Crossbows, Children, and Teaching Them to Love Real Bows

[November Sunrise]

Below are the strategies that I employ to make certain children understand that crossbows are not real bows.

Firstly, I simply emphasize to the kids at every opportunity that a crossbow is not a legitimate real bow like a compound is. For example, when one of my sons took his first buck with a crossbow at age 9 in Ohio he made the mistake of breaking into a grin when he successfully tracked and found his buck. I immediately jumped down his throat and reminded him that it didn't really mean much since he had shot the deer with, in my words, "a stinking crossbow". Teaching moments like that are important so that they eventually begin to understand the differences between a real bow as compared to a crossbow.

In addition, I also don't permit the kids to smile for any pictures with deer that they've taken with this illegitimate weapon. Whenever they shoot a deer with the crossbow and want to call their grandpa to tell him about it I don't let them, as I again take that opportunity to remind them that it really doesn't count because of the weapon they used. Plus, it's not like cell phone minutes grow on trees.

Another tip falls under the umbrella of giving them a permanent reminder. For example, on my son's first buck I put a little plaque below the shoulder mount. The plaque includes his name and the date of the kill and then a super sized asterisk with an accompanying explanation to help everyone to understand that the deer didn't fall victim to a real bow such as a compound.

I also recommend constantly keeping them focused on the primary goal of being able to use a real bow. For example, based on his physical maturity, it looks like my 2nd oldest son (who will be 12 in October) will be hunting with a crossbow for 2 more falls (including this one) before he's finally able to man up and use a compound. Nonetheless, every day this summer I've put him through a 90 minute regimen each morning of pushups, pullups, etc and continually scream at him that he needs to get stronger so that he can begin to use a real bow. Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem like he's making much progress. Maybe I should expand to 2 hours daily? Anyway, in preparation for that time, I've also already begun to talk with him about the fact that when the day arrives where he can use a real bow he's not going to be permitted to ever again mention the hunts we went on and the deer he bagged while hunting with that high velocity crossgun. I'm even starting to think maybe it would have just been better to have forgone the 3-4 years of crossbow hunting and made him wait until he was old enough to use a compound rather than have to eventually go through this cumbersome process of memory elimination and purging.

As we all know, a crossbow just isn't a real bow like a compound is, and believe me I'm doing everything possible as a man to reinforce that fact with the kids I take crossbow hunting in Ohio.

[NoWake]

Kids with crossobws??

November Sunrise, How can you justify contributing to the epidemic problem of dumbing down America we are facing today? Especially in our youth which is the future of this country.

I hope your prepared to council him and support him with the troubles he's going to be facing down the road. It's been written that crossbows lead to homosexuality, or at the very least less than a "good man". According to Joe this is a problem in Ohio anyway.

[DANIEL MARK ZAPOLSKI]

Below are the strategies that I employ to make certain children understand that crossbows are not real bows.

Firstly, I simply emphasize to the kids at every opportunity that a crossbow is not a legitimate real bow like a compound is. For example, when one of my sons took his first buck with a crossbow at age 9 in Ohio he made the mistake of breaking into a grin when he successfully tracked and found his buck. I immediately jumped down his throat and reminded him that it didn't really mean much since he had shot the deer with, in my words, "a stinking crossbow". Teaching moments like that are important so that they eventually begin to understand the differences between a real bow as compared to a crossbow.

In addition, I also don't permit the kids to smile for any pictures with deer that they've taken with this illegitimate weapon. Whenever they shoot a deer with the crossbow and want to call their grandpa to tell him about it I don't let them, as I again take that opportunity to remind them that it really doesn't count because of the weapon they used. Plus, it's not like cell phone minutes grow on trees.

Another tip falls under the umbrella of giving them a permanent reminder. For example, on my son's first buck I put a little plaque below the shoulder mount. The plaque includes his name and the date of the kill and then a super sized asterisk with an accompanying explanation to help everyone to understand that the deer didn't fall victim to a real bow such as a compound.

I also recommend constantly keeping them focused on the primary goal of being able to use a real bow. For example, based on his physical maturity, it looks like my 2nd oldest son (who will be 12 in October) will be hunting with a crossbow for 2 more falls (including this one) before he's finally able to man up and use a compound. Nonetheless, every day this summer I've put him through a 90 minute regimen each morning of pushups, pullups, etc and continually scream at him that he needs to get stronger so that he can begin to use a real bow. Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem like he's making much progress. Maybe I should expand to 2 hours daily? Anyway, in preparation for that time, I've also already begun to talk with him about the fact that when the day arrives where he can use a real bow he's not going to be permitted to ever again mention the hunts we went on and the deer he bagged while hunting with that high velocity crossgun. I'm even starting to think maybe it would have just been better to have forgone the 3-4 years of crossbow hunting and made him wait until he was old enough to use a compound rather than have to eventually go through this cumbersome process of memory elimination and purging.

