I'm a little troubled that I'm even asking this question, so I considered registering a new account and posting it a little more anonymously, but - what the heck. I'm just gonna let it all hang out here.
I've been shooting trad for about 2.5 years now, making slow but steady progress all the way around - form, accuracy, equipment tuning, etc. - and I feel pretty good about the progress I've made. But, I have yet to draw blood on big game, mostly for lack of opportunity. I've been hunting several properties here in East TN with very light deer populations, so I have just not had the shot opportunities.
But here's the kicker. I have booked a hunt in Pike County, IL for this fall to the tune of several thousand $$. I have killed many deer with the wheels, and so I have been entertaining the thought of hunting with a compound rather than my Brackenbury Quest. I'm trying to get myself over the mental hurdle of commiting to hunting with the Quest, but the thought of trying to cut my teeth on a Pike County bruiser is kind of rattling me psycologically.
I think if I had killed even one or two deer with the recurve already this wouldn't even be an issue. And I have no doubt that I will kill many deer in the future with it. But these wicked mind games almost have me to the point of dropping $800 or $900 on a state of the art wheelie.
I'm just gonna sit back and listen to your sage advice on how to defeat this demon, 'cause that's what I really want. I know that if I came back with a mature buck taken with a compound I would be a happy man, however, if I came back with one taken with the Quest I would be a ... well, I guess I would be a happier man.
Is this where we separate the men from the boys?
Do you want to kill deer, or do you want to shoot your recurve?
Are you going to feel as if you wasted your money if you come home without? What were your expectations when you spent the money on the hunt?
QuoteOriginally posted by Jeff Strubberg:
Do you want to kill deer, or do you want to shoot your recurve?
Yes. ;-)
QuoteAre you going to feel as if you wasted your money if you come home without? What were your expectations when you spent the money on the hunt? [/QB]
Good question. Either way, I won't consider it wasted money. When I booked it I intended to carrying the recurve. It seems an insidious little doubt has slipped in a crack in the door. And, in the words of Doc Holiday (Val Kilmer), "It appears my hipocrisy knows no bounds."
Use the wheel bow. When a big buck is 25 yards out it's no time not to have confidence in your equipment ot personal performance which it sounds like you do. If you did shoot the curve and mess up (although it would be your fault and not the bows) you would forever blame it on the bow and it would ruin trad for you. Kill a couple deer with the curve so you have some confidence before you take it on a once in a lifetime hunt.
On the other hand I've carried selfbows on hunts that cost twice that much, didn't get anything, and came home happy as a worn out hooker. It's all what you're looking for in the experience.
You don't need a state of the art c bow though any ol wheelbow will do. The oldser ones are actually easier to shoot and maintain.
Hunt with whatever you're comfortable with. You don't want to spend the whole hunt doubting about what weapon to use, just enjoy it. I guess the big question here is whether you're hunting for the trophy or for the hunt. I know money goes into the equation, but at the same time "the tag isn't a receipt for a pair of antlers." Shoot the recurve for a while and get confident with it. You might change your mind. Whichever you choose, go with it and be confident with it. And have fun! Cheers, Matt
Any chance you have access to go stick a pig or two at a local "pig ranch"? That would build some confidence in your shooting and your equipment and give you a bit of barbeque for the table too. Seems they should be readily available and reasonably priced in your neck of the woods. Just a thought.
Good Luck,
Brian
I know where you are coming from Bob. I also will be taking my first trip to Pike Co. IL this November and am working my way out of the worst shooting slump I've ever encountered since switching to traditional. I had great confidence in my shooting after last season (2 kills out of 3 shots taken - the miss was behind the leg and just under the chest) but my shooting suddenly went to the dogs when I picked up my bow in March. Only, you can make the decision on whether to shoot modern equipment. If you decide that is what you will do then I would'nt listen or care what others think or say. You're the one paying for the hunt. For me, a compound is not an option or thought and I hope that by November my confidence level is out to around 23 yards. Right now it is around 14, but if I were going tommorrow I would still be shooting traditional and hopefully be able to restrain myself from taking a shot that I was'nt sure I was capable of making.
