Not only yes, but ABSOLUTELY YES! What is it with you guys? Why must there be a best? Each of us hunt for different reasons, and each of us promote the sport for different reasons. Be it time, money, trophy quality, ambassadorship...whatever! If it were so easy, then when you do it, I will place you in the Hall of Fame also. The Hall of Fame isn't for one. It is for those who have made this sport what it is-GREAT! Chuck is absolutely one of those guys-Period! How many of you have traveled this country promoting bowhunting at every event possible? That, in itself, places Chuck in the Hall-at least in my book! There is no doubt the man has taken bow hunting to another level; more than good, better than great, and certainly among the best!
To me, Chuck Adams and Paul Schaeffer are great hunters. So are Myles Keller and Jim Shockey. There are many others that are great hunters as well. I don't care if they hunt a million species or specialize in just one, they're still great hunters. I don't even care what weapon they use, compound, traditional, muzzle loader or rifle. They all set out with a goal in mind and achieved it. Hooray! for them! I cannot and will not allow myself to get bogged down by something so trivial as, "so and so" is a better hunter because he used XXXX for a weapon. I don't give a rip. To me it's about the animal, the scenery and the memories and the hunt. The weapon used does not enter my mind. Who am I to say that a bow kill is more valuable than a gun kill? I leave that part out. Personally, I prefer bowhunting over other weapons and I'm basically specialize in whitetails. I'm good with that! If I choose to hunt another species..... so be it. I do know that I am not going to try for as many different species as possible, it doesn't interest me. I'm glad for the guys that do, I like hearing their stories.
I couldn't have put it any better. I've followed the guy since my dad told me about him, as a kid; every article, book or news clipping I could get my hands on. Is he one of the greatest?. . . In HIS arena, which differs from many other's mentioned already, he is probably THE greatest.
man, i don't "rate" any of 'em, they are all great (and yes i'm including you guys too)... if you're out there with your azz in the grazz tearin it up with a bow, i don't care if its stick/string or got wheels on it... you're doin it the hard way, anyone that does it that way deserves respect
X2 If you did not read either of these books your opinion doesn't hold much water. Read the books and you'll be impressed.
I think his accomplishements speak volumes and he is always rated at the top by other Pro's, that kind of respect is earned. While his name is on many products and endorsements, in my opinion he is not a "Stage" type personality. This keeps him from the public profile, (as compared to some of the more popular TV hunters of today). He is gruff and old school. If he would polish his image a bit he'd be better accepted by the mainstream. Hunters have always known his accomplishments and his ability to put big animals down.
Could you elaborate on that? Hasn't he as created his own opportunties? My understanding is that Chuck Adams mainly uses a guide when law REQUIRES it...but often is a do it yourself hunter. I have a lot of respect for him...he was a regular guy who simply made hunting his highest priority. He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He made himself into what he is today and I don't see how anyone could take that away from him. He has never wanted to do TV hunts because then it would start to feel like work to him. He says he works so he can afford to hunt...hunting is not his work...it's his passion.
I am not one to usually get involved in threads like this but, if I did, I would like to say something as smart as this:
As far as his opportunities, he has had them because he made it his priority in life to have them. He made them happen. I dare to say that there is no one on this board who puts hunting as high on their priority list as Chuck does. It is his #1 in life. Above family, above his marriage, above everything else. One of the best ever? Absolutely. Crazy? Quite possibly :d
From what I read the answer is yes! Google this, Google that, everyone's an expert with this tool available, some more than others... Or is it now Twitter??:d Wouldn't you hate someone explaining your story and leaving out key details that ARE important for a true story. Leave that up to lawyers and politicians and the media to discredit or misrepresent someone's accomplishment, because THEY didn't feel it was an important detail. Until I meet the guy and ask him myself or there are court documents proving him wrong about his accomplishments, I will only wish I could have done what he has done! Until then, most of it is just hearsay. The guys a hunter just like us!!! Just a better hunted than most. Now don't read between the lines, I said better not best
this is not a thread about is he the best....it is a thread about is he among those who are considered pioneers in this game..Bear, Keller, Schafer, etc....does he deserve the Hall of Fame?
I don't know the answer to this which is why I ask...has anyone really matched his accomplishments using traditional equipment? I know there are others who like him have taken impressive lists of a variety of species. But the collection of World class sized animals he has taken just seems unmatched to me. "Chuck was the first archer to complete the "Super Slam" - the taking of all 27 species of North American big game. He has also bagged 111 Pope & Young record-book trophies and 181 Safari Club International records, more than anyone else in history. Chuck is the only bowhunter to complete five Grand Slams on American deer, and hold five Pope & Young World Records."
He is right up there with Fred Bear and the best. I met him and talked with him for a while one afternoon and he is a super nice guy and a "regular" guy too. I asked him if his wife cares that he hunts all of the time. He said he wasn't married. I said, "That explains the huge smile on your face in every pic." Some girls, including my ex girlfriend, were listening and they scowled at me, but Chuck and the other guys all laughed and agreed.
Yes, I believe your right that Fred has completed the Slam with recurve which is truly a great feat. I enjoy watching his show...seems to really enjoy hunting to the fullest.
I think that compound bows are a handicap compared to the trad bow, and not an advantage when bow hunting. I don't know any compound bow hunter that can shoot quarters out of the air with his bow, but many trad shooters can. So to say that a trad bow hunter is a better or more accomp[lished bow hunter than a compound bow hunter is wrong. Trad requires more practice for some, that is all. Once mastered, the trad guy has the advantage of being able to quickly and expertly make his arrow go where he wants it too; no making sure the bubble is aligned in his sight, hooking up a release, making sure his sight is centered in his peep, etc. By the time ho does all that, the animal may be gone. The trad hunter has the animal shot by the time the compound hunter has leveled his bubble in his sight. Not to mention his bow is quieter and there are no gadgets on it to fail.
Not many trad guys will shoot 30+ yards. I think thats where the compound bowhunter has a huge advantage.
