Should Be Required Reading

[Hatrick]

Quite often I see posts about the best broadhead, best arrow, best bow, minimum bow weight questions, etc., etc. Many times from newer bowhunters not sure of themselves, or from older bowhunters that just want reassurance that what they're using is "OK", or some that just want to discuss the latest and greatest. I know, I've been in many of these discussions myself. All fun, interesting, and make for enjoyable banter.

I was re-reading my Dec/Jan issue of TBM at lunch today and there's an article in there from E. Donnall Thomas Jr. on page 59 that really hits the mark. It's titled "The Ashby Data: A Perspective." It's only one page long. I just happen to think it is an outstanding article written from the point of view of someone well respected, and someone who's been there, done that.

When all the technical numbers of our equipment specs get jumbled around and scrutinized over and over again, in the end, this article puts it all into "perspective."

Excellent job Mr. Thomas.

[Ceb]

I also thought when I read that how just on the mark he was. A good read.

[David Mitchell]

Agreed, Don was spot on.

[Jack Whitmire Jr]

I also agree , just read it on the chair in the restroom the other day. Spot on!

[Kevin L.]

Yep. Really distills down all that data from the good Doc.

[buejeger]

Very good article....

[coaster500]

Can you give us an idea what the jest of the article was. I don't have access to the Dec/Jan issue of TBM.
I just found the web site TBM

Than You

[buejeger]

In a nut shell that Ashbys work is a great resource for us bowhunters, but even though we have built great arrows we still need to put them in the right place. Practice makes perfect.

That good equipment can't compensate for poor shooting.

Thats how I read it.

Nathan

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

I agree. It was an excellent piece.

[coaster500]

Thank you, I agree 100%

[Al Kidner]

Anything from the good Doc is always well thought through and well written. I'm yet to read that issue as I'm not home yet but I always look forward to a new TBM.


ak.

[Mike Bolin]

I agree.............excellent piece. After seeing this thread I got it out and re-read it. Mike

[Ray Hammond]

great shooting and unmatched equipment won't work either- great bowhunting requires the elimination of all errors- equipment and technique - added to great woodsmanship.

[House]

I love most of what Don writes...and this was no exception.  Article hit the nail right on the head

Travis

[Biggie Hoffman]

In all the years I've known Don we've only ever disagreed on one issue. I have more disagreements than that with Jill!

I have the utmost respect for the man and read everything he writes. I've bought magazines off the shelf because his name is on the cover.

Besides the content, I think he's one of the most prolific writers we may ever have.

[George D. Stout]

Well, Don Thomas has something that is lacking in a lot of writers.....and many others today, and that is common sense.  If one just thinks about the sport and its history, it makes perfect sense.  Yet today, many folks entering the sport have no clue about its history, nor do they care about anything that hasn't happened in their lifetime.  Life pretty much started at their birth, so they are quite gullible to the Billy Mays-style sales pitch.   Good to have Don around, and good to have a message board like TBM for him to respond.

[sou-pawbowhunter]

Well said George.

Dr. Ashby has given us some wonderful insight into arrow performance, however, his data does not obviate the need to do all the other hard work involved with our pursuits.

[hayslope]

Doc Don always writes great articles.  I look forward to each new issue to see what he has to offer.

I have to thank Dr. Don for clearing up some of the technicalities. I have tried to read the Ashby stuff and I experience a short circuit in my brain every time.

[lt-m-grow]

Al,  the article is from -last- Dec.    So I hope you get home safe, but the article will not be there unless you have back issues lying about.