Okay, some of you might have read my post "Screwed up BAAAADDDD (pics added)" where I left my bow leaning against the truck at the end of yesterdays hunt then drove off and left it. I was sick. Rut just starting to kick in and my bow was gone.
What amazed me were the responses I got both on the thread and by private email or pm of offers of loaner bows. Guys from all over the country were writing to say "I've got a ________ bow that you are welcome to use"
I've seen this generosity here on tradgang many times and had it directed my way back in September when I was in a situation where I wanted to buy Gene and Barry's new books but couldn't afford to buy the books and buy arrows to hunt with. Quite a few guys offered to send me some arrows and in the end, Biggie "big heart" Hoffman sent me a half dozen Carbon Express Heritage 350's. THANKS BIGGIE!!!
Since this morning, I've had the following replies:
From KennyM:
Dave ,
What a bummer! Give me a call tonite,might have one you can use!
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From Bretto:
Dave, What draw weight do You need. With the rut getting ready to go full bore You can't be sitting around wishing You were in the wood
I've got a couple of different longbows or recurves I can loan You. All in the mid 50's or so at 28" and 60-62" lengths.
P.M. Me or give Me a call I can have a bow in your hands tonight!!!
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From L.E. Carroll:
Dave sent you a PM for a "loaner" RF/DF LB.. if it would fit your needs. [thumbsup]
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From bctgrad:
Hey Dave, what area were you hunting? I hunt a few of the public spots around KC (mostly on the east end). If it's one where I hang out, I'll keep my eye out and ask others that I run into.
You might post an add on Craigslist, maybe the guy who found it is looking for you.
I also have a some extra bows that are just laying around that you could use if one fits, let me know and I'll gladly hook you up with one.
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From Curtiss Cardinal:
Dave what was the draw weight of the bow. I have a 60 or so at 28" 3 piece takedown longbow I can loan you. It's a Crooked Stic 64" with an osage and ebony riser and action boo limbs. You can use it for the rest of the season. Whatever you need.
I hope you recover the bow, Curtiss
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From Andrew Banks:
Dave,
I'm so sorry about your screw up. It happens. I have a loaner bow if you would like? It's not a longbow, but a Bear Kodiak Magnum. It's 55# @ 28". Shoots fast and true. I'd loan it to you so you could at least finish your season.
Sorry, you can't borrow my JV Outback..LOL!
Let me know.
Andrew Banks
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From Batman:
Dave , I got a navajo apache I aint shooting much right now. It's 53@28 62" one pc. nice bow I won 2nd at the nc state with it this year. glad to send her to you if you need it. Don
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And lastly, just since I posted that I found it but it's damaged, this from Whip:
That is great news Dave! She can most likely be made as good as new.
I'm taking over the Bow Hospital business from Jim Belcher/Sky Archery next month. Tell you what, if you're interested send it on up and I'll take it with me when I go over to see Jim in December. If the bow can be fixed I'll take care of it for you. No charge.
That bow has good karma - maybe I can rub some of it off on myself while I work on it! Just let me know.
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Guys, I wish there was something more I could say besides just thank you. People ask me what's so special about traditional bow hunters and I try to explain that there is a brotherhood. A unity based on shared morals, values and ethics that is not very common anymore in everyday life but is actually the norm here. It kind chokes a guy up to be on the receiving end of all the niceness to be found here.
Thank you all for your well wishes, prayers and thoughts. It's "just a bow" but it's special to me. I own about 15 or so recurves but never use them. I bought almost all of them for the kids to grow into. When I shoot, there is one bow that I grab and that's my Lonetree longbow. With my gorrilla draw of almost 32", it's smooth and sweet pulling and zings 'em like a laser. Today when I went to pull my stand, I climbed up and just sat there empty handed for over an hour and it was HARD. I've had this bow for about ten years and besides just being a fine bow, I once made it a promise.
Sounds funny to make a promise to a bow but it was also a promise to myself and a recently deceased best friend and hunting bud. The promise is personal but it has to do with an old friend and a big buck. You can probably figure it out. I've yet to fulfill it...but I intend to.
When I do, you'll hear about it I hope.