technology has made compound hunting ridiculously easy compared to the equipment I started with 20 years ago

what will be in the future ? 400 fps, 2 pound compound, 99% letoff the norm, technology will continue to make bowhunting less of a short range challenge and more into a long range shoot out that removes much of what bowhunting is

I think everyone is right about how technology will continue to provide opportunity for an "easier" hunt; longer range, higher let off, etc. But just because you can do something, that doesn't mean you have to do it.

I started bowhunting in part because I found that shooting deer with a rifle was too easy, there wasn't enough of a challenge for me, nothing against those who do. Just because I'll be able to buy a bow that can shoot an arrow half a mile like a laser, that doesn't mean I will.

I think that there will always be hunters that enjoy the challenge enough to create a niche in the market for the current level (or below) of bows, like the traditional bows today. My .02.

I'm with Hunting Ed,

I used to hunt worthless stands, didn't spend the time to do things myself, just sat in the same burned out stands in the same old area. Now I have a new place to hunt, lots of different stands for different situations and just do a lot more prep work.

HuntingBry,

You sound a little elitist yourself. I get your point though. All of the hunting catalogs now are like half archery. In the past, when I didn't bowhunt, I would skip the 2 pages devoted to archery in the catalog. There is some truth to the fact that it is becoming the "cool" way to hunt, but I still think for the majority of the new hunters out there it is not the reason they took up bowhunting.

If you met me casually you might think that I picked up bowhunting b/c its trendy or whatever, but that is wrong. I did it because I grew up shooting a bow for fun (not deer hunting), its exciting, I get a whole lot more deer season (an extra month and 1/2), my dad has done it successfully and I get to hunt with him. I don't think a lot of new guys are getting in as a fad (although some are and they probably will quit doing it after a couple of unsuccessful seasons). The better technology and the long bow seasons are mostly pushing it and what is causing some of the problems. It is easier now to shoot a consistent, fast and quiet bow. Some guys are bowhunting that probably shouldn't (no practice) b/c they like to hunt and it gives them another month in the woods.

I know I'm only 28 but I've been archery hunting for the last 16 years and have seen my share of changes as well. Most of which have been already stated in overdraws, copper pins and lincoln log arrows. I think some of the biggest changes will occur not in the equipment but in the land we hunt. I think as the population grows there will be less and less private land to hunt thus forcing hunters onto public land. This will then result in a need for signup sheets as to the date and time you plan on being there in order to prevent over crowding. I don't see this happening in the next 10 years but I bet that before I die it will come to this. At least here in south central Pa.

As far as technology making it easier such as longer shots I think it's all relative. 16 years ago everyone was happy with a nice group at 20 yards and most wouldn't take a shot in the woods over 30. Today, a lot of people I talk to won't take a shot over 40. 15 years from now I'm sure the magic number will be 50. The problem is that at least where I hunt there is literally only one lane I can see 40 yards so even if I could shoot 1" groups at 100 yards it wouldn't make a difference. Besides, I first have to find the deer, then set up the correct stand, then be in the proper position to even draw my bow and finally actually draw it all the while remaining undetected. Pulling the trigger or releasing the string is probably the easiest part of getting a deer when you think about it. Thus, making bows shoot farther actually only improves the easiest part of the hunt leaving 85% of the challenge unchanged. This is just my 2 cents.