The Accurate Reloading Forums
bows, blinds and waterholes
26 February 2007, 16:25
500nitrobows, blinds and waterholes
At a recent discussion about the implementation of the new hunting norms and standards the issue of using a bow to shoot an animal was raised, and the views were many and varied.
One topic which generated much brouhah was the setting up of a hide next to a waterhole and waiting for the animal to come and drink before escorting it to the biltong rack at the pointy side of an arrow. This is according to one school of thought, an acceptable practice.
However, the same school believe that to do this with a rifle is quite off-sides.
The first school of thought believes that using a bow to shoot an animal requires far more bushcraft skill and the challenge is more than shooting with a rifle, which they claim you can do from a distance. Getting within bow range on the other hand, is a lot more tricky.
What are your opinions?
26 February 2007, 17:05
L. David KeithEach to his own is my humble opinion. I use archery, muzzle loader and rifle to hunt big game. It is only as effective as I am. One thing I won't do is argue the point. While we hunters are busy blowing the attributes of each style of hunting, the anti-hunting crowd is gaining headway. So if it's legal and ethical (again, each to his/her own judgement) I see no problem with it. Which takes more skill: a successful 450 yard shot on a Springbok, or stalking within 25 yards of a Kudu Bull with archery equipment? Who cares. Both require skill, patience and shall I throw in a little "luck never hurts?"
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26 February 2007, 18:27
Larry SellersI would echo L.D.K.'s comments along with a few additional. In any "style" of hunting I feel as hunters we should take advantage of our own skill, knowledge and methods best suited for the specific hunting situation as long as all legal aspects are conformed to. Bow hunting from hides is not a slamdunk as many assume. I have spent thousands of hours in hides, blinds, treestands over the past 44 years so have a really good feel for this. As a hunter one must adapt to the situation at hand, use the tried and true "local" method if you will. That's the beauty and thrill of the hunt in my opinion. I can't imagine too many hunters purposly using methods that "don't" work when pursuing their quarry. Luck or being in the right place at the right time never hurts either!!
Larry Sellers
quote:
Originally posted by L. David Keith:
Each to his own is my humble opinion. I use archery, muzzle loader and rifle to hunt big game. It is only as effective as I am. One thing I won't do is argue the point. While we hunters are busy blowing the attributes of each style of hunting, the anti-hunting crowd is gaining headway. So if it's legal and ethical (again, each to his/her own judgement) I see no problem with it. Which takes more skill: a successful 450 yard shot on a Springbok, or stalking within 25 yards of a Kudu Bull with archery equipment? Who cares. Both require skill, patience and shall I throw in a little "luck never hurts?"
26 February 2007, 18:54
IvanHunting over bait or waterholes is not my cup of tea, but to each his own. I'd rather earn mine the hard way on foot reguardless of how big it is. I'm a little hypoctritical as I hunt whitetails out of a tree, BUT I'm intercepting them on a trail not at a pile of corn or at a water hole.
26 February 2007, 19:05
cable68I do quite a bit of hunting at waterholes from a blinds, and I think it is more ethical than walk and stalk taking unmolested game. I even do this within some high fenced areas, sometimes less than 100 acres, and I still say it's more sporting than sneaking up and shooting resting game.
Of course the hunting I'm discussing is waterfowling.
Kind of interesting that the waterfowling equivalent of "walk and stalk" is called "pond jumping", and among many waterfowlers this practice is as controversial as sitting in a stand near a feeder. However, shooting ones sitting on the pond is considered about the same as a true canned hunt.
Caleb
26 February 2007, 20:16
Aspen Hill AdventuresMy last bow hunt at a water hole was in a hide made of thatch grass. With game at ten to 20 yards and swirling winds I had no advantage at all, the animals can hear you draw your bow and of course that wind does not help.....
It's not like shooting ducks in a pond.
~Ann
26 February 2007, 20:52
GanyanaWhere the law permits....
In Zimbabwe it is illegal to shoot game within 400m of a waterhole -irrespective of whether you are using a rifle or a bow
26 February 2007, 23:39
AfricanHunterquote:
Originally posted by Ganyana:
Where the law permits....
In Zimbabwe it is illegal to shoot game within 400m of a waterhole -irrespective of whether you are using a rifle or a bow
I don't recall hearing that before. Does that apply to private lands or only gov't concession and tribal lands?
Thanks,
27 February 2007, 00:55
eyedocGanyana-I have never heard of this regulation and on both my bowhunts to Zimbabwe I spent quite a bit of time sitting in blinds and shooting over waterholes.It was THe recommended way to take game according to my outfitter.
We seldom get to choose
But I've seen them go both ways
And I would rather go out in a blaze of glory
Than to slowly rot away!
27 February 2007, 03:24
Aspen Hill AdventuresBowhunting is not allowed on Government concessions in Zim. I am under the impression that on Communal and private land you can bowhunt and also use blinds at water holes.
I could be wrong but perhaps Ganyana would kindly double check for us?
~Ann
27 February 2007, 10:24
BwanamichTanzania has the same law except its 500m from any "permanent" source of water. Exceptions are hippo, waterbuck, sitatunga, otters and birds. they don't specify croc!!
Of course in practice it is often abused and cat hunting over bait often occurs within 500m of water.
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J.A. Hunter describing the early explorers and settlers of East Africa
hunting is not about the killing but about the chase of the hunt.... Ortega Y Gasset
27 February 2007, 12:44
GanyanaAnn You are correct- No hunting within 400m of water in the parks estate (ie safari areas) Bowhunting is being permitted in select safari areas starting with Matetsi unit 5 mainly for ele and buff.
27 February 2007, 18:29
Aspen Hill AdventuresThanks Ganyana for clarifying.
I know I was not allowed to even bring my bow to Chewore and had to leave it in Harare. I really wanted to take it to see what the penetration would have been on a dead cow ele.
~Ann