As we all know, a crossbow just isn't a real bow like a compound is, and believe me I'm doing everything possible as a man to reinforce that fact with the kids I take crossbow hunting in Ohio.

LMAO ! sounds alot like the HITLER YOUTH GROUP training manual LMAO !

[wildcoy73]

that was good for the funny bone. I'll have to remeber that next year when my girls harvest the whitetail with a crossbow. Man I must be a bad father to teach them to cheat in hunting.

[Joe Archer]

I also recommend constantly keeping them focused on the primary goal of being able to use a real bow. For example, based on his physical maturity, it looks like my 2nd oldest son (who will be 12 in October) will be hunting with a crossbow for 2 more falls (including this one) before he's finally able to man up and use a compound. Nonetheless, every day this summer I've put him through a 90 minute regimen each morning of pushups, pullups, etc and continually scream at him that he needs to get stronger so that he can begin to use a real bow. Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem like he's making much progress. Maybe I should expand to 2 hours daily?
If you still end up having a difficult time making progress you might look into the possibility of adding an estrogen suppliment to his diet. My daughter took her first deer with a bow at 12 years of age. She was all of 80 pounds and about 4'9 inches tall...
It might also allow him to deal better emotionally with the myth that it is a "manly" sport and that physical stature is of great importance. :lol::lol:
<----<<<

[Swamp Ghost]

If you still end up having a difficult time making progress you might look into the possibility of adding an estrogen suppliment to his diet. My daughter took her first deer with a bow at 12 years of age. She was all of 80 pounds and about 4'9 inches tall...
It might also allow him to deal better emotionally with the myth that it is a "manly" sport and that physical stature is of great importance. :lol::lol:
<----<<<

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bowhunting is too hard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:gaga:

Maybe not:

http://24.124.1.242/img/photos/2007/12/10/Youth_Hunt_Tim_Baker_t191.jpg?785455fb3b4188f20f32 37954e9c1b12c5d3b59b

Ten-year-old Timothy Baker of Millington shot an 8-point buck while hunting with his dad, Tim Baker, in Mecosta County during a youth hunt. He shot the deer right through the heart on Saturday, Sept. 22.

That kid is a MONSTER!!!!!:lol:

[FREEPOP]

I have always heard of what a fine father you where, well now the thruth comes out :lol:


Don't forget to smack him on the back of the hand with a homemade recurve, if you hear of him sharing the stoy of a "successful" hunt with one of those things.

[Terry Williams]

You guys are incredible.

[butter21]

If you still end up having a difficult time making progress you might look into the possibility of adding an estrogen suppliment to his diet. My daughter took her first deer with a bow at 12 years of age. She was all of 80 pounds and about 4'9 inches tall...
It might also allow him to deal better emotionally with the myth that it is a "manly" sport and that physical stature is of great importance. :lol::lol:
<----<<<

lol :lol:

[Terry Williams]

If you still end up having a difficult time making progress you might look into the possibility of adding an estrogen suppliment to his diet. My daughter took her first deer with a bow at 12 years of age. She was all of 80 pounds and about 4'9 inches tall...
It might also allow him to deal better emotionally with the myth that it is a "manly" sport and that physical stature is of great importance. :lol::lol:
<----<<<


Could be too much estrogen:yikes:

[TOW]

................It might also allow him to deal better emotionally with the myth that it is a "manly" sport and that physical stature is of great importance. :lol::lol:
<----<<<

"Manly Sport?"

That sounds like REAL bowhunting when Manly Men were really men..

Only when we "wimped" out and started using wheel bows did we fall from graces of the Manly Men Sport..

That raises the question about the wimpiness of some compound shooters, especially those who can't seem to handle 70+ lb bows. This has led me to do some thinking. What has become obvious is that the "Manly sport" is generally on the decline. Now, due to the advent of the compound, it seems that just about anyone can shoot a bow.

What was once strictly the domain of Manly Men is now taken over by other obviously less fit individuals. No doubt the Manly Men of this world are extremely concerned. It seems, now, that even women and children can participate in this sport and even manage to compete successfully in both target archery and in hunting.

