ORIGINAL: jackflap
The problem with all this (and the reason why these threadsend up going south) is human nature. Yep the indelible need for folks to feel that their weapon of choice somehow automatically gives them a "leg up" on their fellow hunters. It usually coincides with the perceived skill level needed to utilize the particular weaponand there you have it...the prime environment for elitism to fester.
BigJ71,
While I understand your point and agree with 95% of your post, I find some difference in opinion in regard to the above paragraph.
This perceived "elitism" is a two way street and in many cases it is those who shoot a more "technically advantaged" weapon who can't face reality, and try to turn this "reality" into some type of "elitist attitude" of those who use other weapons and just state facts.
I have already stated that I am not proficient enough to use a recurve,and I have no problem in admitting that.
What is this "reality" that I am referring to?
A rifle with a scope provides more shot opportunities than one without.
An open sighted rifle provides more shot opportunities than a muzzleloader.
A muzzleloader provides more shot opportunities than a compound bow.
A compound bow provides more shot opportunities than a recurve.
If one "chooses" not to use his weapon of choice to its full potential, that is okay and that is his "choice", but it is a choice, whereas if he is hunting with a lesser weapon, his choices are more limited.
I don't care what weapon one chooses to use or how they enjoy hunting, but facts are facts.
If believing the above makes me an "elitist", then so be it, butI must not be a very good one since I can'tmove up the chain beyondthe compound.
Jackflap,
I have no problem with what you wrote and I agree (for the most part) with it. Believing your choices are limited with the lesser weapon is not being an elitist. It's looking down on those who don't use the same weapon you do and "assuming" that just because you use a certain weapon makes you, by default a better hunter or a more avid hunter is where the elitism is formed. Whether it be trad hunters belittling compound hunters or compound hunters belittling gun hunters through their actions or words. It's an attempt to prove that since their form of hunting is perceived harder, they must love it more or are better hunters because of it.....that's elitism.
I guess if I hunted with lots of weapons....I wouldn't think the weapon defined the hunter, either. Makes sense.
But...I have no problems withbeing labeled a"bowhunter". It DOES define me as a hunter (how I hunt). I was also looking at it a little (or a lot....don't know) more philosophically than some it seems.
GMMAT,
This is where my train of thought differs,I don't look at my self as a "bow hunter" even though I probably spend more time in the woods hunting with a bow in my hand than any other weapon. mainly due to the generous season here in Illinois. I do however take time during the bow season to hunt Upland Birds, Ducks, Coyotes, Fox, etc...
I just don't see my self as a bow hunter, it's way too constrictive, It's too narrow a moniker, in fact I don't like any moniker attached to me other than just plain old "hunter" because that's what I am....that's what we ALL are. The sooner we drop the "labels" the better off we all will be.
I look at it this way..... The bow hunting forum should not be where "bow hunters" go to talk about hunting rather is should be where "hunters" go to talk about hunting with a bow.
Same thing can be said for all the other forms as well. I will always considered myself a hunter......no other labels need be applied.