Ark. Bowhunter of the year award

[Dave Lay]

wanted to get your opinion on something. To kinda set the stage, I am a life member of our state bowhunting assn. The ABA, (not the traditional one, the TBA,although I am a lifer there as well) I have never really been that involved with them as I feel they are pretty lacking and at times I really wish I wasn't even a member let alone a life member but have been a member for 30 years or so, and a lifer for over 20 years . At our shoot this weekend a guy was there handing out ABA newsletters (Arkansas bowhunters assn.) in It was a article where a guy was basicly bragging about killing 35 or something deer with his bow last year during urban hunts in Ark. and he felt he should have a "honorable mention" but didn't state for what.. so I asked around and found that he was referring to the ABA bowhunter of the year award, that apparently is a points based system, where a doe is "worth" 5 points or something, a buck 10. a pig 5 or something, squirrel/rabbit 1 point etc.... and the one with the highest points at the end of the year is officially "bowhunter of the year" I have a real problem with this, and applying a numerical figure to that animals life... so a squirrels life is worth 1 point and a buck deers life worth 10 ? Are they killing animals strictly for recognition?, even though urban hunts are designed to thin herds. This mindset disturbs me.. I am not exact on the point value of each animal but you get the point.... I cant just let this lay... I was wondering what you might think the best course of action for voicing my concerns.. it seems after talking to a few folks I am kinda looked at as a little odd for seeing anything wrong here..alot of folks that agree with me just let it go as no big deal, ? is this the norm now days?? is this a message we want our youth to adopt? Id like to hear your thoughts and opinions , am I off in left field? would my lone voice even make any difference other than just me venting??? thanks Dave

[John146]

Dave, I believe you make an excellent point and I couldn't agree with you more. I will leave your response to the organization up to you. It seems pretty obvious that leadership doesn't see the things the way you do or this would not be happening.

[elkhunter45]

Well stated Mr Lay. You are not alone in your assessment of the situation.

[HighTecRedNeck]

I think most of us would agree with you. Seems to me a " Point " system is kinda " Low Brow "

It would not sit right with me. I may hunt and I may kill an animal but I always respect them.

[centaur]

Pretty lame way of picking a bowhunter of the year, in my humble opinion. If a long time life member made a formal statement to the powers that be, it might make for a better way to determine such a title, or maybe they should change the award to Game Hog of the Year.

[Shawn Leonard]

Your not alone Dave very good point. That is why I am not even crazy about P&Y and such. I feel the animal deserves the recognition and not the hunter!! You could make him feel bad and tell him I have more points in squirrels and bunnies than all his deer combined!!         Shawn

[VictoryHunter]

If you feel this strongly about it, regardless of whether or not action was taken, you should make your opinion known. Especially as a lifetime member of the organization. I personally don't have a problem with a little friendly hunting competition even if a points system were involved but when it comes to just killing animals for sheer numbers I think is when it goes to far. The guy in the story should be ashamed of himself. I know he and his family don't eat that and highly doubt that he forked over the cash for processing fees for donation.

[Knawbone]

Dave, couldn't agree with you more. Sadly, I'm afraid too many people are of the "ME" mindset these days and things like reverence for life are secondary to their own interests. Some people seek recognition without fourthought for others, let along the respect due wildlife. Personally I would voice my opinion tactfully and thoughtfully, to at least give them some food for thought. If that be possible! That's why your a trad hunter, and their not.

[macbow]

When awards, especially Bowhunter of the year are given out by numbers of animals killed somewhere along,the line the competition will get out of line. Like using illegal methods.

A Bowhunter of the year title should be more than killing. It should be so much more about what the individual did to support archery and bowhunting in the state.

[3arrows]

Building brushpile=20 picking up litter=20 helping farmer=20 taking kid hunting=20 dragging someone else deer=20 donate game=20 taking oldtimer hunting=20 working for the club=20 teaching someone about bowhunting=5 per hour taking buck=5 doe=3 small game=3

[BAK]

This is what happens when the sport becomes all about the kill and less about the process.  This is exactly why I do not subscribe to the "big tent" theory.   I don't want people with that philosophy in my club, let alone my hunting camp.

[Dave Lay]

Originally posted by 3arrows:
Building brushpile=20 picking up litter=20 helping farmer=20 taking kid hunting=20 dragging someone else deer=20 donate game=20 taking oldtimer hunting=20 working for the club=20 teaching someone about bowhunting=5 per hour taking buck=5 doe=3 small game=3

I couldn't agree more, thanks for the replies, I have a message in for clarification from the president, I would like to discuss some different parameters for this with him if possible,
 thanks again guys !