Surely the Manly Men of this world must be asking "Is nothing sacred? The next thing you know, they will be taking away our Penthouse magazines."

It seems this once pround "Manly sport" has become some kind of 'family' sport. More and more families come to the ranges and shoot together, take hunting trips together and believe it or not, there are kids leagues popping up all over the place. Obviously the Manly Men must be concerned. It's time to set limits.

Clearly, anyone who shoots a bow without wheels can join the ranks of the Manly Men. It is obviously much more manly to pull a stick bow back and touch the cheek for a second than to draw a compound and hold. We are talking about pumping iron here versus isometrics and everyone knows Manly Men pump iron.

But what about those compound shooters who desperately want to join the ranks of the Manly Men? Is there any among them that could conceivably qualify? Well, I surely doubt it. Anyone who shoots a compound should be eyed with suspicion by the Manly Men and rightly so.

But perhaps the Manly Men of the world might consider SOME criteria for allowing, at the very least, ajunct members into thier exclusive fraternity. I propose that 80# bows with no more than 50% letoff be used as a litmus for those compounder Manly Men wannabe's.

I myself only shoot 60 lbs and even though that is more than enough lbs to propel a fairly heavy arrow and kill just about anything that walks, I'm afraid I will have to join the sissy ranks of disconsolate archers who have to sit on the sidelines while the Manly Men of the world kick sand in our faces and flex those incredible biceps as they draw back that stick bow, and then retire to a relaxing afternoon of tasty Budweiser and perusal of those insightful articles in Penthouse.

All tongue in cheek I assure you.. ;)

[Joe Archer]

...But what about those compound shooters who desperately want to join the ranks of the Manly Men?
Testosterone? Viagra?
<----<<<

[FREEPOP]

Alas, since I broke my collar bone, I am destined to shoot a wheeled bow.................... and squat to pee (sigh) :o

[NoWake]

Alas, since I broke my collar bone, I am destined to shoot a wheeled bow.................... and squat to pee (sigh) :o

I'm sure it might take you a while to adjust to a wheeled bow. :lol:

[Liv4Huntin']

Testosterone? Viagra?
<----<<<

Just HOW is it you propose 'they' shoot those bows???????? :yikes: ;)
~m~

[swoosh]

Testosterone? Viagra?
<----<<<

Did'nt you guys know hunting is a testoserone test:lol:

Joe my daughter can beat up your daughter:lol: Give me a break:rolleyes:

[Joe Archer]

Did'nt you guys know hunting is a testoserone test:lol:
Joe my daughter can beat up your daughter:lol: Give me a break:rolleyes:
I already made my position perfectly clear!
If you still end up having a difficult time making progress you might look into the possibility of adding an estrogen suppliment to his diet. My daughter took her first deer with a bow at 12 years of age. She was all of 80 pounds and about 4'9 inches tall...
It might also allow him to deal better emotionally with the myth that it is a "manly" sport and that physical stature is of great importance.
<----<<<
“Importance” not impotence; maybe that is where some people are getting confused!
<----<<<

[November Sunrise]

My daughter took her first deer with a bow at 12 years of age. She was all of 80 pounds and about 4'9 inches tall...

That's good to know.

My son will be 12 in 3 months and is currently weighing in at 62 lbs. If he can can just increase his weight by 30% in the next 3 months and pack on 18 more lbs then he'll be in the same weight class your daughter was at that age. Now, if at the same time he can increase his strength by 40% (he's drawing 25 lbs currently) that means he'll be up to a 35 lb draw weight which will then give me the opportunity to get the process started of purging all the memories from our three previous Octobers of hunting with the illegitimate bow.

You also bring up a great point in that another one of my key parenting techniques is the art of degradation through comparison. I'm always looking for opportunities to point out to him what others kids his age have done that he can't do or is inadequate at.

As I said at the beginning, it's all about making certain that the kids understand that their successes and memories when we've hunted with the crossbow don't really mean squat. They probably would have been better off just staying home and dreaming of that magical day when they can hunt with a real bow.

[FREEPOP]

Amen November, tell him to buck up and gain that darned weight and muscle. Only a wuss would refer to it as genetic or uncontrolable!!!!!!!!

Steroids yeah, that's the magic he needs.

[Riva]

N-S,

Perhaps you should use the following quote by a leading children's mentor and self-worth motivator, Homer Simpson:

"Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try."

Works like a charm at the Riva house. Lethargy rules the day!:)

[November Sunrise]

Amen November, tell him to buck up and gain that darned weight and muscle. Only a wuss would refer to it as genetic or uncontrolable!!!!!!!!