QuoteOriginally posted by the Ferret:
On the other hand I've carried selfbows on hunts that cost twice that much, didn't get anything, and came home happy as a worn out hooker. It's all what you're looking for in the experience.
That quote caused me to spit coffee on my screen.
Thanks MICK!!!
LOL!!!
Quote... "the tag isn't a receipt for a pair of antlers." ...
Man, you got that right. I've missed a few deer with the compound at ranges that I'm embarrassed to admit.
I agree. No guarantees no matter what is in your hand.
QuoteOriginally posted by the Ferret:
On the other hand I've carried selfbows on hunts that cost twice that much, didn't get anything, and came home happy as a worn out hooker. It's all what you're looking for in the experience.
PMSL!! :goldtooth:
QuoteOriginally posted by the Ferret:
Use the wheel bow. When a big buck is 25 yards out it's no time not to have confidence in your equipment ot personal performance which it sounds like you do. If you did shoot the curve and mess up (although it would be your fault and not the bows) you would forever blame it on the bow and it would ruin trad for you. Kill a couple deer with the curve so you have some confidence before you take it on a once in a lifetime hunt.
I feel like a guy standing on a bridge - I need you to talk me back from this craziness - but you just told me to jump. ;-)
Just kidding, I hear what you're saying. Just a couple of things. I feel VERY confident out to about 17 or 18 yards. And I feel pretty good about 20 - 22. So the confidence is there but is on shaky ground for lack of blood on my arrows.
Also, it's expensive but not once in a lifetime. There will be a bunch more opportunities like this one.
Thanks for being straight up with me.
QuoteOn the other hand I've carried selfbows on hunts that cost twice that much, didn't get anything, and came home happy as a worn out hooker. It's all what you're looking for in the experience.
That's funny right thar. I don' care who ya are...
Exactly what I was trying to say, Mick. It's all about your expectations.
Just my $.02 you seem rattled already no matter what bow your carrying this sounds like a money issue with what you've spent for the hunt. You've killed deer before you know what it takes and what to expect. So you haven't killed a whitetail yet with the Quest, are you doubting your shooting ability with it?
Fall is alittle ways away if you commit to the Quest do some hunting/bowfishing or what ever is legal in your neck of the woods this time of the year and build some confidence.
Good luck either way you go.
QuoteOriginally posted by Drew:
Just my $.02 you seem rattled already no matter what bow your carrying this sounds like a money issue with what you've spent for the hunt. .... So you haven't killed a whitetail yet with the Quest, are you doubting your shooting ability with it?
I guess it does sound like a money issue, but honestly, in the grand scheme of things $3000-$4000 is not alot of money these days. It feels like more of a nagging little doubt than a fear or worry.
THere are certainly a lot more important things going on in life - for example my first grandbaby being born at 2AM this morning - so I won't lose any sleep over this one. I was honestly just looking for some practical advice in battling the nagging little doubt.
Thanks for chiming in.
Are you more interested in killing the buck, or the weapon you hunt with?
Think about that, and you'll have your answer, and no judgement from me either way.
Best of luck to ya.
QuoteOriginally posted by Terry Green:
Are you more interested in killing the buck, or the weapon you hunt with?
Stay tuned for the answer to that one. ;-) And by the way, thanks for letting this thread ride considering the fact that it arguably crosses the border into non-trad.
Bob
You have to decide what's most important to you, how you do it, or how big/many, though the two aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. Good luck.
Variations of this question get asked alot and there seems to be many different answers I don't necessarily agree with...many equate it to money, needing to kill, etc...the bottom line is this, you are either comfortable in that when you go out with the trad bow you can successfully kill an animal or you aren't.
Nobody here can answer it...you shoot everyday, go to 3d's, practice, etc...your mind knows what your skill level is...can you hack it or you can't...no shame either way, there is only a right way to go about doing something...proficiency is key here, not what others think you can do/should do.
Doubt is a tough opponent, with cost factored in it is tougher still...your 5 months out thinking about it, if you can't work it out now, good chance you'll be cooked linguini when it is green light time.
