Josh Bowmar on Ethical Bowhunting and Conservation

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project

Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2024/10/15

 *The Bowmars were convicted of “Conspiring to Violate the Lacey Act (2).*

Josh Bowmar, a passionate bowhunter and fitness expert. Co-owner of Bowmar Archery, Josh has hunted globally with his wife Sarah, supporting ethical hunting and wildlife conservation. With 2.24 million YouTube subscribers, Bowmar Bowhunting YouTube channel, Josh offers archery tips and insights into their innovative Beast Broadhead. As an IFBB Pro Men’s Physique athlete, he also highlights the connection between fitness and hunting performance. He’s excited to contribute to your platform’s community of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What was your start in hunting, particularly bow hunting?

Josh Bowmar: We were die-hard hunters, and honestly, most of the meat we ate was from what we hunted. That was cool, and that’s how I got my start. That’s where I began and where the foundation for my passion started. With a last name like Bowmar, you’re destined to be a bow hunter. 

Jacobsen: I also want to make a distinction between ordinary hunting and ethical hunting. Ethical hunting is tied to wildlife conservation. By analogy, as a non-expert, I think of something like fishing, where you can fish to catch food, and then there’s another form, like catch and release. So, how do you distinguish between ethical bow hunting and what I’m terming, for now, ordinary hunting?

Bowmar: That’s not a complicated question because the two go hand in hand. The better question would be: what’s the difference between killing something and ethically hunting something? Some people just kill, but being a killer versus being an ethical hunter is different. The word “ethics” should be understood as what is good for the animal. For example, if you’re hunting an endangered species and there are only a few left, and you kill one, that’s not good for the species—it could lead to extinction.

Ethical hunting, however, involves a few key factors. First, it’s about legality; you want to ensure you’re hunting within the legal guidelines, following the rules and tag laws the government sets. That’s number one. Second, you need to use the animal—harvest it for food. It’s important to eat what you hunt. Some hunters don’t do this with certain animals, and that’s when you need to ask yourself: why are you hunting if you’re not going to use the animal? There’s certainly a trophy aspect to hunting, and we can discuss that if you’d like.

However, when it comes to distinguishing ethical from unethical hunting, it boils down to the sustainability of the animal population and the value hunting adds to conservation efforts. Suppose hunting adds value to the animal, which generates revenue, which goes back into conservation efforts, supporting the animals, their habitats, and their populations. Without that value, there’s no protection for the species, and eradication can be the result. If nobody hunts an animal, farmers aren’t incentivized to lease land for wildlife habitats, and they might resort to poisoning animals to protect their crops.

Africa is a great example. I digress from the question. Still, it’s a deep rabbit hole when we get into the sustainability of hunting, ethics, and the differences between trophy hunting and non-trophy hunting. There’s a lot to talk about. 

Jacobsen: If we take Africa as an example, you’ve been on these long hunting trips. What do you notice in that context where ethical bow hunting is an important consideration?

Bowmar: Well, Africa is the best example of conservation. For instance, if I go there and hunt big game—let’s say I hunt an antelope—I obviously can’t eat all of it. That would contradict my earlier point about using the animals I hunt. But just because I’m not the one eating it doesn’t mean the animal isn’t used. A lot of the meat is donated to the local community.

For example, if I shoot a large Cape buffalo with around 1,000 pounds of meat, we distribute it to the locals at no charge. They get the meat, and it’s a win-win for the community and conservation efforts. Now, let’s take the ethical aspect further and consider what happens when hunting is banned. This occurred in Kenya, which banned hunting and used to be one of the most popular hunting destinations in the 1970s and 1980s.

This historical example shows us the consequences of such a ban. While I don’t know the exact numbers, it’s been estimated that close to 70% of the animal population in Kenya was wiped out after hunting was prohibited. The only places where animals still thrive are in protected national parks. You might think, “If people aren’t hunting, why are the animals dying?” It seems counterintuitive—if you stop killing animals, the population should grow, right? But that’s not what happens, especially in Africa.

