Ditto dwc on competitions ;
whatever everybody likes— but what usually happens ( firearms too) they become an equipment / adjust the rules race for what wins. Which is fine, for those interested. I used to shoot the matches periodically for the fun / shooting under stress trng. Whatever floats your boat. I mean that sincerely…
I think true traditional in my mind is what can be made by hand from natural materials. Not being a Bowyer I have to get somebody to build a bow for me. Not being completely interested in the true primitive ( stone points etc), I am ok with steel points, fiberglass and some of the newer strings materials… Uh oh— I am heading down the slippery slope?… don’t worry i’am stopping before we get to compounds, haha.. I like Carbon arrows for some scenarios ( efoc) in hunting. However Steve made a valid point on carbons, (a while back)lack of biodegredation capability ( and aluminum) in lost arrows hunting, which has got me reconsidering their use…..It reminded me of hunting on the channel islands in the olden times ( off CA ) great hunting BUT , it was bad press for bowhunting as there was used / broken / discarded arrows littering some areas as time went on. I started carrying a bag to haul em off….
It seems to me more people are interested in the gadgets and the kill, than in woods/ archery skills and the more primitive ( challenging) experience…when asked why I shoot / hunt trad I emphasize the last sentence without admonishing the newer stuff in hopes of educating / influencing people towards our discipline. Not sure how good iam doing since I see less and less trad bow Interest…..one Step at a time I guess.
Scout aka Ray
