Animals are lost to all hunting weapons each year. Traditional has no corner on that market. Perhaps getting back to basics and doing some small game hunting/bowfishing would get your groove back.

This will get me some heat, but what weight are you shooting? Sometimes as we age it is hard to admit that we need to go a bit lighter to better control the shot, especially as the temps drop.

In the end only you can decide what is right for you and personally I would never hold any weapon choice against someone so long as they are ethical, legal and HUNT!

If getting game IS the goal, switch back or even go to firearms.

If HOW you get the animal is more important, then work it out. I used to sit around deer at game farms, and feed em, to get used to being close to them.

Find something else you can hunt during the off season, like TX hogs, and go down and hunt every month or two, even when its hot. Spend time shooting stuff. It will help.

Compounders lose lots of deer. Gun hunters lose animals. I wouldn't sweat THAT part of it. No one likes to lose any animal, but nothing gets wasted in nature, believe me.

I think about it everytime I make a bad shot. I can't put in the time I used to. I'm lucky if I shoot 40 arrows a week anymore. I have recurring elbow pain and now a finger that feels like it's coming off.
Then, I'll make a good shot and it all goes away :-)
The guys I know who have gone back to compound devices STILL mmmmmmiss and wound critters. Discover your effective range and stick to it, pick a hair to split instead of the whole animal, and your "scores" will go up.

well  said dave i like your way of thinking bro      

Yup, I'll absolutely quite traditional archery and hunter ... a few days after I die!

pm sent

Good topic. Started in December and here it is March and there are lots of opinions.
Its a personal thing.
The best advice I have seen is what Biggie said.
Keep your shots close and shoot at a single hair, not the kill zone, and your scores WILL go up.
I hate to think of your bow hanging there, not out
hunting when the time comes.
Your concern for the critters is what makes you a true hunter, no matter what weapon you use. Its why you are a traditional hunter. The spirit, the honor, the sights smells and feelings. Not the kill.  

if it makes you feel any better I have yet to see a trad shooter consistently group past 20 yards and I've seen quite a few shooters...and I'm talking barebow...so as far as im concerned if you can group inside a paper plate at 20 yards consistently your doing just as good as anyone I've seen...I hear stories of guys that can shoot and group from longer distances but they must be few and far between

I am not planning on quitting.  If I get to where I cannot hit at 20 I will wait till I get a shot at 15, or 10, or even 5.  I have too much fun with trad.   Besides, I can always stump shoot out to whatever range I can see a target at.
ChuckC

Quit   Take a break    


If you like slingin arrows with a compound than thats for you!!!!!! Nothing wrong with it,But if you want to pick up the old stick bow its always gonna be waiting for you.