Post by BT on Oct 26, 2008 8:46:24 GMT -5
Our Brotherhood and Safety
My name is Rodger, (I go by lockmaster here) I just turned 64 and have been hunting since I was 12. I was “shooting a bow” long before I ever fired a rifle, but because it was just so much fun. I began to hunt with a recurve when I was about 16 but not really seriously. I killed my first deer with a bow at about 18….a small 60# button buck. I was near 40 when I really began to take bow hunting seriously. Since then it has been a passion and over the years has become my “preferred” method of hunting. I think the first compound I ever used was the Bear “Polar” 6 wheel. I have taken many deer, have hunted turkeys, varmints and small game with the bow, and have taken a few wild boars. I still climb trees, still walk ridges, valleys and even mountainsides and enjoy the outdoors any chance I get. I fish the rivers for bass & catfish and the streams for trout.
I like to think of hunters and especially those we have here at The Archers Edge…as a brotherhood, and I think you will all agree that we are. We are a specialized group, we all love what we do and we spend probably a good 75% more time practicing and becoming proficient than we do actually hunting. We are all happy to share our experiences in hunting and our experiences with equipment, trying constantly to improve our proficiency in our sport.
That is one of the “purposes” of this site…to share information among members, and help those who want and or need it. In fact, no matter how long we have been bow hunters, we can all learn. In that process, we all have to make a concentrated effort to share information and discuss various issues while maintaining a peaceful setting for all. There is absolutely no purpose in personal issues with another member being posted to this board. I ask all members to respect our “community” here, and not use the board to argue with or “put down” another member. We have a PM function, so if you must, use that to converse with anyone you may have an issue with and not post those kinds of things on the board.
Everyone certainly has the option of not participating here if they do not like what they see. We all must strive to keep the board a friendly and helpful place and one that bow hunters will truly enjoy. We hear a lot of things in different places on the Internet on the different hunting sites about ethics, products, procedures and many other things. Pleas don’t bring things to the board that you “hear” about. It is perfectly acceptable to post a link to let other member there go take a look for themselves…but PLEASE…only post here about YOUR experiences with products, and not what you have read or heard from someone else….and PLEASE, refrain from condemning another on their choice of a particular product just because you don’t like it.
We just ask that you participate here without arguing or making things personal. We are not always going to agree on things, but we must discuss those things in a way that benefits all. No one likes to see bickering and personal attacks surface and to be completely honest, those things will not be tolerated by ANY of the staff members here. We want this to be a friendly and peaceful but informative site, and if we all work with the same purpose in mind and with the same desire, we can have one of the best bow hunting sites on the net. Let’s ALL keep it friendly, informative and relaxed. Ask questions and no matter WHAT the question is, there will be someone or even many who are able to supply the answer. Always remember..there are no dumb or stupid questions..EVER! No matter how small it may seem, never hesitate to ask if you don’t know! You will find ALL the staff here VERY willing to help with anything they can, and we have a member base of many fine people who will JUMP at the chance to assist too.
One of the most important things to ALWAYS remember is Safety. Practice it ALL THE TIME..whether on the range or in the woods. I have had friends wounded over the years, a couple permanently disabled and one very close friend killed in turkey season….ALL through carelessness on someones part. In view of that, I’m sure you would expect safety to be a big issue with me. Make SURE you always keep your equipment in top shape, check those arrows for damage before you use them, wear safety harnesses if you climb and strive ALL THE TIME to adhere to basic safety rules. There are a lot of personal injuries inflicted by bow hunters on themselves by carelessness.
Broadheads are very sharp and dangerous if not handled correctly, damaged arrows can cause SEVER injury, and there are many other things you must do to protect yourself and others. Attend a good hunters safety course if you haven’t. If you are required to take one, study hard, pay attention and learn all you can and practice it every day. You may save your life or the life of someone else. As the old and average mentality tells many. “it can’t happen to me”…..believe me it can. It can happen mostly when you least expect it. Practice safety DILIGENTLY and CONTINUOUSLY, and stress it to others, reminding them in a friendly and positive way when you see them being careless. The rewards for your effort may never be seen, but a lack of effort to promote safety may touch MANY!!!
Be safe, be courteous, hunt hard and above all, just enjoy the great outdoors!!!
