Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Big Ed on October 04, 2011, 10:48:00 PM
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Well as many of you may know I had a horrific injury to my hand last December. After four different surgeries to repair and rebuild most of the bones in my Index finger and pointer fingers on my shooting hand. Which included four plates in my hand between the knuckles and wrist. I have had quite the year of rehabilitation.
I wasn't really sure if I would be hunting this year or not. A lot of ups and downs. But I was bound and determined to work the very hardest that I could to attain my goal.
My Surgeon gave me the go ahead to begin the long road of strengthening the third week of September. I started at home with bows made of PVC pipe 3/4" by 84" long. Not much weight at all but the fingers were very sore and weak. I worked very hard at Therapy and at home three to four times a day. I gradually cut the PVC pipe down to increase the weight.
In the mean time I contacted Ron and Gregg at Shrew bows back in July and they made me a 62" Super Shrew Carbon 43Lbs. at 30 Inches( P.S. I had a standing Order) My initial goal was to be able to hopefully shoot it by the rut in November.
The first real bow I could shoot was 28# at my 30" draw and I could only muster up about 5-10 shots a day. The weakness in the fingers was more of an issue than the pain. So I gradually increased the weight and about two weeks ago I was able to shoot the Shrew for the first time. I was elated, but still not sure if I could have it tuned and hunt worthy by the first day. I never pressured myself but could start to see a little light at the end of the tunnel.
Not being able to shoot for the last 10 months has really been depressing and I really appreciate all the Prayers and Concerns from every one.
The first day was on Saturday October 1st and I was getting pretty confident in my set up. I was able to get it tuned in with some broadheads . I had a couple of thing to do on the first day with my daughter so I figure I would wait for Monday to hunt.
On Sunday my daughter and I went out and put up a ladder stand. I put the ladder stand in a hedgerow between two fairly large corn fields. We put it up about 8 foot off the ground to be sure the shot angle would be good.
I'll be back in a bit!!
I
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Looking forward to this. I am glad that your hard work paid off. :campfire:
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great to hear that you are back in the game!!!
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Can not wait to hear more
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Good for you , we will be pulling for you during the season, best of wishes. Stuart
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Like we talked about .... I couldn't be any happier for you brother :campfire:
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Man....that's enough of a story right there. Congrats on rehabing yourself to the point where you're shooting and hunting again. Can't wait for the rest of this......
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Ed fantastic perseverance... It makes one appreciate what you have, health home family etc...
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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This is going to be awesome :campfire:
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Way to go Ed.l Looking forward to the rest of the story and photos.Quite the long road .
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Congrats :clapper: I can't wait to hear the rest of the story.
Bill
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Didnt know about your hand big fella. Way to persevere.
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Ed you brought a bright smile to my face this morning. I am very happy for you. tom :bigsmyl:
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:campfire:
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How cool is this?...Way!!!...I'm saying..
As someone else said.."This is enough of a story already!"
I thank God for your healing,attitude and tenacity.
I will be back for the "Paul Harvey" portion.
God bless,Mudd
PS: Thank you for sharing!
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Oh man, this morning is getting off to a good start. Might not need a cup of coffee.. :campfire:
Lanier
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Good for you big man!!! Can't wait for the rest. Joe
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:campfire: ....... :coffee:
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Alright Ed, two more paragraphs then we NEED pictures.
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This has made my season Ed! I am so happy that you have been able to get to the point where you could hunt again, way to go my friend!!!!!
David
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Sorry for the delay my daughter would not fall asleep so I had to lay down with her and ended up staying there all night.
I positioned the stand in the hedgerow to also keep my shots close. I had about a maximum shot of ten yards in any given direction.
Sunday night was like Christmas eve for a five year old. A very restless night to say the least. I could not hunt Monday morning due to having to go to Physical Therapy. After therapy I went home and shot a couple arrows, ate lunch and headed for the stand.
