Why Bother With a Bow?

“Usually, I am a bow hunter, but I think I am going to leave it at home for this hunt.” As an avid hunter, outdoorsman, archer, and now guide for Non-Typical Outfitters, I have heard this expression my entire life. A very common expression among new Western hunters considering a guided hunt. Even hunters who are more comfortable with and prefer archery equipment will often look to the “modern long bow” or rifles as they are commonly known. With the scale tipping advantages that rifles bring to the table, no one can blame this decision on anything other than logic. Logically, a rifle increases your range. Logically, a rifle provides more knockdown power. Therefore, the logical conclusion is that a rifle will increase the opportunity rate accordingly.

While this is not entirely wrong, I would like to offer another perspective. A perspective meant only to help in the decision-making process of which weapon to choose. In no way is this meant to undermine the adventure, challenge, and thrill of a rifle hunt. All hunting, anytime, with any weapon, is a blessing and something to pursue by any means possible.

That said, archery at its prime was one of the most effective means of harvesting a big game animal. The resources needed to craft a bow and arrow were plentiful and easy to acquire, naturally making it a widely accepted option. As society progressed, resources, materials, and the need for a more effective weapon progressed in turn. And yet, the bow and arrow have maintained a level of status through generations. Seemingly developing a cult-type following throughout the years. Why has archery stuck around? How has it planted itself so deeply into the passions of hunters all across the world?

In my opinion, the answer lies in the presence of connection. From the moment you pull back and breathe to the second you let the arrow fly, there is a sense of connection between you and the target. The sense that the arrow is just an extension of yourself reaching out to touch the target. Once released, this extension of yourself, this arrow, cuts through the air with an audible slice and time seems to stand still before delivering a rewarding smack. Confirmation of a successful flight. A small moment with immeasurable sensory input. Input that is unpollutated by the deafening report of a rifle or the distracting flash from a barrel. Input that is gained solely by the presence of connection. A connection between you and your arrow, a connection between your arrow and the animal harvested. More importantly, the connection between yourself and the animal. A tangible feeling between you and the untamed wild. In the unforgettable moment when a bull elk comes running to your calls, twisting and dipping his antlers to fit through the trees, coming closer and closer till you are sure he's going to run you over! To the heart-pounding approach to the edge of a cliff, where a giant mule deer buck lies only ten feet below! Or even the horse ride in the gray light as bulls start to bugle all around you, and you can feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up. A connection. To the animal, to our instincts, and to something much greater than ourselves.

This is what makes an archery hunt so much more rewarding. It is the sum of all the powerful moments in which one feels connected that make the ever-so-brief moment of opportunity feel less enthralling. The rush, the adventure, the thrill, the connection, all come through the whole experience, long before opportunity arises.

No archery pursuit is ever disappointing, but is always rewarding. Regardless of a successful harvest, archery is deeper and bigger. In the words of Saxton Pope of the Pope and Young Club, "Here we have a weapon of beauty and romance. He who shoots with a bow, puts his life's energy into it.” So, if you are considering an archery hunt, it’s time to let the arrow fly.