RE: Experience VS shot selection
One of the questions that popped up in my thread "Weird deer" was the ethics police. It seems that no matter what you do, there will always be someone who will criticize your choices. And it doesn't matter how much experience you have.
I did like the posts by John Deer and atlasman. They covered a spectrum of items to consider. One thing that hasn't really been covered yet is equipment. How well is the equipment tuned? How does the equipment fit the shooter? Is the equipment a properly matched set for the application? How does the shooter really practice with the equipment?
Let's cover a few of these questions. I'm a big believer in the bow/arrows being tuned to the point where the FTs and BHs hit in the same spot. It is MY belief that this produces the most efficient weapon. Many bandaid the problem by the use of mechanical BHs. BTW, I use both fixed and mechanical BHs and right now there are both in my quiver. The reason I use both is because I'm constantly testing all types of BHs.
On a daily basis I see hunters who are set up with too long a DL. I have a way to show those willing to listen how that affects their performance/confidence. Many believe that target shooting and hunting require the same set of standards. That is not true. Hunting set-ups have more limitations due to the conditions to which hunters are subjected. There are other 'fit' requirements but they are not quite as pronounced as the DL problem. BTW, the DL problem can be amplified by the choice of manufacturer that is chosen.
Matching the equipment to the game can be another problem. Shot placement becomes more critical if lesser equipment is used. For instance, like it or not, KE can help or hurt. Low KE after bigger game is not as good as higher KE. I had one customer (I didn't fit him)who used a 2" cut mechanical BH with 47# DWon a bull elk. Needless to say, he came home very disappointed when a wounded animal walked away. This type of poor choice of equipment is what has made most big game guides disallow the use of mechanical BHs.
A hunter should practice the way he hunts. Full hunting gear/clothing, treestand shooting if he/she uses one, bending and twisting during the shot, and something I do to add confidence - rapid shooting. Too many stand on level ground two weeks before the season starts, in short sleeve shirts, and shoot at paper.
I would like to think that the 'experienced' hunter would take the extra effort to prepare for what he/she will find in the field. I would also like to think that any hunter not really think that experience gives him/her any more latitude; but, that experience at the moment of truth will dictate whether or not to take the shot.
Shot selection is the best shot you've got under the circumstances. The question I ask myself in a split second, based on my experience, is whether or not the percentages are high enough for me to pull the trigger. The ethics of the shot is something that only you can determine and something that you mayhave to live with the rest of your life.
I know this deviated a little, but the equipment subject is something that is dear to my heart. Too often I see poor equipment used no matter what isthe experience of the shooteror shot placement capabilities.[:@]