I'm 52, but I remember in the late 60's and early 70's when everything about hunting, and bowhunting in particular, was simple and seemed almost magical (at least to a boy).
What do I really miss?
-Tagging along when I was under 10 years of age with a dad who brought me to the wild places that I developed a love for. He was young and strong and full of energy. And then hunting with him thru the years as we both got older and sharing so many fine days afield. He is into Alzheimer's now, and the magic of those days is just a memory.
-the smells of archery from back then: burnt cork, cedar arrows, glue, leather boots, early Fall in the WI woods. WWII camp from Herters.
-When just seeing a deer, any deer, was exciting beyond words and when someone finally did kill a deer it was the talk of the town.
-just the overall simplicity of bowhunting before videos, all the "experts' and gadgets, TV hunting, etc.
-Herters catalogs and my very first dozen "hunting" arrows from them. My dad got them for me for Christmas. 28" cedar, Bear razor heads, yellow shafts. I still have 2 of them (used but priceless).
-hunting rabbits with a bow around industrial park and cemetery overgrown fields. (A kid would be arrested for that now).
But I am happy to say that in many ways, Trad archery today keeps me linked to those great memories.