Archery: Piercing Through the Issues

Answer 1

Bow hunters in South Africa are seen in this video taking the sport of Archery back to its ancient beginnings at the Suikerbosrand nature reserve. While archery has had its time in history, it remains an art practiced by those skillful enough to take it to levels that allow an outlet for their talents. Largely, this has been seen as a sporting event in the Olympic Games and in countries that allow bow hunting during deer season.

A Place to Exercise the Art

On 13,000 hectares of wide open country, this nature reserve is one of the country's largest game parks that permits bow hunting for a fee. There is a distinct difference in the pursuit of a wild beast with bow and arrow rather than a rifle. There is an intimacy that occurs between pursuer and prey as the animal must be closely stalked. The discipline and patience required of the hunter who stalks prey with bow and arrow is something that can take years of perseverance before success is achieved. In this way, it makes the kill even more satisfying as told by the hunters who speak of their experiences in this video.

A Matter of Contention

Despite protests from animal rights activists, both the nature reserve and the hunters benefit from this arrangement with the park gaining needed revenue in the form of fees and for the hunters allowed their life's opportunity to fulfill the artistry of their archery skills hunting big game. Despite this, the debate continues as to whether or not archery is considered a humane method of hunting. A compelling argument is given by a veteran archer who explains what happens to an animal when struck by his arrow.

Regardless of the arguments from both sides, it is clear archery is a sport that compels the sportsman to master his skills. There is likely no better opportunity for mastering the complexities of archery than bow hunting, and as an alternative to other methods of hunting, park officials and hunters agree this is a way that inflicts less pain for the prey. Watch this video and be the judge.