I have enjoyed archery in all forms off and on since about 1973 when, in fourth grade PE class, we shot what I recall as kids recurves. I started shooting a compound when I was about 17 and have pretty much stuck with them through the years. It, for me, was draw of the latest technology and the most advanced gadgets to gain every advantage in harvesting that game animal. Deep down there was always the yearning to do it “the old way”, the hard way. My buddies always convinced me that to harvest an animal with a compound was tough enough, why would anyone want to limit themselves any more unless they were crazy or…..just stupid? Well, back in 2016 I made my first trip to Colorado and hunted elk in an over the counter unit with my compound. I was enamored with back country hunting, I had hunted for decades as well as backpacked and hiked but not all together. Fast forward to this season, I made the trek out to Colorado again and hunted a different OTC unit, one bordering the development I bought property in after the 2016 hunt……..well yes, I am hooked on western hunting! So upon returning from this hunt I have been doing a bunch of reflecting. I am going to sell my compound bow and start shooting the Samick Sage I bought back in 2016, a lot. I need to get some more [lower weight] limbs and dial in the arrows for them to work on form and become proficient. I will eventually purchase a high end recurve or reflex/deflex but for now the Sage will serve me well.
I really just want to become a better woodsman, a better hunter, more cognizant of everything in the back country. I really just want to do it the “old way”, I believe it is far more rewarding and gratifying.
