As difficult as it was to endure, both mentally and physically, I sat out the last two bow seasons due to suffering severe, near debilitating shoulders problems. Now, I could have easily gone to my doctor, got a note and procured a "disability" permit from the state of Missouri to use a crossbow during the bow season, but I honestly would rather sit on the sidelines and watch for a season or two while recovering than hunt with a crossbow.
I put my heart and soul into everything I do, including hunting animals with a bow and arrow. To somehow taint the bowhunting experience by using a weapon that in no way, shape or form resembles or even shoots the same way as a common recurve or compound bow does would not only do a gross disservice to the magnificent creatures that I pursue, but to myself as well. To me it would somehow be "cheating".
Cheating, in the sense that I would be robbed out of the absolute experience. Each year there is an annual progression of events that take place to prepare for the bow season. Normally, I undergo a rigorous practice program to determine my effective shooting range and become proficient enough to feel confident about shooting at an animal with my bow. I fear that the total experience would get lost in the conversion. In other words, I would be cheating myself out of part of the wonderful and rewarding journey of hunting with archery equipment. I, mean, if the very essence of bowhunting is somehow lost along the way, then how could I ever look at the sport the same way ever again? Would it mean the same to me? I think not.
I know I sound obsessively puritanical here, but that is exactly the way I want to keep my personal experience when it comes to hunting with archery equipment -- pure.
Have I changed my mind on some things over the years? Yes, without a doubt. As an example, I used to shoot strictly instinctive with a finger tab for over 20 years and thought that I would never put sights on my bow or employ the use of a release aid as a way of launching an arrow. However, even with the concessions I made in aiming and releasing, I feel that I must draw the "innovation line" somewhere in the sand and never cross it. Otherwise, not only will the meaning of the sport as a whole lose its glitter, but I also honestly believe the longevity and sanctity of the sport itself may one day be in jeopardy if lines of distinction are not established between what it considered archery equipment and what is not.
Take care and Good Hunting!
Best Afield,
Steve
<message edited by TheExtremeArcher on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 12:17 PM>
