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Ben
I absolutly agree that there have also been some terrible acts perpetrated by "riflemen" and doubtless will continue to be.
I condem them just as heartily. There is one famous PH whom every time he releases a video I root for the animals.

I am lucky enough to number some PH's amoungst my friends so sometimes get the unsanitised version.
I got the real story of a large game hunt with a pistol recently so different from the published (elsewhere) version that I could have wept for the poor bloody beast.

Much of the manner in which game is harvested by the majority of tourist hunters leaves me cold.
However I accept that it is an industry that is driven mostly by client expectations and if we were to return to the grand old days of hunting then the industry would be 10% of its size. The 8 animals in 6 days safari is what keeps the industry alive. There is only one way to acchieve that as some know.

In that regard I do not solely blame bow hunters for the situation that exists vis blinds, waterholes etc.
What is apparent however is that even a relitivly poor shot and unfit hunter can be got within 100 yds of a quarry by bakkie and make a kill. Modern rifles are so accurate that from a rest 1/2" is easily obtainabe for the compitant and a kill zone shot easy for the incompetent. Even bad shots with modern rifles usually incapacitate to such an extent that a follow up (either by the client or PH) is fairly sure. It isent hunting really, but, if you squint your eyes just enough, it may pass.

Let me state that I marvel at the skill of a good bowman. I have tried it a couple of times and it is very difficult.
Now there's the rub. A tiny percentage of those that try it are compitant, hence the 20-30 yard blinds at water. I just cannot squint that much.

I happent to like longbows very much and was once privilidged to try a replica of a tudour longbow at 150lbs draw weight. (They must have been so strong from continual practice).

I would like to thank you for being prepared to discuss this matter. I have seen other conversations about this matter elsewhere that just descend into mudslinging.

I am quite prepared to conceed Ben that you and a few others may be the exceptions, like Bell and his .275. However for the main the shooting of bows at animate targets should IMHO be confined, in accordence with the English tradition, at Frenchmen

Regards

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