RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Ok I have skimmed through the thread.

Hunt and be happy!!!

I went duck hunting once, I waited for the duck to land on the river and then I shot it. I was told one could not do kill a duck sitting on the pond. It was not "sporting".

We have become way to much "challenge" envy in hunting. I shot mine on Public, my location sucks, it's all about location. I don't care, just be happy:)

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I am a hunter at heart, pure and simple. I have killedbig gamewith rifles, pistols, shotguns, black powder, andcompounds. I am equal opportunity, I love them all.Some days I feel like one, some days like the other. The common thread which ties it all for me is hunting.

If I had to pick between them I would leave them all for the rifle. I have had a rifle in my hand my whole life, and the beauty and efficiency of a well tuned rifle speak to my soul. It becomes a part of me which moves without thought, and does my bidding without being asked, nearly of it's own free will. It will always be my go-to when things get tough. It doesn't mean it is better or worse than anything else, just that it is the weapon theat speaks to MY soul.

In the end though, the real question is whether the weapon you choose is a means to the end, or the end in and of itself. For me they are a means to an end,albeit an enjoyable one.;)

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

You're asking an awful lot there, Germ. Some folks just aren't going to be happy unless they're up to their armpits in an argument.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Girls, girls, quit b*%h slapping and get on with your life.[8D]

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Why do people have issues when someone "labels" themself or professes their pride in being a "bowhunter"? Where's the derogatory nature towrds other hunters (using other weapons) in that profession.

Like I told you yesterday....."Purist" isn't a dirty word. You agreed, it isn't.

Yet it seems some people will automatically attach negative, inflammatory monnikers to people make such professions......labeling them "Elitists". The generalizaions are rampant on this thread alone.

It's a sad state of affairs when a person can't profess his passion for being a bow (only) hunter on a bowhunting forum......and at the same time not degrade other methods of hunting.....and STILL have to put up with being called "insecure" and be labeled an "elitist".

That's what I meant, Greg.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Well you guys work all this out, I'm gonna take the old recurve out for the first time tomorrow evening. Never killed one with it, I usually am just sitting in the woods with it to be honest. I wouldn't really call it hunting as no deer have everbeen in harms way when I've had it:D. But I'm still going!

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

That sums it up right there, forget about what others think. If itstaking aspike with a machine gunthat makes you happy, lay the thing out and smile, afterall thats what we are there for. Life is too short to squable over such insignificant issues.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Sure, but what if it's squabbling over insignificant issues that makessomeone happy? (I seem to see quite a bit of that on here.) What's one to do then?

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Jeff, I just have to ask the question. Why do equal bowhunting (or being just a bowhunter) and the term purist? Now before you go off on me, let me just explain the question. I have been bowhunting for over 25 years and I can promise you there is little that is that same today as it was 25 years ago. Our bows today are more than capable of killing deer at distances that shotguns were 25 years ago. When I was young and shotgun hunting, anything over 40 yards was a hope and prayer, while bows today are very capable of 40+ yard shots.

I would totally understand your "purist" stance if you were hunting with trad equipment, on the ground, and doing spot and stalk type hunts. However, sitting in a stand 20+ feet off the ground, hunting an area that was scouted with tools such as trail cameras, and shooting 300+ fps is not anything close to what we had even 25 years ago.

I guess when I think of a "purist" or a pure hunter, I think back to the time when hunting was not a sport or a hobby, but a means of survival and those guys were carrying rifles. Or when I think of "purist"in the archery world, I think of the guy carring a stick and string and getting it done on the ground. I have a buddy that really wanted to challenge himself. He made his own self bow, arrows and BH and killed deer with it. That is what I would consider a "purist" to be.

I really am not trying to bust your chops or give you a hard time. I really am just trying to understand what you are calling "purist".

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Kickin...How could I have a problem with a question posed so eloquently and respectfully? Thanks for doing that.

I simply (semantics between us, maybe....or a difference in opinion on the definition) mean "purist" as someone who has dedicated their pursuits (hunting-wise.....it could as easily be said for someone whofocuses on one musicalinstrument, even though they play several) to utilizing one weapon. Im "my" eyes....you could as easily be a rifle hunting "purist".

My definition and yours may simpy differ.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Now that would be cool, a spike with a machine gun:D

"Well the first 30 rounds were a tad behind him, I lead him a bit and put 20-26 good rounds in him. No need to tenderise":D

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Wow.

Can we tell the seasons are starting to end around here? Or at least getting close.

I'm not really sure what this threads about.. anymore.

