Advantages of the trad bow and some deep afterthoughts

[hvyhitter]

Only shot a compound 4 years and got tired of missed shots and opportunities caused by the bow. Traded back to a recurve in 92 as with a stickbow if I miss or dont get the shot its me and my lack of hunting skills that day. Not the bow or the arrow. I feel more in touch with the hunt with my trad equipment.

[Tomas]

How challenging would it be if a football field  was shorten by 50 yds, or basket ball hoop widened by a foot? After 20 years of shooting a compound the appeal of this kind of archery just left me.  I knew it was time for something more basic, less mechanical. That made me rely on my own strength and skill.

[Plug]

The physicallity of shooting traditional archery and compound shooting is completely different.  There is no link.  The two are diametrically opposed.  The only commonality is the arrow.

Therefore, I refuse to compare the two.  The performance and charecteristics of shooting a Mathews Z7 is no more relevant to what I do than that of a .300 Win. Mag. I could give a crap about how a bow compares to a compound device because quite simply they are incomparable.

Because of that there is no esoteric link.  I don't expect nor particularly desire to feel a kinship with "modern archery".  Be it in the realm of nature, hunting, or my historical past as an archer.

That's not elitist.  I am no better or worse.  I am just profoundly different.

[Altiman94]

I take nothing away from gun or compound hunters.  I have done both and it takes both skill and patience to hunt with any weapon.  There's nothing wrong with it, I just choose to use one string during the archery season.  

I do love shooting guns, especially my 1911, muzzleloader and my AR-15. I shoot all 3 of these very frequently and enjoy the rush of it.  

But you won't an AR-15 above my fireplace.  You will, however, find an old hawken muzzle loader and my trad bow.

[Friend]

Have you ever recieved acknowledgment for an achievement that you were merley a small contributor?

Have you failed to receive acknowledgement for an achievement that you were a major contributor?

With trad you are the major contibutor and need no acknowledement since you have the chance to fully experience the reward.

[Don Stokes]

For me it's just the simplicity. Stick, string, and arrow, and a commitment to develop the personal skill to use them effectively.

[Craig Schoneberg]

Originally posted by Winterhawk1960:
Traditional bows have a soul.......they are beautiful to look at, feel so good in your hand and if you miss......it isn't anyone's fault but your own.
There is just something in a traditional bow that speaks to you.......if you listen.

Winterhawk1960

Yep, that about says it all.
Craig

[bobman]

for me I am with Don Stokes the simplcity is what I like most. I've shot recurves and now a longbow for 48 years and never found any disavantages for hunting I actaully think they are an advantage over a compound while hunting.

IMO the only advantage of a compound is you can shoot a lot more arrow accurately because you dont need to concentrate with sights.

WHen bowhunting why add a lot of complexity and possible things that could go wrong? I did shoot a compound for a few years ( old bear alaskan) it was fast and accurate and I killed a lot of deer with it, but I found it boring to shoot. Gave it to a friend and he still uses it.

I think its a shame how so many kids today have bought into the marketing Hype and think they need all the gadgetry to be successful. How many times have you talked to a compounds Peep sight shooter that tells you how he missed a 12 yard shot yet he can put arrow after arrow into a target bullseye. You would think they would see that.

Gee I guess I should get off my soapbox!

Bob

[jcar315]

Lots of well put thoughts but I would echo CB that I feel like a real "hunter" with my Bear in my hand.

[Renaissance Man]

I love the romance of Trad equipment. the simplicity, the deadly effectiveness.
I love the quiet of the shot, that sensation you get when you loose, how you know it is on target the instant you let go.
I love to be with other bowhunters and watch their eyes when they ask to see this beautiful piece of wood and a string.
I am constantly amazed of the connection that is instant in their eyes when they pick it up and hold it in their hands. They are transformed to the world of Man, ancient to present, hunter gatherer's.
It is simple, yet in reality very complex and different for everyone.

[ScottV_7]

I think there is advantage to the trad bows at very close game.  Quicker to get a shot off when up close and personal.

[Autumnarcher]

Whhile  Ihunted many years with wheels, the constant adjusting, fixing and tuning just got old. Hunting with the longbow, I have the added challenges of trad hunting. I killed plenty of deer with wheels, and wanted more of a challenge.
In the process,I fell in love with archery all over again. It matters not to me what someone else hunts with, whats more important to me is their ethics and conduct afield.

Knowing the limitations of thier gear, taking responsible shots, and proper follow up of those shots is what matters. Unfortunately, as some have said, the wheel crowd so often are fixated on only the kill. It is the sole measure of the hunt to them. Which is sad.

I know plenty of wheelie bow hunters whos ethics are top notch, and their love of the hunt is right there too. But for me, the quiet simplicity and romance of a longbow and a wood arrow, tipped with a broadhead I sharpen myself is what I prefer.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Although I love and study our archery history, I don't get too hung up on the romance part. To me, its just so darned obvious that a recurve or longbow is a better hunting weapon than a heavy compound with a bunch of stuff bolted on.

A bow shouldn't have wheels or a gunstock.

[metsastaja]

Pennsyltuckey makes my bows and we hunt together

[Covey]

Traditional gear has changed my way of thinking, it has made me more intune with nature, and has made me enjoy more of what GOD has created. I would say the simplicity of it is what attracts me the most. I feel I never hunted until I picked up the recurve. I would not have it any other way!! Jason

[Last of the Breed]

"Here we have a weapon of beauty and romance. He who shoots with a bow , puts his life's energy into it. The force behind the flying shaft must be placed there by the archer. He must approach within striking distance. And when he speeds his low whispering shaft and strikes his game ,he has won by strength of arm and nerve. It is a noble sport".
Saxton Pope