Sounds like BJK hit it on the head to me.
If it was me, I would take the 'curve, and hunt in a way that will place the deer within 12- 18 yards....your comfort zone. Just know your limits and make yourself stick to them.
It is hunting, not killing. Go with whatever your gut tells you. I think any deer taken with any bow is a trophy. Good luck on your journey.
Quiet your spirit call upon the ancient ones and the answer will come in the stillness. All doubt leaves a quiet soul.
Your question of not killing anything "yet" with the Quest. Bottom line is you never will by not taking it????????????????
hey buddy just get out there and kick ass. in other words just do it. you wont regret it belive me i have been there and done that. and if i dont get any thing sh.. happens LOL!!! :archer: but i am still happy that i did it and you will be to i am sure.most of all have fun.
When is the hunt? this is only May. Practise every day, work on form, work on judging yardage, work on form again. if you don't what to practise then hunt with a gun!!!
How will you feel years from now when you look up at the mount on the wall. Will you think less of the deer because you used a compound instead of the recurve? If it's all about the kill, use a rifle and increase your odds even more.
Pack your gear.....and your recurve.....and leave for your hunt.
When you get there and all you have is your recurve,there won't be much choice now will there?????
You will hunt with your recurve.....and have the time of your life.....(you might even fill your tag)
That's why they call it huntin'.....not killin'
QuoteOriginally posted by shootrmn:
Quiet your spirit call upon the ancient ones and the answer will come in the stillness. All doubt leaves a quiet soul.
Very nice quote!
Take the compound this time and the recurve next trip. There is nothing wrong with using a compound...it just depends where you are on the journey. Whatever you pick good luck and have fun!
You want to use the compound or you wouldn't have asked and that's alright. When I got rid of my compound I never looked back. I have always dreamed of hunting elk and if I am drawn I will carry my longbow because it's not about the kill for me but the path I walked getting an opportunity for the shot. Good luck on whatever you decide.
I think it all comes down to this: Consider if you get a decent buck..any buck. When you look at the hero picture of yourself and the deer and it has a compound bow in it, are you going to be satisfied with the hunt? .... or will you be saying to yourself "I wish I'd taken him with my Brack"
If it doesn't matter to you, then take the compound. If you will have the slightest pang in seeing yet another picture and memory without the trad bow, then you have your answer there. ;)
Beyond that, you have to shake that doubt. Go small game hunting, 3D'n till it feels natural and the compound doesn't feel as natural.
There's nothing quite like taking a deer with a tradbow.
Pick a spot and gitterdone ! ;) :thumbsup:
Since ur asking the question , maybe the time isnt now! When the feeling comes over you , you will know!!!I practice with all my hunting clothes on , shooting BH's ...good luck!! :)
Now that I've had time to think, I believe tht your first shot on live game with Trad gear, will be the toughest you've ever made (speaking from experience) As has been mentioned before, try & get a local hunt in before the Fall &make meat with your recurve, whether it's a rabbit, deer, hog or javie, it doesn't matter.Once youve done it once, believe me, it does get easier. The thing to remember is to know your limitations & absolutley stick to them. No matter who's there, what the situation is or how much encouragement you're getting, if you're not comfortable, you don't have to take the shot. You'll get just as much of a rush from not taking it, as you will from dropping the string. My first shot on live game was at the Sweat. I knew for an absolute fact, that I could hit what I was looking at, upto 25yds. My first shot was at 20yds & I missed by at least 15 feet! All you can do, in my opinion, is to take the 'curve & try your absolute best, to do all you can do. At some point, if you stick with Trad gear, you'll have to let fly at an animal. Whether your first shot is at a bunny or a 10pt buck, the thrill is the same. Do not be embarrassed about making a bad shot, not one person in the world, who has huntedin any discipline has a 100% success rate. Bad shots happen to everyone, at some point. As soon as you can come to terms with this, the more confidence yu will have & the better a shot you'll be.
Just my 2p.