Steroids yeah, that's the magic he needs.

Believe me John, I'm on him every day. The shame of still having to use a crossbow when he's almost 12 years old is just more than my delicate psyche can bear. I so want him to meet the standards of the parenting experts on this forum - it's to the point that I can hardly stomach the thought of another season or two of him falling short.

[Joe Archer]

...
. They probably would have been better off just staying home and dreaming of that magical day when they can hunt with a real bow.
:yeahthat:
I guess if estrogen is out of the question you have to draw the line somewhere. :lol:
I just estimated my daughter's weight in the example. She was a very petite 12 year old. Who know? Maybe 50 pounds...?
<----<<<

[Swamp Ghost]

"Negative reinforcement is underrated", Me :lol:

[November Sunrise]

N-S,

Perhaps you should use the following quote by a leading children's mentor and self-worth motivator, Homer Simpson:

"Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try."

Works like a charm at the Riva house. Lethargy rules the day!:)

I can honestly say that I've never watched a single episode of the Simpson's, but I came across a list of Homer's sayings on a website and fell in love with the man. He's a genuis without peer. One of my favorites was him saying to his daughter something to the effect of "just because I don't care doesn't mean I'm not listening".

[FREEPOP]

Maybe a steady diet of pizza would help :)

Good one Swamp

[Joe Archer]

Maybe a steady diet of pizza would help :)

Good one Swamp

Come to think of it pizza and beer were the norms at my house 3 nights/week once the kids turned 10. No way was my daughter going to have to wait until she was 21 share a few brewskis with her dad!
<----<<<

[November Sunrise]

Maybe a steady diet of pizza would help :)

Good one Swamp

I was up there this morning putting out a few trail cams and checking my crop. I did my best to attempt to think of a legitimate reason to spend the rest of the day there, with part of my motivation being to wait until that magical five o'clock hour arrived so I could go home with a pizza from the Hotel. Unfortunately, the office beckoned, so I had to get back here and try to make a living. Plus, where would a summer day be without a little time spent wasting my life away on the MC.com crossbow forum?

[Swamp Ghost]

Homer Simpson is yesterday's news. The Family Guy's Peter Griffin is where it's at.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XJC1IALVOq8&feature=related

[November Sunrise]

Homer Simpson is yesterday's news. The Family Guy's Peter Griffin is where it's at.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XJC1IALVOq8&feature=related

This entire crossbow forum is akin to yesterdays news. Know what I mean? It took me about two days to say everything that I know about the topic. But did that stop me? No. I keep returning here, day after day, reading the same things, posting the same responses, etc., etc., etc. It's like the days of OBR debates all over again. Heck, I've had a couple of times where I could have been out fishing with the kids or my dad and instead I'm in this stupid forum trying to educate you, Mr. Swamp Ghost:lol:!

[FREEPOP]

...... and your good intentions and deeds don't go unnoticed Mr. Sunrise :)

[Joe Archer]

This entire crossbow forum is akin to yesterdays news. Know what I mean? It took me about two days to say everything that I know about the topic. But did that stop me? No. I keep returning here, day after day, reading the same things, posting the same responses, etc., etc., etc. It's like the days of OBR debates all over again. Heck, I've had a couple of times where I could have been out fishing with the kids or my dad and instead I'm in this stupid forum trying to educate you, Mr. Swamp Ghost:lol:!
Yeah, that is probably why this lighter thread took off. I think we were all tired of the bickering.
But hey! Enough already! Let's drop the humor, forget that we are all sportsmen and get back to the name calling, mud slinging and fruitless bickering....
My side is starting to hurt!
<----<<<

[November Sunrise]

Yeah, that is probably why this lighter thread took off. I think we were all tired of the bickering.
But hey! Enough already! Let's drop the humor, forget that we are all sportsmen and get back to the name calling, mud slinging and fruitless bickering....
My side is starting to hurt!
<----<<<

Yes, at times I think that I specialize in fruitless bickering.

Based on that fact, I think I'm going to follow through on my previous musings and slip out of here for a while. It's summer time and a break is in order. When I resurface at some point down the road I'll :bowdown: if you guys have things all figured out. If not, I'll look forward to at some point once again partaking in the fruitless bickering.

I'm out of here :bouncy:.

Over and out.

[swoosh]

Good idea, I have to go pee on a few trees in the neighborhood to prove my manlynest:lol:

[boehr]

This also has drifted way off topic. No need to have threads just to post random thoughts that really don't even pertian to the forum title. CLOSED.