As the summer deer hunting build up begins, I find myself watching all kinds of bow hunting videos. I was scrolling through a bunch of youtube videos today and I found myself not even clicking on a video without a bow in the kill pic. Then I started to wonder why I was doing such a thing. First off, I want to watch bow hunting video, not gun hunting videos. After I settled that debate in my head, then I began to think about all the bow hunting pictures I have taken and all of them, minus one, have had my bow present. Not really sure why other than maybe for contest entries. If I know I kill the deer with a bow, then why do I feel the need to put the bow in the pic? Not really sure.....what about your thoughts?
I think my main reason right now is for the contest. Back in the day I didn't even think about. If the bow was there, I may throw it in the pic. But most of my pics I don't have any weapon in the pic. I don't have a single pic with a rifle in it. I don't know if I take any pride in killing a deer with a rifle, have felt this way my entire life. Main reason I haven't rifle hunted in a long time. I think my main reason back in the day to put a bow in the pic was to prove something to other people. Most people couldn't believe the deer I would shoot with my bow. It was some way for me to impress other people and show I was a bowhunter. I kind of feel dumb for even saying that. I don't need to prove anything to people. But I do enjoy sharing my success with other like minded bowhunters. And yes VS, I also find myself only watching bowhunting videos on YouTube. Usually turn it off right away if it's a rifle hunt. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
I maybe have one pic from when I used to gun hunt with the gun in the pic. I have only one deer I took my bow that doesn't have the bow in the pic. I am always proud of any deer I take with a bow and hell yeah, I want everybody to know.
Wouldn’t matter to as I don’t hunt with a gun anyway. That said I always have my bow in most pictures because bow hunting is the motivation for hunting for me. I most likely wouldn’t hunt, at least not to extent that I do if I couldn’t bow hunt.
I always include my bow. For me, it’s a measure of the feat that was just accomplished. I noticed over the years that most victory-shots without the weapon displayed, are gun kills. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks for the honesty fellas. Many of your opinions on the matter mirror mine. For some reason I felt I was being an elitist or something....but I have never felt that way or tried to project my bow kills as being superior in nature. They are just superior for me, if that makes sense. Bow hunting is what I dream of when I think about hunting.
I’ve never felt the need. The method of kill doesn’t matter to me, as much as the animal I’ve taken. Plus I don’t get anything from said manufacturer, so I try not give them anything for free. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The tool used for the harvest should be in the pic for me. It's just the way it is. If it's not, the picture looks like it's missing something. I wasn't always this way but I've found over the years to do it more often. It's just part of it. Not sure how else to describe it.
Yes, if nothing else it will help you remember 20-30 years from now which weapon you used. I have actually never taken a buck with a rifle but I am sure it will happen some day.
I look at it as an accomplishment when you put your weapon in there. Why not show off your equipment Especially your bow? Part of me thinks you get more respect when you harvest an animal with archery equipment. If it was easy I feel like everyone would switch to archery.
Yes, whatever weapon I take the animal with, I put in the pic. I'm especially proud of my bow pics. Sent from my SM-G960U using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
most always have the bow in the pic... or the muzzleloader, or whatever I shot the deer with. I do most of my hunting w/ the bow, however, I do bring the smoke pole out during gun season up here late season (and not ashamed of it!)
I killed that one on an exclusive piece of privately owned ground like the elitist bowhunter that I am. We don't allow crossbows or public land losers there.