I love to hunt and I can't go for more than a week without shooting a few arrows. I guess it is the fact that I am getting older, but so much of what I read in magazines and see on t.v. just makes me ill. I grew up having my older brothers let me tag along on squirrel and rabbit hunts. Started trapping at age 8. Didn't get bit by the "bow bug" until in my late twenties and trad bows shortly thereafter.
As a boy, I was taught that woodsmanship is the most important part of hunting....know the trees and plants, the animals in general and the one you are hunting in particular. Respect the animals, don't worship them. Any animal taken ethically is a trophy. Use what you kill.
Practice with your gear and keep it in top shape. Razor sharp broadheads mounted true. Pretty simple stuff really. The most important element here is time. And time is the one thing that there never seems to be enough of. We need to find/take/make time to do what is necessary to be the best hunter we can be. Find the arrow/broadhead combo that works best from the bow that YOU prefer and tune and practice until you are confident in your ability to kill an animal at the range that YOU are comfortable with.
Sure we all need to glean information from others. Starting out, I was fortunate to have a close friend at my church that guided me along. But ultimately, hunting in general and with a traditional bow in particular is a personal thing. Don't let others make the decision as to what bow, arrow, broadhead, camo, ect. that is right for you. Figuring out what is best for you is part of the journey. The preparation is part of the of the journey and sometimes it is as exciting and fulfilling as the destination itself. Take time to try things out and find out what works for you. Take the advise of others, but don't let all the differing opinions confuse you. If you don't feel confident hunting with your new longbow this season, don't. Hunting with a traditional bow should be a personal decision. There is no magic bow, arrow or camo for everyone. Shooting a light bow? 2 blade head. Heavier bow? Stick with the 2 blade unless you want to try 3 blade! Shoot a recurve better than a longbow? Pratice harder with the longbow or stick with the recurve. Like wood arrows? Make up some straight ones that are of hunting weight and fly well from your bow and have at it! Want to try plaid instead of camo? Cool! Practice hard, have fun and learn something new everytime you go to the woods.
This stuff in FUN, don't make it harder than it needs to be. I have found myself reading different reports/reviews and doubting the equipment I am using!...."I'd better change to this head, 'cause of...." or "so and so uses that XX brand of camo and he killed a big buck so...". Don't complicate the simplicity of traditional archery/hunting. Take the time to take your time and enjoy the trip.
Sorry if I rambled on, but I need to vent a bit and you all were handy! God Bless>--------> Mike
Topic: I must be gettin' old....... (Read 427 times)
