Common Default
Do you ever set your expectations of others to match your own capabilities? I don’t believe I’m wrong, because it’s a common human default. Let us recognize just because it’s common or a default doesn’t mean we HAVE to continue in it. Just as I wrote in the last blog, we all have a free will that allows us to make choices. Yes, you can even choose your own behavior and judgements!
Say you and your buddy are gearing up for hunting season? First step is to take your Bear Archery THP Adapt compound bow and your Killer Instinct Vital X Crossbow to the range to check your equipment. Notice both of those bows are yours, (did you catch that) and that’s an important point to keep in mind as we go on.
It’s Easy, You Can Do It!
Your, (there’s that vital word again), Bear Archery THP Adapt compound bow draw weight is set at 70 lbs. Man you’re a beast or are you guilty of over bowing? I’ll leave that up to you to figure out or admit. Your buddy, lets just say he’s not a beast like you, and is not interested in injuring himself to measure up. Are you going to take your THP Adapt and slap it into his chest saying, “Go ahead! It’s easy! You can do it!”?
Maybe you prefer to shoot a compound bow so you save that for yourself. You hand your buddy the Killer Instinct Vital X Crossbow, and the cocking rope. You know the draw weight is 185 lbs. but your buddy doesn’t. There’s a stark difference between the two of you in strength and in height. If you think strength as well as height or the length of your arms doesn’t play a role in drawing the string back with a cocking rope, you’d be mistaken. Again, are you really going to point to the crossbow, then slap the cocking rope into your buddy’s (who is only 5’ 5”), chest and say go ahead! It’s easy!
Invitation With the Follow Through
Unless you are a jerk and don’t care about sharing the sport, then you won’t be like that guy I just described. The invitation to someone doesn’t necessarily shine your true intentions, it’s the follow through, that shows where you’re really coming from. So where are you really coming from?
If you want to share the sport, then you’ll set your buddies, or maybe just acquaintances up for success. The first secret to that is what I wrote about in the beginning of this blog, make the choice to remove expectations of the new shooter because you want to meet them where they are.
One thing I applaud the shooting industry for is creating equipment suitable for all people. Allowing the inclusion for as many as desire to enjoy the same things we do. We’re all different and have limitations, but some are more limited than others and I’m sure you know someone or maybe you are that someone. Like my buddy that has only one arm, or someone else’s daughter that is confined to a wheelchair.
Some people overcome in ways people never imagined, like shooting with their toes, others well, they may not be that inclined or flexible. Where does that leave them? It leaves them relying on people to consider them and what may make up the difference for their particular situation.
What Do I Recommend?
Did you just ask what I would recommend for people with greater limitations? I was getting to that, but since you asked, I’ll get to it now. For some of the most limited folks the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk XT Crossbow. It only requires two fingers, because it can be cocked with very little effort using the ACUdraw Cocking device.
- Draw weight reduced to approximately 5 lbs.
- Lightweight and compact
- Compatible with most TenPoint & Wicked Ridge crossbows
- Not compatible with tactical stock crossbows
- Includes adapter plates to fit most Wicked Ridge models
I’m not saying you should go buy one of these for your buddy, but if you already have one or you want to, great! I won’t stop you from doing what you believe to be right, my point is don’t limit others by your expectations or your ability!
It’s a beautiful thing when we can follow the manufacturer’s example and allow room for anyone with any limitations, and we all have them, to enter into the world of archery, experiencing success and developing a passion that keeps on giving. Is that a tear in your eye? Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, it’s between you and I my friend.
TBB,
Sometimes the shoe is on the other foot. 🙂
A guy at work was a 6-4, 250 pound body builder who was overly proud of his physique. He liked to brag on how much he could lift.
I frequently deer hunted in the morning before work and would bring my bow into the office so it won’t be sitting in a hot car all day.
This guy noticed the case and asked to see my bow. I cautioned him about dry-firing and watched while he unsuccessfully attempted to draw the 60 pounder. He couldn’t believe that little me (180 pounds) could draw that bow and he couldn’t so I demonstrated (with ease) that I could.
I would normally explain to a newbie that a bow is not drawn using arms but the power comes from your back muscles.
I just let this guy and his ego struggle, never told him the technique.
Yeah, when coaching someone to shoot I teach with a low poundage bow and start at very close range. No benefit to missing your aim point at 20 yards where learning to consistently hit at 20 feet will do wonders. Proper and consistent technique is the key to accuracy.
Archery is a mind-game and confidence is everything.
Cheers!
Hank,
You’re absolutely right, limitations look different for everyone and sometimes that limitation is our ego.
All the best!
-TBB