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Are we cruel?

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boomhowzer:
I didn't grow up hunting and I'm pretty new to hunting in general, so its hard to understand the moral and ethical questions that come up when you're talking with people about it. I guess I don't really have a framework to go on because I didn't grow up thinking about it and arguing with people over it, so now I like to talk to experienced hunters about their opinions and ethics.

I was talking to my neighbor the other day, he's been hunting in our area his entire life, mostly gun, but sometimes with a crossbow during archery deer season, and he told me point blank that going out into the woods with homemade archery tackle intending to kill an animal is downright cruel. His argument was that a homemade bow can't be shot accurately enough and with enough force to cleanly kill an animal.

I patently disagree for a variety of reasons, but those are my reasons. I want to know what you guys/gals reasons are. Or maybe you agree with him in some way and want to share that as well?

Digital Caveman:
Show him what your weapon can do, maybe he just doesn't appreciate it's lethality.  His broadheads probably do take a lot more power than yours, A razor sharp two bladed broadhead takes very little force.  There was an article about this some time back in PA, 'Broadhead Smoke and Mirrors'  I forgot who wrote it or when it was published. 

Parnell:
I’d say it’s a good thing to question.  My perspective?

It’s all about individual accountability.  New bow makers and especially stone point makers shouldn’t be in a rush.  Make sure the bow, point, and personal shooting requirements is up for what is being asked.  Am I taking a maximum of 12 yard shot or are my skills genuinely less distance than that, consistently?  Do I have the discipline to hold off on a longer yard shot if my skills aren’t there?  Staying within reasonable personal boundaries.

Knapped points are more difficult to get “hunting quality” than bows.  Yeah, many points could do the job but does the point pass the “will this slice my finger open if I scrape it across it” test, that is often written about in articles?  Some may say it doesn’t take that much quality...but, am I doing my own due diligence to uphold personal integrity?

Your neighbor saying “cruel” is the wrong word.  Nature can be far far more “cruel” than poor hunting decisions.  Responsible vs. Irresponsible skills are the question.

I’ll stop there! ;D

Digital Caveman:
I'm sure it would be irresponsible to use your bow at the range he uses his crossbow, your whole hunting setup will be for stealth at a much closer range, he may not understand that.

Pat B:
A gun kills by shock, a bow by hemorrhage. I know guys that have shot through a feeding deer. The deer will flinch then go right back to feeding until they bleed to death. Very little trauma. Unless you drop a deer in it's tracks with a gun there is lots of trauma and pain.
 The archery weapon one uses isn't what causes the "cruelty". It's the nut behind the string and his/her ability to make a clean kill.

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