A Traditional Bowhunter's Path

Book excerpt: This guide to traditional bowhunting with a longbow or recurve combines the best of both worlds for beginners and veteran bowhunters. How-to chapters share hard-earned wisdom that will help you perfect your skills and get close to your game, while engaging stories tell of the author’s experiences hunting white-tailed deer in the east, chasing big game in the American West, and trekking to South Africa in search of Greater Kudu and other plains game. Throughout, the author highlights archery’s traditional spirit by exploring the history and craft of bowhunting and chronicles the challenges faced by today’s bowhunters in continuing their important role as hunter-conservationists. As a professional wildlife biologist, Ron Rohrbaugh Jr. also provides valuable information on wildlife ecology and behavior that is instructive for all those interested in increasing their success with archery tackle. Specific shooting techniques for hunting situations, ways to set up effective ambush sites for big game, and dealing with the stresses of “buck fever” The latest information on equipment and arrows, including the pros and cons of various bow styles and arrow shaft materials Advice on using the wind, hunting bedding areas, creating effective scent trails, and understanding why and how deer move Discussion of controversial topics, such as baiting and trophy hunting