What stage?
Pax:
Very good question and survey. In the world of "Fish & Game" instructors, there is a theory of "The evolving Sportsman". It goes like this - a young hunter goes through many stages along the path from beginner to sportsman. (such as) Stage #1 Learning gun skills, safety and game laws. Stage #2 The first hunt Stage #3 Limiting out on game he/she hunts Stage #4 Hunting trophy animals Stage #5 Learn to hunt with a more primitive weapon (Bow or muzzleloader) Stage #6 Desire to instruct younger sportsmen. The path is a never ending circle.
So as the sportsman achieves all of he/her goals they desire to branch out and make the sport/game harder and more self rewarding. The person will achieve all they can with a rifle (expert and very successful hunter) and move on to the bow to start back on the bottom (beginner).
I look back to my journey over the last 60 years and it has been exactly what I have done. I have hunted with HP rifles, bows and muzzleloaders. I own and shoot over 40 handguns - revolvers, autos, single shot muzzleloaders and black powder revolvers. I like them all and shoot, all of them, good enough to stand in the prize circle more times than not.
How do I rank myself - I don't but if you give me any operational bow, rifle, muzzleloader or modern pistol - I will be able to take game and defend myself.
Dan Bromley
Pax:
Very good question and survey. In the world of "Fish & Game" instructors, there is a theory of "The evolving Sportsman". It goes like this - a young hunter goes through many stages along the path from beginner to sportsman. (such as) Stage #1 Learning gun skills, safety and game laws. Stage #2 The first hunt Stage #3 Limiting out on game he/she hunts Stage #4 Hunting trophy animals Stage #5 Learn to hunt with a more primitive weapon (Bow or muzzleloader) Stage #6 Desire to instruct younger sportsmen. The path is a never ending circle.
So as the sportsman achieves all of he/her goals they desire to branch out and make the sport/game harder and more self rewarding. The person will achieve all they can with a rifle (expert and very successful hunter) and move on to the bow to start back on the bottom (beginner).
I look back to my journey over the last 60 years and it has been exactly what I have done. I have hunted with HP rifles, bows and muzzleloaders. I own and shoot over 40 handguns - revolvers, autos, single shot muzzleloaders and black powder revolvers. I like them all and shoot, all of them, good enough to stand in the prize circle more times than not.
How do I rank myself - I don't but if you give me any operational bow, rifle, muzzleloader or modern pistol - I will be able to take game and defend myself.
Dan Bromley