RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

Just like any hunting weapon, as long as the weapon is properly matched in power to the size of the quarry, the effectiveness of the tool is completely determined by the person using it. The wood bow and stone points are just as effective as any bow, as long as the person using it has developed the required skills to be proficient. Do you know that a freshly knappedobsidian broadhead is far sharper than a steel broadhead? It's edge is only 1 micron thick while a razor blade edgemight be as much as 20 microns.

The argument can be made and has been made by those who want bowhunting banned.

That holds just as true for rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, crossbows, spears, atlatlsand compounds as it does for traditional or primitive equipment.

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

True, Arthur, but the skills to master the primitive weapons far exceed the abilities of many men. I guess I should say, the willingness to devote the needed time. Any person can paint, but few are master painters. The skills to master traditional weapons (and, I mean truly master) requires a devotion of time that very few are willing to put forth. Any person with a free weekend here and there can become a pretty good shot with a shotgun or rifle. All who post here know the time required to become a very good shot with a bow. The traditional tools simply require a further devotion of time to become "pretty good" and a lifetime to master.

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

I'm glad I got into archery before compounds were invented, and young enough that nobody was telling me how it was too difficult and beyond my capabilities.;)

Most people who try traditional are almost shocked that they really can do it. Some can do the old 'poke and hope' type instinctive shooting, but others need to learn some type of barebow aiming system. Then they notice that they have a feeling of freedom with their shooting they didn't know existed. Being released from reliance on sights and mechanical aids really is enjoyable for newbies, and sometimes frustrating as well. But the frustration is usually cured by getting back to the basics of shooting form. Form is just as important for traditional equipment as it is for compounds.

Something I've noticed over the years is that people who enjoy doing something almost always seem to have the ability tofind time to devote to it. One reason there are so many traditional shooters now is,it's fun. Not to mention it adds a whole new dimension to their hunting. Just ask Matt / PA. :D

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

I know they were invented in the mid 60's, but when did they come into common use? I know I wasn't exposed to them until I was about 15 or 16. I agree. People who truly love the sport will devote the time, but in this rat race world we live in, most people get annoyed if they have to leave a voice mail! Maybe that is what I like so much about hunting.

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

Also keep in mind that the situation could also dictate the "most effective tools available".

For instance, I have in the past used a compound on deer before returning exclusively back to traditional. There have been situations where I have said, " I wish I would have had my Longbow". Now granted I'm sure I can shoot my compound more accurate even after not touching it for years if I am aloud the time needed before the shot and I could stand in a proper stance. But from my hunting experience, thethese opportunities are rather rare. When I hunted with the compound, I often felt rushed to get the shot off. Not so at all with the Longbow or recurve. FWIW, I'm sure I can get a shot off much more accurately with the Longbow or recurve when I only have a second to shoot, I can also shoot it hunched over, canted, vertical, reverse canted, kneeling, sitting, (you get the idea). And I sure wouldn't want to take a compound out pheasant hunting. ;)

Yup, just have to get a little less sleep.:DThat's how I do it anyway.;)

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

I agree with the original thread pre highjacking. I will take up traditional equipment in the near future. I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about it in the past year or two. It is just something I feel i have to try.

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

damn you're old fart:D

I think saying it's beyone one capabilties is not true. Like any craft all it takes is time and dedication. That is what I respect about tradition hunters.

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

C'pounds were patented in '68, Gundeck, but didn't really startbeing seen muchuntilseveral years later. There was quite a fight about getting them legalized for bowhunting seasons.I was among the 'purists' who wasagainst them, so I refused to even touch one until I finally gave in, in '79. I've had a lot of good times and won many tournaments with compounds, but still did most of my hunting with traditional bows. Sometimes I regret ever having picked up a compound, but the fit usually passes pretty quickly. [8D]

Old fart, Germ? Moi?? :D

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

The bug bit, and will continue to feed on you till you do. May as well give in now. Trust me. ;)

RE: The way the indians did it - Bowhunting
 

LOL