Saxton Pope

Dr. Saxton Pope

Saxton Temple Pope (1875–1926) was an American physician, archer, and author, widely considered one of the fathers of modern bowhunting. Pope's pioneering work and passion for archery were instrumental in reviving the art of bowhunting in the United States, and his studies under the last known survivor of the Yahi tribe, Ishi, are of significant historical and cultural importance.

Early Life and Education

Saxton Pope was born in Fort Stockton, Texas, in 1875. He pursued his medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco, where he later became a professor. Pope's medical career was distinguished, but it was his meeting with Ishi, thought to be the last Native American living in the wild in the United States, that profoundly influenced his life's direction.

Ishi and Archery

In 1911, Ishi was discovered near Oroville, California, and eventually came to live at the University of California, San Francisco, where Pope worked. Pope befriended Ishi and learned the art of Yahi archery from him, including how to make bows and arrows using traditional methods. This experience ignited Pope's lifelong passion for archery and bowhunting.

Contributions to Archery

Pope is best known for his efforts to revive archery as a sport and hunting method in the early 20th century. He wrote extensively on the subject, with his most notable works including "Hunting with the Bow and Arrow" (1923) and "Yahi Archery" (1918). These publications, based on his experiences with Ishi and his own extensive research, were instrumental in popularizing archery and bowhunting.

Pope also conducted scientific studies on the penetration power of arrows and the efficiency of different bow designs, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of archery. His work laid the foundation for the modern sport of bowhunting and influenced generations of archers and bowhunters.

Legacy

Saxton Pope's legacy in the world of archery and bowhunting is immense. He is remembered not only for his contributions to the sport but also for his role in preserving the traditional archery knowledge of the Yahi people through his relationship with Ishi. Pope's writings continue to be revered by archery enthusiasts, and his teachings on bowhunting ethics and techniques remain influential.

Pope passed away in 1926, but his impact on the sport of archery and the practice of bowhunting endures. He is often cited as a key figure in the revival of these ancient practices in the modern era.

See Also

• Bow and arrow
• Bowhunting
• Ishi
• Archery