Greetings! It’s good to be back on this forum after several years absence. You’ll see that I joined way back in 2004 and was quite active for several years. It’s great to see what the Admins have developed over time, most importantly, a very positive community. And I wonder about some who are notable by their absence.
I was ‘all in’ with traditional archery: wrote a couple of articles for Traditional Bowhunter; taught a few dozen children to shoot and revel in the flight of an arrow; and found time to roam near home Western Oregon and later, the high Rockies, stump shooting or hunting most of the year.
After my 3rd shoulder surgery (2 left, one right) in quick succession, albeit not due to archery, and facing many life changes, I quit archery cold turkey about 2010: sold or gave away everything. A few of you probably have bows with my name as I sold some to TradGang folks—elegant yet lethal works of art from Wes Wallace, Mike Treadway and others.
To fill the gap, I became a decent rifle shot; then experimented with compounds (never bought one). A license agent told me that I qualify for using a crossbow during archery season—not interested. Five years running rifle elk and deer seasons came and went with little or no hunting and my tags went unused.
For me, nothing compares to wandering the forest with a longbow, whether it’s clipping a pine cone, downing a grouse, still hunting larger game, or just being at peace in the woods. Thanks to Wes Wallace for his encouragement and patience as I tested my shoulders with his bows several times. I placed an order with him last Fall. Now, on an extended business trip, it’s ready for me to pick up (pictures below).
While my last bows became increasingly ornate with exotic veneers and bamboo cores, this returns to a simpler vision using the same woods of the first bow Wes made for me many years ago: yew limbs, cocobolo riser and accents, but longer and of lighter draw weight (68”, 50# @ 29.5”). I’ve had my wood arrows ready for months to test and tune.
I don’t know how this story will develop but will enjoy the journey. Re-building strength, even for a bow much lighter than my previous ones, isn’t guaranteed. I’ll have to change my shooting process to protect my left shoulder. 20-30 shots/day instead of hundreds will test my willpower. Regaining accuracy will take time, focus and commitment: I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Dave
Topic: Re-Introducing Myself—My Traditional Relapse (Read 1729 times)
