes as a turkey hunter. I talked about this great place, and the friends I have made on here,some I have met in person, most I havent, but consider most all of you guys friends, and the different mindset of traditional hunting. We went on and talked about guns, muzzleloading, and reloading since I have been a gunsmith for 25+ years, but as he was leaving he asked me how much a recurve would cost him,as it sounded pretty interesting, and seemed like I was having  a lot of fun. I told him to stop by next pretty day he had off, and I would give him one, 6 arrows and a tab and help him get started. He then got excited like a kid, told me thanks about 3 times,and then I told him, no, thank you for seeing that twinkle in his eye. I know he will be hooked. Just thought I would share this with you guys.

         

Thanks for sharing, SK! Good words!

           

 

Good story, I think you hooked him.  

       

Sounds like another on the Dark side finally "Gets It".
Great job!    

You are indeed a good ambassador for this sport of ours. Great job.  

Thats what its all about right there! I have told the same story of why I have switched to trad bows and get all jacked up telling the story of the switch and how it makes you feel! Man I love this stuff!!!

             

That's great Sam!!! Keep up the good work!!

God bless,Mudd

Outstanding story!  

good for you brother.i feel that everytime i do that,a good set of morals comes with that bow.you did a good thing and i thank you for it.i am working on a few guys right now.i hope my guys turn out like yours.sounds like you have a convert.good luck and happy new year,steve

Good for you Sam thanks for sharing a little insight of yourself!                

Keeping the Faith!
Magnus

Great story Sam.

Your a good man Sam. Good to hear from ya!

When you have provided the best cloak off your back, then you have given. The cloak being the traditional experiences as well as the traditional equipment. Thank you for the inspiration.

Excellent story!

     

That was a great explanation. Not slamming any other way, just honestly describing the thrill you get out of "your" way.
There is no greater testimony.
Thanks for sharing.

Great story and Im glad you got him started on his way!

Check back when he does    !  I think we would enjoy hearing about how much fun you two had shooting stumps and such.