Hi All:
This post runs the risk of being unreasonably long, so I’ll get to the main points quickly and save the details for near the end
I have a contract from Stackpole Books to write a new book on traditional archery and bowhunting, and I’m seeking some photos for a specific chapter of the book.
The working title of the book is Traditional Spirit: A Bowhunter’s Quest for Discovery and Adventure.
The book is divided into two sections that each contain 12 chapters. The first section deals with my insights about traditional bowhunting and archery, ranging from equipment choices to shooting styles to hunting techniques. The second section is composed of hunting stories from my own experiences in the U.S, Canada, and Africa. There are stories about hunting deer, hogs, elk, bear, and more.
The chapter that I’m seeking photos for is about what I call the Traditional Spirit of Bowhunting. In it, I would like to include many photos of traditional bowhunters to show who we are as a community—young, old, kids, men, women, and folks from all races.
Please read on if you are interested in possibly submitting a photo (or if you want more details about the book).
I’d love to include some pictures of TradGangers (and their spouses or kids) in the book, so thanks in advance for your generosity.
Send photos to
[email protected].
Ron
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The book will be a combination of insights, “how-to” chapters, and hunting stories drawn from my nearly 25 years of hunting with longbows and recurves. Though I cover some familiar topics like choosing a bow and shooting techniques, for the most part I focus on ideas and subjects that are rarely covered. For example, I devote an entire chapter to dealing with overcoming “buck fever” and making good hunting shots with traditional equipment. In several chapters I focus on whitetails, including hunting bedding areas, which gets little discussion in other books and magazines. I also cover thorny topics about defining traditional archery, baiting, high fences, and hunter behavior. I also address the role that I think traditional bowhunters can play in wildlife conservation and protecting our hunting heritage.
In the book’s Introduction, I try to define what it means to be a modern traditional bowhunter. This is no easy task and no one shoe fits all, but I give it my best shot. Our ranks and attitudes are changing fast and I think it’s a topic worth covering. As part of this chapter, I discuss the resurgence of traditional archery and its many faces. Below is an excerpt from that section:
Traditional bowhunters, as part of the modern resurgence, have become a diverse group that goes well beyond the once stereotyped middle-aged bowman in plaid wool. Our ranks now include young hunters decked out in high-tech tactical clothing; hunters from many ethnicities taking to the field and forest; women, not just tagging along with their husbands, but building bows and following their own hunting passions; and kids enjoying time afield with their parents and counting the days until they can hunt too.
In closing this chapter, my plan is to have a two-page photo spread (15-20 photos) depicting traditional archers/bowhunters from all walks of life.
Here’s where you come in. I need high quality digital photos of traditional bowhunters in the field. I’d like the photos to represent the diversity of traditional bowhunting.
If your photo is used, your name will go into a “hat” to become one of 5-10 (not sure how many we can do yet) people to receive a free book.
The photos must be high resolution and tasteful (no dead deer hanging off of tailgates). You must also be willing to sign a release, giving Stackpole the right to use your photo in the book at no monetary charge to them. Photographers and subjects will be given credit in the book.
I am having a ball writing this book and would love to be able to include some of you in it!
If you are interested in submitting a photo, please send me an e-mail at:
[email protected].
Thanks for reading.
Ron Rohrbaugh