Which Bow is Right for You- Jon Milligan

All of my life I’ve been a hunter. For the past years of my life, archery has been my only option when it comes to hunting. One of the biggest arguments in the hunting society is the topic of compound bows versus traditional. After many years of hunting with both types of bows, I can honestly say that I believe traditional archery is the best way to hunt whitetail deer. I am going to do my best to show you why I believe this and why you should believe it. The ability to shoot in different positions, enjoyment you get from shooting and, the reward are just a few of the things that make traditional style archery my favorite.

How often do you see professional compound archers running around shooting these crazy shots in the weirdest positions possible? The answer to that question is none. A compound bow, with all of its attributes, cannot be shot in any type of complicated situation.  The Traditional bows allow for more awkward shooting stances than a compound can. I know that in an ideal hunting situation you won’t need to make your body move in order to get a shot off at the animal; however, there are many instances when you aren’t able to shoot in a comfortable position. As bow hunter Randy A. explains to us, a traditional bow is one smooth draw which allows you to aim at any target no matter what your positioning. Using a recurve for these situations could make all of the difference.

The enjoyment alone is enough of a reason to pick up a traditional bow. There’s not a similar type of fun when it comes to shooting recurves or long bows. “Traditional target shooting is fun and hunting with traditional equipment brings the bow hunting challenge to a whole new level” (Walrath). Although compounds are also fun to shoot, they do not have the same level of excitement as a traditional bow. Their owners quickly become bored by simply going through the motions with every shot: hardly getting to challenge themselves. So if you’re looking for joy: you’re looking for a traditional bow.

The biggest reason that anyone could ever have for choosing traditional over modern is the reward. Every kill with grant you the feeling of success and excitement, but a traditional bow will give you more than that. The primitive ways that are in every old bow connects you to the woods and animals like nothing else in the world can. Nothing that you ever do can give you the same feeling of accomplishment as harvesting a deer with your recurve that you spent the past year learning can give you. Killing with a traditional bow is proof to yourself of your own capabilities. “Traditional archery tackle offers simplicity and a primitive weapon feel ...” (Dolbee). A high tech compound simply can’t bring you the same rewards or feelings that a recurve or longbow will bring you.

Everyone has their own preferences and ways of doing things. Many choose modern, while many choose traditional. The road you choose is completely your own; although, I strongly suggest traditional. Just keep in mind all of the benefits and advantages that come with using an older style bow. Make sure to consider what circumstances you’ll be shooting in, what you want to feel when you shoot your bow, and what kind of rewards you want from archery. Now go, choose, and have fun. 

http://jmilligan12.edu.glogster.com/edit/archery