VIEWPOINT-Elitist Attitude

[VA Bowbender]

I will probably get jumped all over for this but I have to express what I'm seeing.

I've been shooting recurves for over 50 years. When I started there was no  "traditional" archery we were all just Bowhunters or Archers. As compounds came into their own there became an elitist attitude among them where they looked down at the recurve and longbow shooters. They also developed somewhat of a snobby attitude toward each other. Now I see a lot of admiration for what we can do with our bows.

Now what I'm seeing on different forums is a complete reversal of roles. The "traditional" shooters are developing the same attitude toward the high tech archers and even among the ranks of traditional shooters.

Now I do have to say that when I go to some of the various rendezvous there still exists a tight camaraderie.

If we are to maintain what we all love to do, shoot arrows at things, shouldn't we try to find a more common ground?  Or the famous quote "can't we all just get along"?  


How do you feel about this? Have you seen the same?  Why?


Try to keep it a civil discussion.

[pamike]

Funny but I have to say people are just too senstive. I happen to love trad archery and just love shooting trad bows. but.....I will hunt with my compound every now and then. I have had people make comments on both sides trying to get me to commit one way or the other. Well being a prostaff hunter for compounds andowning some of the finest trad bows made and shooting them every day shows I can commit to both and have a lot of fun doing it . No comment has changed my level of fun!!! Just enjoy the time.

[Steve O]

Sadly, some think the bow makes the man.  How rediculous.

If people treated each other with respect and courtesey, we would all be a lot better off...

[monkeyball]

No compounds for me,but hey, if that is your choice that is ok with me.  Crossbows are another story,at least when they are used in the "archery season".


                                           Good Shooting,
                                                             Craig

[soy]

I suffer from the love of archery... all aspects....

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Its not elitist when you are better than them  

[DesertDude]

I see it more and more, sad to see.....

[Roadkill]

Excel and make no comment on others choices.  There was a guy who frequented So Cal shoots in the1980's who wore THE hat, back quiver, talked a lot and missed even more.  Not an endearing person for trad.  I had a Brackenberry I shot occasionally in those days.  I found that guy,who may be on this site, a bore as he could not walk the walk, only talk it.
At the archery shop, many compounder tell us they do not have the patience to shoot trad bows, but would like to

[Roadkill]

Excel and make no comment on others choices.  There was a guy who frequented So Cal shoots in the1980's who wore THE hat, back quiver, talked a lot and missed even more.  Not an endearing person for trad.  I had a Brackenberry I shot occasionally in those days.  I found that guy,who may be on this site, a bore as he could not walk the walk, only talk it.
At the archery shop, many compounder tell us they do not have the patience to shoot trad bows, but would like to

[Scott E]

I just like to shoot arrows and like all people who enjoy doing the same thing. I don't really care what they use for a launcher.

I have seen the snobbery before but usually this people are ignorant or are compensating for something.

[Matty]

People are people regardless as to what they shoot. I snub my nose at no man or woman for the archery equipment one chooses. I at one time shot an compound bow. Maybe like some of you. I had to start somewhere.  
I think picking up a traditional ANYTHING in a generation of hi tech. Requires a certain level of understanding and "maturity".  Don't get caught up in the semantics of the word "maturity". Not saying those who shoot compound bows are immature. But maybe Havnt grown to love more of a romantic form of the sport.
The method we choose. Is not easy. It takes time, patience and practice.  It's not for everyone.
Shooting compound bows. Admittedly. Allows for more opportunity at longer ranges, and heck. Who doesn't want more opportunity? But for us. It's about the journey, and the hunt. If we make the kill. Big Plus!
I say. If there's a compound shooter you know. Or next to you at the range. Let him try, let them play.  You just may convert someone.
Either way be kind. And friendly to others.

[jhg]

Lead by example.


Joshua

[NBK]

Originally posted by jhg:
Lead by example.


Joshua

X2.

[Gdpolk]

There are jerks in every segment of the population.  I have however found that most outdoorsmen, especially those that pursue niche markets, are overwhelmingly generous and kind individuals.  Those that take the extra time and money to put into things like traditional archery, black powder, fly fishing, bushcraft, etc seem to be the type to value the experience more than the result and those groups in my experience tend to be the most welcoming overall.

I think it goes both ways and there are those types in both camps. Most all trad and wheel guys I know are good folks, but there are a few on both sides that I do not wish to be around at all.

Bisch

[Alexander Traditional]

I think you are right. I even see it on here sometimes. It could just have a lot to do with each others individual personalities also. Some people that act that way could be that way in every single aspect of their lives.

[T-Bowhunter]

It does not matter to me what type of Bow you shoot, the problem that I have is allowing Cross Bows to be used during archery season. Since we are allowing Cross Bows then what next, Firearms?  If this trend continues there will not be an Archery Season.

[Dave Worden]

Let people shoot whatever they want.  Heck, I took second place one time to a guy shooting a crossbow!  The thing is, I shoot to have fun.  Overcoming a big challenge is more fun for me than overcoming a small one.  Guys shooting with sights (compound or recurves) gripe when they miss the X, trad shooters exult when they get a bullseye.  Who's having more fun.  Shoot what you want and let the other guy shoot what he wants.  Just have fun and enjoy each other.

[Roger Norris]

I see that mostly coming out of youngish guys who are relatively new to what we call "Traditional Archery". I have never felt the same....heck, I even hunted with a compound for a season and a 1/2 back in the 80's. I shoot in a league, sidexside with compound guys, and have never had a cross word. We respect each other as MEN....the bow in our hand has nothing to do with it.

Here in Michigan, we recently went through the "crossbow wars". Big business came to town, and decided they wanted our seasons opened up to increase their equipment sales. It got ugly. I'm not particularly proud of some of the things I said and wrote (except when I called the one guy a "Carpet Bagger and "Traitor to Bowhunting"....I kinda liked that). But in the end we lost.

I can promise for sure....unless I am with someone who is physically unable to shoot a bow....I will never hunt with a crossbow shooter. But I have several good friends who hunt with compounds.

I also hate that "elite" has become a bad word. Rangers are "elite". Top athletes are "elite". While the mere possession of a traditional bow doesn't make one elite, it shows you have at least the beginning desire to excel at a challenging sport. Nothing wrong with that....

[SELFBOW19953]

I have noticed also that many non-hunters-older ones at least, seem to be more pleased when they see you are hunting with the bows they saw in the old Robin Hood movies and on old TV shows.  I have actually been given permission to hunt (after initially being given dirty looks) when they saw the long bow in my truck, saying "Oh, you're hunting with the kind of bow you're supposed to."  Non-hunters do notice what we hunt with, how we hunt, how we act, and what we say.  I think it would behoove archers to be more accepting of others equipment.  Nothing the matter with good natured joking, though.