Like riding a bycycle

[herman]

Well its down to 6 weeks before bow season here so late yesterday evening I got my old ben pearson compound out to see if I could even pull it back.Used to shoot 68 lbs for many years but after a heart attack and repair of a stomach anersym
its hurts to pull it back at that poundage but turned it down to 52 lbs and can shoot some before I give out.Used to shoot 2 turnaments a week but now couldn't even make it around one.
Anyhow I shot 3 arrows,5 times at 20 yrds The first 3 groups were around 2 inches but the last 2 I got very tired and dropped my left arm when releaseing so there went my2 in groups.This is the first time I had even had the bow out of the case since last years hunt season,didn't hunt last year but a 1/2 day,saw 2 deer but they were too far off.The year before I took a nice 8 pt that weighted 165 lbs.
Hopefully I can hunt a little more and get one this year.Have taken 39 so far but want to get number 40 before kicking the bucket.
I have a permit for a cross bow but had rather use my compound bow untill its a have to.Love to bow hunt.
Good luck to all you fellows and ladies the up comeing season hope all gets a big one.

[wilmsmeyer]

Go get 'em Herman! I'm sure a little repetitive shooting will go a long way in getting into shape. Having done it 39 times, I have a feeling you know what to do!

I am about to dust off my bow as well. It's time to check things out and make sure everything is right with it and practice.

A deer with a bow is my ultimate high. I have 12 deer by bow. 10 of them bucks. Nothing like it.

[dougedwards]

Yes......there is nothing like taking a nice whitetail with a bow. I also have an old Pearson compound and haven't used it since I had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder. An option is to go with one of the newer type of fast shooting compounds that have as much as 80% let off but I just can't get off the money for a new bow and all the accessories needed.

Except for us people with physical disabilities I honestly don't see where a crossbow has an overall hunting advantage over the newer made compounds. Compounds are much more quiet, almost just as fast and much easier to manuever in a tree stand. The fact that a crossbow can be pre-drawn might be an advantage but it is also a disadvantage. The compound has a definite advantage if a second shot is required and is much easier to pull up a tree to the stand in it's undrawn position. In addition, there is something magical about drawing and holding on that big buck while he maneuvers into position for a good placement.

Good luck this year on deer #40 Herman!

Doug

[rogo]

Well Herman there is not much I can say. After having my Aorta replaced due to an anuerism I made the switch to a crossbow and I have never looked back. I was completely unable to pull my compound anymore and gave up bow hunting. My son came home one day after 3 years and had a box with him. He handed it to me and said we are going bow hunting this year. Inside was a 10 Point 165# crossbow with a 4X scope with multiple crosshairs. Came with a crank to cock it with so it was easy. That was 4 years ago. Have taken seven deer with it so far and looking to get some more this October. If you can, get one and keep hunting! Also good luck with number 40. ;D

[sw]

Herman, hope you go past 40 this year.

[davewolf]

I'm buying my first crossbow this year, and after taking a buck last year with my buddies crossbow, I found that bow hunting is bow hunting.
Can't pull a compound because of I separated my shoulder twice when playing hockey and once while guiding out of a drift boat.
So after taking 10 whitetails with a bow, I have decided to go to a crossbow.
It allows me to hunt earlier in the year and stop later.
Have a great day!
Dave

[herman]

Thanks fellows.
I hope no one thought I was downing cross bows.If that is what it takes to keep anyone hunting,or if that is what one preferrs by all means go for it.
The woods is a big place and there is room for everyone,as long as its legal is the way I look at it.
I thought our state was going to pass this year where anyone could hunt with a cross bow but put it on hold because the state bow club was against it.
Its not like we have a shoratage of deer here,the state limit is 6 a year,and most of the state you can get more doe tags.
Best wishes to each have a great season.

[ozark]

I can't claim to hunt with my crossbow but will take a deer provided my health permits me to sit and wait for one to come to the feeder. I just crank the bow to the cocked position, place it in a Range Master rest and sit it in a window facing a feeder 20 yards distance that contains corn almost year round. Baiting deer in Arkansas is legal unless the rules changed this year. Anyway, if a deer appears that I want I slide the Range master to bring the crosshairs to the heart/lung area and launch the bolt. I have taken squirrel, raccoon, crows and deer from this position so it is nothing to write home about. I do enjoy the jerky and the meat isn't wasted. I let a few people hunt on our property so getting someone to fielddress it and load it on my truck isn't really imposing on anyone. It doesn't seem fair to me either but while waiting for the kill I get to view all manner of wildlife and spend some quality time with my lifetime mistress, the great outdoors. Ozark

[sagittarius]

Just shot my old PSE Scorpion compound for the first time in 3 years Sunday, since injuring my shoulder and arm 3 years ago.
It felt heavy too as it had been awhile.
Have a new Scorpyd crossbow for this fall but also have a new custom Bowman Accu-Riser II compound for hunting on order.
Here's an old pic of a target version that was stolen a few years ago after UPS dropped it off at Stewart's for a new string and harness.
Luckily, it was replaced via insurance from UPS.