Current Issue TBM: G. Fred Asbell's Article

[Bowwild]

Mr. Asbell's article entitled "Choices and Challenges" is the best I've read in 46 years of bowhunting and contemplating bowhunting.

Helped me understand that I've not been falling behind as a bowhunter, but just enjoying the personal "traditions" I've established over the years.

[ChuckC]

Roy, the older I get, the more I understand that.

I look around and I see nothing but competition, with one's self and with the world.  Stopping to see, then smell the roses along the way is a scarce commodity any more.

Doing something because you LIKE to, because it makes you feel good and gives you enjoyment, falls second to the competition, it seems.
ChuckC

[Butch Speer]

Was a good article. Unfortunately, most of everything today is do it faster. If they don't kill something then it hasn't been a good season. Not enough people hunt just to enjoy being in the woods or afield. Commercialization has pushed all kinds of products that most people just have to have in order to have a complete hunt.  

There is of course, room for improvement in our equipment and technique. That's as it should be but, somethings are just gimmicks. If it helps my shooting ability, how well I sharpen broadheads or quieten my bow, that's the kind of improvement that's acceptable to me.  If others need the gimmicks to enjoy hunting, so be it.

BASS PRO, CABELAS, You can buy caps that have those letters on them, they cost a lot more than caps without those letters on them.  Golfers get paid huge bucks to wear caps with letters on them. We should be getting paid to wear caps with letters on them.  I have an Orvis leather hat that did not come with letters.  The hat was already over a hundert bucks, I couldn't afford any letters.  
If you don't get in the circle and clap like everyone else, you will be ostracized and not be invited to the party.  Doesn't matter, I hate parties.  I have my most fun when my feet are wet, that makes me a loner, at least until I run into someone else that has the most fun when their feet are wet.

Yep!

Bisch

[Dave Lay]

I agree.. it was a very good read. makes ya kinda think about things... I know, the more competition and commercialization I see in hunting, the more I withdraw from what has become the main stream...

[Dave Lay]

[Bobaru]

I can safely say that Fred Asbell has had the biggest inflence on my bowhunting since Fred Bear.

The first Fred got me into bowhunting. I viewed Fred and bowhunting through youthful eyes; I saw excitement and adventure.

The second Fred made me understand a few things about myself that I didn't know were there. He made me think. His message was "you don't have to go with the pack to enjoy bowhunting."  His most recent article fits with that category - the why we hunt and what we get out of it.

[stagetek]

I've always enjoyed his articles. Looking forward to reading this one.

[maineac]

I agree, It was a good article and helps keep the focus on what is important.  I know that I am susceptible to the well orchestrated advertising machine that has become a part of our world.  My goa is to focus more on what I have and enjoy what I am doing, than on what I want.l

[Roger Norris]

I have the good fortune to know Fred personally...one of my favorite things is to swing by the Asbell house when I'm working western Michigan . Teresa makes supper, and Fred and I sit in his office and chat. Those chats with Fred have absolutely made a difference in my life....and I'm not just talking about bowhunting. He's a good man.

[Steve B.]

I've had these strong feelings for several years now.  I have all but left the tradbow internet world and stumbled on this thread by chance.  An hour later I had the magazine in my hand.
Fred and you guys have definately nailed my problem.
The last few years I haven't hunted much, partly due to life changes but also due to disappointment with hunting partners, attitudes.
I'm going back to solo hunting and bowmaking, but I would hunt with any of you guys.