As we head into the "off season" . . .

[GCook]

I know there are still some shoots on the schedule but it seems like a lot of archers don't have any interest in them.  Hunting seasons are about over for a few months in most states except for those fortunate few whom have pigs and exotics (like I do).
So what are y'all doing over the summer in your archery pursuit?   What goals, changes and challenges have you put before, or accepted/been forced to face, for yourselves?
I'll start off with I'm dealing with more shoulder issues every year it seems.  The orthopedic doc fixed em but arthritis is gonna be a constant battle for me to deal with.  I like to shoot a lot.  Like 50+ arrows a day at least 5 days a week even when we are working six days a week.  It just calms my spirit and makes my day complete.   However I'm looking at getting some lower poundage limbs from Randy and building arrows for so I can do it with less overall discomfort and hopefully extend my archery career by a few years. 
Either that or succumb to shorter and fewer practice sessions.

[Steelhead]

sounds like you got a good plan with the situation you find yourself in.Which is not unlike many archers as they age or have discomfort with elbows,hands,fingers,shoulders etc.Including me and many other guys who are getting along in years and also younger guys who may have issues as well.

So you have to be smart and adapt.As much as you would like to go about things as you always have.Listen to your body and what its telling you.

I used to shoot about 200 arrows a day in my 30s with heavy bows for years.I have steadely gone down in weight and my repititions have gone down drastically.I even take days off as much as I hate to!!!

I am about 60 and I am shooting bows more in the 40 pound range just recently.I was shooting bows around 55 pounds just 18 months ago with not much problem.I probably shoot around 45 arrows a day mostly divided between 2-3 shooting sessions.With some days off if somethings agitated or I am burned out.I focus more on quality than quantity and take a bit more time between shots.Its helped my shooting really as I have toned down the amount of shooting in regards to age.Also helps me maintain a good full draw and more precise form.Concentration can be an issue as we get older as well.The anability to cencentrate as fully with that zen like quality on many shots can be an issue.Its a cognitive thing.Older golfers know about that or most athletes in many sports.Hard to explain buts its mother nature.Its gonna catch up to you.

So I have adapted to my currant situation much like you seem to be doing yourself and many other guys on the same path who have been shooting for decades.My joints feel better on the path I am on and I get a lot less inflamation and more overall comfort in my shooting.

It is nice to see the amazing performance you can get out of a 40 pound bow.Which I would have laughed at in my yoinger years.Thinking thats wussy stuff.

I could probably shoot a heavy bow if I had to for some bigger game.But in the day to day world of bowhunting whitetails its not necessary for me to do so and in my situation probably counter productive in the long run.I gotta preserve what I got for the end game which I intend to stave off for as long as possible.

So thats kinda my plan that I have been on lately after some realizations about me,my currant status and the game of traditional archery.

>>>-------->

[dnovo]

Since everything got canceled last year I’m looking forward to a few shoots I can make and our rendezvous. I’ve had some issues the last year. I had been shooting 53# for a few years now. I’m now 65. I pulled something in my left shoulder(bow arm) last year at work and couldn’t draw my bows. I moved down a few pounds and let the shoulder rest. Got a new bow last October at 49# and I love that bow.
Did something to my right elbow at work in December and when it flared up in February I couldn’t draw any bow. I had already ordered another bow to match the 49#er but at 43#. The elbow was a problem since I was headed to Texas to hunt javelina 1st week of March.  I first shot the new bow in camp in Texas then went out and killed 2 javelina with it. Very impressed with the performance.
I only shoot about 20 arrows several times a week now instead of the hundreds I shot when younger. I shoot better and just try to maintain my muscles.

[PrimitivePete]

I plan on looking over new properties to try. I'm limited to public grounds but I want to try someplace new. As far as shooting I'm sticking to one rig, currently a Robertson Vision Falcon that at 46@28 is delivering the arrows with great enough authority.

[M60gunner]

Looking for 3D shoots to attend in cool country. Waiting on a new bow in Oct. Just finished a new backquiver and going to make a new hip quiver to match. Still doing a comeback from two heart procedures, slowly getting back in shape.

[Doug in MN]

I am hoping to be healed up enough to attend a few shoots this year, especially the Rapids Archery 30th Annual June 19th and 20th. I have been able to get out and shoot some each day for which I am very grateful to be able to do. Bought a low weight bow 31# Fedora 36# at my 30" to be able to shoot, but it has been a great blessing as it has helped me clean up my release a great deal. Have an additional bow on the way from Georgia that is a bit heavier am looking forward to that as well when it gets here, the USPS ain't what it used to be, however the one thing I have patience.
Making lots of arrows as I find great pleasure in doing so and I love the smell of cedar. Going to make a back quiver yet as well, found a good deal on some great heavy weight leather that will work perfectly.

[Rob DiStefano]

Most of us do what we hafta do to stay in the hunt, particularly as we age.  Sometimes new injuries crop up on top of old ones we'd forgotten about, making things worse yet.  Or the need for orthopedic surgery.  As the holding weights that can be well controlled steadily drops over the course of decades, it puts shooting hunting longbows of the Hill persuasion in most jeopardy and may force the use of r/d longbows.  Ack.   

[Terry Green]

Ah, ..... we never have an off season in GA.   

[woodchucker]

Just what is this "off season" I hear tell of....???

[GCook]

Just what is this "off season" I hear tell of....???

🤣😂🤣
That's why it was in quotation marks!