The reason is tied to the local people. In many parts of Africa, food is a form of currency, and meat, in particular, is highly valued. It’s hard to come by, and when hunting is banned, the locals turn to poaching to meet their needs. They over-harvest wildlife, killing everything they can to sell the meat for profit.

When hunting is legal, however, the situation changes. Money from hunting is invested in the community and conservation efforts. Take an outfitter, for example, who manages 10,000 acres bordering a community. That community agrees not to kill animals in exchange for the meat paid hunters provide. Legal hunting incentivizes sustainable wildlife use, benefiting the community and animal populations.

Do you know there’s value in that animal? That value is translated into money, which goes to the outfitter and the community. The outfitter is then incentivized to protect the animals and prevent eradication by working with the local people and tribes.

For example, if someone is caught poaching, the tribe doesn’t receive meat for three months. It’s like a self-policing system, almost like a kangaroo court, where the community enforces their own rules. If someone poaches an animal, the whole tribe suffers by losing access to meat for three months. The tribe will hold the poacher accountable because his actions harm the entire community. A symbiotic relationship between the hunters, the animals, and the local people makes the ecosystem thrive.

Without money from hunting, those animals would become a burden to protect. Communities can’t afford to protect animals or stop poaching without the necessary funds and resources. So, animal populations thrive in areas where hunting is allowed and regulated. In contrast, in regions of Africa where hunting has been banned, animal populations decline significantly. Kenya is a prime example of this; after they banned hunting, their animal population plummeted.

Jacobsen: So you’re referring to a communal value system involving both the locals and tourists—whether bow hunters or professionals—based on ethics rather than just informal or unwritten rules?

Bowmar: Exactly. It doesn’t have to be tourists or foreigners coming in to hunt. The system works similarly everywhere as long as there are regulations in place. For example, if I want to buy a deer tag in Iowa, I must pay for it. That money goes to the government, and I can only shoot one buck with that tag. If I want to shoot another buck, I have to pay again. Some states have stricter limits, but a financial exchange goes back into conservation efforts, including funding rangers and staff who protect the animals and enforce laws around wildlife conservation.

The same principles apply in Africa. When there are rules and regulations, and people pay to hunt animals, that money can go back into programs that protect the animals and enforce laws. It’s similar to any legal system: people rob stores, but there are real consequences when they do. The problem occurs when hunting is banned. There’s no longer a hunting category in the government, which means there’s no funding or resources to protect the animals.

Of course, I’m simplifying things, but that’s the general idea. For example, if someone poaches an animal, law enforcement might investigate. Still, I’m not fully familiar with every African country’s rules and regulations.

Based on my experience in Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda—places where I’ve spent time hunting—tourism hunting is definitely where the most revenue comes from. That money is reinvested into those properties, improving the habitat and enhancing the quality of life for the animals. This also ensures the longevity of harvesting specific animals, rather than just indiscriminately killing any animal. And that’s where ethics come into play. Whether they agree with trophy hunting or hunting in general, non-hunters need to understand that this isn’t about personal preference.

The reality is that nothing in the wild dies of old age. Many people imagine that animals, like hippopotamus, will eventually find a tree, lay down, and peacefully die of old age. But that’s different from how it works. When an animal becomes too slow or weak in the wild, it gets eaten alive. There are no exceptions. Once an animal becomes unable to contribute to its group, herd, or ecosystem and can no longer fend for itself, it will be killed and eaten alive, which is one of the most horrific deaths imaginable.

As hunters, we train to be as professional and ethical as possible, at least the good ones do. We target animals at the end of their life—old, mature bulls, rams, or bucks. Whatever the species, we focus on the older animals. The local community utilizes the meat from those animals. As a hunter, you’re paying to harvest those specific African animals. In the United States, if you hunt on your property, the value is in the hunt experience and the meat you get from the animal.

So, no matter where you hunt, value is always exchanged for the animal. And that’s why hunting is so critically important—even non-hunters should support it if they care about the survival of species and the health of wildlife populations.

