Charlie, np on the Glenn St Charles..also who knows why we have our own little place...heck I dont care what ya shoot (stated that before!) I also learn as much here as I do there, although it would be nice to see the equipment posts in there perspective boards (techinical stuff on the tech board and trad stuff on the trad boards)
No the equipment doesnt make a person more or less ethical, to heck if I can figure where ya got that one from......
I hear ya Pa...the human error factor sucks LOL! but if thats the only case, then why not crossbows? It really doesnt answer the question of what is really considered bowhunting and where to do you draw the line between advancements taking away from the sport of bowhunting and archery (sorry using crossbows as an example here but it could just about be anything)and turn it more into cross bow hunting? There is still human error. Heck if the drawing whent he animal is around they can make it where there is no loaded crossbows unless and animals is around making it so you must cock the sucker 15ft of up tree, load it, then try and shoot, if thats what you consider bowhunting, drawing when the animal is near. I still dont buy all the gizmos. I do understand having many different things to some extent to find one that fits you, be it releases, rests, strings, silencers, what ever.
Longbowman..I cant agree more when it comes to the proficency. Here is one for your to ponder though. Those shots on the 3d courses....it is hunting practice aint it (well thats why I go, to heck with winning or loosing or what standings I come in). First, do you practice your strengths or weaknesses? Second, max effective range and taking only high % shots...there are more then a few shots at the local 3d shoots I sure as heck wouldnt take at something with hide or hair on it, shot angles, to far distances, overhanging branches what ever..some of those shots are just down right nutz but they sure are fun to PRACTICE ON and have a good time...and you dang right I miss a few of them LOL! I am sure though you have noticed the trad stakes are a little different set up then the wheel stakes, in MOST cases from what I have been to in the lower 48 and Ak.
hey Buckmagnet..ya ever try preditor hunting...oh wait, thats a big flood light..heck whats the difference <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>!
you see here, I dont disagree that technology isnt a bad thing! Not one bit! But I do see it going to far....POSSIBLY in the future! It really has redifined the term archery and the term bowhunting. To me who cares right, that is why I choose the weapon I do...what about those that dont. Those non hunters...I cant honestly vouch for them because one of them I am not, but think about it. They see you as Rambo running with your exploding heads, then all of a sudden a proposal to your fish and game dept comes up to can bowhunting...its must more fuel for the fire (image issues, thought there was a post on that not long ago also). I am not saying laser everything isnt bad, heck some folks cant hit the dang ground they walk on with a 5ft stabalizer! I do understand that..not everyone has the god given talent or desire to be good that the rest of us do....what chaps my ARSE is when folks lump us trad folks in to that poke and hope, wounding kaotic, basically lack of respect to the animal, groups! Sorry man this fella aint one of them and I know many many others who are good at what they do also! I also try and not get serious pushin trad on anyone..I do however poke at my friends for shooting wheels as much or less then they poke at me for my purdy arrows and stickbows!
Not to mention taking scores. They prove only that you are proficent on a stinking target range...what does that prove! Not a damn thing. I know many BOWHUNTERS both trad and wheelie folks who cant hit the broadside of a barn when critters get near, heck some of them cant even draw there dang bows at the moment of truth! Ya wanna see a good laugh, watch that one once, you both will be laughing so hard you'll dang near die from it! I also dont believe in the theory that "I cant shoot good on tragets (be it 3d or paper) and I am robin hood on animals"! Thats a bunch of BS imo! They may not be good at it but they sure as heck dont hit them in the hindquarters, then miss, then graze the neck, then pokem in the belly! Sorry charlie, I dont by that one!
last but not least, Charlie, that last statement, shooting taking away from us being a hunter. Quite frankly I dont think it matters where or what you are doing to better yourself if its proficency, stalking, learning critters, what ever, you are and will always add to your basket of tricks on becoming a better hunter. I think trad folks enjoy shooting more though, thats more of the reason I practice almost every day be it in the house or in the range. Just to pull my bow back a couple times and zing an arrow across the living room and watch the cat go mach 5 to the bed room always causes a snicker (sorry bad humor <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>!). Seriously though I do believe that. Where wheelie folks become more complacent. I mean in all reality, why practice when you can shoot circles around everyone else right? Plus I learn quite a bit at the range, sometimes even about critters as they come strolling by once in awhile be it sandhills, ducks, owls, moose, fox, whatever, not to mention talking and listening to the storys of the other folks at the range. So imo I cant say spending more time at a range becoming proficent with your weapon makes you (or gives anyone else) added or lack of advantages/disadvantages..its all about practicing weakness's. The moment of truth is when your strengths come out, atleast for me!
Edited by - Lilhunter on 01/21/2002 19:51:22