While walking into the stand I noticed a couple fresh rubs and a decent sized scape that was not there the day before. Man was I pumped. As I made it into the stand things just felt right. I know you all can relate.
My first encounter was with one of my favorite critters a Chickadee he hung out for a while and greeted me. A few hours passed with no deer sightings but believe me I was plenty entertained.
At about quarter after five I caught movement coming down the field edge. This deer was within about 25 yards before I could even see it . It was kind of odd the deer came from the direction I walked in. The wind was on its back side. The deer stood there for a couple minutes feeding. I still could not determine what it was buck or doe. It seemed like an eternity before it made a move. By this time I was up and ready for a shot if it presented itself. I was shaking as if were the first time with a deer in front of me. I caught a glimpse of some horn and told myself if it was a legal buck I would try to take him. He made his way to me and stopped at about six yards to munch on some grass. I took a deep breath drew and made one of the best shoots of my life. Funny thing was it was the first time I didn't even notice my fingers.
I had to sit down. I was shaking so bad it felt like I was having the big one. I was flooded with many different emotions Tears filled my eyes. I had did it .
The shot was perfect and a pass through. The buck donkey kicked shuffled an bound about 30 yards before expiring.
As he lay there I couldn't help but think of the many people I want to thank for there help. I said a Prayer and gave thanks for all. I remained in the stand for about an hour taking it all in.
I have to take my daughter to school, I'll be back!!
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Congrats! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Congratulations! Now for the pictures?
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Nice job Ed.
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Ed,
This Joys me to no end. I am very happy for you, couldnt happen to a better guy.
Thank you for sharing, Congratulations and This is Awesome!!!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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GOOD JOB PRAYERS awlays help
Glad you made it back . Hope you have more luck in the future .
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inspiring Ed. So happy for you.
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A great story to start the morning off with...congratulations! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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This made my week! Congrats my friend!
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Nice Story Ed, glad you are back.
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COngrats on your recovery!
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While still in the stand I called my wife to bring my daughter over and help with the "Tracking" and getting the deer out. Both my wife and daughter were elated to come over and help.
I showed my daughter who is six where the buck was standing when I shot and she said" Daddy I could have shot this one" . My wife just grinned. They did the short tracking job like pro's. We loaded it up on the Deer cart and headed for the truck. As I followed my wife and daughter pulling the cart all I could do is smile. I had accomplished my goal and was sharing the harvest with the two most important people in my life.
The true moral of the story is through patience and hard work all can be overcome. Thank you all for sharing,
Big Ed.
I will try to get some pictures downloaded later
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Way to go Big Ed.
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Big Ed. Very happy for you. Glad you could start hunting again. I hurt my back last year and during the middle of my hunt I literally could not walk out of camp because my left leg just wouldn't work. Normally I am in the best shape of anyone I hunt with. Not being able to hunt really had me down. Missed helping my nephew and brother in law pack out their largest bucks ever. Now I am doing great and really appreciate my health. So glad you could get back to what you like to do. The struggles we have do help us grow but are not fun while we are going through it.
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:thumbsup:
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Awesome! :clapper:
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Congrats Ed!!! A very inspiring story! :thumbsup:
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Great job Ed!
I know it's been a tough 7-8 months for you. You did a pretty good job on that hand of your's and most times I saw you the hand was so swelled up it looked like you had a baseball mitt on! We won't even talk about the gapping hole between your fingers! :scared:
I'm proud of you brother, between the physical pain and the mental hurtles...you've come along way. :clapper:
Tim
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Great job Ed, And sharing it with your wife and daughter just made that more special.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
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Congrats on a nice deer and recovery! I know you still have a little ways to go. I've been there also and your right "patience and hard work Will overcome anything."
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Great story,thanks for sharing,you made my day.Congratulations,and may God continue to bless you and yours. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Congrats Big Eddie!
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Congrats. A fantastic accomplishment!
