How do you feel about using so called "collectors bows" to hunt with?

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

I am guessing Fred would be happier seeing them in a collection as opposed to being stuck in a corner or up in the attic growing dust.

That being said, most collectors I know shoot their bows regularly, at least those with modern fiberglass laminations, Some of the old self bows are just to rare to take a chance with.

Kind of like us getting old, no one wants to go to a rest home, but then again few of us are ready to turn the lights out as an alternative.

We all dream of the days of our youth, but time and reality will prevail.

[Raineman]

Bet some of the Gang over in the History/Collecting forum would love to read some of these responses.

For now, I'll hold my tongue.

[RocketDog]

I have a few that are considered collector's, but they are in my regular rotation.  Every bow I own gets shot, but they also receive a lot of tender loving care.  Same with knives and guns!

[ACEK9]

Never owned a bow that did not make it to the woods...

[Ron+dog]

old cars and musical instruments like bows can be hung on a wall or parked in a museum and enjoyed for their asthetic qualities but if they are not being used for their intended purpose whats the point !

[Brian Krebs]

Somewhere there is at least one bow made by Ishi.
Now if I had that bow I would not shoot it. If I wanted to see what that bow shot like when it was made- I would have another made like it and shoot it.

The thought of someone taking Ishi's bow out and breaking it - when it would not shoot an arrow the way it did when he made it - would be a shame and nothing more.

Not every old bow is a bow that can be shot- just because you CAN do something- does not mean you SHOULD.

   

[Igor]

All the vintage bows I have owned are shot and hunted with as I believe the builder intended. Some of my best vintage shooters have out performed some of my custom bows (ben pearson mercury hunter for example).

Have fun!
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glenn

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I hunt with a couple different older bows, a 64# 1952 being the oldest I use/shoot regular.
But if I ever get drawn for an OIL Moose tag here in Washington, my Nels Grumley Take down is going with me..

[Archer 1]

I shoot my 68 Bear S Kodiak, and my 68 K Mag, but I have one I won't shoot. It's a Bear Ranger longbow in very good condition. 34# with the silk screen back, signed by Loran Willey, who was a good friend, and hunting partner of Fred Bear.
One collector told me it was a 1948 bow, but I'm not sure on the date.

[Jerry Jeffer]

Shoot it, Shoot it, shoot it!!!    

[Curveman]

I'm someone who'd just HAVE to shoot Geronimo's bow if I had it! Not to the point of abuse but just to capture a little bit of what he felt shooting it if that were even possible. I wouldn't care if it dropped in value because I did either! If you really enjoy just having something just to have then that's OK too I suppose but I want to experience everything I own and hunting with a vintage "collector's bow" is just too great an experience for me to miss. I figure everything I possess is one day just going to belong to someone else anyway. Even the Earth's gotta die out sooner or later-USE IT NOW I SAY!     :D

[ChuckC]

Personally,   I don't collect "collector" anythings.  I have it because I am gonna use it.  If I have to worry about scratching it I don't need to have it.  

Lots of folks out there want to have a "collector" and keep it safe and warm.   I want to shoot.  If I happen to have an older or special bow, or gun etc,  it is because I am gonna use it and enjoy its uniqueness.
ChuckC