Saving Hunting

Can bows and arrows save hunting in America?

The Economist just published a fascinating piece on America's egalitarian hunting and wildlife ethic.  Including the role that (my favorite president) Theodore Roosevelt played in advancing our culture of respect for wild things, fair chase and a deeply-rooting hunting ethic.  Teddy characterized the role of hunting in America as  —“to keep men hardy, so that at need they can show themselves fit to take part in work or strife for their native land.”

Of course Roosevelt could never have imagined the technological advancements that modern hunters can avail themselves of.

Even bow hunting as we know it is now under assault from the popularity of the modern crossbow.  Of course bow hunting today is a far cry from stick and recurve bows of several generations ago.  Flint-tipped arrows have been replaced by modern arrowheads that can expand upon impact with deadly results.  I recently acquired a crossbow - so perhaps this is just another technological advancement in a long line of evolutionary changes for hunting enthusiasts.

It's a very good read - learn more about it here.