Jacobsen: When you’re bowhunting older or more infirm animals that would likely be picked off earlier in the wild, what do you target on the animal to ensure a quicker or more humane death?

Bowmar: Well, being a bowhunter, I always make it as challenging as possible for myself. If I had the option to use a gun, I could shoot much further, and it would be easier—there’s no question about that. However, bowhunting requires a lot more practice and proficiency to be skilled enough to shoot an animal effectively with a bow.

To answer your question about ensuring a fast and humane death, it’s important to understand that I give the animal a greater chance to escape by choosing to be a bowhunter. The main difference between rifle hunting and bowhunting is that with a rifle, once you see the animal, the hunt is essentially over. But with bowhunting, when you see the animal, the real hunt has only just begun. The key is precision—hitting vital organs, such as the heart or lungs, to ensure a quick and humane kill.

There’s a significant difference with bowhunting because you have to get close. When you get close, you enter the animal’s senses—its eyesight, smell, hearing, and awareness of the many dangers around. That animal is likely to get away, and as a bowhunter, that’s okay. But if everything goes right, and you’re about to take the shot, the success of that shot depends on the steps taken up to that point, including how well you’ve trained as an archer and shooter.

I spend much time practicing with my bow to ensure I can make the best possible shot when the moment comes. I also use lethal-tipped broadheads or arrows. Specifically, I use my brand, Beast Broadheads, the most technologically advanced broadhead ever engineered. It kills animals faster than anything else we’ve seen due to its blade sharpness and precision. There are many factors to ensure a quick, humane kill and a big part of that is avoiding bad shots—shots that have a low chance of hitting the right spot to ensure the animal dies within 60 seconds.

At the end of the day, though, you’re still hunting animals, and things can go wrong. However, the goal is to always put yourself in a position where failures are extremely rare.

Jacobsen: What do you do with more amateur or inexperienced bowhunters who come along to learn how to make good shots and develop the patience needed to get close for more proficient, efficient kills?

Bowmar: I don’t take people hunting; I’m not a guide or outfitter. But for people trying to learn, it’s like mastering any other skill. It takes much time, and repetition is the mother of all skills. It’s about going out, trying, failing, and learning a little each time until you get it right. Over the years, you get better and better.

If someone wants to accelerate their learning, they can hire an outfitter who is also a bowhunter and can mentor them during the hunt. But the less experienced you are, the more limited your hunting capabilities. For beginners, it’s often best to hunt in controlled environments, like overbait or at watering holes, where the shots are closer and easier. Stalking and sneaking up on animals in the wild, particularly in western hunting, where you’re trying to get close without being detected, is much harder.

Jacobsen: Even as an experienced bowhunter, what are some critical aspects of maintaining fitness, health, and skill in your shot? How much do you have to practice? How much do you need to maintain your physique for this sport?

Bowmar: It depends on what you’re hunting. Suppose you’re going into the high country to hunt elk, hiking 10 miles daily at 7,000 to 10,000 feet. In that case, it requires an enormous amount of training and endurance. Even in Africa, the conditions are tough. We’re out in the sun for 12 to 14 hours daily, sweating constantly. We’re doing stalk after stalk and typically covering 2 to 6 miles daily with gear. You often need to run from one spot to the next to get into the right position to cut off your target animal.

So, fitness makes things easier—there’s no question. But it’s not always necessary, depending on what you’re hunting. For example, if you’re in a deer stand hunting whitetail, you might not need to be in top physical condition. However, suppose you’re hunting out west or doing free-range hunts in Africa, like in Tanzania, where there’s lots of hiking. In that case, you need to be in shape. You must maintain good cardiovascular endurance because if you’re out of breath after a run to get into position, you won’t be able to make an accurate shot.

In any sport, being in good physical shape helps, not hurts.

Jacobsen: What would you consider your most memorable bowhunting story?

Bowmar: There are just too many to narrow it down to one. It’s impossible to pick a single favourite. But I’ll give you a brief overview and answer your question.

