Originally Posted by
1874sharpsshooter
Since rifle or muzzleloader season is so far off I look at bowhunting to hold me over
I picked up a copy of Bow and Arrow Hunting a couple weeks ago. There was an article in the question and answer page at the front of the magazine. It was written by Joe Bell.
It was on Bow Advice but I think it applies to many other things , not just bow hunting. I especially believe it is true for Blackpowder also.
I will give a short summary of it. It is titled
5 bowhunting no no's.
lets pretend it's
5 blackpowder hunting no no's
I will list the 5 things in reverse order.
Number 5- Outward motivation:if you hunt for personal gain instead of enjoyment you are doing it wrong.
Number 4 - Neglecting Scouting time. Scouting is more important than hunting.
Number 3- Rushing a shot. Rushing anything will make you more susceptible to error.
Number 2 - Old for new. This fault means getting rid of old hunting gear because the indusrty's marketing power is telling you to do so. Use what works best regardless of how old it is.
and
Number 1 Buying cheap- Enthusiasts are obsessed with buying the lowest priced anything, from arrows to guided hunts. The problem is "cheaply priced" usually means just that-cheap- and often times second rate,
of course he elaborates a lot more on each one but this is the gist of the article. I think there is a lot of truth in what he says, whether it's bow hunting or blackpowder hunting.
Shooter I couldn't agree more. I hunt for the pure joy and relaxation it gives me. I don't or couldn't care less what other people think.
Scouting is done about 10 months out of the year. I've had my cameras out for months now and have been going for walks looking for sign.
Rushing the shot? There is a fine line between rushing the shot and shooting at the first opportunity. Especially in the thick cover I hunt. I always take the first ethical shot opportunity I have. If I don't I just may not get another chance.
Old vs new: The way advertisers promote a product these day it makes the unsecure feel they absolutely need to have this or that. If you bought everything they said you needed you would NEED that big electric UTV and a trailer to get everything to your hunting location??? Sometimes I just like to keep it simple: a sandwich, bottle of water, candy bar or apple, gun, bullets, knife, and a piece of rope in case I get lucky. And I have a great time.
Buying cheap - as opposed to getting a bargain. I always check ebay first. A lot of times I can buy what I want a a much cheaper cost than buying at a local shop. I always said the you should get the best equipment that your buget will allow. However, I don't see the need regardless of how much you make to spend $600+ for a rifle scope. IMO this is a waste of money.