Now, just imagine the thrill from taking that mature buck from 6 yards with a selfbow. You would have done something very few people will ever do. Again, I question, is it just about the kill or does the experience also count?
SA, again that's your thing not mine. When I try to consider the thrill involved with killing a bruiser with a selfbow my brain automatically purges the info places it in the recycle bin and places a speed buring Bowtech in my hand. That's what floats my boat. I derive my satisfaction from being embarrased to pull out my scrap book because I know people are going to think that I am bragging when I pull it out
I'm not sure where you think I'm trying to impose my standards. I'm doing no such thing. I'm just discussing an issue that has come up. Is there a limit to equipment advances that will change bowhunting into some other kind of hunting? Personally, I think there is and am voicing this concern, not trying to impose my standard. It seems many people in this thread cannot handle a discussion on this subject without getting defensive, and accusing people of being elitists, etc. It is my opinion that as kills are made at further distances, the character of bowhunting is changed and the upclose, personal hunting experience has been lost. Just like gunhunters shoot way before a deer ever gets close, bowhunters who can shoot effectively at 80 yards, will not wait until the deer is at 8 yards.
I just don't see why it makes you any difference if someone kills one at 6 or 60 so long as it doesn't affect you. I don't understand why someone would want to impose their standards on another or pass judgement on them.
Why would anyone bowhunt when they could use a more efficient weapon? I can think of two reasons. One would be to extend your hunting season, since bowhunters get a generous, separate season. Two, because it is a more personal, up close, hunting experience. In other words, a way of testing your ability to get real close to your quarry, because that is what this weapon requires. As the weapon evolves and changes, the closer it gets to eliminating reason number two. As the killing distance increases, the bowhunting experience decreases, in my opinion.
Hummmmm, It's kind or ironic that you would mention that especially considering some of the exploits of Fred Bear (whom many consider to be the father of modern bowhunting) that I have read. It seems like I read about Fred killing a Tiger at 100 yards etc. etc. Fred Bear consistently took the longest shots of any archer that I have ever heard of so if we go by your standards the sport has evolved in the opposite direction of what you are professing. So should I start steering newbies away from 70 lb long bows because Fred Bear didn't always try to get his game within 20 yards. I mean afterall anything past 6 yards is a perversion of the sport
Ol Fred must of been raping the sport in your eyes. I'm just trying to get people to be more open minded rather than imposing thier definintion of what archery is and isn't because I think it's different for everyone and because I do it X way doesn't make it right or wrong, just my way.