Im 40, been shooting since I was 8 years old. All of it has been trad, with the exception of a 5 year stint when I lived in Iowa. Nothing wrong in my opinion if you wish to shoot a compound, but for me, the love of archery involves me and trad equipment. While in my compound days, I grew quite tired of the unsatisfaction of never getting that bow or myself absolutely perfect. Even when shooting indoor 300 rounds, a 300 score was never as fun as a 240 score with my recurve.
I look like I'm 60+ but I'm only 52 and counting. I shot a lot of rabbits as a youngster with a Bear "kid's" bow. Shot field archery in those days and remember seeing the first compounds come around (Allen, Jennings, et al.) I stopped shooting at age 16 when our club closed down. Didn't pick up another bow until my son was a teenager and wanted something more challenging to hunt with than a rifle. Got us a couple used compounds (never had shot one before). That lasted a couple years then it wasn't challenging enough for him so I bought a couple used recurves. Been shooting mostly trad since then (he's almost 29); still break out the wheels and even the smoke pole once in a while though.
50 soon, so 10 plus more before I can make that claim. In trad years, I am still a pup. Started shooting recurve and longbow open categories at TBOT and local club shoots a little over a year ago. We have allot of fun at it.
This is Arvin. I'll be there in a year and a half. I didn't start trad until 2004. Shot a lot of game with a rifle before that. I love trad and all my trad buddies.
65 in August.
Like the Grateful Dead song -
"What A Long Strange Trip It's Been!"
Started sticks & string around 10yo W/a broke Shakesphere fiberglass bow I found.
Tip broke off so filed slots in the end coated with airplane glue to keep glass from unraveling. Hardware store had a string w/ loop on one end and aother end I put the loop where it needed to be. Wood arrows were 25 CENTS at Western Auto.
Killed quite a few rabbits with it and a few squirrels.
Finally got a 49# Red Wing Hunter when in hi school.
Did the wheelie thing in late 70's and went back to all traditional in mid 90's.
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