Trad Gang is not Popular Mechanics - UPDATE page 30

[Marty]

People come and go in our lives- traditional archery has pretty much been a constant for me for the last 20+ years so ii think  I'll just go get in a tree this morning. You'all go talk about it..........

[James on laptop]

Hey I just read the threads that interest me and skip the others.I like to hunt but it is not a 12 month thing and I like all the other things about archery as well.

Trad bows are pretty simple but the more you know about how something really works the simplier it becomes. I am sure I will find topics I like and those I will pass on with whatever rules you set down for the website.Always have.  

[Trab]

Hey Terry,

I see on page one of this topic, you apologized in case you possibly seeming edgy............No need to apologize. In fact I kind of think you, being one of the founding fathers of this AWESOME forum,  apologizing  for pointing out that people have diverted from the original intent of TRADGANG, would be no different than Thomas Jefferson apologizing for pointing out that those who are pushing the country in a direction away from the original intent of our early documents was not such a great thing, after authoring the Declaration of Independence and a being a major contributor of the Constitution.......in other words, I reckon an apology ain't quite really needed.....   .....    

I am now a mere one year vet of TRADGANG and when I check out the topics every couple of days, I definitely filter through much of the technical comparison stuff and seek out more of the personal skill and  advice type topics.....I find them more fun, helpful, and enjoyable to read....in addition, they simplify the Art of Traditional Hunting, which is ultimately why I am a seeker of the art myself in the 1st place.......

Trab

[frassettor]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
Not sure how we are going to handle it...but I'm chatting with some of the charter members about the site taking on more of a compound mentality, and I'm not going to let that go any farther.  I'm not knocking compounds or folks that hunt with compounds.  I wouldn't trad my compound years for nothing.....those years made me a better hunter when I gave up gun powder.  But I got into trad to push myself even further. For more personal satisfaction of what I did than what my equipment helped me do....or 'supposedly' helped me do. Instead of 'looking' for an edge, I started creating an edge.

It looks as though many folks are way more worried over the 'performance' of their equipment than the performance of their own self.  What once use to be more 'self improvement' questions as the norm here, now as of late, seem to be more 'equipment fix' discussions.  It really does sound like the 'must have/gotta have - make you a better hunter' battle cry of the equipment hype in other facets of hunting.

I see the same threads and same arguing over and over and over. Some even have a rabid agenda to cram it down folks throats, and even call others unethical if they don't 'do as I say'.  Even going as far as taking personal pot shots at those that 'don't abide by the new fangled fix'.  Most of the folks that argue over equipment don't even congratulate other's when they post a successful hunt.  They seems to be more worried over what broadhead someone use than the ten pointer they posted or HOW they succeeded on taking him....or his set up....or what clues tipped him off to his pattern.

Why is it that folks do not want to improve themselves instead of using a crutch that often is made of straw?

Nothing is going to get you closer to an animal but YOU.  Nothing is going help you draw the bow at the perfect time but YOU.  Nothing is going to make that arrow go into the vitals but YOU.

I just saw GMMATT's question...."Shooting with a pack on"?....I've seen this guy ask question after question....and all he seems to be worried about is his self improvement.  That's the way it use to be here.  Not to say there there shouldn't or wont be equipment discussions....but they have been running amok lately, and we are going to do something about it since its seems to be causing too much divisiveness.


When is the last time you've seen a guy put up a pic of his property and ask for stand location advice based on the terrain?  This use to be pretty normal along with many other scouting questions and tips threads.

I don't know if its just me this morning or what, maybe I shouldn't be posting this, but this is just not what I see, but many of the guys I hunt with and many that have been frequenting this site for years have been bothered by the direction lately.  Something to think about folks.  I am not trying to slam anyone, or single anyone out....just calling a spade a spade.  Maybe we should all take a minute to look in the mirror....me included!

Do we really want to rely more on our equipment than ourselves?  Do we really want some other gadget to dull our woodsman ship?  Do we really want to argue over a broadhead to the point that we don't work on our shooting skills?


Trad Gang started with a vision and it grew and grew and grew....and that vision is not going to fade or morph into something that wasn't intended. Not on my watch.

What say ye?

All I can say Terry is that I agree 110%! I love to read  the stories, and the journeys that it took to get to where they are now,or how they harvested that animal.

I don't repond anymore to the threads that are asking "whats the BEST broadhead", or "whats the BEST bow".  I'm glad that that you brought it up. Thank You for keeping Tradgang on the track that we have ALL grown to love!    

[yononindo]

Originally posted by Terry Green:


Nothing is going to get you closer to an animal but YOU.  Nothing is going help you draw the bow at the perfect time but YOU.  Nothing is going to make that arrow go into the vitals but YOU.

 

                 


Greetings from Europe.

Daniel

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by ishoot4thrills:
#2 of the three goals of TradGang.com, "2. To create a friendly atmosphere to all. Dedicated to the discussion of all topics that relate to traditional bowhunting."