I shot a very very nice 6X6 elk about three and a half years ago. It was 17 yards. It was the last time I shot my wheelie. I remember thinking after the shot...I could have done that with a recurve. I have taken one hog and missed two deer since then. Going back to my Matthews has never been in the picture. I could have limited out on deer last season if I had had my compond. I still have no regrets. The site of that shaft arching through the air is just too pretty.
You still have plenty of time to get the confidence you need between now and then. Things can come together pretty quicly. I have been only a fair shot until about three weeks ago. I have recently started concentrating on my form per much of the advice on trad gang and it has paid off in spades. :goldtooth:
When you're old and looking back at the arc of your life, what will make you the proudest? What is more important to you: the outcome of the hunt or the way you hunted?
Not easy questions. You might not find the answers this year or even next year. Good luck to you, though!
Since switching to traditional there have been
MANY times that I have passed on shots that I would have never hesitated taking if I was using a compound. Looking back, I have no regrets.
Passing on a shot at a booner cause he`s just too far will be hard to swallow. But killing him, and not being satisfied with the accomplishment might be even worse.
If it were me, I would go all out. Practice to your honest effective range, as much as possible.
Shoot your bow until the draw weight is effortless. Practice range estimation constantly.
The flight path of your arrows should be etched
into your minds eye.
All these things should be done regardless of which bow you use. And as Fred Bear said, "Go afield with a good attitude and respect." The rest will take care of itself.
One more thing,..... Best of luck.
QuoteOriginally posted by knife river:
When you're old and looking back at the arc of your life, what will make you the proudest? ...
Knife,
Now that right there is the most compelling argument I have read in this thread.
I went out tonight after reading all of the replies of everyone to this thread. I shot about 5 rounds each from my Golden Eagle and my Brack. I shot the usual 3 arrow, 2 inch groups with my GE. I had a particularly tough night with the Brack.
Ironically, this made it all clear. Nothing worth accomplishing in life is easy. (I think I read that in someone's signature line.) The wheels are history, and when I'm old and gray looking at the pictures from my hunts I will be looking at one of two things: either I will be proudly smiling over a trophy with my Brack laid across the chest, or, I will be be standing with my recurve in hand with a smile knowing that I gave it my very best.
Man you guys make me think... Thanks for the encouragement and the support on this journey. I'll post my photos in November. :thumbsup:
Congratulations. You made a choice. In every truly Traditional Hunter, there comes a point where they decide that Traditional is more than the weapon I choose, it is a lifestyle I choose. This is who I am and how it plays out is so much less important than how I play. It appears you have taken that big step and can now work on getting better with out second guessing yourself. Enjoy the internal peace, it makes focusing so much easier.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
When you turn the corner, nothing feels better. For me it was my second trad harvest this last season. (In....6 years of trying ? :\\) Late season doe with the longbow. Made the previous misses and ALL the effort worth it. Was an amazing experience.
I hope that like me, you'll have a nice 8 pointer at 6 yards come october. Unlike me, I bet you nail him ! (watch those bow limbs when treestand shooting) ;)
Congrats and good luck. We expect pics!LOL. Have fun.
now that you've made your choice, get out and hunt every critter you can till your deer hunt. Do you have an open squirrel season there? nothing builds confidence like being able to shoot some small game.
Simple as I can put it. It's gotta be the manner in which you take it, than taking it. That said, a hunt of a lifetime (maybe) and the first animal with trad might not be the time.
You said in one of your earlier posts that you missed with wheels at ranges you wouldn't want to admit. Well the way I look at it is if you can miss real close with wheels, you might as well miss close with trad. You can always say "I missed but I missed the Hard Way."
I feel your anxiety a bit.I dont hunt with compounds at all, I despise them for many reasons, not people who hunt with them just the bows.Anyway Ive got a lion hunt booked for January 14th.Ive spent more money on hunts but this is one of my ultimate hunts.My trouble was deciding between the black powder or stick bow. The more I shoot my curve and longbow the more foreign my guns seem to me and Ive decided to go with the curve win or loose.Im confident in my shooting at this point and it sounds like thats what you need.You have alot of time before deer season gets here so keep shooting that curve and let those Illi deer know what time it is.Good luck and just have fun whtever bow you choose.