Laugh or Cry or be Thankful?

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Yesterday I had a great time at a 3D shoot with a good group of guys.

My Wife's 11 year old cousin came along and brought his compound bow. ( I think it was a Wal-Mart model.  He hadn't shoot since last fall and even then it was only a time or two into a hay bail.  He started out slow but by the 3 round he had almost all 5's and one 8.  For a kid that doesn't talk much, he sure had plenty to say about the shoot afterward.

When we arrived back at the Grandparents house his little sister heard him talking about all this archery stuff and wanted to pull back his bow.  She came to 1/2 draw and SNAP!!!!  The limb broke in two.  

After a panic dash to make sure the 8 year old girl was ok, (she was) I heard Noah say "that's ok it was cheap anyway"  Instead of getting mad at his sister like siblings do.  Then he mentioned he might like a bow like the rest of us were shooting in the group.  

His only reservation about going trad is that his dad shoots a compound bow. (Seldomly). He really liked the 3D stuff so now I am trying to find a shoot in NH for him and his dad to attend.

How can I give good advice about him getting into another bow without trying to make him choose trad or wheels?  

So here I am laughing cause it feels good getting kids into it, Crying because the same day he finds a passion his bow breaks, and thankful no one was hurt!

[adkmountainken]

good on you for taking him bro!!! perhaps someone on here might be able to help with a boy? maybe you could bring him on a stump shoot with us around here?

[Reggie Catfish]

Thats great- you should be happy that you've helped him find how fun archery can be.  Whether its wheels or trad, keep encouraging him- a boy his age could find plenty of mischief with his spare time, archery is a great alternative.

I know deer hunting & archery kept me occupied when my friends were up to no good.

[Mitch-In-NJ]

How can I give good advice about him getting into another bow without trying to make him choose trad or wheels?

Maybe you ought to let him try a recurve.  If he likes it, let him keep shooting it.

I have a 35# recurve but it might be too small for him.  My nephew shot it from age 8 to 9 then outgrew it but he's a big kid.

It's yours for the asking.  I only ask that you return it in a year or two for my neice.  By then he will surely have outgrown it anyway.

Or look around for a used bow more appropriate for his size.  I am sure that with all the folks on this site someone's got a bow right for him that they'd let go for a fair price.

If you're intereseted in the bow let me know and I will go dig it out.  I forget the length but I am pretty sure the draw is 35# @ 24 or 26.

[lpcjon2]

I personally would get a hold of Mudd he has some fiberglass longbows that are perfect for the boy,and cheap.just buy him one and tell him if he wants to use it till he gets another he can have it. That way he is not offended,and he will be into trad.Oh and good on you for taken the boy under your wing.

[cbCrow]

Cyclic, I have a all fiberglass bow that I'm not using. I bought for a boy that was about the same age. He moved and his mother told him no he could not have it. Its yours when you get in touch to tell me where to send it.  

[adkmountainken]

hey bro you know the fiberglass frog bow i have, its yours if ya think he could use it.

[vermonster13]

If he shows a strong interest with one of the bows you've been offered Charlie, we'll fix him up with a Maddog down the road.

[kat]

There you go Charlie.
You just can't beat the generosity of the folks here.  Your nephew is a fine young man, and it was fun shooting with him on Sunday.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Thank you guys for all the help,

35# @ 28 is a bit much for him, I had one at the shoot and we had him try to pull it but he couldnt get it to full draw.

I would guess his draw length is around 24 inches.

I will contact the family tonight after work and see if he wants to go the way of trad or technology.  What a great place for being so generous. I will pm you if they are interested in one of the bows that have been offered.

Thank you again!

[Mitch-In-NJ]

Correction.  I just checked the bow.

It's a Martin Rebel.  50".  25# @ 26".

[Froggy]

Got a Shakespeare Wonder bow I was gonna offer up to you, it's not marked with weight, but would guess mid to high 30's. Hope you find one that fits pretty quick... Froggy

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Thank you very kindly for all the generous offers.  He called me back and afetr a lengthy and hard decision, he decided he wanted to shoot a bow he can hold back for a long time in order to aim and also have a bow like "dad's"  

I am respecting his decision and not pushing him into anything so that he enjoys what he is doing,  Thank you again for all the generosity.

Charlie Janssen

[dragon rider]

Originally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:

I am respecting his decision and not pushing him into anything so that he enjoys what he is doing,  
Charlie Janssen

You, sir, are a wise man.