Why is Primitive archery so popular?

[Dane]

Hi, Pepe, how goes it man?

Sidewinder, I suspect that bowyers were always a fairly rare craftsman, even when primitive bows were not primitive, and atlats were probably considered quaint and primitive. So, betcha some bow makers from 2,000 years ago were having some kind of conversation just like this, but not over the Internet, of course I'd like to think each tribe had one talented bow maker, and some apprentices and other guys who could also make them if necessary, but also string makers, arrow makers, knappers, bronze or iron smiths, etc. We have to do pretty much everything, but back in "the day," there were specialists for lots of jobs we do to get a bow out on the range or in the woods.

Dane

[Sidewinder]

Dane....your probabley right.

Jawge...don't get discouraged brother. You are a beacon in the night to those of us that were looking for direction. We really appreciate you and all you have done to help newbies and novices get better. Thanks man.   Danny

Another point to be made is primitve bowyering is not for the fast food mentality and thats what most poeple have these days. They want it now. Most of hte people I know, although they are good folks, just don't have what it takes to take the road less traveled.This takes a little longer but its worth the wait. I like to call it the scenic route. Its miy favorite.   Danny

[Hillbilly]

Another point: Would any of us really be happy if this wierd addiction of ours suddenly became mainstream, and everybody started doing it? If we saw ads for Bo-Gold osage staves and Slam-Boo cane shafts on TV every weekend and everybody else was arguing over which brand of flint arrowheads had the best penetration would we really like it? Hell no-I wouldn't. Not to sound "elitist", but I think part of the satisfaction of our pastime is that not just anyone is capable of making or shooting these weapons of ours. It takes a combination of skill, patience, perserverance, the right attitude, and some natural aptitude to do a lot of what we do, and it does feel pretty good to be one of a small group of people who can make a weapon and ammunition from nothing but the natural materials natural surrounding us and take it out and kill game with it. Self-reliance is pretty satisfying. I have the strange feeling that if everybody started shooting wooden bows, a lot of us would switch to hunting with atlatls, spears, or sharp, overgrown toenails. 

[The Burnt Hill Archer]

Another point: Would any of us really be happy if this wierd addiction of ours suddenly became mainstream, and everybody started doing it? If we saw ads for Bo-Gold osage staves and Slam-Boo cane shafts on TV every weekend and everybody else was arguing over which brand of flint arrowheads had the best penetration would we really like it? Hell no-I wouldn't. Not to sound "elitist", but I think part of the satisfaction of our pastime is that not just anyone is capable of making or shooting these weapons of ours. It takes a combination of skill, patience, perserverance, the right attitude, and some natural aptitude to do a lot of what we do, and it does feel pretty good to be one of a small group of people who can make a weapon and ammunition from nothing but the natural materials natural surrounding us and take it out and kill game with it. Self-reliance is pretty satisfying. I have the strange feeling that if everybody started shooting wooden bows, a lot of us would switch to hunting with atlatls, spears, or sharp, overgrown toenails. 

my thoughts exactly!

Phil

[knightd]

I have the strange feeling that if everybody started shooting wooden bows, a lot of us would switch to hunting with atlatls, spears, or sharp, overgrown toenails.

   

[whitewoodshunter]

Funny guys!!! But seriously I get your point and totally agree!!!!

[Dano]

I've got some killer toenails Seriously primitive archery is just way cooler than any of the other choices.

[Justin Snyder]

So Hillbilly, you say we all enjoy being odd?  I guess I can't argue with that. That is definitely part of the draw.  Justin

[George Tsoukalas]

Thanks, sidewinder. Let's not rest though. There's work to do.  Gotta spread the happiness. Jawge

[hawkbow]

I feel that our connections to the ancient ways are only natural.. besides the inner caveman in me must be released upon the wilderness or the universe will come to a sudden standstill  Happy hunting brothers and sisters of the bow.. Hawk

[Sidewinder]

Hillbilly, when you said toes nails I envisioned a picture of Thimo with that grimace of his when he is drawing back a bow and him pouncing from above with his taloned toenails ready to pounce on the back of an unsuspecting doe.  Lol   Danny

[JackCrafty]

This is a good thread....and I agree with the guys that have said that primitive archery really isn't (and hopefully never will be) popular.  However, if it wasn't for the recent renaissance in all things primitive, I wouldn't have been able to advance my skills nearly as quickly (or obtain "rare" materials through trades/purchases).  I'm sure many of us remember a time when we had to gather everything ourselves and learn by trial and error.  We take it for granted that we can now buy stuff like wood shoots, heat treated stone, pine pitch glue, bowyer's manuals, shredded sinew, etc, etc.  I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing that more people are into primitive archery these days.

[Kegan]

I don't think primitive archery will ever  be popular. I know lots of really lazy people who use compounds around here, just to "get them deer". It takes a romantic's soul to take up the wooden bow, and I don't know about you, but I don't see alot of that today.

[sailordad]

I know lots of really lazy people who use compounds around here, just to "get them deer".

hey i resemble that remark,not cause i'm lazy. only because i've gotta take my training wheel bow again this year.

i really gotta quite making bows for others so i can finish atleast one hunting bow for myself. after all that is why i
started this after all, cause i wanted a new hunting bow,still dont have it though lol

                                                               peace,
                                                                      tim

[whitewoodshunter]

Well it is popular with us  so thats all that counts. But i would like to get others involved though.