When I hunt here in Iowa, on my farm, there are deer that I’ve been pursuing for years—not just one hunt, but years of effort. So, those hunts hold a special place in my heart. Then there’s hunting in Africa, like in Tanzania. One of my most memorable hunts was 2022, when I shot a world-record crocodile. It measured 16 and a half feet, breaking the record by almost a foot. It was an absolute monster and a crazy memory, especially since such a large croc is rare. This one was probably over 100 years old.

There are so many animals and experiences to choose from—it’s hard to pick one. Every hunt is special in its way. Most non-hunters don’t realize how significant and memorable each hunt can be.

Each hunt creates a core memory you’ll always remember. It’s a deeply spiritual, emotional experience and incredibly primal. Most people have never experienced anything like it, so they don’t understand what it feels like.

But I can promise you, if you ever hunt and succeed, you’ll unlock deep, ancestral, primal instincts you’ve never felt before. You’ll be like, “Wow, this is very different from anything I’ve experienced emotionally and in terms of accomplishment.” Then you realize, “Wow, if I’m alive today, it’s because I come from a line of successful hunters.” If they weren’t, they wouldn’t have survived. It’s not a question of whether you have hunters in your lineage but how far back you must go to find them.

Tapping into that ancestral part of yourself unlocks something profound—it’s hard to describe unless you’re a hunter. The accomplishment, adrenaline, and achievement from successfully harvesting an animal that feeds your family are unique. Eating that animal, having a relationship with your food rather than having someone else do the killing, is a different experience.

I’ve met many people who are against hunting but still eat meat. And I ask them, “Do you think the cow that became your burger committed suicide?” No, someone else did the killing for you. So, if you’re against hunting but eat meat, there’s a contradiction there. I’m going out and killing my food while you’re having someone else do it for you. There’s a big difference.

Imagine going out and hunting an animal that you had to outsmart, pursue, and finally harvest. Then, you butcher the meat and feed your family. It’s a different experience than just getting a cheeseburger from the store.

Jacobsen: Do you have any final thoughts or reflections for individuals looking to get into bowhunting or those curious about the philosophy and ethics of ethical hunting? As you explained earlier, it’s only sometimes obvious how hunting impacts conservation.

Bowmar: Yeah, I have some final thoughts. If you want to get into hunting, the first step is finding a local pro shop—an archery pro shop. These guys will teach you how to shoot, and they’ll sell you a bow. That’s a crucial first step.

As for conservation, it’s very clear: wherever there is a lot of regulated hunting controlled by the government and agencies, there’s also a thriving population of animals. In fact, in some places, animal populations grow so much that the authorities have to hire people to manage the population by shooting more animals. Hunting contributes significantly to conservation, even though it might be obvious to everyone.

If you truly care about animals, you should greatly support hunting. Whether you like it or not, or however you choose to view it, hunters have the biggest impact on environmental health and the well-being of the animals that live there.

Jacobsen: Excellent. Josh, thank you for your time today and for giving us some insight into bowhunting and the ethics of hunting in general.

Bowmar: Absolutely. Feel free to reach out anytime. I enjoyed it.

Jacobsen: Excellent. All right.

Last updated May 3, 2025. These terms govern all In Sight Publishing content—past, present, and future—and supersede any prior notices. In Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons BY‑NC‑ND 4.0; © In Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen 2012–Present. All trademarks, performances, databases & branding are owned by their rights holders; no use without permission. Unauthorized copying, modification, framing or public communication is prohibited. External links are not endorsed. Cookies & tracking require consent, and data processing complies with PIPEDA & GDPR; no data from children < 13 (COPPA). Content meets WCAG 2.1 AA under the Accessible Canada Act & is preserved in open archival formats with backups. Excerpts & links require full credit & hyperlink; limited quoting under fair-dealing & fair-use. All content is informational; no liability for errors or omissions: Feedback welcome, and verified errors corrected promptly. For permissions or DMCA notices, email: scott.jacobsen2025@gmail.com. Site use is governed by BC laws; content is “as‑is,” liability limited, users indemnify us; moral, performers’ & database sui generis rights reserved.