ORIGINAL: GregH
ORIGINAL: huntingson
Since the question was "What makes a great bowhunter" and not "what makes a bowhunter successful" I would say that the taking of animals has to be in the equation somewhere. I think a bowhunter can be successful without being great.
To be great, one would have to have intimate knowledge of the prey, and be able to apply that knowledge to overcome the games superior senses with the end result being the taking of the animal. One can be a great hunter without a record book animal, but I think they have to routinely take animals where others fail. The kind of hunter that makes others think they must be cheating to get the results they do... those are great bowhunters.
To be a successful bowhunter...well, those are the intangibles.
I agree with huntingson, a great hunter kills animals. Anybody ever heard of a great hunter that didn't get anything?
To me, a great hunter consistantly kills animals that are the best in his or her hunting areas. He will also shoot does and try to keep the herd in balance. I also don't believe that passing on the sport to future generations is part of what makes a great hunter. That comes from being a great sportsman and a great person. I know a couple of great hunters that are almost complete hermits. They don't pass anything on to anybody, but they are still great hunters. Again, a great hunter is one who consistantly takes the best animals in their spot, where others fail in the same spots. One who stands above the rest.
I have to agree with you Greg and huntingson. Well said.