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Way to fight, and fight, and FIGHT through the challenge that has come into your life. Congratulations on a great achievement! Hope the hand continues to be more useful, and less of a problem as time goes on...
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That is absolutely awesome ED!!! Congrats on your recovery, you sure did your part to make that recovery a reality!
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:thumbsup: Good Job Ed :clapper:
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Congratulations, Ed! That's truly awesome!
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Well done Ed, way to stick with it and work through it!
Bill
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Originally posted by steadman:
Congrats Ed!!! A very inspiring story! :thumbsup:
X2! Very happy for ya Ed, glad to see ya back at it!
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Very good story!
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Great job! Congrats on the rehab and a fine accomplishment.
Mark
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:notworthy:
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WOW that is great Ed. Best story of the year for me! BUT WHERE ARE THE PIC'S?! :D
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:thumbsup: :notworthy:
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Ed: wonderful outcome. I know from some "rehab" experience that it can look pretty dim but if ya keep your head in it like you did the outcome is positive.
Great recovery and great story.... congrats
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Ed,
Glad to hear of your success and recovery. When I saw you last, the hand looked pretty bad. I hope to see you at the WCSC this winter.
Congratulations!
Martin
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Nice recovery story for you, your fingers, and the short tracking job!
Congrats!!
Bud
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Ed, way to go brother! You deserve that wonderful moment. Never give up, and the rewards of hard work are sweet. :clapper: :pray:
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Way to go,Ed! A victory in so many ways.
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Congrats Ed! :archer:
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Great job on your rehab. And seems like your doing a great job with your daughter.
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Big Ed,
Very happy for you...Congrats. :saywhat:
God Bless, Pierre
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Way to go BIG Ed .... congratulations on a difficult but successful journey. :thumbsup:
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congrats Ed , way to go :thumbsup:
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Way to go Ed. Very Happy for ya.RC
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Thanks for the heads up on your story, Ed!
Between losing internet for a week and then my wild work schedule, I'd missed this!
I'm so tickled for you! I know what doubt you had and the several set-backs...but faith and an indomitable spirit brought you thru to a incredible conclusion!
You know how happy we all are for you and of you!
My hero! And in PA no less! :thumbsup: :notworthy: :D
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(http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/bigedarcher/Buck2001-1.jpg)
Sorry for the poor picture having problems with my camera, this one is from my wife's cell phone.
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SHAZAUM! THATS A DANDY FOR SURE!
way to go Ed!
L.R.
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Nice buck and congrats on your recovery and return to shooting sticks.
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Way to make a comeback, Ed! Congrats!
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very nice job, great buck. glad you was able to shoot again. what happened to your hand?
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Congratulations! Great deer!
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Is that a charger and that is a dandy of a deer
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Glad to see you worked through your recover in time for your season, vary impressive! Congrats on a nice buck Ed!!
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Way to go... Congrats
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Way to go Ed!!!Glad things are getting better for you.Great buck! :thumbsup:
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great deer! Ed this made my long week seem short.
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Congrats on the recovery and the beautiful deer!!!!
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Beautiful Buck.
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Way to go.
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:thumbsup:
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Fantastic buck. :notworthy:
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Congratulations!
Really a good story to read :)
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BBD,MACKDADDY,SHOOTER DEER,MONSTER,THAT'S A GIANT,MAH-TOUR BUCK.Sorry guys but the outdoor channel came out in me.MY bad.Great deer Big Ed and is that a Charger?????
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Great buck Ed.... Congrats on him and getting back to what you love !!
Froggy
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Very special indeed, Congrats Ed. :thumbsup:
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Big ED
Man, that buck makes you look small!!!
:thumbsup:
Congrats on a great hunt and even greater recovery.
Pete
:campfire:
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congrats Ed, great story!!!!
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That is a deer to be very very proud of Ed. Great job and what a trophy.
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Thanks to everyone, this site was a true motivation as well!!!
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Simply Wonderful! :thumbsup: Happy for you Ed!