But I really enjoy the fact that we've grown tired of the "who's the best hunter" threads.. in favor of a "what generation has the best hunters"... OR "how its so much easier today than back in my day" threads.

Good stuff. Good stuff.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I don't belive the term "purist" canbe accurately applied to bow-hunting with modern equipment. By definition, a bow-hunting purist would be primitive traditional only. Being a "purist" leads to a "puritan" attitude. Look that one up.

I understand what you're trying to say, Jeff, but there has to be a word that fits what you're describing; one with a definition somewhere in between "purist" and "elitist".

I do, however, loveone of the definitionsI found when I actually looked the word "elitest" up:





Main Entry:
elitist

Part of Speech:
noun

Definition:
snob

Synonyms:
highbrow, name-dropper, pompous ass, pompous person, social climber, stiff, stuffed shirt

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Now before you break down "true to it's essence".....remember that compound bows have their own "essence".

We're arguing semantics. I'm talking about someone who professes their love for hunting with a bow....and takes pride in that fact (without making derogatory remarks towards other types of pursuits). I'd call him a bowhunting "purist". You don't have to agree with the label. I'm fine with that.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

First off, I didn't know that we were arguing.:D Also, I didn't say you couldn't use it; just that it couldn't be used accurately. Another thing: By the above definitition, one could be a die-hard, hard-core, old-school bowhunting purist and still be a rifle hunter.That's why it doesn't fit.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I've said this before but I guess it bears repeating....

I don't have a problem with someone calling them self a "bow hunter"....I may not agree withthe labelbut I can live with it.Where I do have the problem is when said "bow hunter" starts to look down on others for not using a bow only or where the said "bow hunter" by default proclaims or insinuates that they are a better hunter or have risen to a higher platform of hunting simply by picking up a bow andheading into the woodswith it.

I know this is a bow hunting forum and therefore a "blind eye" will most likely be turned butelitism stems from this seemingly universally adoptedattitude....of course I don't expect the majority here to see it.....itis a bow hunting forum after all.;)

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Great post!

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Go back to Denver![8D]

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

lol!!

I wish I could......but alas, they wouldn't take me now.[&o]

Now the Bears are a different story, that O-Line is like Swiss Cheese...I like my chances.:D

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Dude you would be a stud on the Lions:D Hell you could QB[:-]

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

True dat Big J.

I'm thinking about watching basketball again. The bulls can't let me down any further than I already am.[&o]

Oh.. but they can.:(

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I am right there with ya.Great post.

But what about when some are like an obnoxious loud guy in a bar, announcing over and over that they only bowhunt. Kinda like they are a little kid that needs attention asking the stupidest questions. Making sure everyone knows they only bowhunt? Thats where this forum has gone downhill.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

That's where the insecurity creeps in, BC. Just order yourself another cosmopolitan and don't feel threatened. He's not stealing any of your thunder.....and hey.......the stupid questions make you look smarter!

Well.....most of that's true, anyways!

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Thanks for the compliment BigJ, but it is just the way I feel. If they outlaw everything else then I will be hunting with a sharp stick I guess. Or poaching mice in the garage with a whiffle ball bat. But I will find a way to hunt.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Again, sounds like a personal problem you need to take up with your doctor. You don't see me asking thestupid questions you do. I kinda learned the trival stuff when I was a kid bowhunting. Maybe you can point me to where I have asked them. Show us a link!

I am kinda glad you don't gun hunt. I really wouldn't feel safe knowing your out there with a gun with the thousands upon thousands of obvious questions that anyone should know that you ask.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I'll challenge you to do the same thing. "Obvious" question? Link! Link!

I'm a deer hunting sponge (as far as knoweldge goes).....with plenty of room to take a lot in. Just like hunting new grounds....you go through some spots that you think look promising. Sometimes they pan out. SOmetimes they're a bust. Sometimes you try a tactic that seems sound. Sometimes it pans out to be so....sometimes not.

I've been hunting whitetails for 3.5 seasons. Have I asked some stupid questions? lol....surely. Have I learned a LOT in 3.5 seasons? You bet.

Nothing to be ashamed of on my part. If you ain't getting hung up....you ain't fishing.

I have a blast bowhunting.....and if it threatens you when I say I've been mildlysuccessful at it. Your problem. Don't be a hater, BC.

You're the only one here trying to tear someone down.....and yet you call ME insecure. Why is that?

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

First off, I am surely not threaten by you. Just a shame what you have done with this forum IMO.

As far as links, lets see. And this is just in the last few weeks. I am not wasting my time going further.

You have needed to ask if you should cut open a deer to see what they are eating. Hey man, its deer, if you want to see what its eating do it. Its really freakin simple.

