North American Whitetail Article- a bit ticked off

[DRR324]

Just purchased the new NAW mag, reading the article by Jeff Brown about the new MA state record shot with a recurve.
Here is a direct quote from the article that has me a bit torqued.
"With the speed, accuracy and forgiveness of single-cam compound bows made by manufacturers like Matthews, most hunters would not even dream of using a traditional recurve or longbow for whitetails."
I tried to find the email addy for Gordon and let him know that crappola like that doesn't need to be printed.  Nothing against the author- don't know him, but- he may want to check out TradGang and realize that the 14,000 of us DO DREAM of hunting with our simple bows.
Anyone else like to speak up and send a little message to NAW?  I like the mag- just for the "horn porn" and reading stories about joes like me, the difference, they actually shot a pig buck.  Am I off base here- or do we all think we should be shooting the Matthews???? NOT!

[vermonster13]

How many traditional bow ads are in that issue? Do I need to say more?

[rnharris]

amen  

[Alex.B]

not even the Mathews so-called............ "heritage" bow?  :D

[Mike Bolin]

I too, read the article and I was at a bit ticked myself.....at first! The more time I have had to think about it, the more ironic I find it. Four of the greatest whitetail hunters of all time, in my opinion at least, Barry Wensel, Gene Wensel, John Hale and Roger Rothaar, have forgotten more about bowhunting in general and whitetails in particular than most of the so-called "experts" put together. I kind of figure their loss is our (the traditional community) gain! I do believe there are some very informative articles in the magazine (deer behaviour, rut patterns, whitetail biology, ect. at least I find that stuff interesting), but for the most part, the emphasis of the magazine is growing and killing big bucks. I guess I am of the belief that I (we) have something special and are part of a sort of brotherhood. Not everybody wants in because our requirements are too tough. Easily obtainable, because our brothers are more than willing to share their "wealth" with anyone that asks, but it takes more effort than they are willing to give. Big bucks for some, means big $$BUCKS$$. For most of us, a mature buck, or any ethically killed deer, is looked upon as a reward that was earned for the effort we have put forth and that is the way it should be! JMHO-Hunt hard, hunt safe-Mike

[CheeseHead]

Not to start a flame war, becasue I do understand your point, but the author's statement is accurate.  "Most" bowhunters would not dream of using a recurve or longbow.  We are the minority and that isn't about to change anytime soon.  The way I look at it, its actually a compliment to those of us that do take deer with traditional gear.  /my $0.02

[BOFF]

I have to agree with the author as well. "Most" hunters will not take the time to learn to shoot instinctively, and/or  make the extra effort in becoming a better hunter, to use traditional gear. I took it as a compliment as well.

[Stone Knife]

Most hunters think I'm nuts for hunting with a longbow. I have had friends ask me what I'm going to do when the "Big one" comes along, then they look at me puzzled when i say I'll just shoot him. I don't like to view things as us and them, but the majority is "Them" and they don't understand. They don't dream of picking up a trad bow It's all geared towards big bucks and big money and that will not change soon if ever.

[Bill Turner]

Nothing wrong with being in the minority. The author is right, most are not willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be successful with traditional equipment. As for me, the longbow and recurve are the answer to my bowhunting dreams.

[J-dog]

Yeah I like my recurve, really dont matter what no one else thinks of me using it.
Would not appreciate the article but, those magazines are selling gadgets, such as compounds, scents, and all the other stuff you MUST have to kill big buck, and that is fine, those gadgets (industry) keep our rights to hunt going. IMHO.

Jason

[Scott J. Williams]

Let's not forget to place the guys on the Outdoor Channel and Versus who love to use their high tech bows and brag when they nail one at 50 yards using a laser range finder, fiber optic sight, 80 plus present let-off, and the latest in release aids.

If I am going to use all of that stuff, I might as well grab my Dad's old 308 and get after it.  It is time for a Traditional bowhunters show, let the public see that there are still guys and gals out there doing the hard way!

There should be enough sponors to make a show like that a go.....

[Davo]

Tred Barta does do a show.  Although he is a bit eccentric.  I hunt with a wheel bow and love it.  I picked up my recurve not as a greater challenge but a way to get a little more involved with the shot.  Most hunters I know respect the heck out of traditional shooters they know.  I don't think its fair to dump on compound shooters though. Advances in technology are just that and does not make you less of a hunter.  My bro hunts with a compound has taken several respectable deer and does not shoot passed 20 yards.  Having a compound does not make you a lazy slob hunter,  if thats what you are it does not matter what you carry into the woods.  I would like to see a bit more taditional archery and woodlot hunting and less deer farming, G2 scoring, monster buck killing shows though.