... mike ...
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Very Nice ED!
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Great job and story!
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Bravo, Ed! :thumbsup:
Where 'bouts in Eastern PA? (I'm in the Lehigh Valley.)
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Very nice - Congras on the super buck and the recovery of your hand. Very good story.
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:clapper: :clapper: Nice Buck!!
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Great story and perseverance. Great ending. As Bernie would say...Good on you... Well Done. :archer: Jeff
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Awesome Bro! Praise God for the comeback.
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Congrats Im glad your doing better.Nice buck :thumbsup:
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Great job sticking with the rehab, and a nice buck too. Congrats.
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awesome deer!!!!!!!!! :notworthy: :notworthy: :clapper:
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You made my day Ed. Congrats little buddy. :D
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CONGRATES!!!
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:thumbsup: Who Says It Cant Be Done :thumbsup:
Way to do it Ed!!
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Congrats Ed great buck and great story. I'm back shootin' stick bows after a 4 or 5 year layoff due to heath issues.
I can only hope to do half as good as you Ed! Thanks for the encouragement!
~HF~
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Very nicely done, thanks for sharing.
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Very Nice!! Congrats!
Glenn
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:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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The question is does it have a rebal flag on the roof and the numbers 01 on the doors. And nice buck, was it imported to PA, i thought most of the PA deer had moved on, along with the NJ deer.
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Awesome buck and better story!
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WOW, Nice buck & great story!! Congratulations Ed! I'm really glad to hear that you're on the mend and back in the game!
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Congrats :thumbsup: he's a dandy
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The car is a 68 Camaro SS Big Block! No rebel flags sorry fella's.
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Big ED, Congratulations on a beautiful buck and especially on an awesome recovery.
Great shooting, heal up well sir and God Bless.
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Nice buck Ed, congrats on the hunt and your recovery.
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NICE!! Good for you, Bro
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Happy for you, Ed!
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Way to go Ed! Beautiful deer Congrats:)
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Great job! :clapper:
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Ed, I have hunted eastern PA, first place I actually hunted, and I know that is a monster for those parts congratulations. I had the pleasure of sitting with you at Shawn's bunny hunt last year and seeing your generosity to the kids. You gave just about everything you won, away to someones kids. She might take a while but Kharma has a way of coming around and I feel that deer is an end to a journey for you. A tough journey but one that will make you an even better person in the end. I was very sad to hear about your hand but somehow knew you would make it through. Keep that daughter close, they are the best therapy.
All the best, Razorback (Tony)
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My daughter is my partner. If I am shooting she's shooting. She can't wait to hunt. She goes with me now and loves every minute of it. Hopefully I will see you again at the Bunny Hunt!
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Congrats all the way around! Very cool your daughter is your partner...
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:clapper: Way to go! Congrats on your great buck and tough recovery. Coming back from an injury like that can't be easy.
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Way to hang in there man ! It takes persistence and your middle name is just that !
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Ed,
That is a beautiful deer and an even more beautiful story of a man remaining true to his God and being rewarded for it. Many of us have been through difficult experiences, and seeing how you have handled yours with the help of God, your family and your friends should serve as a great inspiration for all of us.
Glad you are back in action and enjoying shooting and hunting.
Take care,
Allan
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Great job on a great buck. Thanks for posting your story and the tough journey you had to make. I cannot imagine not shooting for 10 months, I am at 3 weeks now not shooting after my surgery and it is killing me that i have to wait another week to try. Glad to see everything is getting better for you. Enjoy your fantastic moment of hard work and determination.
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Just got a call from Big Ed....To Quote..."I think I'm really starting to like this lightweight stuff"...he's got another story to tell :campfire:
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Just in from another wonderful evening in the woods. Decided about four o'clock this afternoon to sit the same stand I harvested my buck from last Monday. A bit warm here but due to the incoming weather I decided to give it a shot.
