Traditional or Semi-Traditional

[First Up]

I am interested to what point do most "traditional" archers use traditional gear. For instance, is using a modern rangefinder while hunting considered incorrect from a traditional point of view? For myself, I practice nearly every day and participate in 3D shoots to hone my hunting skills. Estimating distance is a skill that is just as important as shooting with perfect form and release.I am satisfied with myself as far as estimating distance correctly, but, I feel that for ethical reasons that a good rangefinder may be a consideration. Shooting a longbow with wood arrows and a modern rangefinder seems a little odd, kind of "semi-traditional" to me. I would like to hear other archers opinions on the extent to which they use modern equipment while shooting "traditionally".

[South MS Bowhunter]

Unless your Gapping/POA and know impact points for all yardages don't know if the range finder will do much more than your own built-in model will do  

[Blackhawk]

I think you should use whatever YOU believe is right for YOU.  As long as it's legal and you believe it to be ethical, what someone thinks should not be of any significance to you.  

Yes, there are the few of the "trad police" around but they have no real authority as far as I know.  Go ahead and use that rangefinder...and enjoy the hunt.

[huntnmuleys]

I don't care if you use a range finder or not. heck I don't care about most things like that. personally I hunt for me, hopefully most do the same for themselves!

[Gen273]

Originally posted by huntnmuleys:
I don't care if you use a range finder or not. heck I don't care about most things like that. personally I hunt for me, hopefully most do the same for themselves!

X2

[JoeM]

If it helps use it, who cares about being one way or the other.  People draw different lines in the sand some say only wood arrows and self bows, some say carbon and laminated fiberglass bows.  Draw your own line and be comfortable with it.  Joe

[4 point]

If it gives you the confidence to make a clean shot on game definitely use it. I see a lot of posts along these lines on archery websites asking if things are acceptable. We are all individuals and different things work for different people.

[Stumpkiller]

"Traditional" is something passed down througn generations.  If your grandfather used a rangefinder and showed you how to use it then it is in your tradition.

[Pheonixarcher]

Someone can always start a new tradition! Personally, shooting instinctive, I see no need for one, but if you like to know yardage or distance of the shot before you drop the string, then go right ahead. I shoot a long bow, from the ground mostly, but I still use a climber if I can't find a suitable ground location or have previously hung a stand. I appreciate wood arrows, but mostly shoot carbons. To each their own! And don't let anyone tell you differently. Each of us do what we do different ways, and for different reasons. That's part of what makes hunting so enjoyable for so many of us... Aside from game laws and regulations, there is no one that can tell us how we have to do anything. Have fun. Enjoy the great outdoors any way you please, and pass it on to the next generation.

[tradarcher816]

Originally posted by South MS Bowhunter:
Unless your Gapping/POA and know impact points for all yardages don't know if the range finder will do much more than your own built-in model will do      

X2

Hunt how you see fit and have a good time.

[Precurve]

I agree with every response above.  In my opinion, as long as you draw the bow back with your own power and there isn't some mechanical device that reduces the draw weight then you're Traditional enough for me.  Beyond that one restriction I don't care what you do or what equipment you use to enhance your personal experience.

[hybridbow hunter]

It s a good learning tool. Then after the learning curve completed you will understand  there Is only 2 hunting distance: close enough and too far  :D

[TSP]

The concept of traditional sadly seems to have become a thing of the past in archery these days (excuse the pun).  Most folks are not very understanding, accepting or forgiving of that mindset anymore, so best not to bring up such things.  But, I appreciate your concern.

[Altiman94]

I feel as long as you are shooting a traditional bow (no cams or sights), you are hunting the traditional way.  Using a range finder or trail cam still doesn't make the shot itself any easier!

[Sam McMichael]

To me traditional archery in its strictest sense means a non-compound bow. That is, a recurve or longbow. A lot of people figure sights, range finders and a lot of other equipment in the mix, but I don't. Remember, you see some vintage traditional bows that were manufactured with sights. However, I would advise anybody just now getting into trad to be aware that many traditional 3D shoots do have specific restrictions.

[longbow fanatic 1]

I say to each his own. If someone wants to use a rangefinder, tree stands, Scent-Loc clothing, aluminum arrow, or not, that is fine by me. I don't think it makes another hunter less traditional. Each of us should make our own decisions about the equipment to be used and the hunting methods to be employed. We are all using stick & string and that's what binds us together.

[Tajue17]

one of my self bows I use carbon arrows,,, but it all comes down to "Me vs Them" and so what I want to use I use,,, so whatever works for you should be fine by you and that's all that should count in this sport.

I think when you fall into the category of "Primitive" it may become a bit more strict because you naturally want it to be done the old way and that's nothing modern really but there's exceptions there too with people like me who still does what he wants when shooting primitive.

[Easykeeper]

Originally posted by Blackhawk:
I think you should use whatever YOU believe is right for YOU.  As long as it's legal and you believe it to be ethical, what someone thinks should not be of any significance to you.  

Yes, there are the few of the "trad police" around but they have no real authority as far as I know.  Go ahead and use that rangefinder...and enjoy the hunt.

I agree completely.

[Bob Baur]

It seems like Traditional is anyone more primitive than you. that said use what makes you confident & stick with it. You will add & lose gear as your experience & tastes/needs change.

 

Originally posted by hybridbow hunter:
you will understand  there Is only 2 hunting distance: close enough and too far   :D  

I got a chuckle off this but truer words have never been said.

[nineworlds9]

Tony Camera couldn't have titled his book any better with "Shooting the Stickbow"...naming it "Shooting the Traditional Bow" would have left WAY too much open to opinion.  That's how it ought to be with hunting, it's a free country after all.  Stick and string, and what ever floats your boat.  Me personally, I don't care for sights or gadgets etc, but who am I to say you or someone else shouldn't be allowed to use them?