Trad Archery Popularity

[AlphaK9]

Looking for your opinion. Do you feel like traditional archery is on the rise or the decline?

With massive advancements in archery technology in the last 2 decades, I am curious if guys step away from modern compounds when they get "too easy". Also curious if the traditional archery world attracts newer archers or if they are made up mostly of former compound shooters. I have been on both sides of the spectrum. This is just for fun- post up where you are at and where see the biggest growth, in 3D shooting or in the hunting industry?

 

[LostArra]

Target shooting like Lancaster Classic or Vegas: traditional / barebow is growing.

Bow hunting: where an unfilled tag is considered failure especially on social media, there is much more movement to crossbows since even a compound takes a little practice to be accurate at "hunting distances" (fill in your idea of hunting distance) .

 

[GLB]

I agree with LostArra. The promotion of larger archery events like Lancaster with Barebow and now Longbow events televised. Some have been brought over because of the ILF movement.

I think that the growth and or decline is also a regional thing. I see it more as a decline as compared to the late 80s and early 90s

 

[Tradchef]

Target shooting across the board is growing. I don't see many people in the field with stick bows at all. I think people like the thought of it until they realize they need to actually work at it and practice. I agree with the above. The modern conveniences are what most gravitate to so they can increase success. It's too bad as you can be successful with traditional equipment on the regular and you might actually get better at hunting with your modern gear if you choose not to stick with it or bounce back and forth. I also think more people need to understand without traditional we would have no compound and archery seasons. Without compound and modern gear we would have no interest in traditional or archery in general. It has pros and cons for sure. I am glad the bowyers are staying booked out and busy and continuing their craft. Always great to see that.

 

[Geewhiz]

Like @Tradchef said, becoming and staying proficient with traditional archery equipment is a huge commitment. I jumped in head first one year and practiced every single day and many days multiple times a day. I was what I would consider proficient by the time season rolled around and I was able to make a great shot on a good bull. The following year it went to my head and I was feeling pretty good about myself and I didn't practice near as much. I clean missed 8 bulls with my stickbow. It was humbling to say the least. I finally bagged it, and took my mathews for a walk and killed a nice bull my first time out with it.

And given day throughout the year I could pick up my mathews and hit a paper plate out to 50 or 60 yards even if I hadn't shot it in months. If I picked up my trad bow right now I would be lucky if I could hit a round bale at 30 yards.