Anyone use a mouthtab?

[sou-pawbowhunter]

Well, the timing couldn't be worse, but I just got confirmation that I have a labrum tear in my left shoulder (drawing arm).  I have an appointment with a surgeon on Aug. 30 and figure he won't have me on the table before mid Sept. at the earliest.  So, if I am to salvage any of this years archery season, I'll have to look into alternative methods of drawing and releasing an arrow. Can anyone offer any advice on the use of a mouthtab?

[amar911]

As someone who has had a torn labrum repaired, I would be surprised if you feel like picking up any bow for a couple of months after surgery, even if you were to try to draw using your mouth. It is interesting that we use almost every part of our bodies when we shoot. You will be in a sling for some time and then slowly gain strength. I had my shoulder operated on during the first part of December 2005 and was able to do some not-too-heavy lifting when I moved office buildings in February 2006, but it was difficult and hurt. Good luck with the surgery. Hope you recover quickly. If I were in your shoes, I would try to find the lightest weight bow that you think is adequate for your hunting and then not plan to hunt until November, assuming you even are able to do so then. You and your physical therapist will know how you are doing as you recover.

Allan

Allan

[lpcjon2]

I saw a you tube video of a guy with one arm using one.I would recommend taking a kid hunting instead(being a mentor is awesome),you may have a memory that will last longer for you then your own hunting experience.And think of what it would do for a Kid.JMO

[the force]

I watched a guy at the indoor nationals this year shooting with no arms and a mouthtab.He held the bow with his foot it had wheels tho

[RAU]

Heres a little how to on how to make a mouth tab. I think its more for compounds tho.

 http://pcba-inc.org/pcba03/support/adaptive/mouthtab.htm

[Shawn Leonard]

I had a pretty bad tear in my labrum and some other issues with my right shoulder. I had surgery on the 12th. of July and shot the Muzy shoot on August 16th a few years back. I shot 39#s instead of my normal 54#s, but I was shooting my normal weight by Sept. I heal very quick and I have a pretty high tolerance for pain though. Shawn

[Jim Dahlberg]

I had a bull bison break my arm a few years back (another story unto itself) and I hunted with a mouth tab for a month while in a full arm cast.  I used a 50# longbow and sewed a piece of nylon strapping long enough to reach through the back of my mouth so I could grab it with all of my teeth on one side.  I put it below the nocking point so it would bind against the nock while being drawn and used snap on nocks (which I would otherwise never use). I missed more big mulie bucks than I have ever had opportunities for in my life!  Keep your bow arm up until the arrow hits its mark!  You will want to peek and see where the arrow is going.  Don't do it!  The arrow will drop underneath every time if you do.
Several bunnies met their demise but no deer until the half arm cast was installed.
You can do it but practice a bunch.  The release will snap your head and neck like you can't believe.  Good luck!  Don't let the little things keep you from hunting!