How do you feel about using so called "collectors bows" to hunt with?

[mgompf]

I have been looking at adding some more older bear bows to my collection and it got me to thinking...what would Fred think about all these bows being collected  but not used?

I know I have a hard time buying a bow if I don't think I am going to hunt with it (at least sometimes).
My hunting bow this year is a Bear A handle takedown.

I think bows are made to be used & not hung up or put away to collect dust.

Not looking to start a debate just wondering if others feel the same way.

[Bjorn]

I have used my 1959 Kodiaks numerous times with arrows that match-lots of mojo in those old bows.

[Ragnarok Forge]

No such thing as a collector bow in my house.  Each bow was meant to be shot and hunted with.  For me not shooting those bows would be like parking a Ferrari in the garage and never driving it, or having a gorgeous wife and never touching her.  Just ain't gonna happen.

[reddogge]

I think he would be flattered people still desire them.  I have so many old Bears and other brand bows it's impossible to get every one out to hunt but in the course of a year they all get shot either in the backyard or 3-D.

[cacciatore]

Like reddogge,I dream to kill something with every single one but the season has less days than I have bows.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

If I buy a bow it will be shot. If I want a wall hanger... I'll just make one for the wall.

[ksbowman]

Bows can only be enjoyed to the fullest by being shot. This is exactly what the bowyer had in mind when he made it.

[FerretWYO]

Originally posted by cacciatore:
Like reddogge,I dream to kill something with every single one but the season has less days than I have bows.

It would take many many seasons for you to do that my friend and as fast as you find those sweet bows I dont think you will catch up  

[BobW]

In my opinion, there is no reason to own it if it isn't going to be used....

[Danny Rowan]

Hunt with my 1960 Kodiak all the time, they were made to shoot and hunt with.

[Tree Rat]

I deal with collectibles in many different areas.

My philosophy is if it is collector grade trade it off to a collector for a user (in this case shooter) version.

If it really rare then it becomes collector cash or trade fodder. Can't see risking a rarity for my pleasure.

If it's not super clean or rare then it's going to get used.

[David Mitchell]

Fred would want them used for the intended purpose.

[AZ_Shooter]

I am of the opinion that a bow is a tool, and tools are meant to be used AND taken care of.  I liken it to the tools I have from my grandfather, which are collectible to me, but I use them every chance that I get.

[Mitch-In-NJ]

Unless you are buying them as an investment, shoot them.  That's what they were made for.

[hayslope]

As a matter-of-fact........I feel pretty darn good about using one to hunt with!

Like what's been said before......."that's what they were made for"

[SELFBOW19953]

Generally speaking, I agree, if you got it shoot it.  But, if you have a rare, new in box, or unshot bow that is in perfect condition (not a refinished one), to me at least, that bow may be worthy of just displaying.

[Brian Krebs]

If it is a rare bow- then I think it should be kept as a collectors item; and not shot.

I wanted to collect Bear bows; and got a hold of a Nels made Bear bow- and went to look for others.
I found out a guy at the club I shot at collected them. Well- he did; and his comment to me about them- ' they are lousy bows- they break all the time- I bet I have gone through 50 of them'.

OK how many bows did he break? How many were built?

If you draw 26 or 27 inches the effect on a collectors bow is going to be different than the effect of my draw of 30 inches on an old bow.
That part of the argument is important.

Fred Bear is not producing bows anymore; the ones we see and shoot are the last ones on the planet; and to take an old collectors bow and shoot it - seems like a stupid waste to me.

Some of the newer fiberglass bows might stand up to use; but self bows are probably not going to reflect the arrow shot that they did when they were made.
So I look at it like greed. I can buy it; and break it and so I will.

Somewhere there are artists that would love to take a Monet and paint a picture of the cross dipped in urine over Monet's  work. If they own the Monet- they can do what they want.

It does not make it right.

[Brently]

I use my 56 Kodiak all the time cause it is my favorite bow.  I don't see having a tool you are not going to use.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Bows are made to use.  Only if they are unusable anymore do they get fully retired otherwise they have no use in my house.

[59Alaskan]

My goal is to hunt all of them that I own, but I fear I  already own too many for that to be practical.  

I shoot every bow I own, but I also have a high level of respect for those that can preserve the unshot relic.  That's just not me though, so I don't buy them.