One of the things that draws traditional bow hunters to the sport is the idea of simplifying our methods and gear. It is also human nature to try to improve upon technology and evolve. This is what drove our species to innovations and improvements ultimately securing the survival of our species over the millennia. It is engineered into our genetic code to want to "Geek out" and over-analyze our gear and methods. Unfortunately, sometimes this can work against us and our enjoyment of the aspects that interested us in traditional in the first place.
Our modern social media only works to help amplify these discussions and analysis. The online forums are full of the latest general opinions on everything from speed, to arrow weight, to camouflage, to string material, etc. Newcomers to the sport have a wealth of information bombarded at them to the point that some feel they NEED to have xyz gear, or this bow or that, or that EFOC, or super engineered single beveled broadheads in order to kill game efficiently. This is just not the case. To me, all this has become a trap in what is an otherwise simple and enjoyable sport.
Throw in the propensity or quick fixes and the cultural tend of immediate gratification and there is a recipe for frustration. Sometimes, perhaps we are too smart for our own good.
It is important to remember those that came before us. It has been estimated the bow and arrow has killed more animals
and humans then "guns and bombs" throughout history. The bulk of which were accomplished with what we would call "Primitive" all wood self bows and wood arrows. In the heyday of "modern" archery our bow hunting pioneers like the Thompson brothers, Saxton Pope, and Art Young and their compatriots killed everything from small birds to large African game with all wood gear. Howard Hill amassed a list of 2,000 game animals he took with the cedar arrow and a straight limbed longbow that is considered by most neo-trads as antiquated and inefficient equipment.
Many of our community transition from techo compound hunting to the traditional bow and with them bring the short cut propensity and gear dependency that drove them to the stick and string to begin with. My point is not to be divisive or discourage new ideas and equipment, but only to point out how we all can get tied into circles with over-analysis. Maybe this is even the cause of the onset of target panic for some?
It is to the point now that some of the doctrine being promoted by "the analyzers" is thought of as the only way or law.....well, there is another way. The simple way, that has been effective for eons and can be the most enjoyable aspects of our sport. Simplicity!
What is an "elk arrow"? Haven't hundreds of elk already fallen to the Port Orford Cedar arrow with 125 grain or 145 grain double bevel point? Are those animals less dead? There are those that would convince you that hunting with anything less than EFOC is not ethical.... Give me a break. Now we need a excel spreadsheet to figure out what spine arrow we need for a 55 pound bow. Good grief!
Well, I propose an alternative. Let's change our mindset, quit stressing, and just shoot.
