Defining Primitive Archery
So what is primitive archery, anyway? Primitive archery is traditional archery. Modern archery may use materials that weren't available to the archers of centuries, or even millennia, ago. The modern bow may be equipped with a button to keep the arrow shooting front first, a sight to make sure you're on target, a level so you'll know if your arrow is level, etc. Sure, you could equip yourself the modern way, but if there's any lesson modern gadgets have taught us, it's that the more complicated the device, the easier it is to have something go wrong. It's also more likely to become obsolete and you know how "fun" it is trying to replace a part for an obsolete device.
What need does the modern homesteader have for primitive archery? Hunting. Just because you have your own livestock for meat, eggs, and milk doesn't mean that you can't vary the menu with wild game. Thinning a deer population that has grown too numerous for their food supply is a kindness because it's a quicker death than starving. Venison (deer meat) can be served in several ways:
http://www.venisonrecipes.net/ http://www.venison-meat.com/html/recipes.html Deer sinew can be used to make bow strings or thread. The tallow (fat) can be used to oil your boots and wood. Add the tallow to lye and you can make your own soap. It can also be used to make fat lamps, although such lamps are better used outdoors because breathing in the soot for years is not good for your health. Yes, you may also make your own candles with deer tallow. Turn those deer hooves into rattles. As for deer hide (skin), you could use the leather to make jackets, skirts, dresses, pants, gloves, wallets, purses, and moccasins. You could also use it for furniture. The antlers can also be used to furniture, as well as ornaments, knife handles, and buttons.
Don't think that primitive archery hunting is only for deer. You could also hunt wild turkeys (get feathers for your arrows!), ducks, geese, pigs, squirrels, and pheasants. Quail hunting with a bow might be more difficult and you can set snares for rabbits. If coyotes are a problem in your area, you could use your bow to deal with them. Remember that wild game is often considered gourmet meat these days. You'll be able to enjoy wild meat without paying restaurant prices or depending on the quality of the service of their waiters and waitresses. Come to think of it, you won't be bothered by rude people blathering into their cell phones or having an argument in public. Here are some more recipes: http://www.mountain-breeze.com/kitchen/game/index.html
Perhaps you're thinking that using primitive archery for hunting is an unnecessary complication when you could hunt with a gun. Yes, you could. You'd need a license just to own that gun. You'll probably find it easier to make your own arrows than your own bullets, if you don't want to buy them. You won't have to dig bullets or pellets out of your meat. It'll be a quieter hunt, which your ears should appreciate. You'll doubtless appreciate not needing to wear ear protection to avoid noise-induced hearing loss. Noises above 85 decibels are hazardous to your hearing and how long it takes a noise level to cause damage depends upon how loud it is and how long you're exposed to it. There's a chart here: http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/hearingloss.cfm Note that this guide to hearing safety for shooters doesn't mention arrows: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/wise/shooter.asp
Yes, hunting with a bow and arrow is considered to be more challenging than hunting with a gun, but you wouldn't be interested in returning to traditional methods and lifestyles if you were lazy.