Big game like deer and elk are popular with the public and are typically managed with considerable public money and support. It's an expensive undertaking and most supporters take a dim view of abusing big game hunting privileges at their expense.
Some states and a good segment of the public perceive longbows and recurves as primitive hunting weapons, with built-in self-restricting limitations. So, openly posting intent to use them on animals at ranges that MOST would consider excessive for that type of weapon, even if the user 'thinks' they are skilled enough, IMO damages the concept that longbows and recurves might deserve allowances relative to compounds, crossbows, firearms and special seasons. It also tarnishes the general perception (IMO, an accurate one) that primitive bows are often the main choice of hunters looking to maximize fair chase rather than compromise the chase to their advantage. I.e., for these simple weapons bow hunting is by-and-large considered a close-range sport.
In effect, you're probably not doing the rest of us any favors if you practice and support the idea that using simple trad hunting gear...bows and arrows of reasonable hunting weight, on game animals at 50 yards, is a good personal choice or even a marginally realistic undertaking for successful and responsible hunting. The risks and potential shortfalls are just too great.
Topic: Ethical Range: 50 yards (Read 2541 times)
