ORIGINAL: Straightarrow
I must add before we start beating down the 3-d guys and especially the competitive type that enjoy taking the 3-d course to another level that we remember,ATLEAST THEY ARE SHOOTING.
It's not the guys I'm trying to beat down (at least most of them). It's the format. Anything that encourages hunters to participate with speed bows shooting light arrows, is something I don't like. I shoot 3-d all the time myself, but I'm out there with my hunting setup - 650 gr arrows, 32" arrows out of a 29" draw, 5" helical feathers, great big fat pins, rubber things hangin everywhere and without a peep. The guys I go with do not just stand at the stake and shoot when ready. We make up shots, limit the time we take to shoot and challenge ourselves in ways the course doesn't. We've even entered a few tournaments doing the same thing. Didn't win anything but had a great time doing it. We also gain all the confidence we need when taking these same setups after game.
Guessing distances is fun and good practice, but hunters shouldn't have to guess. They should be prepared for most shots and know the distance. That all by itself is the biggest reason hunters choose speed bows. It's encouraged by the 3-d format and leaves hunters justifying them as a good hunting setup. Well, they may be okay, but they're far from ideal for most big-game hunting situations, in my opinion.
I personally feel there is room for everyone on the 3-d course because like I said earlier,atleast they are shooting.It isbetter thanbeing at home and shooting in the yard and a hell of alot better than sitting at home and not shooting,that was all I was trying to say.
Form is being developed regardless of what you do in 3-d.Good or bad but you are learning consistancy,or atleast that consistancy matters.
I have shot all that 3-d has offer.From recurve,toughman,night shoots,hunter class and making up my own stakes to full blown target rigs from as far back as I can get.I have even gone back beyond the fartheststakes.I have even shot a few of the 2-d stuff.
I have enjoyed it all and got better for it.I WISH I HAD STARTED AND LEARNED EARLIER.I didn't really start to learn proper form and mechanics untill right before I quit going to 3-d shoots.The last year I shot was my best ever and time and burn out got me.