lighted Nocks-trad bowhunters

[Brian Krebs]

I am wondering about the general opinion about the use of lighted nocks by traditional bowhunters.

[waiting4fall]

Just a couple months back I bought a 6 pack of firenocks, and I love em! I bought them because I think theby will look extremely cool when I film my own hunts this season. Also, I think it will just be neat to see them flying thru the air, IN MY PERIPHERIAL VISION of course   .

[VTer]

I started using them last fall for my #1 arrow. I voted that they probably break some trad rule. I don't really care though, I use what's good for me.

[reddogge]

Just another gadget as far as I'm concerned.  Just put a small wrap of marabou feather in back of the fletch if you have to light things up some.

I'm basically opposed to gadgets as I feel it was the downfall of archery 35 years ago and it is the downfall of muzzleloader hunting now.

[Dutchman]

I don't use them but I don't think they'd violate any principles, at least not any worse than some of the other stuff we already use...

[selfbowyer]

Even with large colorful fletching on a well tuned bow and arrow combination I'm finding it harder and harder to see my arrow flight on game. Some of our elk hunting is in the dark woods and in the middle of the day it is hard to see my arrows so last year I went to lighted knocks and it was easy to see where my arrow hit. So I vote yes for their use even if they aren't traditional.

[rastaman]

Tried the marabou feather...couldn't get it to work for me (i probably put it on wrong).  Got "badger arrow" to four fletch some hot pink and that lights things up pretty well!  

[Larry O. Fischer]

Electronics have no place on either the bow or arrow, whether you are using a recurve, longbow, or compound. Open the door for lighted nocks and soon every other electronic gadget comes streaming in. Remember our liberal seasons are based on primitive equipment, don't give those who don't favor bowhunting  more ammo to take away what we have. This is especially important here in the west where most States have banned electronics years ago.

[iacornfed]

I like them. I shoot in the woods and I haven't lost an arrow since I started using one on my deer arrows. Do I think it violates trad rules? Yes, but I think fiberglass backed limbs and aluminum arrows do also, but I still use them because they are what I like.

[SteveB]

If they violate "Trad" principals, it does not bother me a bit - I am a recurve shooter/hunter.

How anyone could have issue with being able to more clearly see the hit and make a sound decision on the followup tracking to aid in the recovery of an animal is beyond me.

Steve

[Red Boar]

I sure enjoy seeing them fly on Buff's videos.    :D

[Walt Francis]

Well Steve B a lot of people have an issue with it. I am in complete agreement with Larry O on this one; no electronics on the bow or arrow; That applies to guns as well.  The use of some woodmanship and personal restraint might be needed rather then a reliance on gadgets.  Luckily our Fish and Game Department made this decision twenty years ago so we do not have to deal with the junk in Montana.

[Shleprock]

I don't use them, but don't see a problem using them. Especially if one's eyesight is fading. Put your self in that persons place. It is not a tracking device by any means. Not saying I'm in favor, but I have never understood why electronic tracking devices are illegal in the first place. Most hunters have lost game in their life. If an animal is wounded why wouldn't you, me, or anyone else in the world want to have the best possible chance of retrieval. If they were allowed could there be abuse? No doubt. More than there already is. Probably not. Are riskier shots going to become the norm. How about the 300+ fps guys out there that shoot over 50 yards thinking they can go through anything,and have never smelled a living deer. I busted one of these guys poaching on our land 2 years ago. Unfortunatly I was 10 minutes late. He just gut shot the big boy from 50+ yards that we had been zeroing in on. It crossed the property line and they went after it. I got permission and went over the next morning. I didn't find it and it was obvious they didn't either. Funny, the law couldn't find them. Locks only keep honest men out.

Playing the devil's advocate. Should I sell my climber and hunt only off the ground. My guess is that most have crossed the Trad line already in one way or the other. In my opinion everyone must draw their own.

[SteveB]

Pages and pages on prepping for a bad hit with single bevels, foc, logs for arrows, fletching profiles and even strips of tape for "turbulation", and other gadgets.

But a way to judge the hit from an unexpected bad hit (the reason for those listed above) other then these is a violation of a "trad" principal?

Like I said, beyond this recurve hunter.

Steve

[Bill Skinner]

Way too expensive for me.  If you want to buy them and use them, go for it.  Bill

[David McLendon]

I use them in low light. They do not aid in aiming in any way and give no advantage in making the shot. They do however show the location of the shot and can help make decisions on recovery, all of which is after the fact. You still have to pick a spot and hit it.
 I use them on a carbon arrow which probably ought to come closer to violating some percieved traditional ethic than what kind of nock is in it.

[foamkiller]

Here is another thought........I know all of you are great shots and never miss but it helps poor shooters like me find our arrows when we miss. All joking aside they are a big help when trying to find an arrow especially after dark.

[katman]

Great tuning aide. And for those like me who enjoy watching the arc of the arrow shoot a lighted nock at dusk at targets and enjoy.

[bawana bowman]

Other than helping find a lost arrow, I see no real need for the things.
I can follow a fluorescent green or orange nock just fine in most lighting conditions.
But then I carry a compass in the field, and still drive with maps too!  

[GMMAT]

I honestly have no issues with them and had not thought of using them, until I read the filming post.  I bought a LW camera arm....and the lighted nocks will probaby show up well.  I'll be filming myself, occasionally.