2020

[dan d]

Originally posted by rascal:
Im gonna side with Dick on this, I keep trying to "devolve" not "evolve".

I got back into trad for one reason, it didnt feel right sitting in the woods and swamps anymore with my gear.  I could kill deer sure enough with my battery operated 4 limbed dual cammed overdrawn micro adjust mechanical marvel but it didnt feel right.  Kinda felt like I was cheating my quarry and myself.

Time will march on, progress will happen but not for me.  I will resist.

Well said !
Dan

[Brad_Gentry]

Originally posted by Dick in Seattle:
PrarrieDog...   as long as there are trad guys making self bows and teaching others to, a few guys trying to keep to a tradition of building glass lam longbows as simply and basically as they were at first, guys building their own wood arrows (I'm trying to learn how to make my own shafts... now that's a hoot!) and folks who can sincerely say, "B50 is a good simple string that's suitable for a good simple bow", we'll be able to afford to shoot.

$1000 bows with carbon limbs and fancy woods, etc. are wonderful.  I know, I've owned and shot 'em.  Still have a couple I'm not willing to part with.  But we can't lose sight of the fact that "back in the day" bows that shot heavy arrows at 150 fps and even less killed many and many an animal, and they still will.  They didn't become obsolete just because something that performed better came along.

I think we'll always be able to afford to shoot real trad.  I'm more concerned about whether there will be places we're allowed to.  I doubt there's much problem out in Wyoming, but for those that live in large urban areas and really heavily populated states, it's a concern.   I live in WA, which is covered with forests, but you can't go out and just shoot a bow.  Legally, you have to have a license and be "hunting coyotes".  

Much as I love true trad, this is where we really need the progress people, and, yes, even the compounders.  They support the industry that is going to support us by keeping pressure on politicians to allow us to continue.   We may not always like the exact nature of the outcomes, but we need that support.

X2    

[AdamH]

Thank Goodness Im A "Simple Man" ... Simple Stick & String ...

[Sixby]

I doubt we will be here in 2020. I honeltly expect Jesus to come back before then. God Bless you all, Steve

[ron w]

A simple longbow, a wooden arrow, both were around long before I was thought of and I'm guessing they will be around long after 2020, but I hope in 2020 I can say that this post was has been on here before and that things in 2030 will still be the same in archery!

[Two Wolves]

Lots of good comments on here, both ways. I like Dick's take on this. I am just now trying to return Trad Archery after a 30 year stint with wheels. Maybe it's because I am getting older, a hopeless romantic or just plain tired of the "gotta do it fast, quicker, forget enjoying anything" train of thought. I am drawn to a simpler time when people relied more on their own ability, rather than that of there (insert hitech gadget here). Not easier mind you but more rewarding. Times are too fast. we have to learn to slow down. I seen somewhere a quote or slogan that said something to the effect "Archery's journey is the destination". Looking very forward to slowing down and becoming a "Tradition Archer". Bill

[cacciatore]

I am still happy with my 60's Bear bows.

[ronp]

It should be interesting, that's for sure.  Our numbers may remain steady.  More and more people are joining us.  Heck, 20,000 joined this site since I did 5 years ago.  But the over-all numbers of hunters is decreasing, so it's anybody's guess.  It is hard to imagine that there will be more bowyers than we have today.  There are so many now making really great bows that these may be the golden years of archery.  We certainly have many, many choices when it comes to buying a new bow.  I think that materials will continue to evolve.  One thing I am sure of though:  We'll all be 10 years older if we make it to 2020.