So I guess what has to be defined is exactly what does "all topics that relate to traditional bowhunting" mean? Are we saying all topics except those related to technology? Technology has a broad definition. A B50 Dacron bow string is a technological advancement over say, a string made of hemp or sinew. A bow with glass lamination is a tech advancement over a solid hickory bow, not to say it's better, but it's more tech advanced. A high FOC weighted arrow is a technological discovery and most would agree through experimentation that it works. We discover and learn through technology. There's no way to avoid it. So if we're going to have discussions about traditional archery, then there has to be some discussion that includes technology.

Seems you've forgotten your handle.  

[Scott S.]

This reminds me of a recent sermon at church regarding different religions and demoninations.  There are brick walls and then there are picket fences and then there are dinner table discussions in decreasing order of acceptance.

I'm personally not into the "high tech trad" thing, but I can tolerate those of a different mind who feel it is important to want to try to squeeze a couple of extra fps out of their chosen hunting equipment.  These would be the guys on the other side of the picket fence from me.  The compound shooters might be on the other side of the brick wall a far as this site is concerned.

I've never been able to draw a hard line on what is universally traditional to everyone.  To me, there is a continuum ranging from primitive, then the longbows and recurves, then recurves with sights and stabilizers.  Most would agree that the compound guy who shoot fingers has crossed the line, but maybe there is somebody out there who would not.  What is traditional to me might not be what is traditional to the next person.  

I enjoy this site and I probably spend more time on Tradgang than any other site on the net.  The moderators efforts are appreciated.  I am okay with the moderators taking this whatever direction they deem appropriate.

I just skip those threads that don't interest me.  As previously suggested, perhaps a separate forum for the tech issues would help.

[Terry Green]

Some have again missed my point ....and I'm pretty sure some have on purpose.  They have chosen to from the start.  

No rules are CHANGING.....Trad Gang will stay the original course,   Trad Bowhunting  and NOTbe taken over by 'tech threads' or a 'tech mentality'.

I am not '  Doing Anything' to Trad Gang....

I'm simply '  Putting her BACK' on her original course.

[NightHawk]

Terry,

 One of the things that I have noticed and think has contributed to the tech threads is the commercialism that seems to have taken over Trad Gang. I can't remember in the past when there were so many ads, everyone touting the latest and greatest in archery equipment from bows to clothes.To a company dedicated to telling you what bow and arrows to buy??? What the heck???
 Perhaps all the ads are sending mixed messages?? Just a thought to ponder

[katman]

Terry, I understand what you are saying, and since it is your site you make the rules and I respect that. Thank you for all you do and allowing me to be a part of it.

I enjoy reading posts about the tech side but that is me. When it degrades into a shouting match then that is over the top and I try to ignore the thread. While it does not make me a better 'hunter' learning about how my equipment works/performs is fun and informative, especially in the off seasons. My guess is the first archer who fletched an arrow was very excited and shared it with his tribe.

I would also like to see a section for the tech discussions if that is possible so PowWow can remain as you intended. If a separate section is not possible then where do you draw the line?

Yes it is important we do not loose site of what it takes to shoot a bow well and promote good woodsmanship.

[Terry Green]

No Joe....that's not the problem we are facing or talking about.  Not at all. We know the problem, and will be fixing it. It more complicated than you know.

[ishoot4thrills]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
 

Originally posted by ishoot4thrills:
#2 of the three goals of TradGang.com, "2. To create a friendly atmosphere to all. Dedicated to the discussion of all topics that relate to traditional bowhunting."

So I guess what has to be defined is exactly what does "all topics that relate to traditional bowhunting" mean? Are we saying all topics except those related to technology? Technology has a broad definition. A B50 Dacron bow string is a technological advancement over say, a string made of hemp or sinew. A bow with glass lamination is a tech advancement over a solid hickory bow, not to say it's better, but it's more tech advanced. A high FOC weighted arrow is a technological discovery and most would agree through experimentation that it works. We discover and learn through technology. There's no way to avoid it. So if we're going to have discussions about traditional archery, then there has to be some discussion that includes technology.

Seems you've forgotten your handle.      [/b]

I appreciate you, Terry. Thanks for your time and the effort you put into the TradGang. It's a great place to be for ALL types of trad archers/hunters. I've learned more here in just over a year than I would've learned in ten years without ever have been here. Just before I joined TradGang, I couldn't have imagined shooting carbon arrows with trad equipment. Now I don't want to shoot anything but them. Thanks to you, and others, I have opened my mind to be willing to try things I once considered "untrad", for lack of a better word. And thanks to the kind people here, I have learned how to properly tune my bow/arrow combination to where I can shoot pretty decent with it and understand why.

Keep up the good work!

[jcar315]

Terry, Thanks first and foremost for an awesome site. I came to TG and felt at home immediately.

