Most of my spare time has involved hunting of one description or another, from dedicated pig hunter to deer stalker to dabbling in duck and alpine hunting – a bow had never seriously been on the agenda.
25 years ago, I picked up a mate’s bow, flicking a few arrows at a target that was luckily large and close proved to me that it was both a challenge and really satisfying when everything came together. The arrow went close to where I had aimed.
Seven years ago – using the magic of trade me I purchased my own bow. Then things started getting interesting; the advent of Google and You Tube allowed for some self-tutoring and a very steep learning curve, learning that I had no idea how to correctly operate what, at face value, appeared a straightforward piece of equipment.
That first bow was luckily highly adjustable, and after some trial and error, the groups on the target at home became smaller and more acceptable at further ranges.
This steep learning could have been short-circuited by using the available experts.
Advanced Archery have been invaluable in their advice and service, and I strongly recommend anyone interested in getting started to use their experience and skill.
The opportunity to get close to wild animals of all types, from small game through different species of deer and alpine species, has proved a very enjoyable and rewarding challenge. As I have gotten older, it has become more about the experience than bringing meat home. Add in using a bow, and another whole level of challenge arrived, not just to get close, but get close, then work through all that is involved: distance, angle, raise and draw the bow, sight effectively with the animal in the clear presenting a suitable shot angle all while staying undetected and then execute an ethical shot.
It isn’t easy, but it is most definitely rewarding and exciting.
For those who are interested in bow hunting, seek out advice and make use of the skill that others have gained, often the hard way; I have yet to meet a bow hunter who is not prepared to help someone who is keen to learn. When it all comes together, it is an experience that cannot be beaten. That first animal taken with a bow is one that you will not forget, but that is another story.
