Howard Hill Greatest of All Time?

[KodiakBob]

It has been a slow week for the job.  I have been reading a lot and watching videos. After watching “Hitting t Em like Howard Hill” and reading “Straight  Shooting “ both by John Schulz, I put forth that Howard was the greatest hunter  and hunting bow shooting teacher of all time. He taught Schulz who influenced both Gene Wensel and Too Short Brunner. According to John Schulz he was a hunter who “smoked cigarettes, fried bacon over an open fire, used “Old Spice”, dusted his shooting glove with Cashmere Bouquet talcum powder wore no camo and managed to bow-kill  four bucks to fill his tags.”
 He also taught Bob Wesley who is also I am told a great teacher. So who comes close?

[Stone Knife]

None!

[Marblesonac]

Don't know about how well he hunted, but reportedly if Frank Garske was at a shoot, Howard Hill would leave. Apparently he didn't want to be outshot.

Gene Wensel spoke about Frank two years ago at Cloverdale.

[Mr.Chuck]

You have to consider that when Hill killed all the game on his list,  he hunted in a time when there were only a hand full of people that hunted with a bow.  The game was plenty-ful, and no hunting pressure.  I do not think Hill could acommplish that feat, today!  You can't take away that he was a good shot, period.

[laddy]

There were and are a number of target archers who could give Hill a run for his money at targets.  There may even be a number that could, shooting at foam rubber deer, but when all the variables of a live shot at little animals is considered, no one comes close including me.  Show me a big buck shot from a tree stand, I think nice trophy.  Show me a string filled with quail and rabbits, I think great trophy and proof of a great archer.  That makes me jealous.

[Orion]

He may not be the best of all time, but he's the best we know about.  Keep in mind, too, that he accomplished his feats with equipment that was much more rudimentary/primitive than most of what is available today.

[tradtusker]

as a shot with the bows hill was shooting there are few that come close, but as a hunter there are a few guys that could be named, i'd put in Paul schaffer as one of the best real hard core, hard as nails bowhunters!

love "hunting the hard way" by Howard, an amazing archer! just makes me wanna pick up my bow and go hunt!      

[BleekLight]

well I believe he was a great shot. A little story you might have already heard but here it goes in 1935 they did a remake of Robin hood as played by Errol Flynn. Howard hill was hired to show Errol Flynn how to hold a bow properly, and to do all the trick shooting in the movie. Which brings me to my point that in the movie there is of course the famous robin hood shot where he splits an arrow directly in half with another arrow. Now granted I've done this before but never exactly down the middle and never on command. From what I've heard there is no evidence supporting he took this shot and none saying he didn't but really how much special effects did they have back in 1935. Sorry to ramble on but I thought this story was interesting.

[TSP]

I'd have to say Chuck Adams.  He's awesome.  

       

P.S.  I'd hope this kind of topic isn't taken too seriously, lest we become overly 'excited' about individual opinions...our own and others.  But as far as howard Hill is concerned nobody can argue...he was sure one heckova' shot.

[IB]

If ya really want a challenge. How much faith do you have in other archers? Would you stand and let them shoot an Apple or a PRUNE off yer head. Ole Howard didn't seem to have problems finding  Volunteers.  

[bayoulongbowman]

I saw him shoot a orange off red coca-cola pencil !!!!! I was in the 3rd grade!  

[30coupe]

You have to admit, whether or not he was the greatest archer, he was probably the greates showman. Hill probably did more to promote the sport of bow hunting than anyone, save maybe Fred Bear. The really cool part of Howard Hill was he did it with flare! I sure wish I could have seen him shoot in person or at least shared a campfire with him.

[bowmofo]

He definitely makes it look easy!
For me there is no better bow design than the Howard Hill Longbow He was definitely a Master of the Craft Mike

[NorthShoreLB]

Troy, excellent post  

[sharps4590]

Hill, Bear, St. Charles, Thomas, Asbel and I'm certain Pope, Young and Thompson.....they're all so much better than me that skill at level is almost beyond my comprehension.  I would love to have seen Hill shoot.  Ferguson is no slouch either.

Vic

[Stone Knife]

Troy, thank you for sharing that with us, I would bet there are hundreds of untold events like that involving Howard Hill. When i watch his DVD's that i have i am always amazed at his skill. If someone doubts his skill just watch the little clips that are  in     Legends and pioneers

[chuck172]

I seem to remember seeing Hill shoot  a cork bobbing in the waves from a boat,  bobbing in the ocean. I just think that is remarkable.

[bayoulongbowman]

Makes me want to order a new Hill Style Bow!  

[sidebuster]

I think some people were born just naturals in a sport and the mold was thrown away.   I honestly believe that there will never be a  rival that will ever be equivlent to Mr. Hill's ability and acheivements.  Some records were acheived to be never broken.

[mike g]

Mr Hill would often tell people that God gave him the ability to be an Archer....