I will say that like others I only read the threads that hold an interest for me. The "technical" side of things really don't interest me so I guess I have missed alot of this "stuff." I have noticed an increase in the "my view is the only" view sort of mentaility with no room for other view points. I got drawn into one thread like that and have avoided posting on others that had that "vibe" since then. Live and learn.

If a "re-adjustment" in course is needed than by all means full speed ahead Captain.

I just don't know if it is a "compond bow" thing or just society in general. Cell phone companies don't get rich by people keeping the same phones for years on end. On average most people upgrade every year.

There is a segment of any population that is attracted to the "latest and greatest" and are "tech" people....for me that holds not interest.

Thanks again for a great site and I support you 100% Terry.

[John Nail]

With some folks, technology has become a religion. It has become an end-all, do-all. Those of us who grew up without what is considered "Modern" have a different view of life and endeavor. Too many magazine articles, DVDs,TVshows, et al are dedicated to the latest and greatest gadget.

I view bowhunting as the last pure thing. It's all about the skill to get close and the nerve to shoot straight. I don't care a fig for "scores" or competition of any kind. Just me, I suppose. If you have an opposing view, please don't think I'm putting you down.
But believe me, there is no such thing as an "Instant Bowhunter"
Dues must be paid.

[ishoot4thrills]

You know what my first thought back in September, after taking my first deer with trad equipment since the late '90s, was? I couldn't wait to share the pics and story of the hunt with the great people here. I couldn't believe how much I couldn't wait to get home and post all about it on here! I think I even did it late that night when I got home and settled down somewhat. Heck, I was just as excited about posting it here as I was when I found the deer after a short blood trail. I never thought I would be that way. Why, I even posted it on here before I emailed my closest friends and family about it! There's just something great about being able to share things with people that you know can relate to it. You might say that this site has changed my hunting life in a great and "thrilling" way.

I might also add again that while I enjoy tech discussion, I'm not into gadgets nor am I into the "latest and greatest". I just like the science of trad archery in addition to the simple side of it and the challenge of hunting wild game with the least amount of extra baggage to carry along with me while outdoors.

[Rob DiStefano]

there's room enuf for everything.  moderation is the key - both self moderation and forum moderation.  

too much emphasis on the techie stuff, as evidenced by far too many topics that rehash the same techie stuff over and over and ad nauseam.  

ditto's for those 'whats best' and 'this versus that' and 'heres a photo of my underwear' and 'who sleeps nekid when hunting' kinda topics (kudos vance!  :D  )

the focus here at trad gang is the act of trad archery bowhunting.  

sure, the gear is part of it, but the real deal hits the trail when yer out there huntin' and there are no deep thoughts or theories about yer archery tackle.  yer huntin'.  period.

[Shakes.602]

I am coming in Late to this Party, as usual, but Terry I Agree with You 100%!! I guess I am not as "HardCore" a Hunter as some, but I TRY.
  Yes, I came from Compounds, BUT My Very First Experiences were with a Recurve, and I have NEVER Lost that Love of that Arrow going where I wanted it to go!! I admit, as a BowHunter, My "Tally" of Killed Critters is ZIP, but that doesnt mean I am going to Give Up!!
  This WebSite has been a God-Send to Me!! I have Learned a GREAT Many Things that I wouldnt have otherwise. From ALL of the Friendly Folks that are More than Willing to Share their Knowledge, well, I couldnt have Asked for Better!!
    I Feel that TradGang is a FAMILY, and I Always Have!! People of LikeMind Helping OTHER People to Enjoy this Sport/Lifestyle/Passion, label it however you Please. It All Amounts to the same thing!!
     Terry, You and the Mods have your Plates full just trying to get some of Us to Play Nice, or to Gently Direct Us to the Correct "Topic" for our Questions!! You ALL do a Fine Job, and I am Proud to be a TradGanger!!
      Just My Opinion of Course, but You ALL are Doing a Great Job, and Sometimes WE need a Kick in the arse to Remind Us WHY We Love TradGang the way We Do!! Thank YOU for CARING!!

[Builder]

Thanks Terry, I always get irritated when everyone is talking speed, chrono etc.
At least I know I'm not the lone ranger on these issues.

[michaelschwister]

Getting out the xcountry skis and going scouting, then some shooting on the short range.  Gday!

[KSdan]

I have not seen the problem I guess.  Pick and choose. . . some love the details of "form", some "equip" some the "style" of hunting.  I am not sure where you will be able to draw the line.  Seems to me that trad hunting draws a certain type of person that will always inform the posts in a certain direction.  

Frankly, if we really want to push this envelope, there are many posts that could be questioned as having little to do with actual Trad archery.  I am NOT COMPLAINING.  But I do notice raising money for certain organizations, certain threads that seem to highlight certain hunting gear and equipment, . . . . etc.  I am not sure you will ever be able to draw perfect lines, as all of us have our bias.

This has been the BEST site I know. You guys set the rules. . . I will play accordingly.