The Traditional Challenge! Who's In?

[SPIKER]

Today, at 10 yds, I was a marksman...at 15 things started loosening up, and at 20, I was like a blind man.

I'd like to believe that I could get within 15 yds of a deer, and draw on it, but I think that I have to be proficient at 20 - 30 yds before I even think of hunting with one...

[red]

Jul 31, 2008 19:36:29 GMT -5 SPIKER said:

Today, at 10 yds, I was a marksman...at 15 things started loosening up, and at 20, I was like a blind man.

I'd like to believe that I could get within 15 yds of a deer, and draw on it, but I think that I have to be proficient at 20 - 30 yds before I even think of hunting with one...

I think you are correct...I am okay with limiting myself to 25 yards....with the 2 set-ups I have in mind, that will be where the shots come anyway. Unfortunately, I am home late tonight, so no time to practice. I need an indoor lighted range. Keep at it, Spiker...I want us both to do it this year. I've heard the standard of a paper plate group being reasonable/responsible for hunting purposes...I am guessing that is an 8 inch plate. We can do that!! Most likely, even better.

[SPIKER]

Karma to ya brother!

[red]

Jul 31, 2008 20:04:24 GMT -5 SPIKER said:

Karma to ya brother!

We gotta support each other. I just know that the first traditional kill will be extremely rewarding.

[smj]

So let me ask you guys a question here... Is this about the kill, or is this about hunting traditional?

The reason I ask is simple: What does it matter - the distance of the shot?

If this is about skill on the range, yeah, 30 yards is getting impressive with a stick and string. If this is about killing an animal, then why not use a gun. On the other hand, if this is about the hunt, if this is about your skill in the woods, if this is about pitting yourself against an animal with vastly superior skills in the woods, then this might be about traditional hunting. If so, then I believe the question should not be if you can shoot out to 30 yards or more. Rather, are you good enough to get within the 15 yard limit of your "sure shot" range? If not, maybe you need to spend time thinking about your hunting tactics, just the same as you spend time working on your shooting abilities. (I changed this last line as it just read rather harsh to me, and I didn't mean it to be so!)

I believe that there is no greater kill, than that taken with a traditional bow. And I promise you, it is not about the distance of the shot. It is, make no mistake, all about the hunt.

I don't mean to sound harsh, I do have some strong feelings about it though! If you love to hunt, and you can hit well at 10 to 15 yards, there is no reason for you to not hunt. Know your limits, and hunt. Really hunt, up close.

The most exciting hunts I have ever had were the ones where the animal was less than 20 yards away. I've had elk within 15 feet of me, shot a cow at 12 feet, another time a bull elk with huge horns went free as I could not negotiate the bushes between us - right at 15 feet. Let me tell you, this sort of hunting will leave you drained! This does not happen over night, it takes as much time to hone these hunting skills as it does your bow skills... Maybe more. But worth every hour of effort you are willing to put in to it.

[Greg Krause]

Amen. SMJ is right. My first year with trad gear I had to except that 20yds was my absolute max. Sure I have to pass deer just outside of that range, but that can happen with any weapon........the distances just vary with each weapon. BT finally talked me into just going for it and hunting with Trad gear is by far the most rewarding. If 10yds is you max, just try and get within 10yds.

[SPIKER]

Aug 1, 2008 14:00:08 GMT -5 smj said:

So let me ask you guys a question here... Is this about the kill, or is this about hunting traditional?

Just like shooting 60 yds, it makes 20 seem like it's right there.

So ..30 will make 10 seem the same. I'm already pretty proficient at 10..no lie...it's just so close compared to the 25 - 80 yds that I practice every day with the compound. Having said that, I know it's a totally different animal.

But you bring an interesting question into the mix..

I guess I can only say that it's about killing traditionally..

If I don't feel that I can pull it off, I won't try it this year, but if I feel confident, I'll do it. It's another skill that must be mastered, and I want to give it a try.

As far as a gun...no way..I've been doing it since I was really young, and there isn't any attraction to it anymore. I'm only motivated by what interests me these days...and Red being new to the traditional, has inspired me to give it a try as well. Not to mention BT, and skip..but they are already way ahead of us in that respect...

[red]

"So let me ask you guys a question here... Is this about the kill, or is this about hunting traditional?

The reason I ask is simple: What does it matter - the distance of the shot? "

The question causes me confusion and concern. I don't separate the two. I hunt because I love to hunt. The intention and goal of any hunt is the taking of game. If not, you are taking a walk in the woods...no sense in bringing along a weapon. I believe Spiker and I are attempting to be responsible hunters. With that in mind, we are trying to practice and become proficient with our new gear. I have no intention of launching a prayer and wounding a beautiful animal. I promise you this, if I am not confident in my skills as a hunter by the start of the season, than the traditional gear will stay in the Den. We owe that much to the game we seek. Here's one of my favorite quotes:

...birds and animals are not just so many targets to shoot at. There's a time and place to hunt (and fish), and more importantly, there's reason and responsibility.~Woody Blackwell

As far as caring about the distance of the shot....no, not in the sense of saying I shot my buck at "X" yards. That makes no difference whatsoever. I was trying to establish a reasonable/responsible expectation for us new guys to follow. During a practice session, we need to be able to say that we have to put "X" number of shots in a zone "X" size at "X" distance in order to be a responsible hunter. Not sure why this is being questioned. I use to establish the same criteria when I was a gun hunter. Did the same when my first child began hunting 2 years ago and will do the same with my second child. No way would I let them go out in the woods and start spraying lead. They both have single shot rifles. I used to shoot for High Country Archery...I spend many, many hours and days on the range before taking my bow into the woods. No way was I going to start flinging arrows without being proficient. I've taken lots of game with my compound, but I still practice most of the year-round.

If this little challenge has upset anyone, I'll withdraw it....the intent was supporting those who decided to take up the challenge of tradtional hunting (and yes, that involves killing). It is far more...it is about enjoying God's creation, respecting the woods, honoring your trophy, fellowshipping with your brother hunters, etc. The size of your trophy does not matter...it gave you its all. The distance does not matter. Taking game cleanly, humanely and ethically does. We practice and set our expectations so we can do just that.

[royden]

I think you all are on the right track.

Traditional is much more about woods skill than arrow flinging. Knowing your effective yardage tells you just how good at being sneaky you have to be.

Perhaps more so here in the west many people are just as "puffed" up at the yardage "X" critter was shot at as what they got. I personally don't care, however I practice long shots to help me train for close shots.

My only concern might be with a thread somewhere talking about going small game hunting to "practice". If I go hunting gophers I am practicing my hunting skills and yardage estimation - if I am not confident in the shot I don't shoot - even though it is only a stupid little gopher. I also aim for the head - less chance of a wounding hit there. To me killing a small critter is just the same as one with prodigious mythical head gear.

[Greg Krause]

SMJ wasn't being confrontational or questioning anyone of us. You are all doing the right thing by becoming as proficient as you can. That is what we all strive for with whatever weapon we choose. I think what SMJ was getting at was why worry how far you are proficient at, just hunt at whatever distance that is, even if it is only 10yds.

Everyone here has there head in the right place. I think things may just not have come out right or been interpeted as intended.

I don't think anyone was offended by the "challenge". It's a great way to get people motivatated and into shooting and hunting with trad gear. I look forward to seeing everyones faces in that picture this year!