You couldn't figure out how you can keep on hunting because you didn't want to pay the processor just so you can kill another animal, you won't even eat. Someone had to point out to you, "cut it up yourself". Duh.

You couldn't figure out how to age a deer using the lower jawbone.

Oh, here is a classic. You need to ask fellow HNI's if you should use a leaf blower to uncover acorns. Oh yea, thats real natural.

and then theres "guys, my sights are off, how can this be??????". Man, fix it, move on.

And then you want to know if deer can learn to look up??

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Believe me, I am not the only one who sees it on here. Thats the reason your the paris hilton of bowhunting.:D You need someone to look at you, and recognize your accomplishments. Your the type of guy who makes sure everyone can hear you.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

BC now you're just being a dick, Geezish

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Maybe I am. Maybe, I just need to walk away. Just have a low tolerance for people like this.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Glad I'm not the only one!

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

now THAt is funny!

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Or insecurity.

I learned something in all those threads.

I didn't ask the question about opening a deer's stomach to find out if that was a way to see what he's been eating. I learned that watching jaws

I learned I need to know how to make jerky. I could use some jerky...and it'll extend my season.

I still don't know how to age a deer using the lower jawbone. I've seen it done two different ways, now....but I wouldn't know how to do it myself. I also wanted to know....because the guy who's doign the euro on my 6 pointer disposed of the lower jawbone before I could retrieve it. I wanted to know if there was another way to age him. I still don't know that.

Leaf blower.....OK...that was mine. No apologies...as I may still do it. If you knew where the spot was you wouldn't think it was so crazy. I've never killed a deer here over bait....although it's perfectly legal. Uncovering acorns in an area where deer are used to hearing a leaf blower, anyways.....seemed like thinking outside the box. Stay in the box! I won't say you're stupid!

My sight's bots are tight. It hasn't shifted in a way I can discern. What can make it be 6" off at 20yds? I really didn't know. I have a better understanding after asking the question. I went out the next day and killed a nice buck. I'm glad I asked the question. It led me to mark my peep.

And I still don't think deer can "learn" to look up. You can't prove me wrong there, either.

If my fervor for knowledge either irritates or threatens you.....I apologize. I will continue to ask questions.

And I won't attempt to belittle you personally.....because we disagree on bowhunting issues. That's the definition of an attack ad hominem. You're pretty good at that from what I can tell.

You're not the only one, *JB*.

BC...go check out the post where *JB* called me a liar and a poacher. Now there's an association you can be proud of.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Hey GMMAT,

Can I still use white fletchings after Labor Day? Oh, and should my safety vest always match my hunting boots? Never knew who to ask until now.

Thanks

bff

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I would, for sure, Fletch. The fawn blood shows up better, that way.

Can't help you on the safety vest/boots issue. Mine match, though, interestingly enough. You can peruse my list of harvest photos for reference.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I think hunting is fun.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I like how this thread ventured from It's Intention's.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

Doesn't change how I hunt at all. Just means that the hunt is over sooner or with a more definitive result.

This year was a prime example. I went on a hunt in Sept. in which I hunted a certain near B&C buck everyday with my bow and never got a shot at him. Last day of the hunt and facing going home empty handed after dropping $1200 on a Beaver flight I decided to grab the camp gun and head out to put some venison in the freezer. There was no question of coming back to camp empty handed after I loaded a .375 round into the chamber rather than nocking an arrow. I was going to shoot the first buck I saw and eat well. 2 hours later I stalk over a ridge and here's the monster I'd been hunting all week laying in his bed at 40 yards looking the other way. Slam dunk with the bow and I've got the rifle in my hands. Blam! He's done and my bitching and moaning at myself starts. It's the first animal that I've ever killed with a centerfire rifle. Why the bitching and moaning? Not because I shot it with a rifle vs. a bow but becasue, if I had stuck it out and persevered as bowhunting has taught me to do over the years, I'd have had that trophy that I went on the hunt to get. I wouldn't care if anyone else had shot him with a rifle, or crossbow or muzzleloader but I was pissed that I lowered my own standards and didn't persevere. Does that make me elitist? No! I'll never pass judgement on anyone else for how they choose to hunt (as long as it's legal). But by picking up that rifle I failed my own set standards for how I hunt. Same would hold true if I started a season out with the intent of taking a buck with my longbow and ended up shooting him with my compound.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

I do too.

RE: What's the difference!!??
 

That's good stuff, Kodiak. You're not an elitist, at all.

Absolutely nothing wrong with that statement....and I've made similar ones throughout this thread....especially in regards to not passing judgement on others.