Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Shooters FORM Board => Topic started by: Benny Nganabbarru on April 05, 2009, 06:01:00 PM
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G'day fellow enthusiasts!
I've a few happy rambles to share!
In the just-over-five years that I've been involved in traditional archery and bowhunting, I've noticed some changes in our culture - changes which I believe are for the better.
It seems people are growing more tolerant of different shooting techniques / styles, and growing more aware that we are all different in our psychological and physiological make-ups, and that what works for us will vary accordingly.
When I first began, there was very little mentioned of other shooting styles, to the point where a beginner such as myself could be forgiven for jumping to the conclusion that "no sights = instinctive", which I did. I now realise there are many ways to skin this metaphorical cat (getting the arrow from A to B).
I've read the books, watched the films, and listened to many viewpoints on how to improve my shooting. My unhappiest and most dismal shooting was when I was trying to shoot like other folks. And yet, this was an important stepping stone, and not a waste of time, as through it I have been able to find what works for me.
Just last week, I was happy to hear that I wasn't the only one to do a couple of "weird" things in regard to my shooting technique. The first was when I was reading a thread about Paul Schafer on the Widow Wall, and Gene Wensel told how Paul would draw an inch past anchor, and then settle-in. For some unknown reason, I've always done that, and can't do it any other way with accuracy. My mates have given me a friendly ribbing about this unusual drawing ritual, so it was gratifying to discover that someone as renowned as Paul did the same thing. One of the chaps on the latest Masters of the Barebow did this also. The second thing I discovered, and it was while watching the latest Masters of the Barebow, is that it is okay to need to shoot some targets right up-close before hunting or shooting - I've always needed to do that, to "get in the groove" as they said in the film, and I recall reading that Howard Hill did something similar before hunting.
I have really appreciated the many viewpoints and methods shared in the Masters of the Barebow series, especially in this latest one. They really advocate "choose your own adventure" (or find what works best for you).
When I first started, it seemed the emphasis was on being able to shoot like this person or that person, and that that was the only right way.
So, I feel very positive about the open-mindedness in this regard that I have noticed is growing in the traditional bowhunting community.
Thanks for reading,
Ben
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Thanks for sharing those "happy rambles" sir! My sentiments exactly.
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Yep...we don't subscribe to the 'my way is the highway' around here. Broad brush statements don't do anyone any good.
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And to me,your "happy rambles , is what makes this site different. Thanks TG for a place to call home.
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:thumbsup:
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:thumbsup: :clapper:
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Watching my son get serious about this stuff and trying to answer his questions has taught me a ...thankfully he has you guys... takes a lot of pressure off of dad ;)
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woops! i meant taught me a lot!
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Great post, Ben. Well said.
Darryl
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I agree totally. I switched to trad about 2 years ago and started out trying to shoot the way I saw others shooting(B.Wensel, Fred Bear, etc) with little success. I really wish I could shoot with a smooth snap shooting instinctive style like Terry Green or Barry Wensel or others, but when I try it my TP takes over and I short draw and spray arrows all around the target.
I eventually read about and tried several styles of shooting and have settled on a hybrid of several of those. I have even found out that there are some others that shoot the same way as me. It may not be the way I originally set out to shoot, but I have found that hitting the target is a lot more fun regardless of your "style".
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spot on, ben, spot on. :thumbsup:
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Originally posted by pseman:
I eventually read about and tried several styles of shooting and have settled on a hybrid of several of those. It may not be the way I originally set out to shoot, but I have found that hitting the target is a lot more fun regardless of your "style".
Spot on PSEMAN!