So, a year ago, I had no idea what a primitive archer was other than possibly some prehistoric bow carrying cave-man.
I thought all bows made in the last couple decades came with wheels
I thought that bow hunting was quaint but really who would do something that nutty when you could pick up a used rifle and some cartridges for less than the cost of a new bow. I mean really??
But then one thing led to another and I end up on this site and I can't stop reading. I become stunned by the things I see being made and done. I still have a hard time believing that guys sit around and make arrowheads and spear points like it was still 10,000 BC. Heck if I hadn't seen the pile at Pappy's I might still not believe it and just figure that the things I see from Sawfiler were photoshopped or something.
But then I go to Pappy's and see all there is to see there. And I am stunned and taken by how bad I want to tan some hides with brains. And with some email help from George T., I make a Maple Board bow that pulls 42 lbs at 29". I almost think about making arrows but realize I just don't have the time so now I actually have to buy some arrows cause I don't even know if my Bow shoots yet or not.
But what I have done or want to do is not why I write this it is because of the odd change in me. First, I am a tool junky and yet the overwhelming case around here seems to be to make it with what you have or what the animal gives you. I feel like I owe a letter of explanation to the big box stores for why I don't buy any tools anymore.
And then how I look at the environment. I literally cannot look at a tree without wondering if I could make a bow out of it. I see a big patch of Red Ossier in the creek bed and I think what about Arrows? I think about last year's elk hunt. I was surrounded by Juniper trees and scrub oak. You can bet some of them are going to come home this year.
And of course there is the elk itself. I am actually embarrassed to say that when we had three elk on the ground, all we took was the hides and the meat. I mean not a single tendon for sinew, no leg bones for skinning tools. No hooves for glue, and of course the brains weren't even considered. What a waster I was. If we get one this year the guys are going to think I am nuts when I start taking all the stuff we normally left for the scavengers. And you can bet none of them are going to get next to that hide with a knife.
I think what really pointed out the change in me was when last weekend I was on the way home and I saw a roadkill bull snake on the shoulder of the road. I screamed at my buddy who promptly turned around and we went back for it. Came home and skinned and mounted the skin to a board. Later on I get a call from my wife and she asks what I have been doing. I excitedly tell her all about the snake and she is dead silent for a full minute. Finally she says, "Why can't you just sit at home and watch Golf or Baseball like a normal guy.
Thanks guys. Primitive Rocks!
Mike
