Hunting with the Bow and Arrow

De: Saxton Pope

Narrado por: Joel Shrank

"Hunting with the Bow & Arrow" by Saxton Pope is a seminal work in the world of archery and traditional bow hunting. Published in 1923, this book offers an in-depth look at the art and craft of hunting using primitive methods. Pope, a physician and skilled archer, chronicles his experiences and adventures in the field, providing listeners with practical advice on bow construction, arrow making, and hunting techniques.

The book is heavily influenced by Pope's relationship with Ishi, the last known member of the Yahi tribe, whose profound knowledge of archery deeply shaped Pope's understanding and appreciation of the sport. Rich with historical context and personal anecdotes, "Hunting with the Bow & Arrow" remains an essential listen for enthusiasts of archery and traditional hunting methods.

©2024 Quill Publishing (P)2024 Quill Publishing

narators voice makes it a good one

liked all of it
very very good I'm a long bow archer 80 yrs old now

very information

I found this book informative and engaging. This is definitely a must listen for any aspiring archer.

Wholesome

A quarter educational, 3/4 storytelling with excellent old world verbiage used in its purest form…. fantastic stories with little clips of history. It gets you brewing for the type of type2 adventures that your loved ones might not necessarily support.

The entire explanation of the Love for archery in a single book.

10/10 saxton pope brings to life all that is wonderful in the sport of archery as well as the thrill of the chasing game through the wilderness. To someone who is curious or doesn’t understand this life, this will give great insight.

For The Love of the Bow and Honor of the Hunt

My Book Review – Hunting with the Bow and Arrow by Saxton Pope

Saxton Pope’s Hunting with the Bow and Arrow is not just a hunting book—it is a window into a mindset where hunting becomes a discipline, an art form, and almost a spiritual pursuit rather than a mere method of harvesting game. What struck me most while reading this book is how seriously Pope and Art Young approached the craft. They were not thrill-seekers chasing trophies; they were craftsmen perfecting a skill that demanded patience, humility, and relentless preparation. More than anything, they shot the bow because they genuinely loved the bow—the feel of it, the challenge of it, and the connection it created between the hunter, the weapon, and the wild.

Pope’s relationship with Ishi, the last known Yana Indian, adds a powerful layer of authenticity and reverence to the entire narrative. Through Ishi, Pope was introduced not only to the mechanics of the bow and arrow but to the philosophy behind it—the respect for the animal, the land, and the weapon itself. The bow was never treated as a shortcut or novelty. It was treated as an extension of the hunter’s body and character. That influence is felt throughout the book and elevates the work beyond a simple outdoor memoir. You can sense that for Pope, archery was not merely a means to an end; it was something he practiced for the sheer love of mastering it.

One of the themes that stands out is the clear distinction Pope and Young make between bowhunting and hunting with firearms. While they do not launch bitter attacks against rifle hunters, there is an unmistakable tone of conviction that archery represents a purer and more demanding challenge. The bow requires proximity, discipline, and a willingness to accept failure. It strips away mechanical advantage and replaces it with personal responsibility. In their eyes, success with a bow is earned, not granted. They embraced the difficulty because the difficulty itself was part of why they loved it.

This mindset is perfectly captured in one of the most memorable statements in the book, when Pope recounts how he and Art Young prepared for grizzly bear hunts. They said, “Leave no factor of success untried.” That line defines their philosophy. It meant endless practice—shooting from horseback, practicing on sloping terrain, adjusting for awkward angles, and rehearsing every realistic scenario they might face in the wild. They practiced not only out of necessity but out of passion. They enjoyed the repetition, the refinement, and the pursuit of perfection. Interestingly, despite their exhaustive preparation, they drew a firm ethical line: they refused to hunt from elevated tree positions. To them, the hunt was meant to be on equal footing, face-to-face with the animal, not from a position that removed fairness or reduced the personal challenge.

That same conviction is what makes the Pope & Young Club feel so elite and distinctive even today. The club is not simply about record-keeping or scoring antlers; it represents a philosophy rooted in mastery, discipline, and ethical standards. Recognition within that circle symbolizes more than success—it symbolizes devotion to a demanding tradition and a genuine love for the bow itself. It carries forward the legacy that Pope and Young helped shape: hunting as a skilled pursuit that honors both heritage and responsibility.

In the end, Hunting with the Bow and Arrow left me with a deep respect for the dedication required to truly master archery. It is a book about hunting, yes, but even more it is about preparation, conviction, and affection for the craft. Pope’s stories remind the reader that excellence is not accidental. It is built through practice, guided by principles, and fueled by love for the discipline itself. The bow and arrow in his hands—and first in Ishi’s—becomes more than a weapon; it becomes a symbol of discipline, passion, and honor in the wilderness.