HuntingNet.com Forums - The Evolution of Bowhunting

I bought my 1st GOOD recurve (64", 45# Eddings Cadet)in 1956 at age 14 & in 1958 killed my 1st Deer with it & a 4 fletched wood arrow I made myself tipped with a MA3 blade. 35 yardshot, double lung & went 30 yds. Pic isn't that great but notice my bowquiver AND CAMO....
I managed to take 38 Biggame animals (fingers-no sights) with recurves, wood, forgewood & Micro-flite fiberglass arrows b/4 getting my 1st aluminum "GAMEGETTERS. I have lived "THE" dream all these years & adapted to all the changes.
I remember Pete Sheply (PSE) & his STAFF shooting in COBO HALL (1968 I think) & everyone saying ARCHERY was doomed-ledge releases & Plastic Vanes were NOT GOOD for Archery. I was there with the same & managed about a 290 average. That is when the PAA (Professional Archery Assn.) made it's split & own set of rules for their pros. Stick bows-finges only ect.... I remember NEVER seeing another Bowhunter unless they had come with me. I remember when ANY Deer was hard earned. I remember my brother & I standing for HOURS in the crothch of a tree because it was better than being on the ground. I remember how hard it was for me to switch to a compound in the mid 70s. It was a great 20 % letoff & a Jennings. Yes, My brother has a autograph of Chuck Adams & a big Bear BUT I have "rubbed" elbows with several of those "famous" Bowhunting personalities. They are no different than us-they just travel Bowhunting everywhere & probably make more money.
I REMEMBER more than most Archers, Bowhunters will ever know.
Not because I am smarter-just that back then, YOU EDUCATED YOURSELF-there was little information available as there is today & of course-the modern tackle DOES give the average shooter an advantage.
I remember how I struggled to shoot a 20 yd. 300 with the 3" SPOT (FORGET Xs).
Several 299s with fingers but NEVER a 300. Now, I have had many 300s with LOTs of Xs. My tackle made the difference. Oh, I did own 2 Archey Shops/Lanes from 1965 to 80, so I got to shoot LOT's.
Archery & Bowhunting will continue to change & we will all adapt as they say.
"I AM GLAD"I got to experience those early years-I think they "WERE" the best.
We all go Bowhunting but to some theREAL experience has & is lost,,,
BIG ANTLERS don't make a better hunter.
I am starting my 52nd year of Bowhunting Biggame (yep I "AM" OLD-in 1967 I was 26 & had served in the Navy/Marines 5 years).
I am headed outMonday to meet up with a group of so called Bowhunters (friends) from several states & a few days of Hog Bowhunting.I already know the Best part of the trip will be seeing them all again.
Oh, I will have my Darton Compound with sight, Vaned Easton Aluminums, Rocky Mountain 3 Blades & wrist release BUT just in case I get a hog right away I am taking an old 60# Carroll takedown recurve I just put a NEW string on.A few practise shots barebow & bare fingered at 20 yds tells ME I may give it a go for 39 with a recurve.

IF ANY OF YOU get to enjoy HALF of what I have Bowhunting you will travel a great fun filled journey....Good Luck to you all.
It's the friends you make along the journey that you will enjoy the most....

If you don't beleive me-when you killed your last animal (if you have) what was the FIRST THING you wanted to do after? TELL SOMEONE & it was probably the one you consider your "BEST FRIEND"..

Sorry for such a long post......