What stage are you at?

[AZ_Longbow]

You understand the bow is as much a part of who you are, as you are a part of the bow.

[pdk25]

Don't really consider those stages, just some things common with trad archers.  Alot of those don't, and likely never will, apply to me.

[EWill]

I would be at or near 22, with the exception of 16. I've been to quite a few shoots but never competed.

I sure love to see an arrow fly.
I know you Gordon, does that count for 23?

[Gordon Jabben]

No Eric, knowing me sets you back two places.  

[Shootum Straight]

I'm doing good Gordon.  I hope that bow serves the new owner for years to come.  Maybe we will run in to each other at a shoot in the future.

[Babbling Bob]

'bout 22.  Shoot when I can but look at my old Bears everyday.

[ChuckC]

I read thru most of the responses, and it looks like a fun thing.  I think we morph and shift stages every other day, depending upon our mood and the task at hand.

One thing that popped up, maybe in jest, maybe for real, I don't know.

Who is Fred ?

This request is not meant to demean, or any other bad thing, it is meant as a suggested guidance.  

Many, many of us come into this sport and don't know of its history, of its past and present.  

They do know how many feet up in a tree a deer can smell you at 1,000 yards cause they just read it in some magazine, posted by some "expert".

Please, take some time.  Get some books, read some of OUR history.  You don't have to become a professor or a graduate degree'd student of traditional archery, but knowing a bit about us tends to make or break the bonds a bit.  Makes you more a part of the big group.

Some of us say they don't want to be a part of a group, that's OK for you (then why are you here reading this ?), but others do.  Its fun !  It's enjoyable.  It boosts your learning and your experiences tenfold.  

Become, and learn about what we were and what we are, about some of those folks that, because of their actions, have shaped and directed our sport ( a little or a bunch)and maybe become one of those folks that help direct and shape our future.
ChuckC

[buckeye_hunter]

15

Add a number for shot too much and injured my shoulder.

[MEsquivel]

I guess I like to see an arrow fly.

[Caddo]

22, G fred Asbell, never heard of her!

LD

[RecurveRookie]

LOL!  make my #11 hunting hogs....good one! Haven't killed anything yet. Yeah I need that number for hurting my shoulder too, 3 times.  Guys, watch Arne's video on drawing, and save your shoulder.

[Trond]

Living in Norway I will probably never ever get past 10. But I practise and practise, and I love to watch the arrows fly. What that say about me, I dont know. And frankly, I dont care. I love are traditional archery. Simple as that.

[Gordon Jabben]

Trond  

[mt-tom]

#10 for me.  I'm a reformed ex-compound shooter who just went trad about 4 months ago.  Loving it!

Tom

[Nantahala Nut]

Thanks to the members of this forum I was able to skip steps 2-4 and get straight to practice... which I am not devoting enough time to.

[CRS]

I am at 22 and hope it doesn't end at 23!    

[pinky]

I'll say i'm close to #20.  I think i skirted #19 and #16 was a few years back. I as just out with the Dog yesterday checking out some new to me elk country and shooting a few stump arrows. Another Great day in the hills.



the stumps were few!  

[VA Elite]

10

[bowhuntingrn]

With traditional equipment, I would say 13, but I skipped 12 to get there. However, I've spent enough years in the woods to say 20 applies as well.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I am 1 through 22 I started this journey back in 2009 and I love every minute.