Got settled in about quarter after four , tightened in my safety harness and dozed off. There is nothing more relaxing than nice breeze sitting in the woods. I was quite the bobble head this evening.
Not a whole lot going on as far as critters moving. I did have a red squirrel yell at me. I must have been snoring.LOL
At about twenty five minutes after five I caught movement coming down the hedgerow from my right side behind me. I stood up grabbed my Shrew bow from it's perch. The deer was about twenty five yards down the hedgerow and just poking along feeding. I got myself turned and waited for the deer to clear the trees behind me. Which seemed like an eternity!. As her nose poked out from behind the tree I slowly raised my bow and put some tension on the string . As she cleared the last couple of little vines from the canopy I was in everything seemed to be in slow motion....
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:readit:
This is too awesome Ed. Words cannot explain.
All this and our season isn't even open yet.
Congrats Ed, you deserve it in a Big Way..
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Sorry fell asleep. Any way all seemed to be in slow motion as I came to full draw. Before I knew it the arrow was gone. She gave a little donkey kick leaped forward and went back to eating. I could see my hit was near perfect and with in seconds she was down.
I sat there in disbelief shaking uncontrollably. While sitting there I realized what this all means to me. I said a Prayer for all the Men and Women of the Armed Services.
The doe weighed in at Ninety seven pounds.
I am so very grateful to you all for your support.
Thanks Big Ed
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Originally posted by Big Ed:
The true moral of the story is through patience and hard work all can be overcome. Thank you all for sharing,
Big Ed.
Big Guy - Truer words were never spoken! And Thank YOU for sharing with us. :thumbsup:
Great buck......and now a doe......you better rest up a spell and save some of those PA deer for some other folks! :clapper: :clapper:
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Awesome Ed!!!!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: One of the best stories I've read here........
David
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Another well deserved trophy! :thumbsup:
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It's ok, Ed...shoot em all. I'll send you MY tags! :) :)
That is soooo neat! 2 deer, same stand, took a snooze... and not long ago, you had to switch surgeons and start over, you thought you were a lost pup for a spell...and look at you!?!
Incredible!
When you get big and strong again, you can send this wiry arthritic ole man your light Shrew to shoot. Maybe I can kill sumpin! :laughing:
Congrats! AGain! EXCELLENT!
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Dave, It is yours when you need it! Give me another month or two at least. Ed
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Ed,why to GO!!!!!!!!!
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Great job !
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congrads on the doe Ed
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Man Ed im very excited for you and to see this up, i was wondering if you would be able to make it out or not.
Its been a long tough road i can only imagine.
Congrats buddy on a very special deer
very happy to hear the hand is doing better.
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Way to go. Good job.
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Great stories Ed. Way to hang in there and persevere after your injury. Nice to know there are so many that are motivated by TradGang!
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Outstanding Ed. You may want to keep the light weight bow. when I injured my shoulder a few years back and dropped down in weight I was gonna shoot less weight for little while. I have not went back up.RC
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RC rather nails it.
I dropped 7 yrs ago after rotator surgery and shot so much better and enjoyed it more, I too never went up...
And in 2 months...there won't even be Kiki birds around to shoot at! :)
You better hang onto that Shrew.... heck, it might put your kids thru school the way they're sought after! :)
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Way to go again sir! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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:clapper: :clapper:
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:archer:
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Thank is such a great story! As a nurse - I see and witness some amazing feats from those with such injuries as you have experienced - but thru hard work, determination and persistence - have 'come back' full strength and overcome such hardships!
Welcome back! Nicely done!
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Great story! Speaking as someone who also has lost the ability to shoot I must say Im proud of you buddy!!!
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Great story Big Ed!!! You are an insperation to all!!! Going through things like this make us stronger, been through my share too. Be safe, keep your family close and always, always keep the faith and never give up!!! I can see you are all of these things and more!!
Shoot Straight
Scott
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Ed Really Nice Buck! Great Job!
Tom G.